|
|
 |
|
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)
|
|
|
