Compass Cross-Cultural Resources for Exchange Students | Page 2

COMPASS
CROSS-CULTURAL
Compass RESOURCES FOR
EXCHANGE STUDENTS
COMPASS
Compass

As you start to get excited about your exchange experience, you will probably begin wondering what is in
store for you next year. If you schedule time to do some reading, you will be prepared, informed and ready
for your overseas adventure.
The Compass e-series covers specific topics with suggested projects and readings. Both you and your family
can begin using them to learn about the cross-cultural experience that is ahead of you.
This issue of Compass provides a simple reference list covering a number of areas. These include, cultural
resources, American culture, Americans living abroad, two cultures interacting, and area-specific studies.
Select several readings in each of these areas to get a better understanding of yourself as an American,
and how it will be to interact with another culture. These are important aspects of your upcoming exchange
experience. But remember, these are just suggestions! Look online or at your local bookstore for whatever
interests you!

ONLINE RESOURCES
The internet is a good place to start learning about the
culture and history of your host country. You can find
up-to-date statistics, news and information about recent
cultural trends. Online media is also a great way to
learn about a new culture.
• Reading major US and international newspapers
is a great way to learn about current events in
your host country. Depending on your language
proficiency, try reading a host country newspaper
in English or in your host country’s language.
Compare coverage of major events in a major
US newspaper and your host country newspaper.
What are some of the differenences between the
two?
• Find out what type of music people listen to in
your host country. You can listen to radio stations
from your host country by clicking here.

• How about TV? Is television different in your host
country? Find out by watching world TV webcasts
online.
If you feel like delving deeper into details check out
these sites:
The CIA World Factbook, the US Department of State’s
Background Notes, and the World Bank all provide
detailed demographic and political information about
every country in the world. Try comparing your host
country and the United States.
CultureGrams is a great website with an extensive list
of countries that gives a lot of information regarding
daily life, social norms, and lifestyles in each of these
countries.

Compass: Cross-Cultural Resources for Exchange Students

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