International Student Exchange Programs. Enhancing Global Understanding E-Book

Asmae Ourkiya

• Herausgeber: GRIN Verlag
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2015

Beschreibung

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2015 in the subject Didactics for the subject English - Miscellaneous, Mohamed I University (Faculty of letters and human sciences), course: English literature, language: English, abstract: Based on my personal experiences and other students’ testimonies and feedback, this work presents the benefits of international programs to students, and explains how this helps us, citizens of this world, to build mutual understanding. This monograph is addressed to the public, mainly university students from all over the world, and professors who are interested in the topic. Today’s students’ understanding of foreign cultures is usually shaped by social media. Although some of them are aware of the importance of overcoming stereotypes and studying other nations’ traditions and lifestyles, only few dare to go on exchanges. Travelling could be quite challenging especially for youths in developing countries, yet, this does not mean it is impossible to leave one’s home country for the sake of discovering the world and learning what cannot be taught in a classroom. International exchange programs are programs where students go overseas either for a long term or a short term, in order to explore the host country’s educational system, culture and values. In exchange, they get to share their own cultures and traditions, enhance their knowledge and start seeing things from a different perspective. It is undisputed that the majority of students who go abroad gain a rich understanding of other cultures and experience the stimulation of completing a part of their education in a different approach to learning. They get to develop their self confidence and their sense of self reliance, and make new friendships that allow them to see the world through new eyes. Students should be aware of the benefits of going taking part of such exchanges. In fact, many alumni realize the importance of international experience only when it is too late, and they wish they had taken the opportunity to study abroad.

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This Research Paper is lovingly dedicated to the woman who believed in me and convinced me that I am able to do anything, thank you Mother for your unconditional love and support.

To all the beautiful people I met during my experiences overseas, you are the change makers and the leaders of tomorrow, not only because you are contributing in making this world a better place, but because you gave me the chance to perceive things in a different way. You are and always will be in my heart.

Prima facie, I am grateful to God for the good health and wellbeing that were necessary to complete this work.

I would like to express my supreme gratitude to Mrs.Mazari for her great efforts of supervising and leading me to accomplish this fine work.

I also express my warm thanks to my dear friend Ayoub Belgharbi, who was and is still a great inspiration to me.

I am also thankful to my international friends who helped by answering questions and giving valuable feedback.

Nevertheless, words cannot express how grateful I am to mymother, Fathallah Aicha, for all the sacrifices she has made for me.

Based on my personal experiences and other students’ testimonies and feedback, this work presents the benefits of international programs to students, and explains how this helps us, citizens of this world, to build mutual understanding.

This monograph is addressed to the public, mainly university students from all over the world, and professors who are interested in the topic.

I) Introduction:

II) Why Students?

III) Cultural Stereotypes:

IV) Culture Shock and Reverse Culture Shock:

A) Culture Shock:

B) Reverse Culture Shock:

V) Understanding Cultural Differences: How?

a- Engaging in Multicultural Groups:

b- Staying with Host Families:

c- Sharing Rooms/Apartments with international students:

d- Looking at one’s own culture with a different perspective:

VI) Benefits of Going Abroad:

VII) Testimonies:

VIII) Conclusion:

Appendix

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness,

and many of our people need it solely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in

one corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

-Mark Twain

I) Introduction:

Today’s students’ understanding of foreign cultures is usually shaped by social media. Although some of them are aware of the importance of overcoming stereotypes and studying other nations’ traditions and lifestyles, only few dare to go on exchanges.

Travelling could be quite challenging especially for youths in developing countries, yet, this does not mean it is impossible to leave one’s home country for the sake of discovering the world and learning what cannot be taught in a classroom.

International exchange programs are programs where students go overseas either for a long term or a short term, in order to explore the host country’s educational system, culture and values. In exchange, they get to share their own cultures and traditions, enhance their knowledge and start seeing things from a different perspective.

It is undisputed that the majority of students who go abroad gain a rich understanding of other cultures and experience the stimulation of completing a part of their education in a different approach to learning. They get to develop their self confidence and their sense of self reliance, and make new friendships that allow them to see the world through new eyes.

Students should be aware of the benefits of going taking part of such exchanges. In fact, many alumni realize the importance of international experience only when it is too late, and they wish they had taken the opportunity to study abroad.

II) Why Students?

Our world is growing in its demand for globally-minded people, and the best way to achieve this is encouraging students to travel and explore the world.

Youth is a time of total empowerment. So many students graduate withouttaking the leapand traveling, and regret this later on.

While travelling young, students will be put in places that will push them to care for issues that are bigger than them. They will understand that the world is large but small at the same time, and that there is more to life than just finishing studies and finding a job.

Another reason why young people should travel while they are still in school is the travel opportunities that are offered for students only.

Many youths complain that travelling is nearly impossible due to its huge expenses. It is true; travelling comes with a high price tag. However, being a student is a key to a magical solution: Scholarships! They are offered by donors and governments who care about students and want them to see the world, thus theyfund study abroad programs, international research, internships, personal projects, language learning and more!

Once one is no longer in school, travelling becomes more difficult since students’ discounts no longer apply. This is why applying for a scholarship is something not to be missed considering that not all students are capable of affording travelling.

When it comes to education, undergraduate students will probably apply for masters once they finish their undergraduate studies, and universities love seeing that the applicant is fluent in multiple languages and has been abroad , which gives him the abilities to adapt in any institution since he already got the experience of learning in different settings.

Travelling at an early age is quite desirable in order to promote global understanding, because with age comes responsibility, and with responsibility comes the inability to travel often.

Young people will be exposed to diverse cultures and religions, and because of their desire to explore and willingness to take risks considering their age, they will allow themselves to take a glimpse of the differences which will enable them to grow culturally. Their tolerance will grow as they will interact with people of their age and see how they are living, and they will understand that despite all the differences, all human beings have a lot in common.

III) Cultural Stereotypes:

“Stereotypes lose their power when the world is found to be more complex than the stereotype would suggest. When we learn that individuals do not fit the group stereotype, then it begins to fall apart”.

Ed Koch

In order to achieve global understanding, youths of today need to start looking beyond the cultural stereotypes. These are hurtful, because they are the base by which most people treat others. Generalizing is wrong, especially when there is no strong evidence that proves that the information is correct. People need to stop assuming that a certain group or class are going to act in a certain way based only on where they come from or on what their religion is. This is a big obstacle towards attaining world peace, because as long as people keep believing stereotypes, there will always be conflicts and misunderstandings.

During international exchanges, participants learn to ask questions and verify the information they already have from different sources. For an example, Russians are known for consuming a lot of Vodka. The funny thing is that a Russian friend of mine is Muslim and never had a drink. From where she comes from, half of the population are Muslims, and others are Buddhists. Learning about the true facts and correcting false information about others is one of the benefits of travelling, but also correcting false information that others have about us could be so much fun! As an Arab and a Muslim, you could imagine the amount of stereotypes that people from the western world hold in their minds. And it is only by interacting with them and communicating with them that they start to discover that the Media are giving them extremely wrong images about other nations.

IV) Culture Shock and Reverse Culture Shock:

A) Culture Shock:

Once the student leaves his home country and enters the host country where he will be staying during his exchange program, he might face an adjustment period known as “Culture shock”.

Adapting to the new atmosphere including the new language, food, landscapes, weather and traditions can be quite challenging. The degree of shock varies from student to another, depending on their personalities and also the length of their stay.

According to the Psychologist and former U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer Dennis White, culture shock has at least four stages:

1-. Excitement and Enthusiasm: During this stage, students are excited to embark their new journey and are open to trying new things and exploring the host country.

2- Irritability: The most associated stage with culture shock and it occurs right after the initial excitement is gone and real differences become evident. No matter how comprehensive and tolerant the host country is, the student may simply not like how this new culture is different and why it is the way it is. This stage also involves homesickness, and sometimes even anger, frustration or even depression.

3- Adaptation: The most challenging yet most rewarding stage for a student. This is when students realize that in order to complete their program successfully, adaptation is mandatory. They learn to adjust to the customs and habits that they may not quite understand or like; they gain more self-confidence and start enjoying their new life.

4- Biculturalism: This is the last stage and it usually occurs near the end of the stay. At this point, students realize that they became competent in another culture and started to see the world from a totally different point of view.

B) Reverse Culture Shock:

Right after going back to their home countries, the majority of students experience a reverse culture shock. They expect to pick up exactly where they left off, but reality doesn’t meet their expectations.

“Reverse culture shock is experienced when returning to a place that one expects to be home but actually is no longer, is far more subtle, and therefore, more difficult to manage than outbound shock precisely because it is unexpected and unanticipated”says Dean Foster, founder and president of DFA Intercultural Global Solutions.

Once a student is back to his country, he will face some challenges that are part of the reverse culture shock. Firstly, boredom is going to be quite stressing. While abroad, he got used to a certain program full of activities and discoveries, but going back to the same routine can be very dull.

Another thing that is quite disturbing is that nobody wants listen. It may give the student a feeling of rejection, but the truth is that his friends and family probably already know all the highlights and sometimes all the details and they just do not feel like hearing all the stories that the student is excited to share.

V) Understanding Cultural Differences: How?

We all have different backgrounds, nations, religions and ethnicities. These differences have been the reason for many wars and conflicts since humans were created. To increase mutual understanding and to promote peace, people should learn how to respect and understand those differences, because at the end, we all share the same values, we are all humans.

a- Engaging in Multicultural Groups:

By participating in international programs, participants are either part of a small or a large group of students who come from all around the globe. Whether it is for a long or a short term, they get to spend a lot of time together taking part of many activities, simulations, classes, competitions, etc… (Depending on the program).

During those group activities and workshops, they get to know each other and learn from each other. Communication is one of the best ways to eliminate all false thoughts and assumptions that participants already have, and this is exactly what the majority does during exchanges: Exploring the truth.

Thanks to the time they spend together, they create friendships and destroy the wall of the fear of the unknown by daring to ask questions.

It is only a matter of time so that they start engaging in debates, which helps them understand each other no matter what the debate is about.

These interactions and conversations they have give them the opportunity to learn about other participants’ cultures, not from the media’s point of view, but from the people who actually belong to that certain area.

While being in the same classroom for instance, all students drop the thoughts, fear and hatred they may carry due to many influences they are exposed to. Instead, they learn to love and respect each other, because at that exact moment, they all have this thing in common: Being all part of the same program.

b- Staying with Host Families:

One of the best things that could ever happen while being on an exchange is staying with a host family.

Living with a home stay gives students a plethora of advantages and an unforgettable cultural experience. Who wouldn’t want to have a second family somewhere else in the world?

Amongst the endless benefits of being accommodated by a local family, we can state the language learning. A safe learning environment is provided while staying with a family that speaks a different language, since they will not be afraid to correct you if you make a mistake, or spend time with you teaching you common sentences and expressions.

Practicing with native speakers is one of the best ways to learn a language, and it is a lot more fun than just regular courses at an institute.

Another advantage of staying with a host family is experiencing family and cultural traditions. Whether it is attending a birthday, a holiday or even night time routines, students get a glimpse of what it is like to belong of a certain culture. They learn how to adapt to the different lifestyle and habits, and at the same time, they get the chance to share their own cultural heritage with the families they’re staying with.

Enjoying traditional, locally made food is absolutely a great experience! You may hear about the famous Norwegian brown cheese, but it is only when you stay with a local family, that you understand the guilty pleasure of putting slices of brown cheese on top of warm waffles!

Inevitably, any student who stays with locals will experience dishes that they may have never heard of, or probably tasted it somewhere else where it wasn’t made as locals make it. Thus, students allow themselves to indulge in the traditional tastes of the country they’re staying in.

And last but not least, what could possibly be better than having an everlasting second family somewhere else in this world? And knowing that you are welcome at anytime!

c- Sharing Rooms/Apartments with international students:

“Cultures have long heard wisdom in non-human voices: Apollo, god of music, medicine and knowledge, came to Delphi in the form of a dolphin. But dolphins, which fill the oceans with blipping and chirping, and whales, which mew and caw in ultramarine jazz - a true rhapsody in blue - are hunted to the edge of silence.”

Jay Griffiths

During some programs, students stay in university campuses where they share rooms or apartments with one or more students.

Sleeping in the same bedroom with a stranger might seem a little bit uncomfortable at the beginning. As human beings, we tend to be careful and expect the worse from the other, but the experience of staying in the same place with one or many other students who are completely different from you teaches you to trust yourself and to have faith in others.

It is true that not all students had pleasant experiences while sharing rooms with others, since sometimes participants do not get along very well, which causes misunderstandings and willingness to stay somewhere else. But at the same time, many everlasting friendships were made thanks to spending a certain amount with roommates.

Having a roommate or a flat mate that comes from another country/continent means having a part of that place with you all the time. By getting along with that person, you get the chance to learn a lot about his culture, and you learn to tolerate the difference and respect them.

At the same time, one develops his own skills and self-confidence, because he is no longer living with his family, but instead, he is living with another person who shares with him the same age. That is to say, students will learn how to become independent: For an example, students who live together take turns when it comes to taking out the trash, doing the laundry or the dishes; cleaning the apartment, etc…

This is a great way to learn self-independence and responsibility!

d- Looking at one’s own culture with a different perspective:

While being abroad, one does not only learn about his host country’s culture and traditions, but the diversity he experiences teaches him to look at his own cultural heritage in a different perspective.

Students notice the differences concerning the daily lifestyle, social habits and rules, and learn appreciate what they have in their home countries.

Sometimes, travelling to a country that has an amazing architecture or really nice wine may be a wonderful experience, but at the same time, this exact same country could be the origin of people who are not very welcoming or not easily approached. (As a Moroccan, I learned to love the Moroccan lifestyle and how a taxi driver can easily approach you and become your therapist, lawyer, doctor and financial counselor during the ride! This would never happen in a western country!) For instance, Ayda, a student from Slovenia who left to India for an exchange says: “As a European girl, I totally feel lucky to have all my rights provided in Slovenia, and I feel really sorry for women here in Delhi, they are completely neglected and have no saying in many of their life’s choices”.

Exchange programs are thus a source of appreciating where we come from and who we are, because despite of the new and beautiful things that we see abroad and wish we could have on our home countries, there are many other things and hardships that we are lucky not to have.

VI) Benefits of Going Abroad:

“Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone.”

– Wendell Berry

Travelling abroad on an exchange, whether it is for a long or a short term has an endless number of advantages.

Students could read as many books as they wish and watch as many documentaries and movies as they want, but visiting foreign lands in person is totally a different experience.

Besides learning different languages, exploring and understanding new cultures, increasing job opportunities and becoming more independent, youths learn how to respect the differences and are willing to take s stand for the world’s welfare. Students of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and going abroad trains them to become more effective, respectful to others and to have a sense of responsibility not only towards their country, but towards the whole world. They understand that despite all the difference that are related to religion, culture, traditions and habits, people are all the same because they all share the same values.

Students who dare to travel and make new adventures tend to have a large and diverse friends’ group, and more understanding towards any culture, because they learned how to communicate across cultures.

VII) Testimonies:

In order to make this research based on real life experiences, a survey was filled in by more than seventy students from all over the world. Here are some of their testimonies:

“In America people thought Moroccans were supposed to be black because they were African, they thought also that we spoke Arabic and French, and in Sri Lanka people thought we were Europeans etc.. So I had to make things clearer and explained that Moroccans are both Amazighi and Arabs. Also explaining the political regime in our country, though they thought being a monarchy is ridiculous in the 21st century. Well, we got the chance to break so many stereotypes. American citizens honestly do not care whether we are Muslim or not, black or not, all they care about is their own life, they are totally not racist or discriminatory.”

“Every new day brought improvements and opportunities in my life and I was being selected on a scholarship to study one semester in the United States under Global U Grad exchange program. It was great news for me to explore one of the most developed Countries of the World. We as a Nation have a lot of stereotypes regarding the U.S and same was the case with me because we are being grown with all these stereotypes from childhood.”

“My host family was the best thing about the whole experience. I just shared the kitchen with them but they were so kind and often took me on trips and even picked me up if I got back late.”

“People expected that Filipinos wouldn't know how to speak any other languages, but most were impressed by our grasp of the English language. For many of us, English is the mother tongue and it's not uncommon at all to speak in English.”

“I stayed in dorm with Japanese roommate, so I could practice Japanese as well. And local and foreign students lived together, so we cooked for each other and shared foods. It was kind of party to spend time together, though it was fun with people met first time.”

“I lived with Mormons and i didn’t really know a lot about them. Some people told me they have more than one wife, but they really don't! For them the family is the most important thing on earth and in heaven. They make a 'marriage bond' with god that will last till after death.”

“It gave me the chance to live a totally new life, something that changed me in so many ways. Made me grow as a person, it taught me a new language, it gave me a new family and home. It gave me best friends that now live on the other side of the world from me.”

“Just don't be afraid going on exchange, what can be the worst thing? Absolutely nothing...

You don't even have in mind what kind of person you'll become and how many surprises does that experience have for you, and well for me, it was all and even by a chain of coincidences and rally I meant coincidences, I met my girlfriend and I can say she's the love of my life...”

“I shared an apartment on campus with one American, a Brazilian who was my roommate, a Chinese, and an Armenian. 5 nationalities under one roof. It was a bit challenging at first, but it sure taught me a lot of stuff, like coexisting with totally different people.”

“I assumed the Swiss would be reserved and even a bit cold but was surprised that that was not the case at all. I was actually very surprised at how friendly and open everyone was.”

“My host family was perfect for me. They treated me as their own daughter from the beginning. We have easy conversation and we agree in a lot of aspects. We laugh a lot and are really close.”

“The culture shock mostly affected my personal security. I come from a third world country and studying in a first world country was completely different. Also, the internet was so fast!

On the reverse angle, it really exposed the strengths and weaknesses of the culture of the Philippines. There's too much leniency and traditionalism in the Philippines. Religion is too powerful in our country and really does damage the populous.”

“My decision to do an exchange year was the best in my life. I didn't regret it one second and would immediately do it again.”

“People thought Mexicans didn't have cars, just donkeys.”

“By going abroad to live in a household or dorm with native people for a longer period of time (rather than just vacation) both sides get to experiences the other in everyday life situations. that goes from food preferences, religious practices, habits, up to our often fairly different mentalities and beliefs. sometimes they match, sometimes they may collide - it surely shows the other one a different perspective of life and hopefully helps some people become a little more open-minded and understanding towards other cultures and backgrounds.”

“My best (exchange) friend is a Mormon; I'm close to being a atheist myself”

VIII) Conclusion:

Going on an exchange program is always going to be a life changing experience in a student’s life, and this is why today’s students should be more aware of the importance of travelling and taking steps towards new ways of learning.

Sometimes, going abroad could be quite expensive and not affordable by everyone, which should be a motivation for students to work harder in university in order to obtain scholarships.

Youths are the change makers, and they are the ones who are going to make this world a better place. In order to achieve this, they should be offered all the kinds of education, including travel experiences’ one.

As a student who has been abroad several times on cultural exchanges, I thought of this research as beneficial reference for freshmen and all students who wish to have a great university experience. They should consider travelling as an option not a dream.

Thanks to the social medial, our world is becoming smaller, yet, there are endless conflicts and misunderstandings all over the globe, usually caused by cultural and religious differences. Thus, in order to promote mutual understanding and world peace, youths from all over the world should think about overcoming all the stereotypes they carry with them about other nations, and start digging to find true answers. And it is only by knowing the truth, that they will become tolerant, comprehensive and peace makers.

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.”

– Terry Pratchett

Appendix

To make this research paper rich and based on true facts and experiences, the following questionnaire was filled in by more than seventy students from all over the world who have already been abroad at least once on exchange programs.