Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural

interpretations

Welcome to session 7.07

Saturday 18th of September

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Speakers and Chair

Name

• Ria Jacobi

• Tibor Vöros

• Henk Frencken

• Chair: Hendrik Jan Hobbes

Institution

• Leiden University, the Netherlands

• Central European University, Hungary

• Leiden University, the Netherlands

• NUFFIC, the Netherlands

Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations

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Programme of our sessionIntroduction

Short introduction of a framework for international awareness in a learning and teaching context.

Acculturation projectPresentation of the ‘Acculturation Project’: online preparation for international students

Business SimulationsPresentation on ‘Business Simulations in an international context

DiscussionExchange and discussion in groups

Wrap upWrap up and conclusions

Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

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What is this session about?

• Acculturation of international students

• ‘Bridging problems’

• Two examples of how e-learning can help

• Exchange of exeperiences & opinions

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Globalization Issues

• World wide integration and deepening of economic activities

• Integrated production and consumption systems• Facilitated by liberalization, deregulation and IT

revolution• Unprecedented mobility of goods, services, capital and

people• Events all over the world strongly interdependent

Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

Cultural issues & problems!

How to prepare students?

Curriculum change!

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Curricular Activities

Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

Teaching Strategy

Teaching Method

Outcome Learning

Level 1 International Awareness

Infusion of international perspective in general curriculum

Supplement existing curriculum with inter-national examples; recognize origins of knowledge

Students expect and respect differences, have an international attitude

Level 2 International Competence

Engagement with the specialist international dimension of the discipline

Add international study options, have students engage with international students, in-depth study of international subjects

Students are capable of performing their profession for international clients

Level 3 International Expertise

Immersion of students in international study

Study (possibly in a foreign language), live and work in international settings

Students become global professionals, at home in many locations

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Acculturation Project

• Ria Jacobi,

Leiden University, the Netherlands

• www.acculturation.nl

Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

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First two examples!

Example Maastricht University

Example The Hague University

Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

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Goals Acculturation Project:Online pre-departure

preparation- International students acquaint

themselves with the educational and academic culture in the Netherlands

- International students start their social network online

- International students adjust knowledge and skills by following remedial courses

Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

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Results Acculturation Project

- Nine Universities cooperate in the project

- Nine pilots within these nine institutions

- Acculturation materials produced by the project accessible for all partners

Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

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Elements of the nine pilots in our project

• The interaction amongst students and staff

• Collaboration in student groups

• E-coaching

• Academic and practical information

• Mix of ‘remediation’ and social activities

Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

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Effects Acculturation Pilots

Research was part of our project. Findings:

• Acculturation is important for the wellbeing of students

But……• The quality of the ‘academic integration’ of the

students is a crucial factor for study success

Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

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Intercultural business simulations

• Tibor Vöros

Central European University, Hungary

Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

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Why simulations?

• Participants are placed in complex situations, where they can be exposed to various educational and cultural concepts

• Range from simple situational exercises to complex business simulations

• Provide a structured, controlled environment where participants can experiment

• Role play allows better understanding of the other culture

• … most importantly: participants enjoy simulations!

Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

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Let’s see an example

• Global Challenge: Students form Management Board of a cell phone manufacturer based in the US and moving into Europe and Asia. Each market has different characteristics and expectations.

• Round-based business simulation, decisions about production, marketing, delivery etc. Competing against the other teams, aim is to maximize shareholder value. Deal with Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss, etc. – business questions.

• But also create negotiation situations – high power distance company with very rigid structure and low power distance with flat structure (think Google).

Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

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ResultsAcademic & Education

• There are different levels of internationalization, and universities benefit from careful planning, implementation and monitoring to accomplish successful results on each of the relevant stages.

• Experiential tools can help a lot, but require careful planning.

Global Leaders?

• …people who can ‘‘learn to (1) transcend their childhood acculturation and respect very different cultures; (2) build cross-cultural partnerships of mutual trust, respect, and obligation; (3) engage in cross-cultural creative problem solving to resolve conflicts; and (4) help construct third cultures in various operations” (Graen and Hui, 1999, p 25).

Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

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Questions to discussChoose from the following• Do you have your own examples of online

cross-cultural learning and teaching? • What are the success ingredients for effective

online cross-cultural learning and teaching? • Does, or could, online acculturation and

learning improve the internationalization of your University?

You may use the framework provided!

Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.