While currently in Spain visiting a current student (who is studying at a high school there), and hoping to develop a partnership with some Spanish high schools, I paused to reflect upon why some people can cross cultures with ease and others simply cannot. I came to the conclusion it all starts with the open mentality that is so necessary to learn a new language/culture. This "openness" is accompanied by a few traits:
-A realization that there are many ways to do everyday things and no one way is necessarily better
-A strong self image that allows for one to make mistakes when speaking
-A work ethic that leads one to learn from mistakes
-A willingness to try new foods, accept a new way to break up the day, and an openness to trying new activities.
-A realization that no culture is necessarily superior, just different, and they all have strengths and weaknesses
The student I visited was strong in all the above mentioned areas and is thriving in the Spanish culture; although his language skills have a ways to go.
The lesson is simple: When respect is demonstrated to others, it's usually returned
No comments:
Post a Comment