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Cultural Immersion for Students Studying on Enclaves

Enhancing your cultural immersion while on an Enclave Program

While the burden of immersion always lies with the student, this is even more so for students participating in an Enclave program. An Enclave program through AU Abroad implies that a large number (20-40) of American University students will study in your host country together. This section includes some do’s and don’ts for enhanced immersion on an Enclave program and how to break away from the group.

Enhance your cultural immersion

1. Choose a homestay: If you can choose to live in a homestay while abroad this can be a great view into part of the culture of the country where you are studying. Host families come in all shapes and sizes and offer a wide range of insights into your host culture. Through your daily conversations with your host family, you can discuss politics, entertainment, current events and everyday life. Most homestays also include meals; mealtime is a great chance to work on your language skills and learn more about the local cuisine. Many students even learn to make popular dishes of their host region that they can then prepare for friends and family when they return to the States.
   
   
2. Intern: If your enclave program offers an internship and you meet the prerequisites, intern while you are studying abroad. To understand the local workplace, you must join this part of the culture yourself. Most other countries do not utilize “Interns” like here in the US. Your internship abroad will be very different than one here and most likely something you could never experience in DC. An internship can also help you make contacts in your host country, if you would ever want to return for business or pleasure.
   
   
3. Try to use the language of the host country as much as possible: In most program destinations, you will come in contact with many people who speak some English. Don’t use this as a crutch. Try to use your language skills often, even if you only know a little. Learn how to order coffee or your favorite food in the dominant language of the host country. Learn etiquette and common phrases for buying groceries or taking public transportation. Using your language skills will also show others that you are interested in learning the language and you are not just a tourist.
   
   
4. Join a club: Just as DC has numerous recreational sports leagues and other organizations you can join, so will most major cities where you will be studying. Join one that interests you.
   
   
5. Take a class at a local University: Some enclave programs allow you to take a course at the local university. If you meet the prerequisites take this opportunity to learn what is similar and what is different about student life in your host country.
   
   
6. Practice your language with a partner: Many programs can also connect you to a study buddy. This is especially popular in countries where the main language is not English. You can easily be matched to a local student your age who wants to practice their English. You can practice you foreign language skills as well.
   

A few cultural immersion don'ts

1. Don’t travel in large groups (7-8 people) at all times. In such a large group, locals will most likely not approach you in such a large group. Also large groups are often loud, only emphasizing the stereotype of obnoxious Americans. Visit places in the city in groups of two or three instead.
   
   
2. Be cautious when mingling with the locals at large clubs or bars. This is more likely to get you into a dangerous situation than a positive one. Often late hours and alcohol can introduce you to the people you don’t want to meet. Always use the same if not more precautions that you would use when meeting new people in DC. Also be very careful about beginning romantic relationships abroad.

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