Week 8- The Final Countdown
I've already been to two countries thus far, Mexico and China. I have definitely had my share of culture shock (driving in both countries is enough to throw that bell curve waaaaay off the charts), but throughout this class I have learned several new things that I feel will impact my cultural adjustment (both departing and returning); namely that of recognizing privilege class and white perspective. Cultural empathy and knowledge will certainly aid in cultural adjustment.
As far as strategies for readjusting to US culture, I don't really feel adjusted here now, so i've never really worried about having to "integrate" back in. I often wish I didn't speak the language here so people would not talk to me. One of the nicest things about foreign travel is that feeling of solitude that you only get when you are completely immersed in a foreign culture, with little or no knowledge of the language or customs, and no one to bother you. Doing laundry in Mexico is just as challenging as doing it in the states, just as finding food is just as easy as finding it in the states. The most useful things I gleaned from this course were the concept of white privilege and very alien concept of "preparing and planning ahead", which doubtless will prove useful in future excursions out into the world.
"The answer is in the right questions" - Socrates
As far as strategies for readjusting to US culture, I don't really feel adjusted here now, so i've never really worried about having to "integrate" back in. I often wish I didn't speak the language here so people would not talk to me. One of the nicest things about foreign travel is that feeling of solitude that you only get when you are completely immersed in a foreign culture, with little or no knowledge of the language or customs, and no one to bother you. Doing laundry in Mexico is just as challenging as doing it in the states, just as finding food is just as easy as finding it in the states. The most useful things I gleaned from this course were the concept of white privilege and very alien concept of "preparing and planning ahead", which doubtless will prove useful in future excursions out into the world.
"The answer is in the right questions" - Socrates