Culture Discussion

Discussion Guidelines

1. Listen actively: Give full attention, maintain eye contact, and show respect.
2. Speak respectfully: Use “I” statements, avoid interrupting, and be sensitive to others’ experiences.
3. Embrace diverse perspectives: Value all viewpoints and encourage quieter voices to share.
4. Maintain confidentiality: What’s shared here stays here.

1. First Impressions and Feeling Out of Place

• Describe a time you arrived in a new setting (a different town, school, or country) and felt out of place. What surprised you the most? How did you feel?

Follow-Up Questions:

• What non-verbal cues (body language, tone) did you notice or miss?
• How did you manage your initial discomfort?

2. Identifying Cultural Challenges

• Think of one challenge you or someone you know faced when adapting to a new culture (language barrier, food customs, social norms). Describe it.

Follow-Up Questions:

• What steps did you (or they) take to address this challenge?
• Which resources (people, apps, guides) were most helpful?

3. Brainstorming Adaptation Strategies

• Brainstorm three practical strategies to adapt effectively in a multicultural environment (e.g., observing before joining in, asking questions, finding a cultural buddy).

Follow-Up Questions:

• Share an example of one strategy in action—real or hypothetical.
• Which strategy do you predict will be most difficult for you to implement and why?

4. Respectfully Navigating Unfamiliar Customs

• Think of a cultural custom that’s new to you (e.g., greeting rituals, dining etiquette). How would you learn about it and show respect?

Follow-Up Questions:

• What questions could you ask a local or peer to gain deeper understanding?
• How can you avoid making assumptions or unintentionally offending someone?

5. Applying Insights to Real-World Scenarios

• Choose one scenario from Scenarios for Cultural Adaptation. Discuss:
  • Which adaptation strategies would you apply?
  • How would you prepare before the experience?

Follow-Up Questions:

• How will these insights influence your goals when studying abroad?

Next Steps

• Record your key takeaways in Part B of the Cultural Reflection Worksheet.
• Be prepared to share one insight in our upcoming wrap-up.

Scenario Role-Play

Objective

Students will apply cultural adaptation strategies by planning and performing short role-plays based on real-world scenarios from diverse university settings.

Materials

• Scenarios for Cultural Adaptation cards
• Timer or smartphone
• Open space for group presentations
• Paper and pens for planning

Group Setup

• Split the class into groups of 3–4 students.
• Distribute one scenario card to each group.

Instructions

1. Read & Analyze (3 minutes)
   • In your group, read the scenario and identify the main cultural challenge (e.g., dining etiquette, classroom participation norms, greeting customs).
   • Discuss what unfamiliar norms or expectations the newcomer might face.
2. Plan Your Role-Play (4 minutes)
   • Assign roles: newcomer, local student/staff, and optional observer.
   • Brainstorm 2–3 adaptation strategies (e.g., asking respectful questions, observing first, mirroring gestures).
   • Outline a brief script or bullet points showing the initial challenge, the adaptation strategy in action, and a positive outcome.
3. Rehearse (3 minutes)
   • Practice with attention to tone, body language, and respectful interaction.
   • Observer notes non-verbal cues and offers one suggestion for improvement.
4. Perform (2 minutes per group)
   • Present your role-play to the class.
   • Keep within the time limit so all groups can share.

Debrief & Reflection (10 minutes)

• After each performance, ask the class:
  • Which adaptation strategy was most effective and why?
  • How did non-verbal cues (eye contact, gestures) help or hinder communication?
  • What would you add or change to make the interaction more respectful?

(Use this space to jot down observations or feedback.)

Cultural Adaptation Bingo

Mingle with classmates to discover who has experienced or practiced the cultural adaptation actions listed below. When you find someone who matches a square, have them sign it. The first student to complete a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line shouts “Adaptation Achieved!” and wins.

Instructions

1. Each student gets one bingo card and a pen or marker.
2. Move around the room and ask peers about their cultural adaptation experiences.
3. When a classmate confirms they’ve done the action in a square, they sign that square.
4. You may only get one signature per classmate.
5. The first to complete five in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) wins and shares two strategies from their line.

Culture Mapping

Instructions:

• Display a world map or atlas where everyone can see.
• Ask each student to point to one country they’d like to study in and share one expectation or assumption about its culture.
• Record each response on the board, noting both the country and the assumption.

(Use this space to jot down your own expectations or assumptions as you listen.)

Cultural Reflection Worksheet (Session 1)

Part A: Personal Cultural Experiences

1. Describe your own cultural background (family, traditions, language, etc.):

1. Recall a time you entered a new setting (town, school, country) and faced a challenge. Describe the challenge and how you felt:

1. Share one positive surprise or insight you experienced in a new cultural environment:

Part B: Key Takeaways for Future Cultural Adaptation

Based on today’s activities, list three strategies or insights you will use when adapting to a new culture abroad.

(Keep this worksheet for reference in Session 2.)

Adaptation Action Plan Worksheet (Session 2)

Use this worksheet to create a personal action plan for adapting successfully to a new cultural environment. Choose one domain and outline a clear step-by-step strategy.

1. Select Your Domain:
(Choose one: Academics • Communication • Social & Personal • Daily Life & Well-Being)

Domain: ____________________________

2. Describe a Specific Challenge You Might Face in This Domain:
(What cultural barrier or unfamiliar norm could arise?)

3. One Concrete Strategy You Will Use:
(Which adaptation technique or behavior will you apply?)

4. Resource or Person You Will Consult:
(Who or what can support you—app, peer, office, guide?)

5. Timeline for Taking This Step:
(When will you start and by what date will you follow up?)

6. Additional Notes or Next Steps:
(Any reminders, checkpoints, or backup plans?)