CUL286 FLPA Tokyo: a student perspective | Faculty of Arts

The CUL286 Cross Cultural Communications FLPA in Tokyo, Japan, commenced on February 24th. 

What follows is an interview between Denise Uderian (student) and Maxine Britto  (co-facilitator), live from Tokyo. 

Maxine: Denise, can you share what made you apply for this specific FLPA?
Denise: I applied for this specific FLPA because I am fascinated about other cultures in the world, especially the ones that are completely different from my own. I have a particular interest in East Asia because the cultures have more socialist aspects and are some of the most efficient, smart, and hardworking people in the world. My parents came from Czechoslovakia and I was raised to know both socialist and capitalistic ways of life. 

Maxine: With respect to cross-cultural communications, what are the top three things you've learned during your trip thus far?
Denise: The top 3 things I've learned during the trip regarding cross-cultural communication: First, to put your own culture in the back of your mind and do your best to follow the culture you are in, be that rules, etiquette, or language. Second, it's to your advantage to be kind, humble, and apologetic, and locals in the country you are visiting will see that and be kind to you as well. Third, pay attention to non-verbal cues during interactions, and do your best to reciprocate the appropriate response and non-verbal cues as well.

Maxine: What are you looking forward to during the rest of our stay in Japan?
Denise: I am looking forward to exploring outside of Tokyo and discovering how the culture might be different even in other cities or towns, interacting with locals, practicing basic Japanese, and feeling like I'm integrating into the local culture already!