Second week...from strangeness to closeness:)

Second week was much better...we had a set of readings about intercultural communication the first two were fairly easy(the second reading being the most interesting) the 3rd one was only based on theories and quite complex. A little resume of what i learned or may be in some cases relearned, was culture (any types it can be Static or dynamic) frame our minds and behaviour(consciously or unconsciously) it is really interesting to realise to what extend society, family, the environment define who we are and our most sacred sense of what is 'right' or 'wrong'. Most of all to be able to communicate efficiently , ppl should have the same codes( the camp exercise illustrate this completely) thats why sometimes intercultural exchange can be difficult but NOT impossible of course. At the camp, there was a part that really remind me of a phenomenon that happens a lot at home:):) about one saying something and the other one did not hear or does not remember and having an argument around it:) I guess the internal noise can explain most of it( me internally thinking abt something else or the sender internally thinking so much about the message but forgot to send it).
              The Hmong text really interested me due to the first part about all the traditions around their culture versus the social 'alienation' in the US whereby some of the traditions could not be fulfilled(the burial of the umbilical cord for instance) or delayed( 3 months after the birth was the ceremony organised). It was of course interesting to discover the traditions but what was the most important thing for me is: Their culture around the dab stealing children's souls made them think(realise) that children are the worthiest possession and the welfare of their children was equally important. As a result, few Hmong kids were mistreated and the bond between hmongs parents and their kids was very strong. This is fantastic that culture can do that, it is not only a set of beliefs and customs but it can really have positive and constructive effects.

 Oh yes, the Camp experience was on all aspects beneficial, first, the context was beautiful and the way the classes were orchestrated whereby we were in groups discussing our perceptions on things. It was enriching as it enabled me to open myself to other views and helped me to understand the texts better with the helps of my team members.
        I am not used to this kind of teaching/ studying, i must admit and i was so surprised when our lecturer asked us if the way she was giving texts was convenient for us. I was so amazed that i did not say anything- which does not mean that some parts of them text was not laborious for me as well-but in Mauritius the texts are very difficult and it is considered to be our duty to understand them. I guess i need time to assimilate and get used to it.

The camp very interesting, it without any doubts created some bonds with eachother, sharing of stories, opinions, customs(learn on the meaning of some spanish songs that i knew- it as quite disappointing to know that i was sing  a cockcroach song (la cucaracha)all these years!!lol

         The international dinner was soo pleasant, the cooking, singing and talking at the same, the team work of cleaning up afterwards. It was not only the tasting of the delicious food(even if it was more than delicious) but all the things around it that was nice. I learned how to dance a turkish dance and showed a little the Sega from Mauritius:). It was really nice to get to know the other students in a more personal way, i guess by now i can tell a little on every student therefore i think the aim of the camp was more that fulfilled. 
   I hope that this atmosphere continues and that we will be -with time- more and more able to share things with each other and that we can instead of being in little groups become a big groups whereby everyone will be included.

I look forward to next week institution visit, i hope it will be a rich experience....