Final entry

Topic 10 Lessons Learned

4/21/2024

What have been the most impactful lessons that you have learned in this class and in this semester? In what ways have your thoughts and understanding of culture developed? Take time to write “where you were” and “where you are now.” Be specific and detailed about your experiences and what activities impacted you the most.

Last year, I embarked on my very first journey abroad to continue my education. Doing this in a foreign land offers a unique window into the soul of its culture. Of course, it was not a smooth process because there were a lot of cultural shocks; I couldn’t comprehend how people act here, and it was very difficult to even make friends but my decision to take the LLC 135 All About America class after meeting with Leslie this year has been one of the best choices I’ve made so far in this journey. LLC 135 All About America has not merely been a course; it has been an expedition into understanding the “why” behind the “what” of American behavior and societal norms. This class has helped transform my perceptions, teaching me not to see just with my eyes but with an informed mind therefore fostering my intercultural competence to operate effectively and empathetically in a multi-cultural environment.

From the onset, this class challenged me to look beyond the surface elements of American culture such as language, and food, to grasp the foundational cultural values and attitudes that guide everyday life in the US. For example, the course teachings about Althen, the American Ways, has enriched my understanding by detailing the cultural norms and values (Althen and Bennett, 2011). Althen emphasizes values such as equality, which is fundamental in American ethics and is reflected in social, legal, and political systems. Students calling their professors by their first name was one of my cultural shocks. At first, I didn’t understand why but the readings and the class lectures have helped me understand equality value in America. Understanding this has helped me appreciate why Americans place a great emphasis on equal opportunities, a concept that permeates various aspects of life from education to the workplace. Understanding these cultural values and attitudes will forever continue to help me demystify behaviors that initially seemed inexplicably.

To continue, one of the most enlightening aspects of the class was the daily journal entries. This is because the daily entries have made me reflect on myself, America, and my country Ghana. Each of the entries has made me reflect on the cultural and societal connections and contradictions between America and Ghana, which I had never thought about or even knew in the first place. For example, Hofstede’s cultural dimension on individualism versus collectiveness has helped me understand the strong emphasis on personal freedom and self-reliance prevalent in American society (Hofstede, 2011). This dimension was particularly enlightening, contrasting sharply with the more collectivist orientation of my home country, where community and familial ties hold important sway over personal choices. Whenever I go out of my room and just stare around, I see the difference in culture, and this is because of how everyone here is just busy doing their own thing as well as personal freedom which is different from my country Ghana. It just feels different. By continuously comparing my own cultural background with the American ways through these journal entries, I learned a great deal about myself; my bias, assumptions, and how my culture shapes my worldview.

To conclude, the activities in this class not only broadened my understanding of cultural differences but also equipped me with the tools to empathetically engage with them. Learning about these cultural dimensions, and values has enabled me to navigate social interactions more effectively, ensuring that I respect and appreciate the diversity of perspectives that I encounter. Also, activities such as daffodil festivals, and in-class group activities have made me bond with people in class and some of them are going to be my forever friends. Thanks to this class I have been able to gain knowledge of the American culture as well as make life-long friends, making my study abroad not just memorable but truly enlightening. I have attached pictures of some of the outdoor activities we did as a class, and the friends I made through this class.

Trip to Museum

TOPIC 9

4/20/2024

Choose one display at the museum that makes an impression on you. Briefly describe the display (approximately 2 sentences). Why does it make an impression on you? What conclusions can you come to from this display? Can you relate this display and its messages to any of our class topics so far? Explain any connections and reinforcement or contradictions of class topics.

The historical artifact I have chosen is the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence and freedom. The Liberty Bell is a massive bronze bell, with a distinctive crack running down its side that is an important and symbolic artifact in American history. The Liberty Bell gained iconic importance when abolitionists in their efforts to put an end to slavery throughout America adopted it as a symbol. It then serves as a reminder of the struggle for independence and the values upon which the United States was founded. It symbolizes freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and these are principles that are deeply ingrained in American culture as described by Althen in the American Ways book. (Althen and Bennett, 2011). This historical artifact stands proudly in Philadelphia echoing the history of America’s struggle for liberty. This display makes a profound interest in me due to its rich historical significance and the powerful message it conveys. Whenever I see pictures of it, I am reminded of the sacrifices made by those who fought for independence and the enduring values of democracy, liberty, and equality as learned in class. For example, George Washington, the commander in Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, whose resolve and strategic awareness turned the tide in favor of colonies against British rule. Also, Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, articulated the colonies’ reasons for seeking independence from the British and his eloquent prose helped declare the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness therefore echoing the liberty bell inscription calling for liberty not forgetting how he purchased Louisiana in 1803 to expand the Westward and also the expansion of US today.

The Liberty Bell can be related to our class discussions on the American Revolution and the formation of democratic principles. Its inscription, “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land unto All the Inhabitants thereof,” reinforces the themes of freedom and equality discussed in class. Also, it reflects the significance of symbols in shaping America’s national identity and collective memory.

In conclusion, the Liberty Bell is not just a historical artifact; it’s a symbol of the enduring values that form the foundation of the United States. It reinforces the importance of preserving and honoring history, even in the moment of struggle and imperfection. Its display serves as a reminder of the country’s journey and the principles that continue to guide its path.

Trip to Gloucester

Topic #8: Learning from our trip off campus.

04/13/2024.

Think about your day off campus. Take a picture of something that sparks your interest.

What does that picture mean for you? Refer to any of the questions below to guide your
commentary.
OR Answer any or all of these questions about any aspect of your day:
• Did you see or experience anything that you were not expecting? Describe.
• Was there anything that particularly caught your thoughts? Describe.
• Could you relate any of our class topics to various aspects of your trip?
• Could you identify cultural influences on your own beliefs and values?
• Most importantly, what did you learn from your day?
If you did not go on the trip, comment on a recent trip, following the same guidelines.

Our trip to Gloucester proved to be an eye-opening experience and also presented unexpected encounters and cultural reflections for me which I have combined into three points.

Firstly, upon arrival at Leslie’s home, I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by not only Leslie but also her three lovely and friendly dogs. This immediately caught my attention, as it was something I had not experienced before in Ghana, where owning multiple friendly dogs is relatively uncommon. This experience sparked my curiosity and led me to reflect on the cultural differences between pet ownership and companionship.

Secondly, the visit to Lesile’s home provided an opportunity for me to experience American hospitality firsthand. As we were welcomed into the house, I couldn’t help but notice the warmth and generosity with which we were received. This hospitality reminded me of similar customs in Ghana, where hosting guests with water and food is a common practice. However, what stood out as distinctly different was Leslie’s suggestion for her husband to take us on a tour of their garden and this is a gesture that is not commonly observed in Ghana hospitality customs. In Ghana, while guests may be invited to sit and relax, it is not common for hosts to offer guided tours of their gardens or even talk about the history of the gardens or home. These differences in hospitality customs highlighted the diverse ways in which cultural norms manifest in different societies. While the gesture was unfamiliar to me, it offers a deeper understanding of Leslie and her husband’s interest and passion for gardens and also their generosity and willingness to share their space with us.

Lastly, arriving at the Daffodil festival, I was surprised by the vibrant atmosphere, the number of people, and the colorful display of flowers and historical content. Initially, I was surprised by how everyone had a different table to display their unique artifacts, and this surprised me because, during festivals in Ghana, there’s no separation of artifacts everyone comes together to sing, dance, and enjoy the same festival foods. These differences highlight Hofstede’s cultural dimensions of individualism and collectiveness (Hofstede, 2011). The separation of the display of items and art highlights Americans’ acts of individualism, where everyone is expected to look out for themselves, and also fosters personal freedom, expression, and independence while Ghanaian approach to festivals highlights collectiveness where activities like singing, dancing, and eating together are communal, reflecting unity and the blurring of individual distinction in a favor of group identity and enjoyment.

The festival provided a scent of various floral arrangements and a diverse array of people from different backgrounds each displaying unique artifacts and thereby contributing to the rich tapestry of American culture as described by Althen in the American ways of life (Althen and Bennett, 2011).

Throughout the day, concepts such as hospitality, cultural differences, and the significance of traditions resonated with me as I engaged with various aspects of American culture by moving from one tent to another and taking pictures of some of the displays. As I returned to campus at the end of the day, I carried with me a deeper appreciation of the diversity of festival celebrations in America. Below are the pictures.

HISTORY

HISTORY

4/5/2024

In your opinion, is it important to learn the history of a culture? Why or why not?
Considering the history that you have studied so far about the U.S., what event or event(s)
strike(s) you as quite interesting? Why? Describe your reactions and thoughts about that event.
Be specific. What values (or cultural dimensions) are reflected in this event, if any? What
changes do you believe resulted for the nation due to that event?
What do you consider from your own country’s history as particularly interesting? What catches
your attention? What values (or cultural dimensions) are reflected in this event, if any? What
changes do you believe resulted for the nation due to that event?
Do the two events that you mentioned above have anything in common?

In my opinion, learning a particular history is very significant for several reasons and this is because learning and understanding the history of a culture provides knowledge of the culture’s values, norms, ways of life, traditions, and beliefs. This will help in a deeper appreciation of the culture, fostering respect and empathy towards people from different cultures and beliefs and also promote cross-cultural understanding. For example, my first time learning the history of the USA was in class on Tuesday and I initially had just a little or no knowledge of the history of America but the exposure to this history has helped me gain knowledge of how America came about and how certain people such as the loving couple who had to be heroes for us to enjoy the freedom we have today and this is very emphatic and has improved on my knowledge and understanding of the American culture and cultural literacy. The picture below is the picture of the Loving couple Richard and Mildred Loving and their children.

One event in the US history that strikes me as interesting is the Civil War. The Civil War was the war between the Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederacy) from 1861 to 1865 and this was primarily due to issues such as slavery, state rights, and the preservation of the union. Understanding this history for the first time in class evokes a mix of emotions and contemplations about how this war had a profound impact on society. This is because the Civil War led to divisions, sacrifice, transformation, and death of more than 620,000 men which is more than any other war in U.S. history. Understanding all these made me feel sad and imagine how the humans were suffering and the loss of life experienced during the war. At the same time, learning about the abolitionist movement, and the efforts of African American soldiers to fight for freedom fills me with admiration for those who bravely stood against injustice and oppression. The pictures below illustrate the sufferings of the people and some of the soldiers who stood for abolition.

One key value or cultural dimension reflected in this war is individualism and collectiveness as highlighted by Hofstede’s cultural dimensions that we have discussed in class. According to Hofstede, individualism is the belief in the significance of personal freedom, and self-reliance whilst collectiveness is the importance of group harmony and cooperation (Hofstede, 2011). The Civil War serves as a reflection of the differences between these opposing values. Because, the Southern states driven by a collectivist mindset, defended the institution of slavery as essential to their social and economic structure, and resisted federal intervention whilst the Northern states driven by individualistic values, advocated for the abolition of slavery, preservation of the union, and viewed slavery as a moral evil that contradicted the principles of equality and liberty. This war resulted in the abolition of slavery, and the constitution was amended to free the enslaved people (13th amendment), to assure “equal protection under the law” for American citizens (14th amendment), and to grant black men the right to vote (15th Amendment).

I consider my country’s history particularly interesting in the struggle for independence. Because the struggle for independence was advocated by visionary leaders, like Kwame Nkrumah the first president of Ghana, spirited activism, and grassroots mobilization against the British colonial oppression. This event reflects values such as unity, courage, and patriotism. The independence movement led to a significant change in my country, including the ending of slavery, the establishment of Ghana as the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957, and the beginning of a new era of sovereignty and national pride in Ghana. The pictures below are the images of the first president of Ghana who fought for our independence.

While the Civil War and Ghana’s independence occurred in different years, they both showed the pursuit of freedom, assertion of the nation’s identity, and self-determination. In the Civil War, they fought for state’s rights which is similar to Ghana’s fight for independence.

Any topic Entry

Contrasting the cultural perspective On Evidence and Argumentation as a way of reasoning between the American and Ghanaian approach using References from Althen “American Ways ” for Americans and my lived experiences in Ghana (Where I’m from and grew up).

March 23rd, 2024.

In a world where global connectivity has become the norm rather than the exception, the difference in which we communicate and argue across cultures differs from one country to another and has never been more important to comprehend. Central to this intercultural exchange is the role of evidence in shaping our discussions, debates, and speech. Althen in his book “American Ways”, illuminates resourceful exploitation into the American cultural framework, which offers a valuable and resourceful perspective for this comprehensive analysis between Americans and other countries like Japan. While he did not talk about Ghanaians, I will reference my life-lived experiences and analyze the differences between Americans.

Gary Althen, in his insightful work, “American Ways: A Guide for Foreigners in the United States,” highlights the American penchant for quantifiable facts and a linear reasoning process as foundational to effective argumentation (Althen and Bennett, 2011). This preference stems from a broader cultural emphasis on individualism and the empirical tradition of the Enlightenment, which vaporizes scientific reasoning and objective evidence. In the American educational system, students are taught to build their arguments like a scaffold, where each fact acts as a support beam for the overarching thesis. This methodological approach ensures that arguments are structured, predictable, and, most importantly, verifiable. In professional settings, this manifests in a reliance on data, statistics, and explicit linkages between cause and effect. Althen notes that Americans tend to be skeptical of arguments that rely heavily on anecdotal evidence or emotional appeals, viewing them as less legitimate or persuasive. This can be seen in the legal system’s emphasis on ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ and in academic research’s peer review processes, which prioritize methodological rigor and replicability. An example of how Americans use evidence in their speech, debates, or discussions is shown in the picture below.

In contrast with the American emphasis on facts, data, quantities, ranking, or amounts, as a way of reasoning, the Ghanaian approach to argumentation, discussions, and even speech is deeply rooted in storytelling and communal validation. Growing up in a Ghanaian home, school, and community, evidence is often presented through narratives that encapsulate moral lessons, historical precedents, and communal wisdom. These stories do not merely serve to entertain; they are a vehicle for transmitting values, norms, and ethical guidelines across generations. For example, whenever my mom or an elderly person gives me advice, they always use someone’s life experience as a reference. This can be a person whom I have no knowledge about and can’t even find online when I search but I need to believe that and act accordingly.

Also, in discussions, speech, and arguments, the effectiveness of an argument in this context is measured not only by its logical consistency but also by its ability to resonate with the audience’s shared experiences and collective memory. This approach underscores the importance of relational harmony and social cohesion, reflecting a worldview where the community’s well-being is prioritized over individual interests. In such a setting, the persuasiveness of evidence is intricately linked to the speaker’s ability to weave together personal anecdotes, cultural references, and communal values into a coherent and compelling narrative. The pictures below illustrate how when growing up, elders give speeches, discussions, and even debates based on storytelling and lived experiences and usually this is done by sitting beside a fire at home.

These differences in ways of reasoning between the Americans and Ghanaians highlight a deeper cultural divergence regarding the nature of truth, the role of the individual versus the community, and the pathways to knowledge. While the American approach prioritizes objective analysis and the deconstruction of arguments into verifiable components, the Ghanaian approach values the holistic integration of knowledge, emphasizing relational dynamics and communal consensus.

Diversity

Topic 5 Diversity.

3/2/2024

Now that we have studied diversity and explored identity in the U.S., you may have had some time to think about how these concepts are shaped in the U.S. You have watched videos about identity and diversity: Current Issues Facing Muslim Americans and possibly The American Dream from Asian Students’ Perspectives. You also watched the TED talk The Danger of a Single Story, about cultural identity. Some questions you can ask yourself: What do you think of the diversity in the U.S.? Is your country similar in its journey with diversity? What is your perception of the gifts and challenges of a diverse nation? In your responses, please refer to at least two of the videos above and two of your classmates’ presentations.

Reflecting on the concept of diversity and identity in the United States of America as a Ghanaian, I am surprised and overwhelmed by the rich culture, race, and background identities that make America unique. After reading the book by Althen “The American Ways, listening to my classmates’ presentations, and watching the videos about identity and diversity, I will describe America as a country of a kaleidoscope of rich and valued experiences and this is because, it is a mosaic of cultures, languages, and histories. It is a place where people from all corners of the globe converge, bringing with them their unique perspectives, traditions, and dreams. For example, there was a mass migration of Thais to America and a chain migration of the Chaldean to America. The diversity in America is palpable—from the Amish, Asian, and Muslim to specific foods, songs, and values and it is a nation where the richness lies not only in its landscapes but also in the stories etched into the hearts of its people.

In the video and slides “Current Issues Facing Muslim Americans,” I gained insights into the struggles and resilience of Muslim communities navigating their identities in a post-9/11 world. The challenges they face—stereotyping, discrimination, and the constant need to prove their loyalty—are poignant reminders of the complexities of being both American and Muslim. Yet, amidst adversity, there is a spirit of unity and determination. Muslim Americans contribute significantly to the fabric of this nation, whether as doctors, engineers, artists, or activists. Their stories remind me that diversity is not merely about tolerance; it is about celebrating the myriad ways we express our humanity. These same experiences can be seen with the Thai Americans who had three stages of immigration to the USA and have been labeled as refugees rather than immigrants and sometimes referred to as Koreans, Vietnamese, or Chinese Americans.

In Ghana, our journey with diversity has its own contours. Our history bears the scars of colonialism, slavery, and tribal conflicts. We are a nation of over 100 ethnic groups with distinct languages, customs, and beliefs. Our diversity is not always harmonious; it has been tested by political strife and economic disparities. Yet, like the U.S., we find strength in our differences. Our kente cloth, vibrant festivals, and communal spirit bind us together. We celebrate our unity in diversity during events like Homowo (celebrated by the Ewe ethnic group), Odwira (celebrated by the Fante ethnic group), and Adae Kese (celebrated by my ethnic group called the Ashantis), In these festivals, where we honor our ancestors, perform traditional dance, cook traditional dishes, and renew our commitment to shared progress. So, when we embrace different perspectives, we expand our horizons. Ghana’s music draws from highlife, hiplife, and gospel; our literature echoes the voices of Ama Ata Aidoo, Ayi Kwei Armah, and Kwame Nkrumah. Similarly, the U.S. thrives on its fusion of cultures—jazz, hip-hop, Hollywood, and Silicon Valley—all products of diverse minds collaborating. Our shared humanity transcends borders, and our collective creativity knows no bounds.

Below are some pictures of Kente cloth, traditional festivals and traditional foods in Ghana from different ethnic groups.

What Is Kente Cloth? A Look at the African Textile 15 Popular Festivals in Ghana, The Regions and People Who Celebrate It Ghana’s Traditional Festivals: A View into Our Unique Cultural Heritage ...

10 Traditional Ghanaian Dishes You Need To Try 12 Traditional Ghanaian Foods to Introduce you to the Country’s ...

However, diversity also presents challenges. Stereotypes persist, perpetuating single stories. Just as Adichie warned, reducing any group to a single narrative erases their complexity. I believe that embracing diversity requires us to recognize and celebrate the multiplicity of voices and experiences within our communities. It requires us to challenge our preconceptions and biases and to actively seek out diverse perspectives to gain a more nuanced understanding of the world. In both Ghana and the U.S., we must dismantle these narratives. Education is our ally—the antidote to ignorance. By learning about one another, we dispel myths and build bridges.

To conclude, diversity is not a static state; it is a dynamic dance of cultures, languages, and dreams. As a Ghanaian, I celebrate the U.S.’s kaleidoscope of identities while recognizing that our journey toward understanding and unity continues.

Values

TOPIC 4

2/24/2024

When listening to the video project on “What Does it Mean to Be American?” by previous students Lucie, Dominika, and Gemma, do the participants’ answers conflict or agree with what you have learned from our text American Ways by Gary Althen? Did anything they say surprise you? Why or why not? When thinking of your own or your nation’s assumed values, how do U.S. values compare? What is important to you personally?

When listening and watching the video project on “What Does it Mean to Be American?” by previous students Lucie, Dominika, and Gemma the participant’s answers do agree with the values from American Ways by Gary Althen. Both talk about or emphasize the importance of freedom, individualism, diversity, determination, opportunity, and the pursuit of knowledge as a core value to Americans. Participants in the video project voice out their thoughts as Americans and how these values really shape who they are.

One thing that surprised me was the woman (Anita) who when asked words to describe America said that she is ashamed of America now and not proud of America anymore but when asked this same question years ago her answer would have been different. She said most Americans are selfish, and greedy and only care about themselves. Also, they are uninformed (don’t pay attention to what is going on in the world), naïve and nationalistic, and lastly people treat others equally but not with equity. I am really surprised about this and I think her shift in perception from pride to being ashamed was notable and reflected broader concerns about the state of American society.

Also, what also surprised me was how diverse America is. Initially, I thought America wasn’t diverse because I mostly heard of blacks, whites, Latinos, and Hispanics but after reading the book and watching the video, I gained insight into how a lot of people from different races migrated to America and this highlights how diverse America is and this diversity emphasizes on the cultural differences that contribute to America society today. The picture below shows how diverse American is with different race.

How to Use In-Person Events to Foster Diversity + Inclusion ...

As a Ghanaian, I have some similarities between American values and those of my own nation. The pursuit of opportunity, freedom, and democracy is described as the fundamental principle in Ghana. In Ghana, there is a belief in the importance of hard work and determination in achieving success. However, while they may be similar there are differences in how these values are manifested and interpreted in both counties. For example, the concept of Freedom in Ghana may be understood and practiced differently in different homes compared to the concept of freedom in the USA. In my family, you can only have the freedom to do anything you want when you’re on your own and that is you’re living on your own, paying your rent, and caring for yourself with your own money. If you are in the family house, you can’t have all the freedoms that you want even if you want to go out to spend some time with your friends you will have to ask for permission and the permission must be approved before you can visit your friends. There’s nothing like I am eighteen years old so I have to decide on what is better for me or even go out whenever, and whichever I want. No, it is never like that in most homes in Ghana. If you want freedom you need to be independent first. Also, sometimes, students pick a major or classes that they want based on their parent’s decision.

Personally, what is important to me is equity, community, and independence. I believe in the importance of respecting diversity, embracing everyone’s differences, fostering inclusivity, and depending on oneself.

CUTLURAL ADJUSTMENT

TOPIC 3

2/17/2024

Did you identify with any of the cultural adjustment stages that YiChen in Postcards experienced? Describe your experience. Think of a time you or a friend experienced culture shock. What did you do to help yourself or your friend? In your opinion, what are (or could be) effective ways to culturally adjust at the University of Richmond?

On July 20, 2023, I embarked on my very first journey abroad to pursue my studies in the United States. The excitement of receiving an acceptance letter from the University of Richmond was beyond measure. I was very happy when I got to the US, the weather, environment, and technological development were mind-blowing. Before, coming to Richmond for school, I visited my aunt in Chicago, Illinois and it felt like back home in Ghana since I mostly stay at home, enjoy Ghanaian foods, and visit a lot of fashion shops, and restaurants and also get to experience how beautiful the skyline in Chicago downtown is. I was welcomed and I felt that my presence was valued just as back at home so, I was eager to explore the unfamiliar environment when I got to campus. However, as I soon discovered, the transition from Ghana to the United States came with its fair share of challenges when I got to campus, and weeks later my honeymoon phase as described by Oberg ‘ cultural shock‘, started drifting away. I encountered series of challenges and experiences that left me feeling disoriented similar to Yi Chen, cultural shock.

My initial hurdle was the language barrier. Communicating effectively and understanding the other students from different races proved to be quite challenging. It was more of me not being able to comprehend what they were saying and vice versa and adjusting to this new linguistic environment was a humbling experience. I mostly repeat myself whenever I talk several times which made me feel like not participating either in class or any group discussions, especially in classes where I am the only black student since I have a strong Ghanaian accent. Another significant challenge I encountered was adapting to the American food system. The culinary landscape was markedly different from what I was accustomed to in Ghana. Moreover, the differences in social norms and academic expectations made me feel isolated since I struggled to navigate daily conversations, interactions, and cultural variations making me feel homesick.

To cope with this cultural shock, I confronted a junior-year Ghanaian on campus to help me navigate the foods in the dining hall. I followed his recommendations for some days but I realized that I kept on eating the same food which was also slowly affecting me. But this took a fortunate turn during one of my FYS classes, my professor asked us about the challenges we are facing as an international student. So, I told him what was going on, and a few days later, I received an email from the dean of Westhampton Way asking for a meet-up. During our meeting, she told me that my FYS professor referred me to her and she wanted to help me so, she connected me to the Language department, and the school dietician to help me look for foods that would help me and connected me to other campus resources.

This meeting helped me adjust slowly to this new culture by utilizing the resources she emailed to me to develop strategies to connect with others and learn more about American culture. But most importantly what helped me personally was that I embraced diversity and valued everyone’s differences which made it easier for me to cope with other students.

In my opinion, the best way to culturally adjust at the University of Richmond is firstly to seek support from your academic advisor, deans, mentors, and professors. There are a lot of resources available on campus to help international and exchange students struggling with cultural and social adjustments.

Also, know that everyone has a unique background and experiences that will be different from yours so, step out of your comfort zone, be open-minded, and explore new experiences. Whether it’s trying new foods, attending campus events, or joining student clubs and organizations on campus, embracing growth can enhance cultural understanding and personal growth.

Lastly, Practice self-care. Remember to take care of your emotional, physical, and mental well-being such as exercises (the gym is free make good use of it before you leave campus), relaxing, and managing stress (hang out with your friends to relieve stress), doing this will promote resilience.

I have attached some pictures of me and my friends trying new restaurants off campus and some campus activities that I attended on and off campus and made new friends.

Cultural dimension

CULTURAL DIMENSIONS 02/2/2024

Choose two cultural dimensions (either from Hofstede’s model or the CARLA map) that we studied. What are your reactions to those dimensions? How might those dimensions be a challenge or surprise, if at all, for you or others while you are in U.S. culture? If you want to compare how that dimension may differ for U.S. culture, you can search for the U.S. scores on Hofstede’s website.

As an international student from Ghana and my first time experiencing the US culture two cultural dimensions sparked my attention and might be challenging while living here.

One of them is Individualism vs collectivism. From Hofstede’s website Ghana scored a very low score of 9 under individualism compared to the United States which scored 60. Hofstede characterized collectiveness as a cultural trait where individuals are deeply ingrained within tight knit in groups from early childhood. These groups often extended families (with uncles, aunts and grandparents) offer unwavering protection and unquestioning loyalty. From this reference, Ghana where I come from and the society, I grew up from is a very collective country. My society fosters strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for their fellow members in the group. This has made me to grow up with a sense of community and belonging in everything that I do but the shift to an individualistic country is both surprising and challenging. Adapting to this environment presents personal expectations and social dynamics challenges. An example is my experience of how group assignments are done in the US. In Ghana, when given group assignments or any group work, all the members are expected to make decisions as to when we are to meet in person and work on the assignments together by sharing any ideas and but not limited to any research that one has found which in line with the work but my experience so far in the US, is quite different. When given any group assignments everyone just does it on their own in their own space and one person decides to submit it. This was quite surprising, and a challenge to me because I have to learn how to balance personal aspirations and maintain meaningful connections with other students from different backgrounds and experiences. But looking at the positive side of this culture in the US, there’s personal freedom, and individuals are often encouraged to pursue their passions and be responsible for their own decisions which I think fosters personal growth and self-discovery. The picture below shows collectiveness vs individualism.

Individualism vs Collectivism - YouTube

The second cultural dimension in the Hofstede Cultural Dimensions from Mindtools that also surprised me was equality vs hierarchy. In Ghana, one cannot address an elderly person by their first name or even refer to their professors by their first name only because it is considered disrespect, and if one is not lucky and refers to a professor by their name without adding their title, that person can be punished or have a bad relationship with that particular professor which can affect one’s opportunity. Even at home, the elder person decides for the younger siblings, we add brother or sister to an elder person’s name and call any woman mom and any man dad. An example is how I call my elder brother: Bra Akoto and Bra Enock, my younger siblings call me sister Yvonne and I call my aunties Mom and my uncle Dad. It is actually weird to say that in the US. Professors and elder individuals are referred to by their first names. There’s a belief that people should interact with each other on a level playing field. There’s an encouragement to question authority, share opinions, and speak casually thereby improving personal growth, openness, and collaborative engagement without any hierarchy. A typical hierarchy picture of a family in Ghana is showed below.

All these experiences are shaping me to become somebody better in the future with dynamic exploration and experiences.

Protected: What’s my lens

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