Program dates: 01/10/2016 – 04/16/2016
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Academic study will focus on intensive language study, and the history, culture, and socio-economic institutions of Ecuador. Following an orientation program in Quito, the 12 student participants will be based in Cuenca and take field trips to Jatun Sacha (primary rain forest) as well as local areas of interest. Students live with host families while in Cuenca.
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Culture Shock Essay from January - The Worldwide Classroom website defines culture shock as the “the anxiety that results from losing all familiar signs and symbols of social intercourse.” Common symptoms include bewilderment, loneliness, disproportionate irritation and frustration, insecurity, homesickness, and a desire to spend time with people from home. I’m definitely in the irritability stage of culture shock. I’m not […]
Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism Eassy - Dictionary.com defines ethnocentrism as the belief in the intrinsic superiority of the nation, culture, or group to which one belongs, often accompanied by feelings of dislike for other groups, and cultural relativism as the view that ethical and moral standards are relative to what a particular society or culture believes to be good/bad, right/wrong. Personally, […]
Syncretism Essay - According to the dictionary, syncretism is the amalgamation or attempted amalgamation of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought. Catholicism is heavily syncretic. Christmas, Easter, All Saints’ Day, and Corpus Cristi are all examples of major holidays that were heavily influenced by non-Catholic religions. Much of syncretism stems from attempts to ease people into Catholicism […]
Syncretism - I define syncretism as the combination of cultures, rituals, and/or traditions. When I think of syncretism in Ecuador, religion is usually the only thing that comes to mind. The combinations of Catholicism and indigenous tradition come together to create something unique and specific to la gente aquí. It’s interesting to think about this phenomenon, specifically […]
Culture Shock - I personally define culture shock as the experience of a new culture different than you own, with what might be surprising customs, traditions, behaviors, etc. Culture shock can be hard for some people or exciting for others. Being in Ecuador, I haven’t actually experienced that much of culture shock. I have traveled in the past […]
Ethnocentricity: Comida - Ethnocentricity is the inclination to use ones own culture as the standard against which all others are held. I grew up in the dieting culture of the United States. Every week there is a new method by which we can lose weight as effortlessly and efficiently as possible. I am a product of the modern […]
Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism #2 - Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism I’ve always tried to stay on the side of cultural relativism, which I define as remembering the context and culture you’re in instead of immediately judging something. I view ethnocentrism as something that stems from racism or a type of nationalism, that your culture is the best and every other culture […]
Culture Shock: Linea 5 - Before coming to Ecuador I was given forewarning that “catcalling” would be an issue and that people would stare because I look different. What I was unprepared for was the reaction that my appearance would evoke from children. My commute to and from school involves a short walk and a twenty-minute bus ride. I am […]
Syncretism: Public Health Ecuador - It is the job of public healthcare workers to address the health needs of the community in its entirety. With a clear divide between indigenous and modern culture, it is only natural that the healthcare system would reflect such a blend and such a distinction. During our cultural study project, I have addressed this larger […]
Culture Post #3: Syncretism - Syncretism is the combining, or attempted combining of two different cultures, religions, or ways of thinking. In general, I don’t really think of this as a bad thing, so long as both cultures are respected in the process and the intent is not malicious. Honestly, this is not really something that I ever think about […]