Activities: Cross-Cultural Workshops

 


Years ago we discovered that while residents live in this wonderful environment filled with people from all over the world, in-depth discussions about cultures and perspectives were not regularly the focus of conversation. Thus, it was decided that all residents must attend two out of three cross-cultural workshops each semester (except if the workshop conflicts with a class held during that time). One workshop is held each month on a different night and runs from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Although it's mandatory to attend the workshops, we find that many residents choose to attend all three because they are interesting, interactive, and the subjects are quite diverse. Some of our workshops have been offered by professors from the university, others have been offered by individuals and groups from the community, and some have been facilitated by staff from the International House and the Office of International Programs and Services:

. The American Dream
. The McDonaldization of the World
. Patriotic Symbols and National Identity
. The San Francisco Bahai Youth Group
. Capoeira
. Multicultural Simulations such as BARNGA, The Albatross, Hokia/Heelotia

Other Topics:
. Identifying the Superheroes in your own culture
. Creating a Values Quilt
. Exploring the layout of our homes and the different types of furnishings we use around the world.
. Discussing family relationships and expectations and how they vary around the world.

 

 
"Once we played a card game, where people were split into groups and were not allowed to talk to each other. The rules of the game were explained on paper and we did not know that each group got a different set of rules. As soon as one person finished playing a game, he/she had to move to another group. So, the person, coming to a new group played the game by the rules he knew, which were different. What we learned was that everywhere you go in the world the rules and customs are different and you need to be patient and learn to be able to communicate."
Rina Sutaria (India/Canada)


Cross-culture
Cross-cultural
Workshops

Formal Dinner
Formal Dinner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SJSU International House, 360 South 11th Street, San Jose, CA 95112
Tel: (408) 924-6570 - Fax: (408) 924-6573 -  Email: ihouse@sjsu.edu