Students should be able to demonstrate a fundamental understanding of cultural diversity as well as the ability to reason logically, and abstractly. Openmindedness and a readiness to explore internal, and external perspectives in an honest way are paramount. Students should be comfortable with basic academic research methods, and autonomous study.
At the end of the course, the student should be able to :
Demonstrate advanced cultural sensitivity, critical thinking, ethical reasoning and psychological analysis.
Students will be able to understand the general challenges of culture shock, and differentiate between those general differences, and the unique challenges of returning to one’s culture of origin (reverse culture shock).
Students should acquire a practical toolbox of methods to assist in their reintegration into their home society, as well as acquiring the theoretical knowledge to truly comprehend the process. Students should be able to differentiate between between individual, and cultural thinking patterns, and be able to analyse their own culture from a semi external perspective. Through this, students will deepen their understanding of different cultures, be able to assist in the integration of exchange students in France, and successfully readapt to studying here.
Modules:
1) What is culture shock? A review of the U curve, the causes of culture shock, and how to deal with it.
2) Understanding reverse culture shock. W- curve. Confusion and the metaworld.
3) Psychological self-analysis. Creating our own self profile.
4) Perception investigation. Reviewing cultural intensity factors and exploring their relation with RCS.
5) The Fix. Mapping the path to successful re-entry and reintegration.
6) The next step. Dealing with identity challenges and utilising our experiences to positive effect.
