All study abroad programs and foreign language programs
are combined and offered to students as an immersive experience that would help
them learn more. The question that arises is why it so important to visit a
place to understand its culture. Communication has gone global and it has
become easy for everyone to view video footage from around the globe. So what
is it that necessitates a travel experience?
Cultural
Immersion: An Unforgettable Impact
Study abroad programs
and gap year programs continuously
focus on the cultural immersion aspect. No matter where a student goes, whether
it is Europe or Asia, emphasis on this aspect is evident and so much so that
home stays are arranged to help a student experience the lifestyle of the
resident of that country. What is it
that makes this aspect of study overseas
and student exchange programs so
important?
The answer lies in experience. One cannot describe
completely how a certain experience is just by reading or looking at videos.
One has to “be there” to experience firsthand something that has been described
as different. Books and common knowledge suggest that lifestyle and culture are
different in other countries and despite all videos on YouTube and other media,
this fact cannot be ascertained, unless of course one spends a few days in the
place ‘real time’.
One aspect that is a deep rooted cause for emphasizing on
cultural immersion is usually not considered when explaining the importance of study
abroad and student travel programs. This elusive aspect is
empathy. A person should have the ability to stand in another person’s shoes
and view a situation from a different perspective. This is a quality that
becomes imperative when one goes to a different country where the way of living
and doing things are different. Today in the era of global interaction, this
quality allows frictionless communication and a feeling of bonhomie in
international interactions. This is something that can never be taught in a
class. One has to leave the familiar environment and travel abroad to study to
learn this. This also explains the inclusion of language programs in the study
abroad programs.
When the concept is viewed from a different point of view,
it is seen that those who are learning a foreign language find living in the
country (which that language is native to) particularly useful. The reason is
that it is the natural environment for that language and hence it becomes easy
for a learner to shed any inhibitions and learn with ease. A sense of adventure
is involved because of the newness of the place and a student willingly
utilizes all mental faculties to adjust and learn as much as possible. This
also boosts a student’s confidence. This idea has been derived from the maxim
which says that experience is the best teacher.
If one looks at it, the idea behind the cultural immersion
in study abroad programs can be compared to any field of study. No matter what
one learns, there is invariably field work or practical assignments involved to
put that knowledge to test. This widens students’ understanding of the subject,
taking into account other factoring elements which can be understood only when
applying the knowledge practically. After all, the aim of all knowledge lies in
its application and evolution.
Tom Hopkins is an Editor in Chief, working for
Minds Abroad your informed counselor for studyabroad & travel programs in China. Learn Mandarin in China and enrich
your cross-cultural experience. For more posts and information on places of
cultural and historical interest that we take our students to, visit
www.mindsabroad.com
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