Sharing Cross-Cultural Challenges at Mid-year Conference

(This highlight was written for  and uploaded to the Department of State's English Language Program's Community of Practice Web platform)

 Titled “Negotiating Cross-Cultural Challenges of Fellows in Asia,” this panel discussion took place during the East Asia Pacific (EAP) English Language Fellows Midyear Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, in the week of January 26, 2025. The panel featured three Fellows—Merryl Kravitz (Cambodia), Maureen Rooney (Philippines), and Julie Dean (Laos)—each of whom shared personal missteps or challenges encountered in their current fellowship or past posts abroad. Despite being experienced educators and seasoned travelers, the Fellows highlighted how cultural differences can still surprise and challenge even the most prepared professionals.

The discussion was framed with research on individualistic versus collectivist cultures to provide context for the stories shared. These academic insights helped illuminate the deeper dynamics at play in the Fellows’ experiences.

Some of the EAP ELFs gather after conference

      The ELFs served as storytellers, recounting instances of cultural misunderstandings related to time, organization, personal space, and respect, as well as the complexities of learning and using a new language. The panel also welcomed Ibu Gietty Tambunan, a university instructor from the University of Indonesia, who added a local perspective. She shared her experiences adapting English-language materials to ensure they were culturally accessible and meaningful for her predominantly Muslim students.

Each panelist began with approximately five minutes of storytelling from their fellowship or prior international teaching experiences. Merryl Kravitz also served as the moderator, facilitating discussion and encouraging audience members to share their own experiences with cultural differences, communication barriers, and moments of misunderstanding or growth.

The story-sharing format created a springboard for lively audience participation. The engaging discussion continued informally even after the session officially ended, as attendees related to the stories and contributed their own.

Merryl and I during "off" hours

      In Your Own Words

The topic of bridging cultural differences comes up frequently in both formal and informal conversations with Fellows and ETAs. It’s clear that cross-cultural understanding is a vital part of our work, requiring both sensitivity and experience. Discussing these experiences among peers—both native and non-native speakers—helps uncover meaningful insights and strategies that can lead to stronger relationships and more effective teaching.

Having the opportunity to share and reflect on these experiences during the EAP Midyear Conference was particularly rewarding. I realized that while my stories are uniquely mine, they echo the experiences of many others. This realization gave me a sense of connection and validation, and I count this session as a true highlight of my fellowship.

Working together with Merryl and Maureen, we created a story-sharing structure that worked well in this setting:

1.Introduction to Culture Topic and Story Sharing
 2. Warm-up Examples of Differing Cultural Perspectives
 3. Individual Storytelling: Lessons Learned and Relationship-Building
 4. Audience Reflections and Additional Lessons for Enhancing Meaningful Experiences

I highly recommend this approach for any group—large or small—interested in reflecting on intercultural challenges and deepening their understanding of cultures to enhance their exchange and teaching experiences.