I do think the everyone brought their own perspective about globalization and how it affects us all. I found that we all looked for evidence of globalization in relation to what we think is important. For example, some members find the environmental dimension very important so they are drawn to find evidence of that. Other members are drawn to the cultural dimension of globalization and how many different cultured restaurants there are in Clarendon. Still, other members were interested in a more economic perspective. I think everyone’s own personal experiences really came out in this project. Although this project was challenging I found it the most interesting in getting to know my other members and asking more questions about globalization.

Very insightful observation when you note: “We were looking for cultures that we saw were different from ours, not in an aggressive or confrontation way, but we saw them as something “exotic” as van Asperen uses this term as an aspect of relativism. I think personally I have more of an “I want to learn from these other cultures” but as I did this I created an us-them mentality that I was not even aware of.” How might this same dynamic apply to your team interactions?

I think it would apply because we might try to separate ourselves from those across the ocean when confrontations and problems arise. I think we might excuse everything as a cultural difference when a certain expectation is not met.

Grace – you do a good job of describing the process of interacting with your team mates to ensure understanding. What personal experiences led you to taking this approach? I am curious — do you use the same process for group work in the US versus across the ocean? Have you noticed any differences in expectations – do all group members confirm mutual understanding or do some team mates assume everyone holds the same view?

Well, I think that it was a combination of both side’s opinions to how we settled on the form of group work. We definitely needed to split up the work so the group projects tend to be more individualistic. I am not entirely sure how group work is done in NL but I would assume that it would follow a similar pattern of splitting up the work and then combining and discussing what everyone found. I do no think I have noticed any different expectations, I mean everyone is very clear about what needs to get done. Also if there is a problem or confusion we ask each other and try to make sure everyone is on the same page. I would say most members confirm mutual understanding and we try to get everyone viewpoints and questions in and answered.

Hello Grace,
I agree with your observation that a timeline is a reflection of your frame of reference. You mentioned having an intercultural group helps you expand your perspective. It’s good to hear that you had good discussions. Can you give an example of an insight you had after discussing the timeline? A change in perspective? Further in this course we will address the future of globalization, so stay tuned!
Loes

I also think that the peer review that we did is a form of globalization because many of us are coming from different places and as a result, we are bringing the influences from where we are from. I think globalization is an exchange of ideas and as we discussed the timeline and how globalization began. I think another aspect that came from our discussion was what is our reaction to globalization, what are the advantages and disadvantages of globalization? Also has or how has globalization impacted us as individuals?

Another aspect of our age differences is how we view the world in general and the worlds’ problems, for example, both students from the Groningen emphasize the importance of clean energy and how public transportation is a possible solution. I think the water situation in the Netherlands is another reason why they recognize green energy’s importance. I did not know that the seriousness of the situation until that class and it made me view my own impact on the planet differently. Looking back on my first impressions from now makes me realize the importance of time in building relationships, we did not know each other and we could only guess what the other was thinking, but as time went on we have shaken out a little bit and made a better dynamic. I think just through these couple of weeks and working with my intercultural team my view of globalization has changed, and I think about the impact of globalization all the time and in all aspects of my life. It is a little crazy how much just knowing about globalization has impacted my everyday life.

Hey Grace!

I surely didn’t notice you had any problems with the technology so far, luckily we’ve got a good IT guy ;). You said that you have traveled alone in exchange programs before, what sort of exchange programs were they? I think it is very brave to travel alone!

With kind regards,
Natasha