Because this journal entry is from the beginning your study abroad experience, your post should focus on your observations, and expectations, and identifying the knowledge and skill sets you used to navigate the foreign land while you were there. This entry should include a record of what caught your attention and why; it should not merely be a description of what you did but rather a reflection on what you did, how you felt about it and why certain things drew your attention.
Address the numbered prompts below.
Example: Today we went to a housing settlement to better understand the community’s concerns. The environment was very similar to the one in which my grandmother lived, so I instantly felt at ease here, even though I was surrounded by strangers. I smelled the familiar smells of outdoor stoves and pungent spices. However, this community had more of a feeling of desperation, and it was clear that the living situations were dire. Also, they were using some cooking utensils to prepare meals I had never seen before. It’s interesting how each culture has developed tools to suit their specific needs and situations.
I would like you to write about how your travel experience relates to Multicultural Awareness and how those experiences may have impacted you on the trip.
Note: The five Growth Areas are summarized on the Personal Growth Areas page in the Overview and Introductions module. Please review the section on multicultural awareness and answer the following questions.