INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION OFFICE

Cross-Cultural Learning

Going abroad can be one of the most exhilarating learning experiences of one’s life; it can also be bewildering and frustrating leaving a participant longing for home and you feeling helpless. You can better understand, support and enhance your friend or family member’s study abroad experience by investigating what that person is likely to encounter in terms of cross-cultural experience and adjustment, both in the host country and upon return home.

This section of our website provides general information and guidelines about the intercultural experience, based partially on evaluations from past program participants. Keep in mind that we are depicting a typical study abroad experience. Individuals experience cross-cultural adjustment differently, will have different emotional and physical reactions, and will learn different things from the experience.

It is also important to remember that the learning and personal awareness which results from a study abroad experience do not stop when participants return home. Instead, studying abroad is part of a life-long process of learning. The process actually starts in the planning stages of the experience, continues through the time abroad as participants face new and unexpected challenges and opportunities, and often extends years after the return home as new understanding develops about previous experiences abroad.

"An integrated system of learned behavior patterns that are characteristic of the members of any given society. Culture refers to the total way of life of particular groups of people. It includes everything that a group of people thinks, says, does, and makes its customs, language, material artifacts and shared systems of attitudes and feelings. Culture is learned and transmitted from generation to generation".

As defined by Robert Kohls

Our culture influences who we are and how we relate to the world. Because we have grown up with this culture, we are comfortable in it. Our values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors have been shaped by our experiences in our culture.

Preparing for departure.

Practical advise on preparing for departure.

Expectations for being in the host country.

Practical advise for time spent in the host country.

Preparing for re-entry to your home country.

Practical advise for returning home.