Cultural Awareness

Culture is…
“Culture is a neutral term, neither good nor bad, and refers to the broadest conception about the learned knowledge that humans use to fulfill their needs and wants. It refers to the collective historical patterns, values, societal arrangements, manners, ideas, and ways of living that people have used to order their society. It is comprised of all those things we learn as part of growing up including language, religion, beliefs about economic and social relations, political organization and legitimacy, and the thousands of “Do’s and Don’ts” society deems important that we know to become a functioning member of that group.” (retrieved from https://www2.pacific.edu/sis/culture/index.htm)

Cultural “Clues”

• Become familiar with the basic customs in your host country, especially those dealing with day-to-day interpersonal interactions.
• Be alert for information provided by your orientation leaders, instructor(s), host university partners, and others who may inform you about important local customs and guidelines; if you have any questions, ask!
• If you are in a homestay, be respectful and make an effort to understand what is expected and appropriate, e.g., when you should return home at night, whether you can use the telephone for incoming and/or outgoing telephone calls, when meals will be served, and the best times to shower.
• If you are in a homestay, bring your hosts a gift! It doesn’t have to be expensive; something typical of your home will be appreciated. Share photos of your family and/or friends, too.
  

Helpful Resources

• Peace Corp’s Culture Matters Workbook: http://files.peacecorps.gov/wws/interactive/culturematters/introduction.html
• What’s UP With Culture “On-line Cultural Training Resource for Study Abroad”: https://www2.pacific.edu/sis/culture/