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Student WelfareBelow is 2006-07 information. For 2005-06 information, see that year's General Guide.
Encountering Intolerance AbroadUC students participating in EAP programs worldwide have expressed concern in recent years about how they will be viewed and received in other societies. The range of their concerns encompasses ethnicity, gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, and physical disabilities as well as reactions abroad to U.S. government policies and widely-held stereotypes about Americans. While many people in foreign countries make the distinction between U.S. government policy and the U.S. citizen, UC students may sometimes find that they are the targets of criticism or hostility as they are perceived representatives of the United States or U.S. policy. Sometimes UC students are surprised and dismayed to discover that other societies do not necessarily share prevailing American approaches to these issues or U.S. values about such matters. Encounters with prejudice can be painful for students who feel very strongly that their views are correct and that the prevailing views in the host society are wrong. Because EAP students are guests in the universities and residence halls of other countries, their internal conflicts can sometimes become intensely difficult for them. Therefore, it is crucial that each EAP student give serious thought before departure to the question of how to respond to attitudes and behaviors abroad that may be considered unacceptable in the U.S. One strategy for dealing with behaviors that would be labeled in the U.S. as sexist, racist, or discriminatory is to be analytical rather than emotional. Students should try not to take these things personally or to feel hurt or angry. Students should seek some intellectual understanding of the behavior, and merely observe it, even though they may strongly disagree. Another strategy is to physically move away from the source of the offensive behavior and to discuss it later with other members of the host society whom a student may trust, and with other Americans, EAP Study Center Director or staff, or fellow students. If an explanation is offered, students should try not to dismiss it by making judgments based on personal or home country standards, but rather try to understand the historical and social forces that maintain the values of the host society in the face of pressures for change. Many actions or words that Americans might immediately interpret in a negative light may be more understandable in a different host country context. Societies are, after all, highly complex, interactive, and continuously evolving systems that elude simplistic explanations. Indeed, it is precisely when simplistic, stereotypic explanations hold sway in a society (for example, "all our problems are the fault of _______") that the greatest intolerance occurs. Like violent crime in the U.S., extremist views and resulting actions are disturbing developments that the world community is watching very closely. Nevertheless, students should not be deterred from going about their lives and their business in a normal fashion. Facing such matters thoughtfully, with personal resolve and with compassion for any victim of prejudice is a far more constructive response than fear, anger, and withdrawal. EAP encourages students to read about social and political issues abroad, to think about and discuss these issues before departure, to practice personal tolerance, and to be mature and realistic in their expectations. However, EAP students should report serious or repeated instances of verbal or physical aggression to their EAP Study Center Director, Liaison Officer, or other representative as soon as they occur. All relevant details should be provided at that time. The Study Center Director has been instructed to provide counsel and to pursue appropriate action within the local cultural and/or institutional context. Gender IssuesCheck your home campus website for the most up to date UC sexual harassment policies. Women may experience some particular difficulties while abroad. Despite the fact that the rate of violence towards women, including rape, is higher in the U.S. than in many other countries, facing the unfamiliar can raise the anxiety level. This is compounded by language and cultural differences. American women have a reputation for enjoying a lifestyle, which contrasts with more traditional behavior in many countries. This image is reinforced by distorted stereotypes used in TV, movies, and advertising. Cultural differences extend to body language. U.S. students may encounter people who do not understand that their familiar way with strangers is a gesture of friendship. A smile, a hairstyle, posture, clothing, eye contact, the distance between people talking can have profoundly different interpretations from culture to culture. Even a smile to a stranger may be misunderstood. Students are their own best resource in preparing to face a range of possible situations, from sexual comments or harassment, to the rare extreme of a physically threatening situation. Before leaving, students should take the time and initiative to learn as much as possible about their host country's language, religion, customs, and appropriate dress for women. Women and men who have visited the host country can provide some insight before departure. If possible, students should talk with people from their host country. EAP reciprocity students, for example, are an excellent source of information. Each UC campus has an International Center where students can be contacted. Many UC campuses have women's centers that may be able to provide information. Familiarity with a country's customs will earn students respect and help break down reciprocal stereotypes. Knowledge increases confidence and independence, which are important to personal safety. Once abroad, students should follow examples of culturally appropriate dress and demeanor. Students may want to talk to the local women of their host country or ask about women's organizations. While students can't change the culture around them, friends (American and host nationals) offer a safe haven for developing coping skills and venting frustrations. Cultural differences should not be an excuse to endure verbal or physical abuse. Depending on the situation, students should remove themselves as quickly as possible, confront the person, or ask for support from others. It is important to trust intuition and obey instincts that send warning signals. Students should decline offers that trigger some anxiety, and exit situations that make them nervous. Precautions also apply socially. Most likely, students will find the people they meet to be interesting and interested in them. However, students cannot make judgments regarding their safety based on another person's appearance or financial status. The following tips may help when faced with an uncomfortable situation:
References
Two books that teach basic self assertiveness skills that can help with unwanted attention or frightening situations are:
Sexual Orientation Issues
An excellent website on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues in relation to studying and living abroad, including extensive lists of travel guides, journals, and books, is the web page of the Rainbow Special Interest Group of NAFSA, the Association of International Educators. The site includes newsletter articles, a bibliography of GLBT texts with culturally specific information, as well as travel guides addressing GLBT issues. The site also lists related organizations and Internet links for students. There may also be country-specific information available at your Campus EAP Office. Before you go, it is important to reflect on the culturally based ideas and definitions of sexual identity. For example, does your right to be GLBT in the U.S. conflict with your host country's religious or cultural values and traditions? How will you reconcile your human rights with the cultural values of your host society? Consider how your identity as a GLBT person may affect your relationships with host nationals, your cultural adjustment and your overall education abroad experience. In preparing to study abroad, consider the following:
Gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual students who are not familiar with the legal status and the attendant cultural attitudes of sexual orientation in the host country might consider purchasing the most current edition of one of the various gay and lesbian international reference guides before departing from the United States. Whatever your own sexual orientation, please keep in mind that there may be gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgender students in your EAP group as well as the various groups of individuals you encounter in the host country environment. Some will be 'out,' some not, and some may just be coming to terms with their sexual identity. Sensitivity to this diversity within your own group as well as the diversity of the host culture will further enrich your overall EAP experience. Check Out These Resources:
Sexual Harassment"The University of California is committed to creating
and maintaining a community in which all persons who participate
in University
programs and activities can work together in an atmosphere free of
all forms of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation, including
sexual. Specifically, every member of the University community should
be aware that the University is strongly opposed to sexual harassment
and that such behavior is prohibited both by law and by University
policy. It is the intention of the University to take whatever action
may be needed to prevent, correct, and if necessary, discipline behavior
which violates this policy." The Education Abroad Program is particularly concerned about students facing sexual harassment abroad. Knowing how to identify harassment whether it is between two students, between a professor or teaching assistant and a student, between a home-stay family member and a student, a dorm authority and a student, etc.—and where to report an incident—can help to maintain a safe, harassment-free environment. Sexual harassment may include:
Harassment issues may be particularly difficult to identify abroad, where cultural norms are often different than those in the U.S. A fair rule of thumb is to assume that sexual harassment consists of any unwanted sexual advances and/or behavior of a verbal, visual, written, or physical nature in living arrangements and educational or work environment. Note: Many UC campuses provide online sexual harassment education materials, including information on applicable laws, where to go for help, etc. Most campuses have a dedicated Sexual Harassment/ Title IX Office and Officer to whom you can contact for help. The student should note, however, that the U.S. description of sexual harassment may not mirror the description of harassment of the country in which they are studying. In such cases, students are encouraged to discuss these issues, if they feel comfortable, with the Study Center Director or staff to determine an appropriate course of action. EAP students should trust their judgment and intuition. If a situation makes them uncomfortable, it needs to be addressed. Students should seek help from the Study Center. Study Center personnel can provide counseling and advice, and act in the student's behalf to remedy a problem. If You Experience Sexual Harassment:Report the incident to the EAP Study Center Director or Liaison Officer. He or she can help you to resolve the issue and provide counseling and guidance. If you need further assistance, or you do not feel comfortable in dealing with the Study Center Director or Liaison Officer, contact the EAP Regional Director for your program. Contact information is located in Appendix VI of the EAP General Information Guide. You can also contact the EAP Sexual Harassment Officer, Deb Karoff. When you call or e-mail, indicate that you are having a sexual harassment problem. Leave a phone number and a good time for a call back.
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