“Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes” (Oxford dictionary). This activity helps students understand the phenomenon of culture shock a bit better.
Learning goals
To make students aware about culture shock, what it is and what could be possible coping strategies.
Target group
In the case of the Hotel Management School Maastricht this activity is done before students go on their internships abroad.
Materials
The students need a phone to take pictures with, a laptop and beamer is needed to present them in class afterwards.
Time
This can be done during a 90 minutes workshop / class.
Organization of the activity
Students get a theoretical explanation about culture shock:
- What is it?
- The 4 stages of culture shock: i) honeymoon period, ii) culture shock, iii) adjustment. iv) adaptation
- Coping strategies
They then get the following assignment:
- Go outside and make (a) picture(s) of a custom, place, person, or process of which you think your primary school teacher, your grand-parents, or maybe just a random person living in Groningen, or in Paris, would find ‘out of the ordinary’.
- Present your pictures in class
The presentations are followed by discussions.
Author and affiliation
Dr. Hilde Hanegreefs, Hotel Management School Maastricht (Zuyd University)