Some weeks ago we told you about the French organism SEJ (Sports Elite Jeunes) and their original discount for the 2010 FIFA World Cup on soccer summer camps. Did you know that if you take part in these sports camps you could follow the path of some champions?
Sports summer camps with SEJ are unique and really worth participating in. They welcome each year top sportsmen and women who are eagger to share their experience as well as their career highlights and awards. They love to give advices to young participants.
Top sportsmen such as Tony Parker -basketball champion- or Laurent Blanc -World Champion of the FIFA World cup 1998- have already taken part in the sports summer camps. Different top sportsmen and women run the activities year after year.
Three weeks ago we talked about “culture shock” and tried to understand better what it deals with. Here are some advices to make the culture shock less important and the recovery easier when going abroad.1) Cultural relativism: focus on the idea that no one culture is “right” or “wrong”. So don’t use your own standards to compare and judge other cultures with, but try to understand why the way of doing of the other culture differs from yours, and vice versa.
2) Get prepared:learn the language! Culture and language use are strongly linked. This will give you not only some control in the new culture once you get there, but also the opportunity to meet people and socialise. Making friends as soon as you can is important. Don’t forget to find out about food, customs and so on before you go, not to be unpleasantly surprised or even shocked.
3) Work on yourself: raise your self-awareness and listen to yourself! Be observant on what’s going on around you, and try to notice behavioral differences. Try not to lose your temper, keep your sense of humor and reserve judgement when you get frustrated.
4) Be sensitive, open and tolerant: when something goes wrong take a new look at yourself, try to understand if you might have done it the “wrong way” within the other culture. Don’t dismiss things you don’t know about. On the contrary, try to put yourself in the shoes of the other culture to better understand how their world is and why.
5) Be social and extrovert: even if you tend to be shy, adopt a new identity and be the person you’ve always dreamed to be. Forget stereotypes! You blind yourself to all the other charateristics peculiar to the other culture when you focus on stereotypes.
Some situations to avoid!
A common reaction to difference is seeking things you are acquainted with. This is part of the critical stage 2 in cultural shock process: you tend to over-idealise your own culture and as a result, to make the gap between both cultures become more important! So be careful, this generally leads to super ethno-centric moaning situations in which you tend to downgrade the benefits of your host culture. Don’t forget that the main objective when going abroad is not to entirely replicate your home country, do you think it would be worth going in a foreign country then?
In a nutshell
Enjoy differences! See the positive side of this experience, and make the decision to adapt your habits and behaviour by changing them a little bit to better match the culture you’re in. You will be surprised on how fast things will pleasantly evolve. People will apreciate the effort you make, and you’ll enjoy a lot this unique and rewarding experience!
Have you ever experienced cultural shock? What happened and how did you cope with it? Tell us about it!
Next June 25th 2010 will take place an open doors day at Notre-Dame International High School which is about to open in September. This will enable you to visit this unique school and its facilities as well as meet the staff!
Interested in enrolling at Notre-Dame International High School or just curious about it? Don’t miss this opportunity! Notre-Dame International High School organises an open doors day on June 25th 2010, from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm for students interested in enrolling at this American school next to Paris. Students from all over the continents are already enrolled, we’re just waiting for you! Take part in this open doors day!
Going abroad and leaving your country, the one you’ve grown up in, your culture and traditions… that’s not easy for anyone. You can even quickly feel homesickness, due to what’s called “culture shock”. This mainly happens in a case of a long stay (several months) in a different culture. Culture shock has been divided up into a process of 5 main different phases. Let’s see them with Rebecca Fong, a teacher of intercultural communication at the University of the West of England.
1. Euphoria or exhilaration
This phase is also called “the honeymoon period”. It usually takes from a few weeks to a few months depending on your personnality and the cultural distance, that’s to say how different both cultures are. Everything is new and great, you see it as an exciting experience and you tackle your problems with good humour. Actually you’re too busy to get depressed.
2. You realise that you’re an outsider
You start to experience the differences between both cultures and to face some problems: trafic problems, you don’t like the typical food there… Even if people are pretty kind to you, you just feel like you’re a misunderstood person. This is a critical stage because you begin to over-idealise your own culture and make the gap between both cultures become more important. Lots of people give up at this stage after having suffered it for a while.
3. Recovery and acculturation
This is the learning process, your language skills definitely improve and, as a result, your contact with the culture also improves and you integrate better with it. You also make more efforts to be part of the community, making friends and being interested in typical manners and customs of the country. You’re on the right track to recover from your culture shock! However, in this stage, you might still want to impose your own ideas rather than accepting the one of the host culture…
4. You adjust properly and appreciate the other culture
You really start to understand the norms and values of your host culture for what they are, and feel pretty integrated and comfortable with it. You might even believe that some of your host culture’s values are better than your own! =)
5. Going back home
Going back home can be quite a challenge too. Indeed, you might face some difficulty to re-adapt to your own culture after a long period spent abroad! This might be considered as re-acculturation or re-entry shock. But don’t despair, as Rebecca Fong says; “there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and the more times you experience culture shock, the easier it’s going to get.” (get more information about Rebecca Fong’s studies on culture)
Now that you know this 5-stage-process better, we’ll give you some advices on how to deal with culture shock when going abroad, how to acculturate and adjust properly to the other culture, making the culture shock less important and the recovery easier! In the meanwhile, you can have a look at these useful advices for students going abroad. See you next week!
The official opening of the new American Nacel School “Notre-Dame International High School” was sealed by Dr Frank Tarsitano, PhD President of Nacel Open Door and Yves Le Saout, Principal of Notre-Dame Les Oiseaux. Danièle Thevenin, Deputy Head, Steve Murphy, Director of the American school and Gerard Avundo, Director of Nacel Programs also attended the meeting.
The asset of Notre-Dame International High School relies on the fact that it combines an American curriculum with the French environment of the sister school Notre-Dame Les Oiseaux, a French school that provides an excellent education for many years now. Students will then become proficient in both languages and interculturally skilled!
Furthermore, this American High School in Paris will welcome students from many different countries. Some of them are from Brazil, Ukraine, Philippines, USA… Students will soon come from all continents! And you, where are you coming from?!
The school is due to open early September 2010 as planned.
You’re interested in taking part in this great project but want to know more about it? So don’t wait any longer, you’re about to live the most unforgettable experience of your life! Come on and join Notre-Dame International High School’s multicultural student body thanks to a High School program!
And what aboutfun andleisures? These are surely two keywords if you want to enjoy your academic year abroad.
At St Paul Preparation School the students’ self-development is fundamental, that’s why it offers a pleasant school life through a wide range of extra-curricular activities!
Talent shows as we’ve already seen, pumpkins making for Halloween, sports with a boys soccer team and a girls soccer team, basketball, clubs where students can enhance their global and specific skills, and so on!
Combining secondary school studies and homestay in an English speaking or French speaking host family… it’s the best way to dramatically improve your English and/or French language skills, don’t you think?! Maybe you should consider enrolling in an Academic Year in Canada…
Canada is not only famous for its natural scenic beauty and wonderful landscapes, but also for its ethnic diversity and warm-welcoming people. Just enjoy the video!
Enrique comes from Chile. Last year, he spent a semester at St Paul Preparatory School. Here is his testimonial of what he considers to be ”the most important experience of his life”. This unique experience not only enabled him to improve his English, but also to make friends from all over the world!
And you, how would you like to have a meeting with the world? Maybe here is the answer!
Such a rewarding once-in-a-lifetime experience! And what about you? Do you feel like taking part in? Join this American private High School!
Marie is a French student aged 26. She decided to study in Nacel’s language school in Granada for 4 weeks. Afterwards, she accepted to give us a short interview to speak about her experience. If you plan to study Spanish in Granada with us, this is a must-read! 1 – Why did you choose to participate in such a program (language school) and what were your main objectives?
I chose to participate in this program because I wanted to improve my Spanish quickly. I have a diploma of International and European Law, and knowing foreign languages is important for what I’m doing, and I especially like Spanish. My objectives were to study again what I already knew and to reinforce my Spanish level. I found the application procedure well done and simple, the only problem was that it was in English (nb: Marie is not a native English speaker).
2 – Do you think you have reached your goals?
I think I have reached my goals.
3 - Speak about the school!
Regarding the school, I’m very happy, courses were of my level, teachers really competent, really attentive, really open. Teaching’s method was different with each teacher but adapted to students, and we were few in each class. The school was very well located since it is in Granada’s center, and was less than 5 minutes away from my accommodation. The team was very warm, timetables well done. All in all, very good!
4 - Speak about the accommodation!
The accommodation was nice, well located. The only negative point is that I was living with two American students who spoke a lot of English and very few Spanish. Also, their accommodation option was different since the landowner came twice a day to cook for them, which was not really enjoyable. I think it would have been more enjoyable to put people with same accommodation option, and not 2 people of same citizenship in a flat shared by 3.
5- How was the student’s life in Granada?
The school organizes several activities a week. Each time, at least one teacher accompanied us. For example, visits of the city, “rutas de tapas” o “las teterrias”. I really liked that a lot, especially the Albaycin district. Since we were not too many, it was easy to hit it off with other students, and I’m still in contact with almost all the persons I’ve met there.
6 – How was Granada?
I already knew Granada before going to that school and I really had a crush on the city, that’s why I asked for this destination. This city is really enjoyable. In my opinion, you really must not miss Albaycin district visit, see a Flamenco show, and visit “las Alpujarras”.
7 – How were Spanish people there?
Spanish people at school were very welcoming. I did not really suceed in meeting Spanish people outside of the school, furthermore I only stayed for a month. I really love the tradition of drinking a glass at night while eating tapas, which is cheaper than having to cook, and it is much more convivial.
8 – How do you consider this experience?
For me, it was a very positive experience. I would advise this program to others because I think that it is a really nurturing experience, on the cultural side, apart from the fact of learning or improving language skills. I’m only waiting for one thing: go back to Granada, maybe with this type of program!
9 – Do you have tips for future participants?
Only one advice: have a careful look at where the accommodation is located, because even if Granada is a small town, you don’t see that first, and I personally spend some time finding my accommodation. You really should not relieve on bus drivers, because they aren’t helpful at all (even school teachers have confirmed this).
You will stay in Germany for a while. Here are some useful sentences and words to use while there!
Meeting people How are you? Wie geht es Ihnen? I’m happy to meet you! Es freut mich, Ihre Bekanntschaft zu machen. Did you travel well? Haben sie die Reise gut überstanden? I travelled well. Die Reise war gut. You have a very nice house. Sie haben ein schönes Zuhause.
First practical information Where is the bathroom please? Wo ist das Badezimmer bitte? Could you show me my room, please? Können Sie mir mein Zimmer zeigen? I really like my room. Mein Zimmer gefällt mir sehr. I’d like to phone in [your country]. Ich möchte in [your country] anrufen. I called the wrong number. Ich habe mich verwählt. The line is busy. Die Leifung ist besetzt.
Meals When do we have breakfast? Wann frühstucken wir? When do we have lunch? Wann essen wir zum Mittag? When do we have dinner? Wann essen wir zum Abend? We eat around 1 pm. Wir essen um (gegen) 13 Uhr. Can I help you? Kann ich Ihnen helfen? I’m going to dress the table. Ich decke den Tisch. I’m really hungry. Ich bin sehr hungrig. I’m thirsty. Ich bin durstig. It’s excellent. Es schmeckt köstlich. Thank you, I’m not hungry anymore. Vielen Dank, ich bin satt. Could you prepare me a packed lunch (for excursions)? Können Sie mir einen kalten Imbis zubereiten.
Health I’m not feeling really well. Ich fühle mich nicht wohl. I’ve got an headache. Ich habe Kopfweh. My teeth hurt. Ich habe Zahnschmerzen. I have caught cold. Ich habe mich erkältet. He has a cold. Er ist verschnupft. He has a lot of fiever. Er hat hohes Fieber. I have a sore throat. Ich habe Halsschmerzen.
Shops Can I help you? Kann ich Ihnen helfen? I’m just looking. Ich sehe mich nur um. Can I try it? Kann ich es probieren? It doesn’t fit me. Das gefällt mir nicht. It’s cheap. It is billig. It’s too costly. Es ist zu teuer.
Miscellaneous Where is the post office? Wo is das Postamt? Where can I change money? Wo kann ich Geld wechseln? Can you give change this bill for coins? Können Sie mir wechseln? How do I go to [a place]? Wie komme ich nach [a place]?
Want to get general information about American life, especially in an American host family? This article is for you!
About customs
If you get in touch with the police, always stay calm and polite.
Regarding clothes, American are very tolerant, but monokinis are forbidden.
You have to behave really carefully with people of the opposite sex, since something that would be considered as usual in a Latin country could lead you to the Court in the USA!
In many American States, weapon’s possession is legal. It is highly recommended to stay calm in all situations.
People less than 21 can’t smoke or drink, and are not allowed to buy such things. If they want to do so, they will have to prove their age. Smoking is not really appreciated in the US and is strictly forbidden in many places.
Social life
Social life and communities are a really important component of American society. As an ambassador of another country, you will arouse a lot of interest, maybe you will even be interviewed by a local television: always answer positively to such manifestation of interest!
American houses
Most American houses are made of wood.
American houses are generally open: the kitchen, dining room and living room often communicate.
In most houses, toilets are in the bathroom. So, if a member of your American host family tells you he has to go to the bathroom, he may not be speaking of having a shower!
Most American houses have a front and backyard, and the front yard often communicates with neighbors’one.
American Host Families in Florida Florida is home to many hispanic families. If you are going there, you may see the parents speaking Spanish, and the children speaking English: it is a good opportunity to practice both languages!
Sundays
In many families, Sundays are dedicated to church. Even if you don’t share your family’s beliefs, if they offer you to accompany them to the service, they would be pleased to make you discover their own culture. Your family could not understand your refusal to accompany them. However, if they are “proselyte”, don’t hesitate to signal it to your local coordinator if that bothers you too much and make you feel uncomfortable.
Distances
USA are a big country: you will have to use public transportation a lot, and expect journeys of around 60 to 90 minutes!
If you have other useful information about American life, don’t hesitate to share it with us!
You are going to Ireland or to England, and you will be hosted by a local host family? Here are some useful information and advices related to food and meals!
About meals!
Generally, there are 3 meals in the UK:
-Breakfast: you will generally have cafe or tea, cereals with milk, toast with butter/marmalade. Breakfast is a serious business in the UK: don’t hesitate to eat a lot since the lunch will likely be light!
-Lunch: usually taken around 1pm, this is generally a light meal. A typical lunch would be a sandwich, potato chips, a little cake, a fruit, fruit juice, sweets like candy bars… In most homestay, the family will provide you this lunch. If you are a “big” eater, you should try to take pocket money in order to be able to buy more food.
-Tea or Dinner: The evening meal is served early, around 5.30 or 6pm. This is the most important meal of the day. Generally speaking, you will eat a main dish followed by a dessert. In most English host families, your dish will already be served when you will sit at the table! If you are home after 6 pm, it is really likely the family will have already eaten. Since Britannic consider as impolite to watch their host eating when themselves have already eaten, you will likely eat alone.
Other generalities about food in UK and Ireland:
-Red meat is not eaten a lot in UK due to its high price. You will more likely eat chicken, turkey, pork or sheep. Meat is usually served with a brown dressing called “gravy”
-Generally, vegetables are boiled
-Bristish and Irish people don’t use a lot of fruits, but they love “sweets” like puddings, cake, syrup fruits with custard…
-Usually, there is neither bread nor water at the table. If you want some, you will have to ask to the family.
Expected behaviour!
Here are some information and advices on how to behave during meals in English and Ireland.
- Your hosts will be pleased if you helped with little household chores, like dressing the table. You also have to make your bed and keep the common places you’re using clean!
- Always be on time, and advise the family if you think you are going to be late for a meal.
- If asked about what you are served, be honest but tactful.
- Regarding manners, don’t be surprised if you see your hosts loadings their forks or having their hands under the table. British and Irish manners likely are different from the one of your country!
- At the end of your meal, put your knife, fork and spoon on your dish, but don’t cross them
- Meals are usually taken rather quickly. The family rather gathers in the salon afterward with a cup of tea to do the conversation.
- Above all, be open and try to taste everything! Never forget to congratulate your hostess for what she has prepared, she will appreciate it!
Have you other advices to share with us? Don’t hesitate to do so!
Sports summer camps with SEJ are unique and really worth participating in. They welcome each year top sportsmen and women who are eagger to share their experience as well as their career highlights and awards. They love to give advices to young participants.
1) Cultural relativism: focus on the idea that no one culture is “right” or “wrong”. So don’t use your own standards to compare and judge other cultures with, but try to understand why the way of doing of the other culture differs from yours, and vice versa.
