| An amusing aside - from the Exchange Visitor Host Site Handbook which is sent to supervisors of J1 program participants: Signs of Cultural Adjustment Issues “This country is really stupid…” - A common statement from trainees who are seeing a
cultural trait of the United States through the experience of their own culture, not that of the U.S. A response might be, “Why do you suppose we’ve done that for the last 200 years?” “English doesn’t have enough words…” - A common statement from trainees who cannot
find a way to express emotions that are described in their native language, but not shared
by the Anglo cultures. “All I want to do is sleep…” – A common statement of depression brought on by the
overload of change. “I’m gaining a lot of weight…” – The change in food often results in weight gain. It is often difficult for trainees to understand how to use local and different foods for a healthy diet. “Americans ask ‘How are you doing, but don’t really want to know…”– An accurate and
common observation that may indicate the trainee is understanding what is said literally,
but not hearing the underlying or cultural meaning. “Why should I celebrate your holiday; I’m not American…” – A common attitude that
could indicate the trainee is suffering a bit of cultural identity crisis. |
That's always kind of sad.