One of the intermediate benchmarks for understanding cultural perspectives is describing how men and women are treated differently in the larger society, identifying some of the stereotypes and exaggerated views of a culture, and explaining some of the political beliefs. These goals can all be tied back to the research that I did for my […]
Read MoreIn my family, we communicate non-verbally with gesturers, and facial expressions. Everybody in my family uses lots of hand motions while they talk to complement and underscore what they’re saying. For example, when I ask a question or I’m expressing that I don’t understand something, I’ll gesture forward with my hands and with my palms […]
Read MoreThe United States is an enormous country with diverse communities and regions. It’s difficult to speak about the stereotypes of the entire country when I’ve only seen a small community with a very distinct culture. I’m from central Massachusetts, so I don’t live too far from Smith. Some of the stereotypes of this region, in […]
Read MoreOne of the most important things that I’ve taken away from our readings and discussions is the importance of being proactive in engaging with others’ culture. For example, the Berg reading outlines the three master narratives, which are ways to engages with another culture. It’s important that I try to expose myself to experiences that […]
Read MoreThe Berg reading suggests that students don’t necessary get much out of their experience abroad because they do not take the proper steps to connect with the culture. Students feel like they need to defend their experience abroad and often make generic, unspecific statements like “it transformed me.” Berg argues that this isn’t true, and […]
Read MoreWhen we did the activity in class that focused on intercultural competence and can-do statements, I decided to focus on Spain. I’m currently in Spanish 200, and I plan on studying abroad there next Spring. I felt the most comfortable with the “basic cultural beliefs and values” category. I understand the difference between addressing someone […]
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