Following up

In the case of a problematic Autobiography of Intercultural Encounters (AIE) story the facilitator may wish to discuss it with the author and encourage him or her to use different strategies to reflect further.

>> Click here to see a list of possible strategies for tackling problematic AIE stories and match them with suggested actions.

When you have finished, >> click here for a possible solution.
 

Reflect

Some of these strategies can be applied more widely. Look back at your own AIE. Do these strategies make you think differently about what you have written?
 

Two examples

Watch the film below for two real examples of problematic stories. They show the users' fear of and prejudices about the other person they meet and their continuing negative feelings.

>> Click here to download the stories in pdf format.

                                         

Story 1: Fear of the Unknown

The first story is about a girl staying with a host family during her choir's visit to Germany.

What is problematic about her response to the situation? Consider:

  • 1. What the girl says about her fears.
  • 2. The behaviour of the girl in her host family. Was it appropriate?
  • 3. What she learned from her experience.
  • 4. Which of the strategies in the download above could be used to help the author of this AIE take her learning further?
     

Story 2: Pride and Prejudice

The second story is about a meeting between a European woman and Moroccan man at a business reception in Germany.

What is problematic in this instance? Consider:

  • 1. The reasons the woman disliked the man. Were they justified?
  • 2. The behaviour of the woman. Was it appropriate?
  • 3. What she learned from her experience.
  • 4. Which of the strategies in the download above could be used to help the author of this AIE take her learning further?
     

>> Click here for a commentary on both stories.