Introduction

This course provides a format for students to learn about other cultures without traveling. This is part of the Global Academic Initiatives directed by East Carolina University (ECU), USA. This program has received the 2016 NAFSA Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award, 2014 QS Reimagine Education Award, and 2008 IIE Andrew Heiskell Award in USA. In this semester, based on the time scheduling by ECU, we will connect with three countries – (1) Universidad Piloto de Columbia, Bogota, Columbia (UPC), (2) Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru (USIL), and (3) East Carolina University, NC, USA (ECU) through live video and chat technology. Discussion topics ranging from college life, family structure, the meaning of life, health care, food and nutrition, to stereotypes and prejudices. 

In addition, the instructor has invited a guest speaker to talk about cultural awareness. Class sessions include discussion in both small groups and one-to-one chat with reflective journaling/papers and/or oral presentations afterwards. Besides international connecting sessions, local sessions (which mean only local class sessions without videoconferencing) are also held to integrate and synthesize information gained in the global sessions. Participating students from different cultures also read each other’s newspapers to learn what is current, timely, and to get real exposure to what is going on in their partners’ cultures. We will also learn cultural and communication theories.

Please keep in mind that people from different cultures may differ in the ways they work on collaborative works, be open-minded and flexible in communicating with your partners/team members. In addition, communications might be delayed due to lags in technologies (either synchronously or asynchronously).

AND because of the class schedule of each university, it is possible we might revise the schedule several times during the semester. Please refer to our syllabus at all times.