A couple years ago I attended a breakout session at Mission Connexion that was put on by Culture Bound. I liked the interactive way they taught participants to learn while experiencing a new culture. I kept the postcard I picked up at the event and finally this year, all the groups going on mission trips at PAA decided to join in the training.
The speaker gave us general information about interacting with new cultures and then we were split into three groups, according to our mission destinations: Fiji (with about 20 students), the Bahamas (around 2 dozen) and our little Sus Manos group (7 students and me). We got a little information about some differences between US and Guatemalan cultures regarding individualism/group orientation and respect for status difference.
Each of the three groups put on a skit for the other two groups, highlighting something learned today.
I was really happy to have my students learn the information, but doubly happy that we could prepare together with the other two groups. My strategy for preparing my students has grown over the years and I am excited to see other leaders also working to prepare their students spiritually and culturally, so these short-term trips can make a bigger impact, both on those we go to learn from and serve and for those of us traveling.
The speaker gave us general information about interacting with new cultures and then we were split into three groups, according to our mission destinations: Fiji (with about 20 students), the Bahamas (around 2 dozen) and our little Sus Manos group (7 students and me). We got a little information about some differences between US and Guatemalan cultures regarding individualism/group orientation and respect for status difference.
Each of the three groups put on a skit for the other two groups, highlighting something learned today.
I was really happy to have my students learn the information, but doubly happy that we could prepare together with the other two groups. My strategy for preparing my students has grown over the years and I am excited to see other leaders also working to prepare their students spiritually and culturally, so these short-term trips can make a bigger impact, both on those we go to learn from and serve and for those of us traveling.