Talking Points     Level 3: Unit 7

Culture shock!

Time: 15–20 minutes
Activity type: Cultural simulation
Preparation: Click here to download the Talking point activity.
Make one copy of Talking point 7 for every four students. Cut into cards.

1. Split the class in half, and assign students Culture A or Culture B. Give each student the appropriate “Rules” card.
2. When students have read and understood the rules of their culture, tell students to imagine that the students from Culture A are going to visit Culture B. They should try to learn and adapt to the new cultural rules.
3. Give students about three minutes to interact with one another without speaking.
4. Reassemble the class, and have students discuss what they think the rules of the other culture are.
5. Follow up with a discussion on how students felt, what culture shock is, and some ways to deal with culture shock.