I have learned a lot in this class in terms of just broadening my awareness of the various topics that are key to intercultural competence such as understanding cultural similarities and differences when it comes to core values, concepts of time, power, verbal and nonverbal communication, etc. and I think the fact that we had […]
Read MoreThis article reminded me of some of the nonverbal communication codes I learned during my homestay with a Rwandan family. One of them was an eye contact code. Growing up, my mother would always tell my sister and I to use eye contact when talking with other people and that it’s rude to look away […]
Read MoreSome of the major stereotypes that come to mind when I think of U.S Americans is that everyone owns a gun, we have an obesity problem, we are loud/obnoxious/arrogant/ignorant… (the list goes on). As for some of the less negative stereotypes, I’ve heard ones like all Americans are wealthy, hardworking, have good jobs etc. I […]
Read MoreI think learning about different theories of intercultural communication and models of culture is useful because it provides me with a more detailed and concrete look into concepts that I may have only had a vague idea of before. I think these theories are also a great baseline for discussions. Sometimes we might not agree […]
Read MoreWhat I found especially interesting in the Vande-Berg reading was the section where they talked about how studying abroad does not necessarily equate to having a “transformative” or “life changing” experience. As something I hadn’t thought about before, I found it useful when the authors made the distinction between “transformative” as in one’s personal experience […]
Read MoreI think learning about the different ways in which we can develop skills such as critical thinking, attitudinal, and knowledge skills is crucial for gaining intercultural competence. My goal through this class is to hone in on which skills need improving and which ones I may be coming in with but could still use further […]
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