preparing to study abroad
Your Learning Style
Because studying abroad involves so much experiential learning it is beneficial to better understand and apply learning styles. Because you will be experiencing new structures and styles of teaching while abroad, it is helpful for you to understand the way you learn. When you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses associated with different styles of learning you will be able to adjust your habits to improve upon your retention of the material, whether it be in class or in interactions with the host culture.
Download and complete the Learning Style Survey (Enter your WU username and password to access the survey.)
The Learning Style Surveyfound inMaximizing Study Abroad: A Students’ Guide to Strategies for Language and Culture Learning and UsebyPaige, R. M., Cohen, A. D., Lassegard, J., Chi, J. C., & Kappler, B.(2006, 2nd Ed) is used with permission from the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) at the University of Minnesota. More information about this CARLA publication can be found at: www.carla.umn.edu/maxsa/guides.html
Now that you understand your learning style, apply it to culture learning. This Culture-Learning Strategies Inventory (Enter your WU username and password to access the survey) is a mix of a survey and list of tips that will help you understand and analyze your host culture more effectively.
TheCulture-Learning Strategies Inventory and Indexfound inMaximizing Study Abroad: A Students’ Guide to Strategies for Language and Culture Learning and UsebyPaige, R. M., Cohen, A. D., Lassegard, J., Chi, J. C., & Kappler, B.(2006, 2nd Ed) is used with permission from the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) at the University of Minnesota. More information about this CARLA publication can be found at: www.carla.umn.edu/maxsa/guides.html
Please answer the following questions and turn them into Stacy () by the due date indicated on your syllabus. Please keep the inventories and a copy of your answers for yourself; they will be interesting to review while you are abroad and when you return.
Learning Style Inventory -
1. What type of learner are you?
2. Are you surprised by your results? Why?
3. Taking into consideration the type of learner you are, what challenges do you think you will face in your academic and experiential learning abroad?
Culture-Learning Strategies Inventory -
1. Name two culture-learning strategies that you didn’t previously consider that you think you will use while abroad. Why or how do you think it will be successful for you?
2. Which culture-learning strategy or strategies could be difficult for you considering your learning styles?