Abstract
Challenges for young men and women entering the workforce upon college graduation are dauntingly intimidating. Major forces driving against success are very often connected to miscommunication, inter-cultural differences, and misperceptions about contrasting values and beliefs. A very simple and exciting way to learn and build strategies for overcoming these obstacles is choosing to study abroad during college. However, I argue that one should go a step further and make the courageous choice to volunteer while abroad. Not only will students build confidence in their ability to minimize cultural conflicts and issues, but they will also uncover the true cultural norms of a foreign country: norms that are absent from books and national geographic. My volunteer experience at a non-profit food aid organization in Amman, Jordan is one I hope all college students will experience in order to better their prospects for success in life after college.
Recommended Citation
Bukowski, Jonathan H.
(2015)
"Breaking Down Walls, Building Cross-Cultural Relationships,"
VA Engage Journal: Vol. 4, Article 4.
Available at:
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/vaej/vol4/iss1/4
Included in
Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, International and Intercultural Communication Commons, Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Commons