2. Cultural Awareness and Culture Shock

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Cultural Awareness

Then, read this article: What is Cultural Awareness? How Do I Build It?

Culture Shock

You will never perfectly adjust to life in a foreign culture, but that’s ok, you going into this with clear perspective will allow you the to be flexible when things get hard. If you’re in China (and consequently behind their firewall), watch this video in Youku.

In the quiz below, you will be asked to write a letter to yourself that you can read when you are going through a challenging part of culture shock.

Reverse Culture Shock

If you’re in China, watch this video in Youku.

Read this article on the stages of reverse culture shock: http://livewellucsdtravel.blogspot.com/2010/01/overcoming-reverse-culture-shock.html

Read a Book About the Country You’re Going To

If you’re already living in the country you intend to teach in, such as China, you can skip this section. If you are going to a country other than China, read a book written by someone who has taught English in the country you will be going to live. Here are some ideas:

South Korea:
Happy Time Go Fast: Invaluable Lessons from Teaching English Abroad By Wes Weston

Japan:
When the Cherry Blossoms Fall: My Life as English Teacher in Japan By Kim Hozton

Thailand:
School Days in Thailand: Stories from the Heart By Larry Welch

Articles on Chinese Culture (for students planning to teach in China)

Even if you are already in China, please read the articles below so that in the following quiz you can comment on what you agree and disagree with and if there are any other aspects of Chinese culture that people new to China might benefit from knowing.

https://abroadsview.wordpress.com/2013/07/11/bizarre-beijing/

https://www.globalexperiences.com/blog/chinas-strange-we-love-it/

http://www.echinacities.com/expat-corner/Invasions-of-Privacy-Explaining-the-Issue-of-Personal-Space-in-China