Chapter 1

Orientation

Description:
• Write a brief description of the chapters contents. I think this is more appropriate here.

Those who know nothing of foreign culture,

know nothing of their own. (Mohandis Ghandi)

Chapter 1
Objectives:
• Write the objectives we talked about here.

Introduction
Write a brief introduction of the program and the days activities here. I think
your introduction should be thorough, but leave some things for the oral
presentation.
 Get to Know your Colleagues!

Instructions: Again, welcome to the faculty here at Xiangfan University! At this time, we
would like you to choose a colleague that is nearest you and get to know him or her better.
Below is a Venn diagram that is used to show comparison and contrast between two ideas.
The outer parts of the combined circles are used to display differences, and the inner
connected part of the circles shows the similarities. Use the questions below to guide you in
your conversation. If you can think of more interesting questions to ask your colleague, feel
free to do so.

Sample Questions
What is your name? Where are you from? Tell me about your family or hometown. Why did
you come to China? What do you hope to gain from this experience? What are your future
goals after your China experience? Tell me something that you like or you do that may seem
strange or different.
Remember, if you can think of more questions, feel free to ask away!
Instructions: Fill in the Bubble Map with your thoughts about each subject bubble(use words or phrases).

Education

Family Society

China What do you know about China?

Religion Politics

Food
Cultural Points
Instructions: Fill in the flow chart with the appropriate responses to each of the six categories of Chinese
culture that are discussed in the “Chinese Culture and You” multimedia presentation.
Food
Dumplings _______________ Fried Rice _______________

Sweet and Sour Pork _______________ Fried Noodles _______________

Chicken _______________ Pork _______________

Beef _______________ Fish _______________

Rice(plain) _______________ Soup _______________

Cabbage _______________ Bell Pepper _______________

Onion _______________ Corn _______________

Celery _______________ Potatoes _______________

Meat _______________ Vegetarian _______________

Family
Because Chinese students must make their parents happy, what kinds of problems do think will
arise from this phenomenon?
___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Politics
China is the most populous country in the world with over _________________ people.

The current President is ______________________.

The major political party in China is called________________________________.

Society
Define: Face-____________________________________________________

What might cause a Chinese person to lose face?____________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Religion
What different religions currently and historically have existed in China, and what prominence does each have today?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Cultural Points, cont.
Education
What are the major differences between Chinese and Western students?_____________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
What are some problems that western teachers face with Chinese students?___________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
What are some methods that teachers can implement to help reduce these problems?____________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
How can teachers help students learn to think critically?________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
What can teachers do to motivate lazy students who have given up on English?_________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
If Chinese tests are memory-based, how can foreign teachers design exams that test the students’
abilities and not their memory?________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Misc.
How can foreign nationals avoid homeless people in China? __________________________
___________________________________________________________________
What should one do if one feels cheated by a street vendor or shop clerk? _________________
___________________________________________________________________
What are some other topics of interest you have about China?_________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Traits of a Successful Expat
What do you think are the most important characteristics of the successful expat? Also, what makes a good
traveller? Reflect on how you intend to embody these characteristics and cultural sensitivity in the list below.

1.____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
2.____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
3.____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
4.____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
5.____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Connections
Using the internet search engine of your choice, complete a simple search for an example copy of a syllabus from
a school website or database. It doesn't have to be the best or the worst—just an example used in a previous
semester at any school from your country of citizenship. Once you have found it, print it and analyze it by
answering the following questions:
• What do you think are the basic features of this syllabus?
• What do you think is an excellent added feature(s)?
• Is this syllabus appropriate for the subject or course taught? Why or Why not?
• What do you think could be added to further enhance this syllabus?
Use a pen or highlighter to show support for your answers by underlining or highlighting points of interest. This
meta-commentary can be marginal, foot notes, or written on a separate sheet of paper. If you have trouble
locating a printer, please let your director know as soon as possible!