A presentation describing the stages of integration into another culture.

1. AUSTRALIA PACIFIC
TECHNICAL COLLEGE

2. The APTC is an AID PROJECT
funded by the
Australian Government

3. Cultural Sensitivity
What is the “natural” or “appropriate”
way to you, is not necessarily the most
“natural” or “appropriate” way for other
cultures.
Lustig M. & Koester, J.
1993, “Intercultural
Competence”

4. Your Own Culture
Language
> direct
Non-Verbal Communication
> greetings, queuing, tone of voice, touching, symbols
Space/Time Orientation
> use of personal space, linear regimented time frames
Religious Beliefs
> personal, no impact on decision making
Patterns of Thinking
> logical, straightforward
Self Image
> independence

5. Other Cultures
• Language
– indirect
• Non-Verbal Communication
– greetings, queuing, tone of voice, touching, symbols
• Space/Time Orientation
– use of personal space, unstructured time frames
• Religious Beliefs
– Influences decision making
• Patterns of Thinking
– group interaction, holistic approach to solving issues
• Self Image
– part of a group, part of a nation

6. Process of Adjustment
Feelings and emotions of an international student

7. The Process of Development of
Intercultural Sensitivity
Development of Intercultural Sensitivity
Experience of difference
Denial Defence Minimisation Acceptance Adaption Integration
Bennett’s Development Model
Ethnocentric Stages Ethnorelative Stages

8. The Process of Development of
Intercultural Sensitivity
Denial
Ethnocentrism Ethnorelativism
Developmental Strategies
• cultural awareness activities
• historical information
• travelogues
First Stage - Denial
• anger
• negativity

9. The Process of Development of
Intercultural Sensitivity
Defense
Ethnocentrism Ethnorelativism
Developmental Strategies
• Emphasis on what is “good” in
other cultures
Second Stage - Defense
• overt hostility
• negative labeling
• feelings of superiority

10. The Process of Development of
Intercultural Sensitivity
Minimisation
Ethnocentrism Ethnorelativism
Third Stage - Minimisation
• Cultural Differences are
superficial
• Common sense will prevail
• All cultures come under the
same laws and principals
• Tolerance
Developmental Strategies
• Discussion about personal
experiences
• Involvement of guest speakers
of other cultures

11. The Process of Development of
Intercultural Sensitivity
Acceptance
Ethnocentrism Ethnorelativism
Fourth Stage - Acceptance
• Respect of the differences in
culture
• Using the understanding of
differences as a base for
learning and adaptation
Developmental Strategies
• Stressing recognition of
differences in behaviour as
appropriately different
• Exploring differences in non-
verbal communication, such as
greeting rituals.

12. The Process of Development
of Intercultural Sensitivity
Adaption
Ethnocentrism Ethnorelativism
Fifth Stage - Adaptation
• Intentional shift of frame of
reference - as if one were
the other person
• Ability to undertake another
cultural view temporarily
Developmental Strategies
• Provide opportunities for
intercultural interaction
• Training in the practice of
empathy
• Communication
training/conducting interviews
with other cultures

13. The Process of Development of
Intercultural Sensitivity
Integration
Ethnocentrism Ethnorelativism
Sixth Stage - Integration
• Becoming part of another
culture
• Undertaking cultural
differences in everyday life
Developmental Strategies
• Developing ethics

14. and finally….
ENJOY YOURSELF!