Maximizing Study Abroad A Students' Guide to Strategies for Language and Culture Learning and Use

This guide provides specific strategies for improving language and culture learning prior to spending time abroad. It begins with three surveys to help people recognize how they currently learn languages and culture. Section 1, "Culture-Learning Strategies," offers a pre-departure unit: "You as a Culturally Diverse Person"; "Understanding the Ways Cultures Can Differ in Values"; and "Understanding Yourself as a Member of a Culture or Cultures." It also includes an in-country unit: "Strategies for Social Relations--Interacting with Hosts"; "Adjusting"; "Strategies for Developing Intercultural Competence"; "Strategies for Making Cultural Inferences"; "Strategies for Keeping a Journal"; "Strategies for Intercultural Communication"; "Nonverbal Communication"; and "Preparing to Return Home." This section concludes with a post-study-abroad unit: "Continue the Learning." Section 2, "Language-Learning Strategies," includes chapters on "Listening"; "Learning Vocabulary"; "Speaking to Communicate"; "Reading for Comprehension"; "Writing"; and "Translation Strategies." (Sections contain references.) (SM).