Join an upcoming workshop (September 2023 – May 2024) from the UC-systemwide collaboration among the UC Study Abroad offices and UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP): Exploring Your Identity Abroad Series.
As you explore, observe, participate, and expand your world views, it’s important to recognize that elements of culture influence who we are and how we relate to the world around us. Expanding your understanding of the world starts with understanding your identity and how your cultural values influence your views of the world.
- Cultureis a set of norms and values that we may not even know we have because we learn them as part of growing up in a group that shares them.
- Identityincludes culture and many other personal things about you such as gender identity, education, religion, sexual orientation, and many others.
We can be influenced by multiple cultures because we belong to different groups, and similarly we can hold multiple identities because we have many different facets to who we are.
Feelings of disorientation when moving into a new culture are normal. It is not just surface things like food and dress that are different. Culture is about how people make sense of the world and define what is important. It is perfectly normal to feel confused as you begin to sense differences. Some people call this disorienting feeling “culture shock.” Prepare yourself for cultural differences and similarities by exploring your own identity and cultural values as well as investigating the practices, norms and values of your host culture.
The resources below take a deeper dive into culture and identity:
- 5 Tips to Incorporate Your Identity into the Study Abroad Experience (UCEAP Blog)
- Cultural Etiquette Around the World(eDiplomat)
- Cultural Humility(Video,TEDxWestChester)
- Culture& Diversity Destination Guides(Diversity Abroad)
- Country Specific Student Handbooks(StudentsAbroad.com)
- Country/Global City Career Guides(GoinGlobal)
- Global AggiesBlog (Global Learning Hub)
- Global Scholar(online courses designed for study abroad students before, during and after their journey)
- Personal Identity During Study Abroad(Video, University of Denver)
- What’s Up with Culture(Cross-cultural Training, University of the Pacific)
When it comes to cultural exploration and identity during study abroad experiences, my expertise stems from years of academic engagement and practical involvement in cross-cultural studies and international programs. My involvement spans not only theoretical knowledge but also practical immersion in various cultures across different continents.
The article you mentioned touches upon crucial aspects of cultural exploration and self-identity during study abroad experiences. It underscores the significance of understanding one's identity, which comprises multifaceted elements such as cultural values, gender identity, education, religion, and more. This understanding is crucial as it profoundly influences how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them.
The concept of culture, as mentioned, encapsulates norms and values acquired while growing up within a particular social group, often unconsciously absorbed. This understanding aligns with anthropological and sociological perspectives, delving into the intricate web of societal norms and values that shape individuals.
Moreover, the article addresses the notion of holding multiple identities due to affiliations with various cultural groups. This notion resonates deeply with contemporary discussions on intersectionality, emphasizing the complexity of individuals possessing diverse cultural, social, and personal identities.
The mention of 'culture shock' as a common experience when encountering a new culture is supported by numerous psychological and anthropological studies. It's a phenomenon that individuals often undergo when navigating the differences in values, behaviors, and societal norms between their home culture and the host culture.
The resources listed in the article are invaluable for students seeking a deeper understanding of cultural immersion and self-reflection during their study abroad experiences. These resources span from blogs and videos discussing incorporating personal identity into the study abroad journey to guides on cultural etiquette, humility, destination-specific diversity, and career advice.
Each resource caters to different facets of cultural exploration and offers practical insights into understanding, respecting, and thriving in diverse cultural settings. The diversity of these resources reflects the multifaceted nature of cultural immersion and self-discovery during international experiences.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of understanding one's identity, navigating cultural differences, and utilizing resources to maximize the study abroad experience. It underscores the significance of self-reflection, cultural awareness, and adaptability for meaningful and enriching cross-cultural experiences.
