W-curve model and U-curve model
I found two theories brought up in Understanding Intercultural
Transitions are really interesting. The U-curve model and the W-curve model. The
U-curve— “they first experience excitement and anticipation, followed by a
period of shock and disorientation; then they gradually adapt to the new
cultural context.” (Martin & Nakayama)The W-curve— “sojourners seem to experience another U-curve:
the anticipation of returning home, culture shock in finding that it's not
exactly as expected, and then gradual adaptation.” (Martin & Nakayama)
These two theories apply to religions as well. International students who
study abroad in United States are experiencing such U-curve when they first
come. I myself have received a lot of help from Christian organization named
ISI when I first come to Denver. ISI members picked us up from airport, hosted
us for three days to make sure that we have enough time to find apartments.
Christianity here is not only a religion, but also a way that helps us get
involved in a new environment. As Reshma Kirpalani states in the article: "I
think for most Chinese [students], they initially become interested in
Christianity just because of the resources of the church… social resources and
the friendship, And not just friendship, but someone who's going to be able to
tell you where to buy Chinese groceries, where's the best Chinese restaurant,
who can watch your kids when you're out doing something else. It's kind of like
an instant community." As far as I know, there are some Chinese students
have already got their baptisms and became Christians. Thus, Christianity, to
some extent, has assisted them fulfill the U-curve model.
However, Reshma
Kirpalani has also addressed the problem occurred when these international students return to
homeland: “…Kitty admitted that her parents back in Fujian Province, whom she
talks to every two days via cell phone, worry about her future in China. ‘They
worry because I will be too different. When you believe in something so deep,
you will be different from other people who do not believe in anything,’ she
said. ‘They're worried that some day I will end up in prison.’ ” After
accepting Christianity, they will face huge challenges and changes when they
come back to China since China is communism country, which indicates that no religions
can be regarded as formal and normal. Therefore, it seems that W-curve is
harder than U-curve in this religion area.
Can you think of any other examples?
I never thought about religious groups being such a strong support group in a new country. I (as well as most other Peace Corps Volunteers) definitely experienced the W-Curve. Peace Corps even created a timeline to help Volunteers while they were in country, so as to show that certain feelings were universal. If you’re interested here’s the most basic depiction of that model: http://www.teamagility.co.uk/downloads/Menninger%27s_Morale_Curve.pdf
ReplyDeleteEven though the emotional highs and lows varied from month to month for each individual volunteer, for the most part the emotional progression was the same. As I briefly touched upon in class, readjustment to the U.S. was just as difficult as adapting into Indonesian culture. Euphoria at being home was quickly followed by feelings of frustration and loneliness about your experiences not being understood. But eventually those feelings mellow out and you do incorporate your past PC experience into a new life back in the U.S.
Hearing that some Chinese students get baptized and adopt a religion is quite a surprise. I can only say that I never considered it happening or the ways that Christian churches are involved with students; I've known about churches working with refugees and throughout the asylum process, but this seems different because with students there is never a guarantee that they will stay in the U.S. (or another foreign exchange country). I'm quite fascinated.
ReplyDeleteAs for the U and W models I can say that a lot has changed around education and these experiences in the last decade, at least in my experience. When I left for my first two study abroad experiences, there was no pre-departure training. At some point I became an ambassador for my school be cause I kept going overseas and I actually helped the first groups of trainees not fully understanding until the day long event that I had experienced culture shock without knowing it...it was enlightening. I can add that with each of my 6 trips abroad there was always some shock and it was always different. In fact I think that over time my shock upon return became greater because I never expected it to happen so intensely over and over. Interestingly, my most recent return to the U.S. involved moving to a new state, Coloraodo, and there was additional shock in the open spaces, dependence on cars based on location and general culture, which is more openly religious than France, Greece, or the Detroit and Chicago areas.
For me culture shock was added to study abroad prep while I was in the midst of travels; I can't even imagine the experience with no point of reference because the frustration and temporary isolation can be overwhelming. These shocks inevitably create memorable experiences, great stories about miscommunication and odd fashion choices as well as food presences that shift sometimes for a lifetime. However, Xizhu's point about religion and major legal conflict seems like new territory to be e plowed both in terms of training,institutional awareness and research about the ways these individuals manage their identities and their lives if they choose to remain Christian and return to living in China. I wonder if this is an issue for spotter student groups? Have others heard of this before or thought about /discussed it?