Skip to content

Orientation for Study Abroad

kk

All students are required to register for a 1-credit orientation class in the second half of the semester prior to their departure. Failure to complete this class will result in a student’s removal from their a broad program.The orientation course prepares students psychologically for a culturally enriching and academically challenging study abroad experience. Sessions provide an introduction to culture-general concepts, information on the abroad destination’s host culture, and tools for engaging across cultural differences.

The study abroad staff takes seriously our responsibility to prepare students to make the most of their intended study abroad experience while serving as good international ambassadors for Guilford College and the United States. To address these issues students complete readings and weekly assignments, and engage in interactive group exercises.

Faculty leaders and coordinators of Guilford programs will hold breakout sessions for their cohort, while the study abroad staff will conduct sessions for students on affiliated partner programs. These meetings help students develop culture-specific information related to their destination, preparing them for successful cross-cultural engagement.

Gradebased on attendance, weekly quizzes on reading, and completion of assigned pre-departure activities..

The following tools will be helpful to students as they prepare for the cross-cultural experience of your study abroad experience.
 
Culture Resources

1) An Interactive Tool for Cultural Awareness:
           "WHAT'S UP WITH CULTURE?"

2) For culture specific research related to your international destination, visit these guides for cross-cultural etiquette and understanding:
            CULTURE CROSSING
            GLOBAL GUIDE TO CULTURE, CUSTOMS, AND ETIQUETTE
            THE HOFSTEDE CENTRE - COUNTRY COMPARISON 

3) For information related to making cultural adjustment in your new host culture:
            CULTURE SHOCK & THE PROBLEM OF ADJUSTMENT TO NEW CULTURAL ENVIRONMENTS.

4) For a students persepctive on Americans abroad:
            STEREOTYPICAL AMERICANS ABROAD

Language Resources

DUO LINGO

Set up a "MANGO LANGUAGES" account,

Study language using LANGMEDIA

General Resources

GUILFORD COLLEGE LIBRARY GUIDE