Awesome Seminar

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Collection of Andress' photos

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Adam Khoo and Andress Hamenda

With Millionaires' Creator Trainers
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Dealing With Culture Shock: Saying Thanks

Dealing With Culture Shock: Saying Thankshttp://cghmdo.blogspot.com/

Saying Thanks

By Andress Hamenda
I found this story is interesting.I found this story at http://www.kangguru.org/kgredifferentponddifferentfish.htm written by Yanti.
However, as an Indonesian, I also find that people in my hometown say thanks frequently. That's why in my previous posting I wrote that even in Indonesia we do have different cultures. Furthermore, I have different story regarding saying thanks in Australian National University (ANU) with a lecturer which has different meaning in Academic life. I will post it later after my final exams. So just have a look this story first.

Track #15 – Asking for Help and Saying Thank You
The thing about Australia that surprised me, when I learned about it in CC study, is the way Australians ask for help. I thought before that Westerners were very informal in their manners and language, as I'd always seen in Hollywood movies. But I was wrong; I didn't realize that although they are very informal in daily speaking they have to use special words when asking for help. For example: ‘Would you please’, ‘Could you please’, ‘Would you mind’, and so on. The word ‘please’ is a very common word in asking for help, and if we don’t use it, Australians will think that we’re being very rude. And after we receive what we asked for, we must say ‘thank you’ or ‘thanks’. This is quite different in Indonesia, people do not say ‘thank you’ as often as Australians do. Moreover, Australians speak like this to all people, whether they are children or elderly people, a taxi driver or the prime minister.
(Yanti)

Defeat Homesickness for good

This website focuses specifically on dealing with homesickness as one of the major culture shock's symptoms. You will find that actually you have experienced feeling of homesickness even before departure. This may impact defectively on your study overseas. Therefore, it is essential to deal with this feeling and not to wait for homesickness to leave you by itself. You should cope with this feeling. These website suggests several ways to handle this problem. Check it out..

Exploring Indonesian Cultures

Considering Indonesian Cultures in Australia

by Andress Hamenda

The 13th posting is my further explanation about the comparison of Indonesian and Australian cultures (12th posting) which was commented by Sonny Mumbunan (PhD student)Leipzig, Germany. He said that “it would be remiss not to mention the fact that Indonesia is also a heterogeneous land. "Orang Manado" and "Orang Jawa", for instance, are of distinct difference in some ways. The former is more direct when it comes to expressing something than the latter”.

Sonny is right. Indonesia is a heterogenous land which has different values, norms and beliefs and also influences how Indonesians behave differently. Indonesia is one of the most diverse countries in terms of population, ethnicity and languages. According to Hill (2008, p.84) that the population of Indonesia is 220 million people who are broadened in 17,000 islands and is the most populous Muslims in the world.

There are more than 200 ethnic groups spread over Indonesian islands, Sumatera has 42 ethnic groups, Java and Madura have 8 ethnic groups, Bali and Lombok have 3 ethnic groups, Kalimantan has 25 ethnic groups and Sulawesi has 37 ethnic groups as well as what Papua has (Warnaen, 2002, cited in Gani, 2004, p.196). In addition, more than 500 languages are used in Indonesia (Hill, 2008, p.84).

These ethnicities have different values and norms which may potentially bring conflict even among Indonesians. Take for an example, ethnic conflict Dayakese-Madurese was a really black day in Indonesian history which is not a proud evidence to write here. This is just one of the examples that different cultures even among Indonesians results in devastating conflicts.

Nonetheless, religions play important roles in Indonesian culture because it influences on how Indonesians behave. According to Koentjaraningrat (2002), Indonesian cultures, values and ethics are highly influenced by their religion.

Do not worry to ask about what their religions are. They will not be offended because it is natural in Indonesian culture. Indonesians' religion is written even in their National Identity Card which are not written in Western Identity Card (Because Western countries just use Driving license or passport as their ID hehe..) but, if you are reluctant to ask about their religion, just for your information that Indonesia's inhabitants are 85 percent Muslims(Hill, 2008, p.84).

Therefore, actually my 12th posting refers to Java culture (orang Jawa)and as the majority of 'orang jawa' are muslims, so I think that it represents Indonesian culture.

At this point readers probably think that it is nothing to do with this blog’s objectives. Students (who are from the other countries such as China, India, etc) think that “we are reading this blog to know what we should do to deal with culture shock in Australia particularly in Australian universities not in Indonesia”.

My point is because in Australian universities, students are also going to meet and interact with Indonesian students. More or less three hundred (300) Indonesian students (under scholarship excluding private students) have come and studied in Australian universities every year since 1950 (http://www.indo.ausaid.gov.au/bi/projects/ads-indo.html).

My logic is simple. Understanding Indonesians' culture will avoid conflict when you are joined Indonesian students when you do group assignments. As a result, you will decrease the symptoms of culture shock such as conflict with other cultures and isolation and you will find your new family as you make friends with Indonesian students. Isn't it beautiful =)

A Comparison between Australian and Indonesian Cultures

Strech your wings to campare those countries
by Andress Hamenda

In this 12th posting, I compare about the differences and the similarities of Australian cultures with Indonesian cultures in dealing with daily activities in the family, society and business matters.

When I spoke to a 27-year male student whose nationality is Australian from one of my classes, I found that Australian and Indonesian cultures are different in terms of individualism versus collectivism and power distance (Based on Hofstede's research). Therefore, I will give you suggestions on how to interact with Australian and Indonesian cultures to minimise miscommunication and misunderstanding among individuals.

Based on Hofstede’s research (Harris et.al., 2003, pp. 21-23), the country cultures of Indonesia are high power distance, low uncertainty avoidance, collectivism, and masculinity. Meanwhile, the country cultures of Australia are low power distance, low uncertainty avoidance, high individualism, and masculinity.

Based on Hofstede’s research, the highest Hofstede score for Australia is Individualism at 90 compared to the lowest Hofstede score for Indonesia’s Individualism at 14. An individualistic culture indicates that people are more direct verbal in communication and people are logic to point out their argument in confrontation (Reisinger, 1997). Australian people, for example, do not irritate to say the word “no” if they disagree with someone and make negative request using verbal communication directly when the situation discomforts them.

Meanwhile, a very low individualism score for Indonesia reflects that Indonesian country is a collectivism society. Collectivism means societies tend to sustain harmony and face-saving through strong personal relationship and support from third party (Chien, 2006, p234). In addition, people in collectivist culture are more likely to avoid conflict and these people are less insulting than people from individualistic culture (Cai & Fink, 2002). The demonstration of the collectivism is also shown in a strong long term commitment and responsibility for not only immediate family, but also extended family (International Business Center, 2003). Moreover, Reisinger (1997) explained that Indonesian people tend to avoid conflict by using indirect non-verbal communication and tend not to make people ashamed.

The lowest Hofstede score for Australia is power distance at 36 compared to the highest Hofstede score for Indonesia’s Power Distance at 78. It is also interesting to note that according to International Business Center (2003), Indonesia’s power distance index is 78, greater than the average Asian countries’ power distance at 71. In a low power distance culture, Australian people expect to lessen the imbalanced authorities in decision making within organisations and utilise consultancy to reduce that authorities (Reisinger, 1997). Australians, for example, tend not to prioritize the other people based on their age, position and gender. Australians do not usually call people or their managers by their formal titles.

In contrast, the high power distance culture in Indonesia indicates the high degree in which less powerful individuals accept the distribution of imbalanced authority in organizations or societies (Hofstede, 2001 cited by Chan et.al., 2003). Furthermore, Reisinger (1997) stated that a manager is authoritative in making decision in organisations and their subordinates respect them. Employees are more likely to call their superiors by their formal title, such as professor, doctor, or special term “bapak”, “ibu” which are translated “sir” or “madam” respectively to address people when they are not sure with their titles or older than themselves.

The other cultures are uncertainty avoidance and masculinity. Uncertainty avoidance is Indonesia’s second highest score which is 48, whereas Australia’s second highest score is masculinity which is 61. Even though Indonesia has the second highest score in uncertainty avoidance index, it is still a low score compared to a world average of 64 and Asian countries’ average of 58 (International Business Center, 2003). Low uncertainty avoidance for Indonesia reflects that communities are less aware of threat caused by uncertain condition and thus is less likely to avoid that condition.

In conclusion, in Australian cultures, it is acceptable to disagree with someone using logic argument and do not have to resist with uncomfortable situation if you do not like it. In Indonesian cultures, however, it is important to call people by their formal titles or the term “bapak” for ”sir” and “ibu” for “madam” to interact with Indonesian people.

Hopefully, this minor research article will help my Indonesian friends to interact with Australians. Get relaxed friends!

Building Relationship with your University

Here is the link to listen interview about how to adapt when you experience university's transition,how to manage your supervisor, how to make connection with tute and to take advantages of university services, and to deal with culture shock experience.

https://academicskills.anu.edu.au/podcasts.php?action=view&id=6

Culture shock in academic life

Here is the information about Australian education. The article presented several issues faced by students. Take advantage of reading this site in order to minimise the shock when entering academic life in Australia.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22792734-27702,00.html

Culture Shock

I provide a content in a PDF form in this 9th posting, you will obtain a comprehensive explanation about international student and culture shock including a clear curve of culture shock stages. I found from this site: http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/files/pdf/info_sheets/culture_shock.pdf

Culture Shock

Academic life
Executive Summary
I found this website really essential for international students to deal with academic life while studying in Australia. It explains the relationship among language, society and cultural differences. This is also an excellent website in which you can learn useful speaking, reading, listening, and particularly writing skills related to your specific courses, such as Business and Economic, Art and Design, Engineering, Law, etc, to deal with Australian academic life. Excellent!Check it out!
http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/education/reflective-writing/6.xml

Culture Shock

Do you know?
Executive Summary
Many international students do not realise that actually they are experiencing culture shock. Here is a very useful website that I found about knowing the symptoms and the stages of culture shock. You are probably experiencing culture shock now. Check it out!!
CLIK this link to view the complete content
http://cc.msnscache.com/cache.aspx?q=73003378887346&mkt=en-AU&lang=en-AU&w=68ff5f19&FORM=CVRE2

Tips to deal with culture shock ep.2

Executive Summary
Here is another tips to deal with culture shock presented by Macquarie University. You will not only get more tips to deal with culture shock, but also a recommendation before returning to your home country. Have you been changed by the environment?
CLIK this link to view the complete content
http://www.international.mq.edu.au/goingabroad/process/students_exchange#culture

Culture Shock

Dealing with Culture Shock

Executive Summary
The following is an interesting website about knowing the effect of culture shock, typical pattern to culture shock, common reaction to it and useful tips to deal with culture shock in Australian University. I find it very helpful and interesting since it explains how to deal with culture shock in relaxed ways.
CLIK this link to view the complete content
http://www.juliaferguson.com/shock.html

Personal Reflections: Gripes about Australian Education - 1

Executive Summary
It is important to know Australian education system before interacting with it.The following is a website about comparing Australian education system.
CLIK this link to view the complete content
Personal Reflections: Gripes about Australian Education - 1

Example Case Study Report: Culture Shock

Executive Summary
Focusing international students who study at Australian university, the website examined the issue of culture shock and adjustment by looking at the case of Jun, a student from China who is experiencing difficulties both with academic and cultural adjustment in the first year of his study in Australia. Possible solutions and recommendations are evaluated and given. It is really suitable particularly for Asian international students.

I found this case study report very important. CLIK this link to view the complete report http://www.staff.vu.edu.au/case_studies/example.htm

You Learn Something New Every Day: Blogging Across Cultures - How Well Does This Practice Translate?

You Learn Something New Every Day: Blogging Across Cultures - How Well Does This Practice Translate?

The Importance of Reflective Thought for your first Semester at the ANU

by Andress Hamenda

June, 2007 was my first semester and also my first 2 month as an international student when I took my four courses at the ANU, Australia . I experienced (I would say) 3C shocks (currency shock, climate shock, and culture shock) which made me difficult to deal with those courses. I converted Australian dollar to Indonesian rupiah and got surprised with the living costs here. The costs for staying in a small room, buying food and textbooks are very expensive. I also arrived here when winter season began and got shocked with its coldness. The third C shock is culture shock which is vital to me and I would relate it to the class activities as following.

I remember when I was in junior high school level in Manado, Indonesia when my teacher told me “do not speak Andress, before I ask you to speak!”, in senior high school and university level I heard many times the other students said that “that is a stupid question” to students who asked questions. This makes us think twice if we want to ask questions even to confirm something which is still unclear to us.

Moreover, sometimes my teachers also tested students by asking back to the students who asked the teacher to prove that they did not intend to test the teacher.Another culture is that the attitude to show oral abilities in terms of questioning and answering frequently in a class may be interpreted as arrogant attitudes. These are the cultures in my hometown (Manado, Indonesia), which negatively impacts me to be active in questioning and answering orally.

Accordingly, when I attended my first four courses at the ANU in June 2007, I was surprised when one of the students interrupted a lecturer and started talking about his opinion. As soon as the student expressed his ideas, the other students also contributed their ideas even without raising their hands. If it happens at the university in my hometown, their friends would cry out with one voice and the students who are actually active will be embarrassed at this situation.Therefore, students tend to answer the questions only once or twice and students are also more likely to ask the teacher privately after the class.

Dealing with the Culture Shocks
You will be able to adapt the first 2C shocks (Climate and Currency) after six months here, so do not put too much worry about these. The third C shock (Culture) in academic environment particularly, will take more time to adapt than the others.

I found that it is essential to have a reflection even for only 10 minutes per day. In everyday activities, even before going to bed, I found myself recess and contemplate about what things I have done successfully, what things I have not achieved yet, and which areas I made mistakes during a day in an academic environment.

A reflective thought has been fulfilled since I can transfer it to my daily life and I find that “It is more valuable to realise that why we failed rather than experiencing our success without knowing why we could achieve or obtain the success!” You will never obtain worthwhile solution for your mistakes if your mind is too busy to think the other things and does not have time to reflect and to evaluate your mistakes. Students, for example, whose managerial understanding actually have been enriched successfully by writing journals and completing a course, but just think it merely as a compulsory assignment or course to be completed, will not obtain better understanding rather than spending more time to reflect what will be the real application of what they have obtained through that assignments or courses in a workplace in the future.

I also realise that students in the class are more likely to interpret your quietness in class as a passive behaviour. No matter how much you put extra effort outside the class in group meetings and contributed in the group assignments. They tend to define an active student is a student who is answering problems, questioning, and taking initiative to present for the whole audience.

Another problem I found is that it is more difficult to obtain your confidence since the other students have recognised you as a quiet student as you do not want to answer and give comments in class after you attended several lectures at the beginning of the courses you are taking. The valuable thing I learnt from this case is that it is really important to show your contribution in terms of questioning and answering since the very beginning of the lecture.