Author: atoland

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Overcoming Stereotypes: A Journey of Cultural Immersion

I recently had a discussion with my host family. My host family has been hosting students for over ten years, but I’d observed that many of the youngsters (some of whom were now young adults) seemed aloof, so I started to question them about it. They proceeded to explain to me that this was due to prior experiences with groups of students who had stayed at their home. They would often entertain groups of American students who were nasty, did not regard them as equals, and did not seem to realize they were being welcomed into someone’s home and family. For that reason, they began to assume that most students would be the same, thus initiating an in-house separation between host family and students. Obviously as I spent more time with my host family, it became clear that their initial apprehension did not represent their actual personality. They were kind and sincere in their desire to get to know me. It was only that their previous experiences had clearly affected their expectations and attitudes toward incoming students. In general, this interaction made me consider the importance of cultural knowledge and understanding when engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds. It is simple to make assumptions or generalize based on prior experiences, yet doing so might impede us from making genuine connections and appreciating the variety that enriches our environment.

Having had to adjust to U.S. culture when I arrived at Notre Dame, I could empathise with them. While not of the same theme, I definitely was taken aback by just how different a lot of U.S. personalities tended to be when compared to Ireland (and Europe). I feel like in my time here I have definitely come across people who could fit into the bracket of students my host family mentioned. However, it is important to note that these examples do not reflect the whole community. Just as my host family’s first beliefs about students were proved incorrect by their interactions with me (at least in my own opinion), we must approach new experiences with an open mind and without preconceived prejudices.

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Navigating Cultural Differences

In this post, I would like to reflect on a critical incident that occurred since I arrived in my study abroad country. Recently, I had to have a conversation with the program manager responsible for arranging my Spanish classes. The purpose of this discussion was to request a change in host families as my current family resides quite far from the town, making it challenging for me to socialize in the evenings after the bus route ends in the late afternoon.

At the moment of the conversation, I remember feeling quite nervous. I spent time rehearsing my story and planning out what I was going to say. However, once I had the opportunity to speak with the program manager, I felt a sense of relief and assurance. The situation was resolved satisfactorily, and I was content with the outcome.

From my perspective, this incident involved elements of culture that influenced the way I approached the conversation. In Costa Rica, I discovered that people tend to be less conflict-oriented. They prefer expressing their discontent or dissatisfaction in a more subtle and pleasant manner. This cultural norm meant that I needed to find a way to convey my request convincingly without coming across as rude or demanding, respecting the local cultural expectations of conflict resolution.

Considering the program manager’s point of view, I believe they were also influenced by cultural elements. They likely valued maintaining a harmonious and positive environment, which aligns with the cultural preference for non-confrontational communication. Their willingness to listen and find a solution without creating unnecessary tension further highlights the cultural elements at play in our interaction.

If I were to use a metaphor to describe this experience, I find the camera lens metaphor fitting. What initially seemed like a simple resolution to a problem became more complex due to the cultural differences in conflict resolution. The varying degrees of sharpness and blurriness symbolize the need to navigate between cultural norms while still addressing my concerns effectively.

From this experience, I have discovered the significance of being aware of cultural differences and prioritizing cultural understanding in my interactions. While I was fortunate to have received orientation about these cultural nuances from my program, it has underscored the importance of proactively seeking knowledge about cultural norms in the future. Understanding and respecting the cultural expectations of a country or a particular group of people will undoubtedly be a higher priority on my list moving forward.

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Pre-departure thoughts!

As I embark on this exciting journey of the SLA programme, I find myself brimming with both anticipation and curiosity. However, to truly take full advantage of what is about to come, I want to take this opportunity to delve into my own cultural background, explore my intercultural goals, and set the stage for the transformative journey that lies ahead. I believe that it’s important to acknowledge the profound influence of my cultural groups on my values, assumptions, and experiences. Growing up, I have been shaped by a mainly monocultural background made up of cultural conflict and strict customs passed down through generations. However, my lack of exposure to other cultures instilled in me a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and an eagerness to engage with new cultures. Recognizing this, I enter the SLA experience with a desire to expand my cultural horizons, challenge my preconceived notions, and foster a greater understanding of the world around me.

The decision to immerse myself in a foreign culture stems from a deep longing (almost obsession) to expand my worldview, embrace new perspectives, and challenge myself in ways that can only be achieved through firsthand experiences. I believe that this journey will foster personal growth, enhance my intercultural competence, and shape me into a more empathetic, adaptable, and globally aware individual. I anticipate that this SLA experience will be transformative, pushing me outside my comfort zone and exposing me to unfamiliar environments, customs, and ideas. I am eager to witness firsthand the interplay between culture and daily life, to engage in meaningful cross-cultural exchanges, and to learn from the diverse individuals I will encounter along the way. Through this adventure, I anticipate that I will not only gain a deeper understanding of the world but also uncover new facets of myself.