Observing Public Spaces (Cross-Cultural Engagement Activity)

​This activity is used in a Cross Cultural Engagement course soon after students have arrived at their education abroad location. Students are asked to write up their reflections in order to focus their observations. In this case students are asked to submit their writing to an instructor at the home campus, but this activity could easily be submitted to an instructor or director who is on-site with students.

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Instructions to students:There are many new variables in your new environment, so careful observation can both help you make sense of it and also stimulate your curiosity to learn more. And remember that in observing, your first aim is to give an objective description; your evaluation of an environment (for example, “The market was totally chaotic”) is something you can add, but be sure to distinguish your objective description from your evaluation (note that the evaluation is interesting because it can reveal assumptions you hold).  [Also note that by doing this assignment, you are creating a detailed record of your experience, which will provide you a great resource for remembering your experience years later]

Option A: 
Choose one of the following three locations, and bring a small notebook for notes:

• local restaurant/café/bar in a non-tourist area
• Host home/apt – detailed description
• Grocery store

For whichever location you choose, write a detailed description about it and the people in it.
In what ways does it differ from similar locations in your home country?   Focus in on details both large and small.  Also jot down your observations about the people you see. How do they greet one another? What do observe about their pace? Are they rushed, relaxed, intense? What is the talking/communication like?  Describe in specific detail your sensory impressions; note also how it compares to life in the US.  Remember, first give the objective description, and then add your subjective reactions to the location.
Write 2-3 pages about what you observed and upload it in the course module.


Option B:
Find 1) a local shopping center, market or area where many people come to meet and/or shop, and 2) a public space like a central square.

1. What is being sold?
2. Describe the set-up of the area, and nature of the shopping (is there bargaining or haggling? Do people talk to strangers? Is it fast-paced, relaxed, or other?  How is it organized?) Are there activities in the shopping area which interest you?
3. What conclusions about daily life can you infer from the environment? What inferences can you draw from the culture based on what you have seen?
4. Next, find what appears to be a high traffic public space area in your host city. Jot down your observations. Describe the people you see. How do they greet one another? What do observe about their pace? Are they rushed, relaxed, intense? Describe in specific detail your sensory impressions.
5. If you feel brave, initiate a conversation or greet someone there. Describe it and how it felt and if you experienced any successes or any cultural misunderstandings.

Write 2-3 pages about what you observed and upload it in the course module.
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Faculty

• Andrew SmithAffiliation: Wake Forest University