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Being Thoughtful to Students From Central and South America

4/25/2019

The Bible is full of one-another statements—love one another, encourage one another, serve one another, teach one another, etc. Our behavior towards one another says so much about who we are and what we value. We want to be thoughtful ambassadors for Jesus when we encounter people, especially visitors from other countries. Look over the bullets below of ideas how to be thoughtful to students from Central and South America who are studying here.

Central and South American cultures have rich and diverse histories. Learning specifics from the students you befriend will be a blessing to you and a joy for the student to share with you.
With the exception of Brazil, almost all countries in Central and South America speak some variant of Spanish. Brazil uses Portuguese, but half of the population of South America live in Brazil. Enjoy learning a few phrases from your student friend of social parlance.
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, but Pentecostal Protestantism is growing rapidly. In the tribal areas, animism or some form of syncretism is the practiced religion. Religion plays a key role in the holiday celebrations across the cultures. Inquire what your student’s family believes about religion, then ask how the student’s view differ (if at all).
The variety of music and foods is part of the delight of learning about these cultures. Don’t be surprised if your student friend has wide variety of tastes in these areas and enjoys learning from you about your favorites.
Most of the cultural differences lie between the urban and rural cultures. The European and American influences on the urban cultures is blatant. The cowboy (gaucho) culture is significant in the pampas areas (grasslands) but tribalism in the forested areas.
Sports are a large part of Central and South America cultures. Find out which sports your student friend most enjoys and see if you can schedule a game to attend together here.
Most Central and South America cultures are highly relational and can form wonderful friendships. But note that “friendships” in those cultures often demand more time together than the American understanding of the term “friend.” This is good to discuss so as to keep relational expectations realistic in both directions.
Personal space in Central and South America cultures is much smaller than in the U.S. Don’t be surprised when your student friend gets closer to your face than you feel comfortable with at first. The typical American response is to back up, which results in the student waltzing the American around the room while having a conversation standing up.
Enjoy learning from one another! Ask lots of questions. Explore the reasonings, values, and beliefs behind cultural behaviors, and you will find you have more in common than your cultural behaviors might indicate!

Principles cited in this blog: Many dos and don’ts to remember in order to be thoughtful.

Application for ISI ministry: We desire to be winsome and thoughtful to our guests from other countries. Learning a few small customs can make a big difference!

Next blog topic: Being thoughtful to students from the Middle East

Doug Shaw with Derrah Jackson

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Full of Surprises

4/19/2019

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Easter reminds us of how God’s plan is full of surprises from our perspective. Even our Enemy thought he had won when Jesus was crucified! Who had foreseen the church age or could have anticipated what oneness with Christ would mean for the everyday follower of Jehovah God?

We are surrounded by spring green right now, a beauty which is a wonderful reminder of new life! One of my favorite chapters in the Scriptures is Romans chapter 8:

For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death. ~ Romans 8:2 NLT

Life from death! What a marvelous message we have to share with international students who choose to study here in the U.S.! How are our lives manifesting the life of Jesus so that students could see it, witness it personally, and experience it up close and personal? Here are some ways:

Acts of kindness, unconditionally given with no expectation of return
Expressed prayers that show students a connection between belief and our dependence upon a loving and powerful God who is concerned about us personally and the details of our life
Modeling the joy of the peace of God in the midst of our difficult circumstances
Seeing our friends and family who have the same peace, power, and joy we manifest
Experiencing the peace of God when they are in our presence because Jesus is there

Are you seeing any fresh witnessing possibilities in your relationships with students?

As we celebrate Easter this year, let’s praise God for the change receiving the Spirit of Jesus made in our lives so that we manifest his power and purpose! And let’s give witness of it to students who have come to our universities from all over the world!

Doug Shaw with Derrah Jackson

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Being Thoughtful to Students From Africa

4/12/2019

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Africa is a land of 54 countries and many cultural-religious heritages. Many differences exist between north Africa and sub-Saharan African cultures, so it is best to learn from students the specifics of their cultural heritage.
In developing a relationship with African students, it is important to remember that they are primarily event-oriented (versus time-oriented). The present is more important than the future. Enjoying the relationship with the person you are with now is more important than meeting the person you have an appointment with an hour from now. Relationships are tremendously important. So, don’t be offended by no-shows when you are to meet up.
Hospitality is very important in a relational culture. It shows you care. Often hospitality also includes protection while under your roof.
Decision-making and achievement are mostly on the individual, but some cultural groups (especially if more tribal identity) are more consensus-based (collectivist).
When invited to an African home, always bring flowers or candy. But other than a hostess gift, gift-giving is done between friends (and may be perceived as a bribe if no relationship exists). Some groups decline accepting a gift until it is offered the third time (so as not to appear greedy). Graciously accept a gift with both hands.
Be careful to showing the soles of your feet to someone. It is considered very rude.
Beckoning someone is done with the hand extended, palm down, and a scooping motion (as in much of the world). To point at something, use your chin.
Silence in a conversation is golden. Do not be surprised at silence. Enjoy it.
Do not show your displeasure or anger publicly. Positive attitude is critical and showing your frustration or displeasure at someone will shame them.
Personal space is very small, and another person may sit right next to you when there is plenty of room in other places in the room. When this happens, remember to be positive and flexible.
The cultural heritage of Africa is rich. Enjoy learning from the students you are with. You will be blessed because you took the time as an American.

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Being Thoughtful to Students From Japan

4/5/2019

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In developing a relationship with Japanese students, it is important to avoid strong displays of emotion in public (shock, anger, enthusiasm). They may conclude you lack self-control.
Japanese culture is very honorific and deferential which includes much formality. They may ask you many questions about your family, work, and responsibilities in order to know which forms of honor to extend to you (although much is lost in the translation into English).
Because Japan is an honor-shame culture primarily, communication is often complicated and key ideas and perspectives may be delivered indirectly (like by a roommate instead of directly by the student you have befriended).
Japan looks at their history through epochs covering many years. Asking the student about these epochs can be very interesting (start with the current one and work backwards in time).
Apology is an important part of Japanese cultural behavior. Both individuals and companies are expected to apologize for mistakes.
Japanese strive for consensus in decisions, and individuals are especially loyal to their identification group. Some decision making seems very subjective to foreign outsiders.
Personal recognition is played down in favor of group recognition. They have a saying that “the nail that stands up gets hammered down.”
Japanese students have anxiety about life in general because of the need to avoid shame or embarrassment. So, there is pressure to conform, but many behaviors are situation-bound (which makes it very difficult for foreigners to learn what to do when).
Age is revered, but there is great competitiveness among peers.
Japanese students have a great work-ethic and excel in their studies.
A bow is a usual greeting. Quickly lower your eyes and keep your palms against your thighs.
Japan is a high-context culture, so be careful with using excessive facial expressions or hand gestures.
Japanese typically remain farther apart when talking than do Americans.
If invited to a Japanese home, bring flowers or candy (but never an even number). Japanese people do not usually open a gift immediately upon receiving it.

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Being Thoughtful to Students From Central and South America

Full of Surprises

Being Thoughtful to Students From Africa

Being Thoughtful to Students From Japan

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