Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations

1. Welcome to session 7.07 Saturday 18th of September Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations

2. Speakers and Chair Name Institution Leiden University, the Netherlands Central European University, Hungary Leiden University, the Netherlands NUFFIC, the Netherlands • Ria Jacobi • Tibor Vöros • Henk Frencken • Chair: Hendrik Jan Hobbes Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations

3. Programme of our session Introduction Short introduction of a framework for international awareness in a learning and teaching context. Acculturation project Presentation of the ‘Acculturation Project’: online preparation for international students Business Simulations Presentation on ‘Business Simulations in an international context Discussion Exchange and discussion in groups Wrap up Wrap up and conclusions Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

4. What is this session about? Acculturation of international students ‘Bridging problems’ Two examples of how e-learning can help Exchange of exeperiences & opinions

5. Globalization Issues Cultural issues & problems! How to prepare students? Curriculum change! • World wide integration and deepening of economicactivities • Integrated production and consumption systems • Facilitated by liberalization, deregulation and IT revolution • Unprecedented mobility of goods, services, capitaland people • Events all over the world strongly interdependent Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

6. Curricular Activities Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

7. Acculturation Project Ria Jacobi, Leiden University, the Netherlands www.acculturation.nl Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

8. First two examples! Example Maastricht University Example The Hague University Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

9. Goals Acculturation Project:Online pre-departure preparation • International students acquaint themselves with the educational and academic culture in the Netherlands • International students start their social network online • International students adjust knowledge and skills by following remedial courses Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

10. Results Acculturation Project • Nine Universities cooperate in the project • Nine pilots within these nine institutions • Acculturation materials produced by the project accessible for all partners Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

11. Elements of the nine pilots in our project • The interaction amongst students and staff • Collaboration in student groups • E-coaching • Academic and practical information • Mix of ‘remediation’ and social activities Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

12. Effects Acculturation Pilots Research was part of our project. Findings: • Acculturation is important for the wellbeing of students But…… • The quality of the ‘academic integration’ of the students is a crucial factor for study success Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

13. Intercultural business simulations Tibor Vöros Central European University, Hungary Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

14. Why simulations? Participants are placed in complex situations, where they can be exposed to various educational and cultural concepts Range from simple situational exercises to complex business simulations Provide a structured, controlled environment where participants can experiment Role play allows better understanding of the other culture … most importantly: participants enjoy simulations! Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

15. Let’s see an example Global Challenge: Students form Management Board of a cell phone manufacturer based in the US and moving into Europe and Asia. Each market has different characteristics and expectations. Round-based business simulation, decisions about production, marketing, delivery etc. Competing against the other teams, aim is to maximize shareholder value. Deal with Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss, etc. – business questions. But also create negotiation situations – high power distance company with very rigid structure and low power distance with flat structure (think Google). Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

16. Results Academic & Education There are different levels of internationalization, and universities benefit from careful planning, implementation and monitoring to accomplish successful results on each of the relevant stages. Experiential tools can help a lot, but require careful planning. Global Leaders? …people who can ‘‘learn to (1) transcend their childhood acculturation and respect very different cultures; (2) build cross-cultural partnerships of mutual trust, respect, and obligation; (3) engage in cross-cultural creative problem solving to resolve conflicts; and (4) help construct third cultures in various operations” (Graen and Hui, 1999, p 25). Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.

17. Questions to discuss Choose from the following Do you have your own examples of online cross-cultural learning and teaching? What are the success ingredients for effective online cross-cultural learning and teaching? Does, or could, online acculturation and learning improve the internationalization of your University? You may use the framework provided! Online acculturation and ways of changing cultural interpretations.