How to Surf on the Culture Shock Wave
Have you ever been to a new place where you didn't really know what to expect from others and what others could expect from you?
In this learning unit you will get to know a special wave, which people who go abroad surf on – the culture shock wave!
Warm up
Let’s get started!
Imagine the following scenario: you go to another planet, fully unknown to you, everything is completely new!
How would you feel in this situation and how would you cope with your feelings?
Share your thoughts with your buddy!
Learn
Read the following comic to discover the story of Hanna!
Dive in 1
Share your understanding of the text with your buddy.
What exactly has happened to Hanna and what are the reasons? Describe it in your own words.
Dive in 2
Step 1
What is a culture shock? What are its five phases?
Have you both understood this concept in the same way?
Step 2
Discuss with your buddy: why is the culture shock also referred to as a wave?
Create 1
What about you?
Step 1
Share with your buddy your experiences: have you ever been in a similar situation as Hanna? Or are you maybe experiencing it right now? If not or if you don’t feel comfortable sharing your experience, skip this question and go to step 2.
Step 2
Get creative! Write a short story together, draw a picture or a comic about your experiences. If you don’t have any experience similar to the one Hanna made or don’t feel like sharing your own, invent one!
Create 2
Make the link between the story you wrote and the culture shock wave! Trace the curve on a piece of paper and write key points in each phase that summarise your story. Your key points can include events and feelings that you experienced when going through this phase of the wave.
Reflect
Time to reflect!
What do you think were the useful tips Thiago gave to Hanna?
What does / did help you or what do you think could help you in a similar situation?
Share your memories and thoughts with your buddy and create a postcard!
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