Social Identity Wheel & Reflection
We recommend mapping out your social identity by completing the activity on the attached pdf. In addition to answering the reflection questions there, we’d recommend considering these questions related to identity abroad as well:
- Which of your identities seem “normal” in your home environment but may be less common in your host country? How might that difference necessarily affect your behavior? What kinds of situations might be affected by this difference?
- How can your awareness of your various identities help you navigate a new culture more effectively?
As you enter a new culture, keep in mind that will interact with people who places different values and emphases on different types of identities. Be a listener and a learner to avoid projecting your identity values onto them.