Quite often internationalization experiences are thought of in terms of becoming aware of the differences between people, cultures, and societies. What was striking in our Vietnam study tour experience is the frequent observations offered by several group members about similarities that our represented societies have in common. We were an international team, representing, to a certain extent, six countries (Albania, America, China, Indonesia, Latvia, and Pakistan), on another international experience, in Vietnam, which was also represented in our team composition. A pattern seemed to emerge as group members would comment, from time-to-time, “it is the same in …” or "we have a similar expression in ...."
I have been reflecting on this topic for some time now, and this experience in Vietnam has enhanced my thinking about ways we might consider framing the goals and unpacking the learning from internationalization experiences. A contextual and comprehensive understanding of both similarities and differences between people, cultures and societies, coupled with ongoing efforts for attitude adjustment, has the potential to expand our abilities and skills to interact constructively with one another.
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