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Orientation for Study Abroad
All students are required to register for a 1-credit orientation class in the second half of the semester prior to their departure. Failure to complete this class will result in a student’s removal from their program.
The orientation course prepares students psychologically for a culturally enriching and academically challenging study abroad experience. Sessions provide an introduction to culture-general concepts, information on the destination’s host culture, and tools for engaging across cultural differences.
The GOCI staff take seriously our responsibility to prepare students to make the most of their intended study abroad experience while serving as good international ambassadors for Guilford College and the United States. To address these issues, students complete readings and weekly assignments and engage in interactive group exercises.
Faculty leaders and coordinators of Guilford programs will hold breakout sessions for their cohort, while the GOCI staff will conduct sessions for students on affiliated partner programs. These meetings help students develop culture-specific information related to their destination, preparing them for successful cross-cultural engagement.
The grade for the class is based on attendance, weekly quizzes on readings, and completion of assigned pre-departure activities..
The following tools will be helpful to students as they prepare for the cross-cultural experiences of Study Abroad.
The orientation course prepares students psychologically for a culturally enriching and academically challenging study abroad experience. Sessions provide an introduction to culture-general concepts, information on the destination’s host culture, and tools for engaging across cultural differences.
The GOCI staff take seriously our responsibility to prepare students to make the most of their intended study abroad experience while serving as good international ambassadors for Guilford College and the United States. To address these issues, students complete readings and weekly assignments and engage in interactive group exercises.
Faculty leaders and coordinators of Guilford programs will hold breakout sessions for their cohort, while the GOCI staff will conduct sessions for students on affiliated partner programs. These meetings help students develop culture-specific information related to their destination, preparing them for successful cross-cultural engagement.
The grade for the class is based on attendance, weekly quizzes on readings, and completion of assigned pre-departure activities..
The following tools will be helpful to students as they prepare for the cross-cultural experiences of Study Abroad.
Culture Resources
1) An Interactive Tool for Cultural Awareness:
"WHAT'S UP WITH CULTURE?"
2) For culture specific research related to your international destination, visit these guides for cross-cultural etiquette and understanding:
CULTURE CROSSING GUIDE
THE HOFSTEDE CENTRE - COUNTRY COMPARISON
3) For information related to making cultural adjustment in your new host culture:
CULTURE SHOCK & THE PROBLEM OF ADJUSTMENT TO NEW CULTURAL ENVIRONMENTS.
4) For a students persepctive on Americans abroad:
STEREOTYPICAL AMERICANS ABROAD
Language Resources
DUO LINGO
Mango Languages
Study language using LANGMEDIA