Portfolio Intercultural Awareness
Phase 1 (“Expectations”): Aug. 7 – 28, 2021
Phase 2 (“Experiences”): Aug. 28 – Dec. 3, 2021
Phase 3 (“Evaluation”): Dec. 3 – 24, 2021
ECTS Credits: integrated into the 6 ECTS per FU-BEST course
As part of their study experience at FU-BEST, every student will compile their own "Portfolio Intercultural Awareness" (PIA). PIA is a self-guided reflection module designed to enhance the study experience; it is integrated into each FU-BEST course (and its overall ECTS credits). Students will reflect upon their perceptions of the international study experience at FU-BEST, their encounters with people from different cultural backgrounds, and their own concepts of themselves in relation to others. They will be introduced to theoretical concepts of cultural framing, stereotyping, and global citizenship, and apply them to their own experiences as an "I" and as an "other" in various environments. In exercises designed to heighten their intercultural awareness, they will be able to put their individual experience into context and apply their analytical skills towards a better understanding of and approach to human interaction and communication.
Each student’s PIA is a conversation that they have with themselves, anticipating, reporting, and reminiscing about their FU-BEST experience, but also their study and growth experience at a temporarily different academic home in general. It will help them learn about themselves and the way they can enter into meaningful and eye-opening interaction with other human beings.