Monthly Program

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MARCH PROGRAM

Monday, March 22, 2004 7:00-9:00p.m.

PROGRAM:
Intensity Factors in the Intercultural Experience

PRESENTER:
Janet M. Bennett, Ph.D.

R. Michael Paige, Ph.D.

PLACE:
Reitaku University Tokyo Kenkyu Center (Shinjuku i-Land Tower, 4th Floor)

LANGUAGE:
English

FEE:
Members 1000Yen; Non-members 2000Yen

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
As we facilitate intercultural learning, we fully realize that for some individuals, experiencing cultural difference is quite challenging, while for others, it is easily managed. What's the difference?
We can begin to answer that question by assessing the Intensity Factors that are within both the person and the environment during the cultural experience. We know that certain features of the new culture may present particularly intense challenges, and we know that certain characteristics within the person either inhibit or promote adaptation.
This presentation will examine these intensity factors, developed by Dr. Michael Paige, and suggest strategies for teaching and training about them. The presentation will:

• Review the Intensity Factors that complicate the experience of cultural difference
• Analyze case studies that provide examples of intensity factors
• Apply the concept to the experience of East/West sojourning

PRESENTER:
Dr. R. Michael Paige is a professor of international and intercultural education in the Department of Educational Policy and Administration at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, where he is currently faculty coordinator of the Comparative and International Development Education M.A. and Ph.D. programs. Michael is currently a visiting professor at the Center for the Studies of Higher Education, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
Dr. Janet M. Bennett is codirector of the Intercultural Communication Institute (ICI) in Portland, Oregon. She directs the ICI/Pacific Masters Intercultural Relations degree program and also maintains an active consulting and training practice.

How to get there?:
i-Land Tower can be accessed directly from Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Marunouchi Line by following the underground path. From JR Shinjuku Station it is approximately a 10-minute walk. Once you get to the building, select an elevator that stops on the 4th floor. After you get off on the 4th floor, walk to the right until you get to the last door on your left.