Reflection On Cultural Integration Course
“Culture is the widening of mind and spirit”, truer words were never said. Taking my inspiration from this great leader of free India, Jawaharlal Nehru. I have decided how I would like to design my three and a half weeks Block plan. Week one of the cultural integration course, students should select a country and culture other than their own and make an in-depth study of its history, food habits, customs, achievements and problems faced by the country be it economic, political or social.
This can be achieved by reading, watching movies and then discussing what characteristics of this country and people, fascinate and intrigue you, what are the problems they are facing and trying to overcome. In the second week, do a homestay with a family belonging to that country, e. g. I have developed a fascination to learn more about the Korean culture. Staying with a Korean family observing their routine, asking questions about what they want to change about their country and what makes them feel nostalgic. Maybe learn some basic conversational Korean if possible. In short observe and learn.
For the third week, prepare and present a detailed paper of what you have learned, making a special note of the similarities and difference between your culture, history and theirs. I discovered that some of the Social norms bear similarities, their welcome gesture or treating the guest is same as Indians. Both South Koreans and Indians are movie lovers, just like many Indian movies their stories too are normally love stories. Koreans like India are taught the importance of respecting elders. One can also pick a book or movie and discuss this, even come up with solutions economic, social of political for the problems faced by this country. The final few days of the course should be spent on a lighter note, organize an informal gathering with all your fellow students. Each student can prepare and bring a food item which is intrinsic to that country. Preferable a national dish, we are all aware that Kimchi is the embodiment of Korean cuisine, it a pungent, often hot, mixture of fermented and pickled vegetables. Meat dishes like bulgogi or kalbi are also very popular.
On the day of the gathering try and dress up in their traditional attire and mingle have fun and enjoy the evening with your friends and students. Thus, ending the course on an entertaining note. The objective of this course is to help bridge the gap between people and inculcate a sense of respect and better understanding of a society and culture different from ours. Even though cultures are different around the world, we can still learn from other cultures and embrace and appreciate the differences.
