Don't Take the Coral Inside and Other Cultural Curiosities

Have you ever wondered how American language students spend their time on an exchange in France? Debbie shares hilarious travel stories of her French speaking experiences with us that may or may not have involved a lot of red wine. Her recent adventure to Mexico has reignited her love for foreign languages and practicing Spanish without feeling silly. We also talk about how being an  immigrant has helped Debbie understand her own students better and how she applies that in the classroom.

In this episode, Wendy Trakes, Digital Public Historian and intrepid adventurer, joins Estelle and Erin for a discussion of how they plan for travel, and pose the question of whether or not we can travel without any preconceived notions. They explore their experiences in Thailand, Ireland, Algeria, American Samoa, and South Korea to suss out the best way to prepare for travel and how they gather information on new locations before they go. Have a listen and let us know your travel preparation experiences. We'd love to hear from you. 

As English language teachers, Estelle and Erin often times are in the role of being the go-to person for American culture and societal norms with their students. This has led to some interesting questions that both teachers found have caused them to think more deeply about the way Americans behave when interacting with others they just met in the US.

Have you ever told someone that you just met that you'd like to get together for coffee or lunch and then never gotten back in touch with them? Or maybe you've been on the receiving end of that statement and wondered why the other person never called? What was your impression of that person or situation? What's the best way to end a conversation with someone you just met?

Let us know on our Facebook page or LinkedIn!

In this episode, you can join us in our discussion of things we missed while being abroad. Estelle recalls how she had to adjust to different store hours than she was used to while living in Europe, and Erin talks about paper products or the lack thereof while traveling overseas. We also engage in ideas of how we try to minimize culture shock when we travel. Do you have any ideas you'd like to share with us? We'd love to hear them.

 #whatsinyourbag

In this episode, Estelle and Erin discuss their experiences with cultural expectations as they traveled abroad. They share stereotypes about the U.S. that they encountered while living overseas and how they have rarely been identified as typical Americans. Also, they consider where these ideas of American culture may have come from and why it's important to learn the hidden or lesser-known backstories underlying what we see of other cultures. 

What stereotypes about your country have you come across? Where do you think these ideas come from?     

In today's episode, Erin and Estelle reminisce on their experiences feeling flustered and lost trying to get around in a country where they not only don't know the language, but can't even sound out the writing. 

Have you ever had an experience like this? We'd love to hear about it. Please share with us here, or on our Third Spaces Café on Facebook.

In this episode, Margot shares an embarrassing moment when trying to observe cultural norms related to house shoes in Japan, but the stories don't stop there. We have shoe stories related to temples, homes, islands, and mosques. While you listen, maybe you can relate to some of these experiences, or maybe you might better relate to the locals. What would you have done if you had been in their shoes?

In this episode, we discuss a critical incident that happened between a South Korean and an American teacher in South Korea and learn that sometimes, what we think we understand isn't actually the entire story. Listen and share with us what you would have done in this situation.

In this episode, Erin and Estelle discuss some intercultural experiences that led them to trying some unusual cuisine. You will hear about how Erin was introduced to South Korean street fare while on a summer teaching program in Jeollanamdo, and Estelle's first experience with raw fish in a dormitory in Austria.