Gauging Success in Adapting to Different Cultures and Lifestyles Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor
Creating Cross-Cultural Satisfaction- Easy as 1-2-3 1. The Relating- Mentoring method Know someone who wants to interact with Americans but finds it so much easier to stay with their own cultural, ethnic and language group? I can meet with your friends in one-on-one or small group settings in a safe environment to offer conversation, relational interactions and a place to gain confidence speaking American English with an American! Video - http://tinyurl.com/culturalmentor 2. The Lifestyles Inventory method In this holistic and layered approach we look at different areas of your life with the use of the ‘life wheel’. We will celebrate your successes and use your skills, talents and resources to help you gain success in all areas that you desire! (See next page for a worksheet you can start on your own!) Video- http://tinyurl.com/lifeinventory 3. The Three-tier cultural integration method In this method, choose a behavior that you would like to change and explore how the behavior can be integrated into your habit and psyche. (See third page worksheet) Video- http://tinyurl.com/three3tier
Method 1: The Relating- Mentoring method Video - http://tinyurl.com/culturalmentor This method is most successful with: • • • •
Individuals/Groups who are shy to interact with ‘local Americans’, and remain in their ethnic/linguistic community Individuals/Groups who can speak English, and also require some coaching/exposure with trying the American accent out with an understanding mentor Individuals/Groups who want to explore aspects of their culture and a new culture to relate better to the people and circumstances to create success Individuals/Groups that are strong academically and socially, especially in their home countries, but in US require some guiding through the system here.
Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor ©Authentic Journeys, January 2009
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Gauging Success in Adapting to Different Cultures and Lifestyles Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor
Method 2: The Lifestyles Inventory method Two approaches: Color in the pie chart below- the more each slice is colored, the more comfortable or success you are experiencing in those areas. Video- http://tinyurl.com/lifeinventory
Or Rate the areas 1-10 – 10 being the most comfortable/best Career ________ Finances ________ Significant Other ________ Spirituality/Religion ________ Family ________ Education/Personal Growth ________ Friends ________ Fun and Leisure ________ Physical Health and Well Being ________ Lifestyle ________ Emotional Health and Well Being ________ Balance in Life ________ Physical Environment ________
**Journal your thoughts/experiences/feelings to help you explore more. Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor ŠAuthentic Journeys, January 2009
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Gauging Success in Adapting to Different Cultures and Lifestyles Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor
Method 3: The Three-tier cultural integration method In this method, choose a behavior that you would like to change and explore how the behavior can be integrated into your habit and psyche. Video- http://tinyurl.com/three3tier
Step 1: Identifying and intellectually understanding a need to change What is the behavior?________________________________________________________ Why is it important to adjust the behavior to be successful?_____________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Step 2: Modifying actions and thoughts What has helped me to change the behavior (what immediate benefits do I see that create success)?____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ What are the drawbacks?________________________________________________________ If yes, what thoughts or pre-conceived notion do I have about this behavior that prevent me from making it a habit?___________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Step 3: Modifying personal impressions to create a new habit What inside me do I need to release to be successful at maintaining this behavior and making it a habit?_______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor ŠAuthentic Journeys, January 2009
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Gauging Success in Adapting to Different Cultures and Lifestyles Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor
Shall we meet? Jennifer Kumar, LMSW Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor I am happy to meet youIn Person On the phone (585)387-9325 Via chat- e-mail jenkumar@gmail.com Website: http://journeys.alaivani.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#/jenkumar Videos to accompany this series: http://alaivani.com/Blog/tabid/56/EntryID/436/Default.aspx or - http://tinyurl.com/cultureworkshop
Questions and Answers: How many people can you see at one time? One, two or three Where do we meet if we meet in person? Public places, on campus, library. I do not have an office. Can you show me life skills? Yes. I can guide you through tasks so that you have the skills and confidence to do it on your own! What is the commitment I must make? Let us meet at least one time and we can decide if mentoring is right for you. If it is, we can create a schedule that suits your requirements. What are the fees? Up to three FREE sessions 1-hour for RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY) students. Outside RIT – 1 Free 1 hour session, and sessions thereafter are $20-$40 an hour. (Expires 6-10) What is your training and education? B.A. Communications (SUNY Buffalo), M.A. Social Work (Madras Christian College, India), Life Coaching Certification (In progress, Life Purpose Institute, California) Worked in colleges and social work agencies in India and America. I can provide more details if requested. Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor ŠAuthentic Journeys, January 2009
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