Sarah James in Mexico
Sarah James in Mexico
Background/Problem Statement:
Sarah James, a sophomore at Palm Lakes University was the first to attend a prestigious Mexican university (INI) for the summer to develop her language and cross-cultural capabilities as part of the developing international business program at PLU. At the end of a successful semester, she e-mails the director of international recruitment for the Mexican University, with a copy to her major professor back in the United States, complaining about the treatment she received from her host family. Unfortunately, McGill has been placed in an awkward position because Sarah decided to email Jimenez directly instead of addressing her concerns with McGill. It is imperative that McGill first address the email with Jimenez, while using the misunderstandings that have been brought to light to devise a plan that will not only improve the relationship between the two schools, but also the quality of the program for the students and families involved.
Discussion:
McGill had been attempting to build a relationship with the administration at INI in hopes of sending more students there for cross-cultural and language training. Sarah’s email to the director of the international program places McGill in a difficult situation by creating unnecessary tension between the two universities. Some of Sarah’s concerns are reasonable and should be addressed prior to sending more students to INI; however, the tone of her email demonstrates cultural insensitivity and a lack of awareness of Mexican culture that must also be addressed.
Sarah is not wrong to be concerned that her dietary restrictions were not met by the family. As a vegetarian, Sarah may feel that she is compromising her ethics if she is expected to eat meat. Sarah demonstrated a lack of awareness of the culture in her dealings with the host family by seeming unsatisfied by the food that was served to her and even overly particular with what she preferred to eat.
Background/Problem Statement:
Sarah James, a sophomore at Palm Lakes University was the first to attend a prestigious Mexican university (INI) for the summer to develop her language and cross-cultural capabilities as part of the developing international business program at PLU. At the end of a successful semester, she e-mails the director of international recruitment for the Mexican University, with a copy to her major professor back in the United States, complaining about the treatment she received from her host family. Unfortunately, McGill has been placed in an awkward position because Sarah decided to email Jimenez directly instead of addressing her concerns with McGill. It is imperative that McGill first address the email with Jimenez, while using the misunderstandings that have been brought to light to devise a plan that will not only improve the relationship between the two schools, but also the quality of the program for the students and families involved.
Discussion:
McGill had been attempting to build a relationship with the administration at INI in hopes of sending more students there for cross-cultural and language training. Sarah’s email to the director of the international program places McGill in a difficult situation by creating unnecessary tension between the two universities. Some of Sarah’s concerns are reasonable and should be addressed prior to sending more students to INI; however, the tone of her email demonstrates cultural insensitivity and a lack of awareness of Mexican culture that must also be addressed.
Sarah is not wrong to be concerned that her dietary restrictions were not met by the family. As a vegetarian, Sarah may feel that she is compromising her ethics if she is expected to eat meat. Sarah demonstrated a lack of awareness of the culture in her dealings with the host family by seeming unsatisfied by the food that was served to her and even overly particular with what she preferred to eat.