English for Study Abroad

Listening and Speaking - Discussions and Real life problems

Small talk and conversation starters

Try filling in the gaps for these conversation starters.

Notice how they respond to the question. What might the conversation starter question be?

Smooth and flowing conversations

Here are two conversations at a party. One is awkward and the other flows smoothly. What makes the awkward one awkward and the smooth conversation work well?

2 conversations - awkward and good

Follow up questons

Speed conversations

Have you ever tried speed dating where you have 1 minute to get to know your partner before moving on?

We're going to have speed conversations!

Make 2 circles - inner and outer facing each other.
You have 1 minute to start and have a conversation
The inner circle moves clockwise and the outer, anti-clockwise to find a new partner.

Note-taking and Question asking

Take some notes on keywords and main points from this short talk about seeing things from your own cultural perspective, accepted and familiar and underlying values in different cultures:

Check your notes with your neighbour.
Then, create 3 questions you could ask the whole group to discuss the concepts from this video.

Next, take some notes about this part of a video talking about the concepts of friendship and politeness in different cultures.

Check your notes with your neighbour
What questions could you ask your classmates about the concepts in this video?
What questions could you ask new friends (when abroad) when you see different behaviour? How could you find out their underlying principles or values?

What does your/their culture value?

Culture Star of Values

Cultural Star of Values

Group Vs Individual - valuing group loyalty or independent success

Formalised rules Vs Context-based rules - Everything is written in regulations Vs everything is up to each case and negotiation.

Hierarchy Vs Participation - Responsibility is with the higher person Vs active participation and consensual decision making.

Performance Vs Care - competition, material success and performance Vs care for others, equal rights and quality of life.

Monochronic Vs Polychronic - Schedules, punctuality and sequential activities are valued Vs flexible time structures and synchronous activities (choice of activities) are valued.

Implicit communication Vs Explicit Communication - Much communication is without words (known via the context) Vs verbal or written messages carry all the information (nothing is left out).

Conflict/Confrontation Vs Harmony - conflicts are approached directly and openly Vs group harmony and saving others from embarrassment are the priorities (open criticism are considered tactless and disrespectful).

Task Vs Relationship - doing the task is the priority Vs good working relationships are the priority.

Where are their values?

Below is an incident between exchange students and their German university administration staff. Decide where the cultural values (from the star above) are most different causing this misunderstanding.