This unique class offers a fun and exciting way for students to gain the most from their international experience. This course provides opportunities for students to interact directly in American life and to learn more about American culture through immersing themselves in activities completed individually, in small groups, and as a class.

In this course, students will:

• Develop a deeper understanding of the cultural backgrounds of others and themselves.
• Understand the stages of culture shock, and learn tools for overcoming it.
• Develop a deeper awareness and appreciation of the history and culture of the United States.
• Develop cultural skills that will help alleviate conflicts and improve communication.
• Increase confidence in their abilities to cope with challenges, and excel during their time abroad.
• Identify their own personal goals for their international experience and develop and complete a pro-active plan that allows them to accomplish these goals.

Spring 2008 Class Schedule

Cultural Awareness and Exposure
NCP 360-30, Quincy Campus
Two Weekends: February 29 - March 2 and April 11 - 12
Friday 6:00p - 9:30p; Saturday 9:00a - 5:00p,
Sunday 9:00a-4:00p

Cultural Awareness and Exposure
NCP 360-31, Quincy Campus
Two Weekends: May 2, 3, 4, 30 and 31
Fri 1:00p-9:00p; Sat/Sun 10:00a-6:00p,
Mon 9:00a-1:00p

Cultural Awareness II - Immersion and Integration
NCP 362-30, Quincy Campus
Two Weekends: February 29 - March 2 and April 11 - 12
Friday: 6:00p - 9:30p, Saturdays: 9:00a - 5:00p, Sunday: 9:00a - 4:00p

*Only students who have completed NCP 360 can enroll for NCP 362

Additional dates may be added by demand and the schedule will be updated.

Cost of Class

$250 tuition for a 40-hour course (equivalent to 3 credits). A class materials and project fee of $25 will be collected on the first day of the class. Some field trips may cost a small fee.

Class Location

Quincy College is conveniently located steps away from the red-line train in Quincy Center. Quincy College is an accredited post-secondary institution that has a significant international student population.

Accommodations and food options will be available for an additional fee (TBD). Students participating in the intensive long weekend format will have up to six weeks to complete all assignments before receiving their completion letter.

Note: Accommodations in Quincy may be available, if needed, for an additional fee. Please email cultureclasses@quincycollege.edu for more information

Class Instructors

Ben and Lora Cook have been co-directing and facilitating international programs and courses together for nearly ten years. Lora has a PhD in International Education and has spent much of the past fifteen years traveling, studying, working, and teaching in forty different countries on six continents. Ben has master's degrees in international development and education and a law degree (international law emphasis) from Georgetown University. He has also spent significant time living and working abroad. Ben and Lora are the parents of three young boys, and have hosted several au pairs and exchange students in their home.

Advanced Class

A second 40-hour course, Cultural Awareness II—Immersion & Integration, is offered to students who have successfully completed the first class. In the advanced class, students continue their intercultural learning experience by becoming more fully immersed and integrated into American life. For example, students will have the opportunity to provide community service while learning more about the United States and their own future career and life plans.

Registration Information

There is limited enrollment, so sign up early to reserve your spot! Click here for a form.

After registering for the class, please email: cultureclasses@quincycollege.edu as soon as possible to get your information regarding your first class from the instructor.

Check out these articles from the Patriot Ledger about the Cultural Awareness Program:

"Course helps au pairs fit in here" 11/18/06
"Getting to know all about U.S." 6/30/07

"We all have unlimited potential but the most important thing is not just to know about it, but to discover it. I wish that we had more turning points in our life like this class that give us a chance to realize these potentials.”
~Lina Chukyo, Ukraine

“I think this is a perfect class for foreigners because it covers many important topics for this experience, such as culture shock, homesickness, getting to know yourself and your goals.”
~Diana Klessen, Germany

"This [class] meant a lot to me, it made me open my eyes and think 'outside the box'. There's so much to do if you just take the time to look for it. Every au pair needs to attend—the class should be offered to all international students. Excellent!"
~Evelina Bergman, Sweden

“I like the huge range of training that [the instructors have] about this topic. They know what they are talking about and bring documentation and papers that clearly illustrates the ideas. ”
~Jenny Filipo, Columbia

“Both [instructors] are well prepared, friendly and nice, which made me feel really comfortable in the class. I could see that both of them have been in the same situation as us—I mean living in a foreign country, and facing the same problems like us."
~Sisi Mendez, Bolivia

“Every au pair and international student should take this class. It is fun and it helps us learn not only about living abroad, but also about one's self. It helped me grow in my experience abroad, and also gave a purpose for my living in the U.S. by setting clear goals to achieve."
~Tina Bachmann, Canada