Firstly, I got the idea that it is language the main obstruct of cross-cultural adaption from my personal experience and research. For Chinese students, even they have got the valid certification of English, like IELTS or TOELF, achieving the level of native speaking and smooth communication is still a long way for them. Therefore, I decided to start an online holiday English improving camp. I invited my friend, Lucy, who has been in UK for years as a simultaneous interpreter. She also wants to promote herself as an English teacher. Therefore, we agreed that I will advertise this activity on social media and make sure that over 30 people attend. I post the poster on social media platform and several group chat.
The information about this activity, including time, course schedule, target group and the introduction of teachers are shown in the poster. Purpose of the activity: Help Chinese sojourners who come to London improve their English skills, understand foreign cultural habits, adapt to foreign work environments, etc.
Outcome of Intervention One
During the preparation phase, I successfully got 46 people signed up for the activity. However, when the first class started, only 12 people participate. So we only had one class for these participants. After this, I asked some of the participants about there feelings and feedback of this activity. Most of them thought the instruction and advise given by the teacher is super effective and helpful for she has introduced several methods of language improving and instructed students to do the intensive reading step by step. However, some of them thought this progress may not be suitable for all participants with different level of English. The progress of English improvement may take a long time of period. It needs students’ active motivation and perseverance of working. Most of the progress related to the students themselves. Also, different circumstance has different solution of the improving, which lead to the non-effectiveness of this kind of lecture. Also, people who want to attend the class have different requires, vary from language improving, test skills, finding jobs abroad, etc.
Failure analyses of Intervention One
1.The objectives of the course were not clear enough. 2.Lack of motivation and constraints to make sure most people attend. 3.The effectiveness of the class is uncertain.
Feedback from Zuleika:
20-80 rules: If you invite 100 people to an activity, there will only be 20 of them show up. So it is normal that only 20% people participate. This should not be called as a failure. But it is necessary that I should get feedback from people who participate.
According to the condition and feedback of the first intervention, I decided to choose an accurate topic to talk about, which should be more practical and effective in a one-time activity. Therefore, I collect the preference and opinion from the participants and other stakeholders. I did a small questionnaire and let them choose from several options.
[Questionnaire: Choose 1-2 topic(s) do you have most interest in or feel the most urgent to solve? A. Preparations before coming to London (items to bring, housing rental, immigration process, etc.) B. Solutions when facing problems in London (emergency situations, disputes over interests, threats to personal safety, etc.) C. Daily life in London (recommended restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping places, etc.) D. Language issues (how to improve daily oral communication skills, how to practice understanding lectures, etc.) E. Enhancing psychological cross-cultural adaptability (how to alleviate anxiety before coming to London, listening to the advice and views of sojourners who have lived here for a long time, and locals, etc.) F. Others: __]
I got 21 stakeholders answered this question. The feedback is as the chart below.
According to this feedback and the discussion with expert, I decided to emphasize on the second and fifth topic. I also invited Lucy as the main lecture and played other 3 London local people’s video about the advice I got from them during the lecture. The lecture used both Chinese and English, which may help the new coming sojourners have a glimpse of the coming life. Also, to improve the attendance of activity, I collect some information about other topics and put the file in order. Those who have committed to participating in this event will receive the relevant materials from me. I still post this message on social media and group chat with more freshmen who are going to study in London in September.
Translation:
Essential Guide to Life in London for Freshmen
A warm welcome to all the sojourners heading to London this September! To assist in your transition, we’ve curated this invaluable lecture. We’re honoured to have Lucy as our main speaker who will delve into practical solutions for challenges you might face in London, including emergency situations, disputes over interests, and potential threats to personal safety. Moreover, we’ll be featuring videos from 3 long-term London locals, offering guidance on enhancing psychological cross-cultural adaptability and alleviating pre-arrival anxieties. The session will be conducted in both Chinese and English to ensure a seamless integration into your new life. For those who’ve confirmed their attendance, expect preparatory materials, from immigration tips to daily life recommendations, in advance.
Time: 23/8/2023 14p.m.-15p.m.
The outcomes of this event showed marked improvements compared to the initial intervention. Out of approximately 150 sojourners I approached to participate, we saw an encouraging turnout of 43 individuals. Feedback was predominantly positive, suggesting the event was both informative and beneficial. During our interactive Q&A session, participants actively sought advice on several fronts. They expressed interest in:
Establishing meaningful connections with those sojourners who’ve been in the city longer or with the local residents to better navigate their early days.
Gaining detailed insights on pragmatic concerns such as safety protocols, the nuances of transportation, and finding suitable accommodations.
Grasping a better understanding of local cultural norms, etiquettes, and the subtleties of interpersonal interactions within this new environment.
When unit 4 started, I had an idea of building connection for people to help each other about living their life in London. But I was not sure about what this connection will be like. So my tutor suggest me to work from the beginning to make sure I am not forgetting any of the issues which is needed to be solved. So I made a list about all the challenges Chinese new sojourners that may encounter according to the secondary research and the other feedback I got from the previous intervention.
I made the mindset about it:
After this I felt more clear about what aspects should be involved in this solution. But it is still not a clear structure for the platform. So I tried to figure out the structure and information.
I decided to put information in four sectors as below:
Practical information sector:
Purchasing stuff : supermarket (food and fast moving consumer goods, etc.), shops and shopping malls (furnitures, clothes, decorations, makeups, bookstores, recreation etc.), restaurants, SIM card.
Accommodation: house renting process (apartment viewing, rental discussing, lease signing, cleansing, etc.)
Transportation: tickets or card purchasing, different transportation information.
Currency: bank (open bank account, withdrew or deposit money, money transferring), exchange rate.
Climate: advise for clothes preparation for each season
Safety issue: emergency number, precaution, information security, etc.
Health issue: NHS registration, physical examination, etc.
Regulations
Language sector:
Resources: school language support centre, online English learning platform or application, translation application, etc.
Skills: small talk, email, local idioms, different accents, etc.
Language practicing opportunity: link to the connection part.
Social interaction sector:
Culture: habits, festivals
School: educational methods, get along with teachers and peers, enrollment process, etc.
Work place: working atmosphere, get along with co-workers, duty, welfare, etc.
People around: small talk, networking(skills, process)
Strangers : boundaries, safety, jokes.
Mental health sector:
Resources: mental health helping centre in schools or community, benefit associations.
Experiences by other sojourners
Basic suggestion from experts
Apart from these, there are one more sector which is the most important part. I named it Connection Building.
Then I draw this draft of the home page of this app to demonstrate these five parts.
Then I did the checklist to find out which aspect I should put more effort in. I rate these part from 0-5. Also I tried to find out how to complete the information it lacked.
To learn more about my stakeholders about how they would like this platform. So I talk with target stakeholders from the ‘experienced’ side
I got a chance to talk with James, who has studied Chinese for years as local in London, on Wednesday. James came to talk to us in a supermarket when he heard us speaking Chinese. He wanted to practice his Chinese by making friends with Chinese people. I thought he could be the one on the ‘experienced’ side in my project.
During the talk with him, I asked him some of my question about language learning personally, which is sometimes I felt I can not find the most accurate word to express my ideas. I was wondering whether the lacking of vocabulary is the problem related to this phenomenon. He told me that most Chinese students he reached out get this confusion, but he don’t think vocabulary is not the main problem. We should pay attention to the meaning of the words in certain circumstance.
From this experience, I found it I got a really useful advise from this guy, who can speak both Chinese and English and know what are the flaws in language learners. So I decided to ask him some question about my Project.
Do you know someone else like you could be my stakeholders in the experienced side?
What kind of reward you would like to have from the new comers if you join this platform?
What kind of service of would you like to provide on this platform?
So I invite three people I know to have this interview and collect feedback from them.
Bullet points:
They hope what they do could be rewarded financially.
Most of them refuse to provide simple help like show people around in London. They prefer to work more valuable.
Additionally, I did some research about other platform that provide similar service.
Case 1: Hello Talk
This is a language exchange platform which could help people who want to learn some language. I downloaded one and choose I can exchange teaching Chinese for learning English. Then I got some message from people who want to learn Chinese. I did not expect I could get in touch with people that easy on this platform, which means they get a lot of users. I ended up talking to someone from Manchester. He told me the reason he came here is that he want to know what his coworker is talking in his back, which is a really interesting story. Therefore, I figured out that some people have the desire to learn a new language while making friends, or even teaching others while making friends.
For the platform, it is free for just chatting by message. If you want to see your visitor or try to talk with others by video, you need to become vip.
Similar platform: Tandem, InterPals…
Case 2: 7 Cups of Tea
7 Cups of Tea is an online platform connecting individuals seeking emotional support with trained listeners and therapists. Through chats, users anonymously discuss personal challenges, ensuring privacy. For chatting with people, it is free. But if you would like to have online therapy, it will be $150 a month, which is cheaper than other therapies.
Similar platform: Be my eyes
Case 3: Cambly
Cambly is an online platform that connects English learners with native English-speaking tutors for real-time video conversations. Catering to individuals of all proficiency levels, Cambly offers flexible learning schedules and personalized lesson plans. Paid activities include private one-on-one lessons, specialized courses (such as Business English or IELTS preparation), and daily practice sessions. Tutors hail from various backgrounds, ensuring diverse learning experiences. With its interactive interface and immediate access to tutors, Cambly serves as a convenient solution for immersive English practice.
For one to one English improving classes, the price would be $10-$20, vary from different set people choose. They also get other options for people to choose.
Case 4: Airbnb Experiences
Airbnb Experiences is a feature offered by Airbnb, extending beyond its primary home-sharing model. It allows locals and experts to host unique activities, tours, or classes in their city. Guests can book these experiences to dive deeper into the local culture, learn new skills, or explore hidden gems. Offerings range from cooking classes, photography walks, and historical tours to adventure sports and nature hikes. Each experience provides a personal touch, ensuring traveler’s get an authentic and enriching insight into the destination. Through Airbnb Experiences, visitors can connect with communities in ways that typical tourism might not offer.
People charge according to different services. What need to mention is that I noticed that this platform only provide a view of the local people who provide service, but not the people who may have requirements. Therefore I would provide a window for people who want to post what they need on the social media.
I try to use a website to build a mock up miniapp system, which could show the page jumps.
But I got stuck on designing the part of communication. There is some draft in my mind, but still confused on showing all the process and blocks. So I think I still need to interview some of my stakeholders about their expectation on this application.
I came up with some questions for the newcomers to figure out.
1.”What are the main challenges you faced upon arriving in the UK, and in what areas do you feel you need the most assistance?”
2.”Could you describe the types of services or support that would have been most beneficial to you when you first arrived in the UK?”
3.”How important is it for you to receive help from experienced individuals in adapting to life in the UK?”
4.”What is your budget for seeking professional services or assistance in settling into the UK, such as legal advice, language courses, or cultural orientation sessions?”
5.”Have you used any specific resources or services that you found particularly helpful as a newcomer to the UK?”
And I got some feedback from my stakeholders
Key point:
The main challenges faced by newcomers to the UK are consistent with previous feedback. New arrivals often struggle to grasp the practical knowledge needed for everyday living, such as understanding how to navigate the healthcare system, knowing the social media and legal requirements, and getting used to how things are done in their new environment. They also face difficulties in adapting to the cultural nuances, which include getting accustomed to local customs, humor, and social expectations.
In terms of the assistance they’re looking for, there is a clear need for support with medical services, which could range from registering with a local doctor to understanding how to access emergency healthcare. Legal assistance is also a common requirement, with newcomers needing help with everything from understanding visa regulations to renting or buying property. Help with daily life tasks is also sought after, including setting up utilities, finding the best shopping deals, and integrating into the community.
When it comes to budgeting for these services, there is an openness to invest in assistance that is seen as valuable. People are willing to spend money on language courses, which are essential for communication and integration, as well as on other practical forms of help that can ease their transition into UK life. Despite this willingness to spend, there is also a desire for a communal platform or service. Such a platform would enable them to ask questions and receive advice on the more straightforward aspects of living in the UK, suggesting a preference for a supportive network over navigating alone. This shows a recognition of the importance of shared experiences and community knowledge in the process of settling into a new country.
Therefore, according to these feedback, I first made the draft of this application. I try to link these pages and show them to my stakeholders.
Then, my tutor George suggest me to do a mind map showing the linking between the pages. And I also do the design of the layout of each page.
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
The link between pages and the scenario mocking
I also got a name for this app, which is Taoli. This is the spelling of its Chinese name: ‘桃李’, which comes from the slang in China（投桃报李: If people give me a peach, I will give a plum back.) This means people should help each other and be grateful. I use this name because most of my target group is Chinese. They could understand the meaning when they saw this and it indicates the function of this application.
Then I tried to test this application to find out if it is easy to navigate. I printed out the pages and let people act that they are using it as an app. And then I collect feedback from 10 people, some of them are my Chinese friends, and others are from people I met from school library.
For the testing part, I put the participants into two groups. One of them need to find a certain page. The other one just need to explore the application as they want to and give me feedbacks. But I only tell them what this application for instead of giving explanations to this application.
All the participants think this application is easy to navigate. They can find the page they want. They also tried to go browse in the second page which the part that other people post. I think that is a good sign for this application to work. But I still get some feedbacks from people that I could work on to make this better.
Feedbacks:
People want more sections on the page that showing the issues. They are especially asking for the networking sector. People want to find job in London said they really need these opportunities to start their job seeking process which is totally different in their own country.
Some people are asking for more local activities or chances to engaged with local culture. Some of them are not familiar using the social media abroad. So they cannot find these type of activities on most Chinese social media.
This application could satisfy the most functional help in a new country and they can see the possibility to scale up. But as the solution to cross cultural adaptation, some of the people whose need is to engaging deeper in the local culture want more information in this application.
Bring expert in this project o solve the problem that I can not solve by myself on this platform.
Start to make a sketch of the structure of this platform.
According to the list I made, I should check if the information I had get enough.
After I find out which information I need to get help from experts and figure out how can I get these information.
Reflection:
I learned something from George that I think could help with any project. It’s about making a comprehensive list of all the troubles we have right now. This list will be about what problems and obstruction I had or the society had at present according to the second hand research and the feedback from people who join the intervention.
First, I’ll look at what other people have already found out – that’s what we call ‘second-hand research’ because someone else figured it out first. Then, I’ll talk to people who are our target groups. They can tell us about things we might not notice.
Putting together all this information will make a really good list. It’ll be like a guide that shows us where things are messy, so we can avoid making mistakes. It’s like when you make a grocery list so you don’t forget to buy something important at the store.Also, it makes sure we’re not just making wild guesses about problems. We’re being smart and making sure we’ve thought of everything. Then, when we start working on the project, we can be sure we didn’t forget anything. This makes everything easier and better.
2. Talk with stakeholders from the experienced side:
Reflection: I went to talk to the stakeholders about this project, I told myself not to make assumption what they might need or want from it. I wanted to hear it straight from them without my ideas getting in the way. But, deep down, I couldn’t help thinking that maybe they would like the idea of exchanging skills with each other.
After I actually sat down and chatted with them, I realized that even my small guesses could change how everything turns out. What I learned is that I should really just listen and not let my own thoughts sneak in. That way, what they tell me is what they really think and feel, not what I expect them to say. Even a little bit assumption may affect the outcome of the process.
3. Oct 16th tutorial with George
Change the names of the block. Basic information — Practical information (because basic means simple and easy stuff, but the information I put in this block is more than easy. It is about practicality). Psychology — Mental health and emotional support (because psychology is the name of study. What this project is looking at stuff under psychology which are mental health, experiences and so on.
Try to think of the tittle for the project. It is an important part of the project because this is how people going to remember about the project.
We need to understand people may have different capability of issues, like bank account information. These issues may not be related to common sense.
For how to build connections, I can break down this process. For the first stage, I could do some research about the similar applications. And then, I need to do some research by talking to the consultants. Last but not least, test the draft with stakeholders.
Reflection:
Firstly, when selecting titles or descriptions for different blocks of the project, careful consideration must be given to the meaning and implications of the words chosen. The terminology needs to accurately reflect the content and purpose of the section.
Secondly, tittle speaks a lot.It’s not just a name but a banner under which all the work is presented. It serves as a powerful tool for engagement, recognition, and recall(Alonzi, 2018). A compelling title can intrigue and draw people in, while also providing a quick understanding of the project’s focus. Research into effective titling strategies emphasizes the importance of clarity, memorability, and relevance. Titles that resonate with the target audience and reflect the project’s core benefits have a lasting impact and can significantly contribute to the project’s success(Sera, 2022). This is why dedicating time to craft a thoughtful and impactful title is an essential step in the project design process.
Reference:
Alonzi, A. (2018). How to Write a Good Project Title. [online] proposalforNGOs. Available at: https://proposalsforngos.com/how-to-write-a-good-project-title/.
Sera, S. (2022). Why Should I Name a Project? 3 Benefits for Your Team. [online] Atomic Spin. Available at: https://spin.atomicobject.com/2022/03/15/project-name/#:~:text= [Accessed 23 Nov. 2023].
4. Reflection of the whole project
When I almost finish my project and come up with this application as the solution of it, I get back to do some reflection on my research question again according to Richard’s reminder. I thought it is necessary that we need to go back to the original question often to make sure we are on the right track.
I have already did the research about what is cross cultural adaptation and how people evaluate if they have achieved it. Cross-cultural adaptation refers to the process by which individuals adjust to and integrate into a culture different from their own, including aspects like language proficiency, understanding and adopting local customs and norms, building social networks, and achieving psychological comfort in the new environment. Evaluating whether one has achieved cross-cultural adaptation is complex and subjective, as it involves a spectrum of experiences and adjustments. Typically, indicators such as effective communication skills, participation in local social and cultural activities, forming relationships with members of the host culture, and a sense of psychological well-being are considered signs of successful adaptation(Wang,2018). However, there is no one-size-fits-all metric, and individuals often assess their own level of adaptation based on personal goals, satisfaction, and comfort within the new cultural context. This self-reflection, combined with external observations and feedback, can provide a comprehensive view of one’s adaptation journey.
And I tried to mock some scenarios to find out if they achieve cross cultural adaptation. For example, if a person only wants to live in London. His English is not good enough to talk to local people but enough for him to buy stuff or navigate around here. He doesn’t want to get involved in local cultural activity, and only hang out with people from his country. But these capabilities are enough for him, and he think he lives well in this country. Can we call him achieved cross cultural adaptation? I asked some people this question. Some people thinks that it could be called he has achieved cross cultural adaptation, because this person is satisfied with the situation. Some people don’t agree. One of the participants give me the idea of functional adaptation, which I also got from some of the feedback of the application. Therefore, I did more research on this.
I find out the definition of functional adaptation: The individual has adapted sufficiently to meet their basic needs and live independently in the new environment(Arestad et al., 2017). This includes having enough language proficiency to handle daily transactions like buying goods and ordering food. If the person feels content with this level of adaptation and it meets their needs, this can be considered a successful functional adaptation. However, choosing not to engage with the local culture or community and primarily socialising with people from their own country suggests a limited level of social and cultural integration.
Therefore, the functional adaptation could be considered a fundamental aspect or initial stage of cross-cultural adaptation. It forms the basis on which deeper levels of cultural adaptation can be built. Once an individual has achieved functional adaptation, they have a stable base from which to explore and integrate more deeply into the new culture. Without this foundational level, deeper engagement with the host culture can be more challenging(Sheng, Dai and Lei, 2022). However, the process of people pursuing functional adaptation could help with people have a more deeper understanding of the cultural adaptation. Being able to function effectively in everyday situations could unpurposely help people have a deeper cultural understanding.
Therefore, as the reflection on my project and my application. I recognize that cross-cultural adaptation is a complex process that encompasses aspects like language proficiency, social integration, cultural understanding, and psychological adjustment. According to the feedback and the testing result, I think my application could be helpful. Firstly, it plays a pivotal role in helping sojourners manage daily life challenges in a new country, laying the groundwork for deeper adaptation. Also, some parts also provide the chance for people to gain essential agencies for achieving the cultural adaptation. Typically, cross-cultural adaptation implies a deeper engagement with the host culture, including building relationships with locals, participating in cultural activities, and a broader understanding and acceptance of cultural norms and values. This application provide people the opportunity to make connections and gain skills. But maybe in the following steps after graduation if I am going to continue this project. I should try to add more part that could help with the cultural adaptation part more directly.
In conclusion, I know that adaptation is a subjective experience and varies greatly from person to person. What constitutes sufficient or successful adaptation can differ based on individual goals, needs, and perspectives. An important aspect of any form of adaptation is the individual’s personal satisfaction and sense of well-being. If the person feels happy and comfortable with their lifestyle in London, this is a positive outcome in terms of personal adaptation.
Reference:
Arestad, K.E., MacPhee, D., Lim, C.Y. and Khetani, M.A. (2017). Cultural adaptation of a pediatric functional assessment for rehabilitation outcomes research. BMC Health Services Research, 17(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-017-2592-6.
Sheng, L., Dai, J. and Lei, J. (2022). The impacts of academic adaptation on psychological and sociocultural adaptation among international students in China: The moderating role of friendship. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 89, pp.79–89. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2022.06.001.
Wang, Q. (2018). Studying cognitive development in cultural context: A multi-level analysis approach. Developmental Review, 50, pp.54–64. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2018.03.002.
From the feedback of the interventions, I got some new knowledge about sojourners’ attitude when they first come to a new country. For the first two intervention, I learned these three points:
Establishing connections with those sojourners who’ve been in the city longer or with the local residents.
Grasping a better understanding of local cultural norms, etiquettes, and the subtleties of interpersonal interactions within this new environment.
Gaining detailed insights on pragmatic concerns such as safety protocols, the nuances of transportation, and finding suitable accommodations.
Then, I decided to build a platform which could both provide information and make connections according to this result. So I conduct an application. During the process of building it, I also got some new knowledge from this.
The main challenges newcomers to the UK face align with previous feedback, highlighting struggles with practical knowledge and cultural adaptation. They often need assistance in navigating the healthcare system, legalities, and daily tasks. Their difficulties also extend to adjusting to local customs and humor.
In response, there’s a demand for medical and legal support, and help with everyday activities. Newcomers are willing to invest in valuable services, such as language courses, to aid their integration. Additionally, there’s a desire for a community platform to seek advice, reflecting the value placed on shared experiences and community support in adapting to life in the UK. This new knowledge underscores the significance of practical assistance and cultural understanding in the transition process.
For this project, the first challenge I met is when I tried to conduct my first intervention.
During the preparation phase, I post the poster and messages on social media. And I successfully got 46 people signed up for the activity. However, when the first class started, only 12 people participate. So we only had one class for these participants. To solve this challenge, I asked some of the participants about there feelings and feedback of this activity. Most of them thought the instruction and advise given by the teacher is super effective and helpful for she has introduced several methods of language improving and instructed students to do the intensive reading step by step. However, some of them thought this progress may not be suitable for all participants with different level of English. The progress of English improvement may take a long time of period. It needs students’ active motivation and perseverance of working. Most of the progress related to the students themselves. Also, different circumstance has different solution of the improving, which lead to the non-effectiveness of this kind of lecture. Also, people who want to attend the class have different requires, vary from language improving, test skills, finding jobs abroad, etc. I tried to analyse what is this caused by:
1.The objectives of the course were not clear enough. 2.Lack of motivation and constraints to make sure most people attend. 3.The effectiveness of the class is uncertain.
Then I tried to solve this challenge in my second intervention. I decided to choose an accurate topic to talk about, which should be more practical and effective in a one-time activity. Therefore, I collect the preference and opinion from the participants and other stakeholders. I also did a small questionnaire and let them choose from several options.
The second challenge is how to make sure the security of people getting connection on this platform maybe difficult to ensure. I need to do more research about other similar platforms.
Also, Richard reminded me of thinking about my research question again. I need to define what is cultural adaptation. Because for different people, cultural adaptation have different acceptance level. So if I want to have a better understanding of this question, my project need to find out different solution for different people.
When I attended Dragons Den, I introduced my project to them, also I mentioned the research I did about ‘airbnb experience’. They suggested that I should also tried to cooperate my project with these platforms. There will be more possibilities for people from other countries who need cultural adaption when they arrived a new country. It could be scaled up in the future.
Also I want to figure out for next step is how to get this application promoted. I got the advertising idea from the other application which target group is Chinese people in London. They usually use Chinese social media to promote. Also, they will use coupons to attract people’s attention. Therefore, this application may use similar promoting methods to solve this challenges.
Activity 1: Interview with stakeholders — Jonathan Carson | Associate Dean, Student Experience & Enhancement
As my project is mainly about new Chinese sojourners, Chinese students are a big group in this community. Therefore, in the interview with Jonathan, we mainly talked about the adaption of Chinese students( Also for International students from other country) to the school in London universities. I asked a few question about the main obstruct of Chinese students in schools and we talked about my project and gained some feedback.
Question 1: From your perspective, what is the main obstruct for Chinese students to achieve cross-cultural adaption?
Bullet points:
We shouldn’t make the assumption about people from different country have obstructs in dealing with new environments. But some of Chinese students may have a little bit apprehension about language and a significant differences in how student educated or schooled beyond that compulsory schooling. Students need to negotiate education in a different way. Also, the relationship between teachers and students, relationship between peers are different.
Question 2: How do you think of the phenomenon where a large portion of Chinese students tend to socialize more with students from their country? What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of this in school community
Bullet points:
No tension in that students want to communicate with students from same nation. If there is anyone who have bias or judgements to students from other countries, it should not be the case. Universities is working on the process that how to make people have the acknowledge of all the students should play a role in this kind of education process. Sometimes it isn’t about the race. When it comes to the group work or communication among multi culture, amazing interaction, tension, bias and stereotypes could all exist. But these are all the process of learning which could be adapted to whole life work. It is a part of studentship.
Question 3: Chinese students tend to be ‘the silent majority’, most of them are not used to asking questions or talking about their request when they come to school at the beginning due to the cultural differences. How to encourage them to speak more or express themselves?
Bullet points:
It is like a spectrum that on the one side some of the students have a good use of the language support, but on the other side they don’t. For some people, they don’t aware of the support that college support.
Activity 2: List about all the challenges Chinese new sojourners that may encounter
Activity 3: Talk with target stakeholders from the ‘experienced’ side
I got to talked with James, who has studied Chinese for years as local in London, on Wednesday. James came to talk to us in a supermarket when he heard us speaking Chinese. He wanted to practice his Chinese by making friends with Chinese people. I thought he could be the one on the ‘experienced’ side in my project.
During the talk with him, I asked him some of my question about language learning personally, which is sometimes I felt I can not find the most accurate word to express my ideas. I was wondering whether the lacking of vocabulary is the problem related to this phenomenon. He told me that most Chinese students he reached out get this confusion, but he don’t think vocabulary is not the main problem. We should pay attention to the meaning of the words in certain circumstance.
From this experience, I found it I got a really useful advise from this guy, who can speak both Chinese and English and know what are the flaws in language learners. So I decided to ask him some question about my Project.
Do you know someone else like you could be my stakeholders in the experienced side?
What kind of reward you would like to have from the new comers if you join this platform?
What kind of service of would you like to provide on this platform?
Activity 4: Oct 9th tutorial with George
Bring expert in this project o solve the problem that I can not solve by myself on this platform.
Start to make a sketch of the structure of this platform.
According to the list I made, I should check if the information I had get enough.
After I find out which information I need to get help from experts and figure out how can I get these information.
Reflection: I got the idea from George which I think could suit in any project. I should make a comprehensive list about what problems and obstruction I had or the society had at present according to the second hand research and the feedback from people who join the intervention. This is the best way for people to conduct the project without missing stuff.
Activity 5: Check the information I should put on the platform
First, I draw a draft of a mini application and demonstrate different sectors.
Practical information sector:
Purchasing stuff : supermarket (food and fast moving consumer goods, etc.), shops and shopping malls (furnitures, clothes, decorations, makeups, bookstores, recreation etc.), restaurants, SIM card.
Accommodation: house renting process (apartment viewing, rental discussing, lease signing, cleansing, etc.)
Transportation: tickets or card purchasing, different transportation information.
Currency: bank (open bank account, withdrew or deposit money, money transferring), exchange rate.
Climate: advise for clothes preparation for each season
Safety issue: emergency number, precaution, information security, etc.
Health issue: NHS registration, physical examination, etc.
Regulations
Language sector:
Resources: school language support centre, online English learning platform or application, translation application, etc.
Skills: small talk, email, local idioms, different accents, etc.
Language practicing opportunity: link to the connection part.
Social interaction sector:
Culture: habits, festivals
School: educational methods, get along with teachers and peers, enrollment process, etc.
Work place: working atmosphere, get along with co-workers, duty, welfare, etc.
People around: small talk, networking(skills, process)
Strangers : boundaries, safety, jokes.
Mental health sector:
Resources: mental health helping centre in schools or community, benefit associations.
Experiences by other sojourners
Basic suggestion from experts
Second, I did the checklist to find out which aspect I should put more effort in.
Activity 6: Talk with stakeholders from the experienced side
Bullet points:
They hope what they do could be rewarded financially.
Most of them refuse to provide simple help like show people around in London. They prefer to work more valuable.
Reflection: Before I asked the stakeholders from the experienced side, I tried to not give assumptions about what they need and require from this experience. But inevitably, I still got the thought that some people may accept the skill exchange mechanism. After the talking with them, I learned that even a little bit assumption may affect the outcome of the process.
Activity 7: Tutorial on 16/10/2023
Activity 8: Research about other platform that provide similar service.
Case 1: Hello Talk
This is a language exchange platform which could help people who want to learn some language. I downloaded one and choose I can exchange teaching Chinese for learning English. Then I got some message from people who want to learn Chinese. I did not expect I could get in touch with people that easy on this platform, which means they get a lot of users. I ended up talking to someone from Manchester. He told me the reason he came here is that he want to know what his coworker is talking in his back, which is a really interesting story. Therefore, I figured out that some people have the desire to learn a new language while making friends, or even teaching others while making friends.
For the platform, it is free for just chatting by message. If you want to see your visitor or try to talk with others by video, you need to become vip.
Similar platform: Tandem, InterPals…
Case 2: 7 Cups of Tea
7 Cups of Tea is an online platform connecting individuals seeking emotional support with trained listeners and therapists. Through chats, users anonymously discuss personal challenges, ensuring privacy. For chatting with people, it is free. But if you would like to have online therapy, it will be $150 a month, which is cheaper than other therapies.
Similar platform: Be my eyes
Case 3: Cambly
Cambly is an online platform that connects English learners with native English-speaking tutors for real-time video conversations. Catering to individuals of all proficiency levels, Cambly offers flexible learning schedules and personalized lesson plans. Paid activities include private one-on-one lessons, specialized courses (such as Business English or IELTS preparation), and daily practice sessions. Tutors hail from various backgrounds, ensuring diverse learning experiences. With its interactive interface and immediate access to tutors, Cambly serves as a convenient solution for immersive English practice.
For one to one English improving classes, the price would be $10-$20, vary from different set people choose. They also get other options for people to choose.
Case 4: Airbnb Experiences
Airbnb Experiences is a feature offered by Airbnb, extending beyond its primary home-sharing model. It allows locals and experts to host unique activities, tours, or classes in their city. Guests can book these experiences to dive deeper into the local culture, learn new skills, or explore hidden gems. Offerings range from cooking classes, photography walks, and historical tours to adventure sports and nature hikes. Each experience provides a personal touch, ensuring travelers get an authentic and enriching insight into the destination. Through Airbnb Experiences, visitors can connect with communities in ways that typical tourism might not offer.
People charge according to different services. What need to mention is that I noticed that this platform only provide a view of the local people who provide service, but not the people who may have requirements.
CHINESE SOJOURNERS ON THE BACKGROUND OF CROSS-CULTURAL ADAPTATION
I did some research about how Chinese sojourners try to acculturate different culture and background.
Firstly, I read about some articles about cross-cultural adaptation.
The mind map of the research is shown as below.
1 Sojourner: When it comes to the concept of cross-cultural adaption, it usually refer to the term “sojourner” , which refers to individuals who reside temporarily within a culture different from their own, encompassing a diverse group such as business professionals, students, technical experts, diplomats, and travellers. These individuals face the challenges of adapting across cultures.
2 Adaption: This cross-cultural adaptation is divided into two primary categories: psychological adaptation and sociocultural adaptation.(Ward & Kennedy, 1992)
Psychological Adaptation: Rooted in emotional response, it pertains to mental well-being and life satisfaction when immersed in a new culture. If a sojourner experiences minimal negative feelings, such as depression, anxiety, or homesickness, they’re considered to have achieved psychological adaptation.
Sociocultural Adaptation: This pertains to one’s ability to fit into the local social and cultural environment and to effectively interact with locals.
When studying the factors affecting cross-cultural adaptation, psychological adaptation is often the primary focus. It linked with the concept is “acculturation”, which outlines the psychological and behavioural changes individuals undergo after prolonged interactions with a different cultural group.
Acculturation can be viewed from two angles:
Retaining identity from one’s native culture.
Building and maintaining relationships within the new local community.
When merged, these perspectives result in four distinct approaches to acculturation:
Integration: A balanced view where one values both their native culture and the relationships within the new society.
Separation: A reserved stance where one holds onto their native culture and distances themselves from the new cultural environment.
Assimilation: Prioritising integration into the new culture at the expense of one’s native identity.
Marginalisation: A distant approach where one neither identifies with their native culture nor seeks to integrate into the new environment.
Interestingly, a strong identification with one’s native culture aligns with better psychological adaptation, while a strong connection with the local culture is tied to enhanced sociocultural adaptation. Sojourners adopting the integration approach typically fare better psychologically than those leaning towards assimilation. Conversely, those favoring separation often struggle with sociocultural adaptation, whereas those with assimilative and integrative stances tend to exhibit higher levels of sociocultural competence.(Ward & Kennedy, 1994)
In today’s interconnected world, understanding the nuances of adaptation and acculturation is important. Recognizing the diverse strategies sojourners employ offers insights into promoting healthier, more inclusive interactions in multicultural environments.
3 Cross-Cultural Adaptation:
Key External Factors
Life Changes: When individuals engage in cross-cultural interactions, they face several life changes, including shifts in dietary habits, pace of life, and climate. These changes often lead to stress, potentially hindering adaptation.
Social Support: Social support is a significant predictor of psychological adaptation. This support can come from various sources, such as family, friends, and acquaintances. For those residing in a foreign country, support can be segmented into that received from compatriots and locals(Adelman, 1988). Support from fellow countrymen can offer valuable information to help navigate new environments, provide emotional assistance, and create a sense of belonging. This can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and alienation. However, overrely on support from compatriots might impede adaptation to the local culture. Studies have indicated that those who spend excessive time with fellow countrymen may face more adaptation challenges. Furthermore, forming a balanced relationship with locals is essential for holistic adaptation.(Chen, 1998)
Psychological Adjustment Over Time: Lysgard’s research suggests that cross-cultural adaptation follows a U-shaped curve. This model encompasses four emotional stages: honeymoon, crisis, recovery, and adaptation. Initially, individuals might be intrigued and enthusiastic about their new surroundings. Over time, they may face challenges leading to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, but with perseverance, they can overcome these issues and eventually adapt.
Cultural Distance: Cultural distance acts as a moderator between the stress experienced by sojourners and their adaptation issues. Cultures can be seen as a spectrum of similarity or difference(Babiker, Cox & Miller, 1980). For instance, Australia and New Zealand share a smaller cultural distance compared to Australia and Japan. The prevailing hypothesis is that the larger the cultural distance, the harder the adaptation. Therefore, an Australian businessperson might find it easier to adapt in Auckland than in Taipei.
Prejudice & Discrimination: Racial discrimination can have a profound impact on both psychological and sociocultural adaptation. A strong negative correlation exists between racial discrimination and psychological well-being. Although from a cultural distance perspective, Chinese individuals might find it easier to adapt in Japan compared to Westerners, many studies suggest that Chinese face more challenges in Japan. A significant reason for this is the discrimination they face, highlighting the weight discrimination holds in cross-cultural adaptation.
Key Internal Factors
Appraisal & Coping Styles: Individuals form expectations about their experiences in a new culture prior to the actual cross-cultural encounter. If these expectations align with the real experiences, it positively influences their adaptation. This alignment suggests that the individual is psychologically prepared to handle the potential stresses of life changes. Effective coping mechanisms, such as using humor, also play a significant role in adaptation.
Personality: The locus of control concept examines whether individuals believe they control events or if external factors, such as luck, dominate. Several studies have indicated that the locus of control is a significant predictor of psychological adaptation. Other personality traits that influence cross-cultural adaptation include flexibility, tolerance for ambiguity, resilience, sense of control, self-efficacy, and self-monitoring.
Knowledge & Skills: Cultural knowledge and skills can boost psychological adaptation to a new societal environment. Previous overseas experience can aid in better cross-cultural adjustment in future situations. Acquiring cultural knowledge can also be facilitated through training and education. For instance, proficiency in the local language is an essential skill, and studies have shown a strong correlation between language fluency and feelings of psychological well-being, adaptation, and overall satisfaction.
Demographic Factors: Demographics like gender, age, income, and education have been extensively researched in relation to adaptation. Education, in particular, positively correlates with adaptation. This is because education is linked to other resources such as cultural knowledge and socio-economic wealth (higher-status jobs and more income). Thus, individuals with higher education levels tend to adapt better.
For detailed research of Chinese sojourners in London. I found that one of the study sheds light on a fascinating dynamic: how Chinese students abroad, particularly in the UK, navigate and interpret their environment. Chinese students in the UK have a unique way of living in the city. They often stick to certain areas and don’t use all the city facilities. This happens because many of them plan to go back to China after their studies. They might overlook or avoid certain facilities and spaces they perceive as unfamiliar or unnecessary(Cao, Meng & Shang, 2018).
The cultural adaptation levels of Chinese students studying abroad can be ranked from highest to lowest as follows: “living habits, language, social interaction, and values.”
The study found that Chinese students easily pick up daily UK habits and language. But they don’t always dig deeply into the culture. For example, they might not care about UK values or traditions. They often stay close to Chinese culture by speaking Mandarin and hanging out with other Chinese people. This shows they are more comfortable with things they know.
Digital platforms like QQ, WeChat, and Weibo play pivotal roles. Before even setting foot in the UK, many students already build connections through these platforms. This pre-established network, combined with the innate human tendency towards familiarity, often results in clusters of Chinese students residing and socializing together, creating a ‘buffer zone’ to mitigate cultural shock.
They also have different choices when it comes to fun or shopping. Places loved by locals might feel off-limits to these students. They mostly move around their living or study areas. For many, the Chinese Town becomes a favorite spot. It feels like a mini home away from home.
Reference:
Ward, C. & Kennedy, A., 1992. Locus of control, mood disturbance and social difficulty during cross-cultural transitions. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 16(3), pp.175-194.
Ward, C. & Kennedy, A., 1994. Acculturation strategies, psychological adjustment and sociocultural competence during cross-cultural transitions. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 18(3), pp.329-343.
Adelman, M.B., 1988. Cross-cultural adjustment: A theoretical perspective on social support. International Journal of Intercultural Relation, 12(3), pp.183-205.
Chen, X., 1998. Sojourners and “Foreigners” – A Study on Cross-Cultural Interpersonal Communication of Chinese Students Studying in the US. Hunan Education Publishing House, pp.173-179.
Babiker, I.E., Cox, J.L. & Miller, P., 1980. The measurement of cultural distance and its relationship to medical consultations, symptomatology, and examination performance of overseas students at Edinburgh University. Social Psychiatry, 15(2), pp.109-116.
Corder, S.P., 1975. The Language of Language Learners. The Broad Issues, 59, pp.233-245.
Cong, Y., Hunt, D., Wei, L., Huang, D. & Zuo, K. Cultural adaptation in the context of daily activities of international students: A case study of Chinese students in Birmingham, UK.
Cao, C., Meng, Q. & Shang, L., 2018. How can Chinese international students’ host-national contact contribute to social connectedness, social support, and reduced prejudice in the mainstream society? Testing a moderated mediation model. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 63(2), pp.43-52.
Balidemaj, A. & Small, M., 2019. The effects of ethnic identity and acculturation in mental health of immigrants: A literature review. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 65(7), pp.643-655.
Chinese sojourners in London: Chinese individuals who reside temporarily in London, encompassing a diverse group such as business professionals, students, technical experts, diplomats, and travellers. These individuals face the challenges of adapting across cultures.
Achieve cross-culture adaption: Include two aspects (Psychological Adaptation: Rooted in emotional response, it pertains to mental well-being and life satisfaction when immersed in a new culture. If a sojourner experiences minimal negative feelings, such as depression, anxiety, or homesickness, they’re considered to have achieved psychological adaptation. Sociocultural Adaptation: This pertains to one’s ability to fit into the local social and cultural environment and to effectively interact with locals. Including knowing basic knowledge (shopping, transportation, accommodation guides, etc.), policy and regulations, security, ways to handle emergencies, language improvement, major events, social events etc.
WHY:
1. A significant Chinese population in London, particularly students.
2. Differences in lifestyle and cultural background between China and other countries. For Chinese sojourners who come to London for the first time (especially those who have never lived outside of China), they might find it challenging to adapt to life in London in a short period due to the significant differences in lifestyle and cultural background.
3.Feel lost when encounter some unexpected situations: Many Chinese people who have just come to London to study or work initially have no family and friends accompanying them. If they encounter some unexpected situations, they may feel lost and unsure about how to resolve them.
4. Information that can be found on the Internet or social media is often scattered, outdated, or contains false information.
HOW:
Intervention One:
Firstly, I got the idea that it is language the main obstruct of cross-cultural adaption from my personal experience and research. For Chinese students, even they have got the valid certification of English, like IELTS or TOELF, achieving the level of native speaking and smooth communication is still a long way for them. Therefore, I decided to start an online holiday English improving camp. I invited my friend, Lucy, who has been in UK for years as a simultaneous interpreter. She also wants to promote herself as an English teacher. Therefore, we agreed that I will advertise this activity on social media and make sure that over 30 people attend. I post the poster on social media platform and several group chat.
The information about this activity, including time, course schedule, target group and the introduction of teachers are shown in the poster. Purpose of the activity: Help Chinese sojourners who come to London improve their English skills, understand foreign cultural habits, adapt to foreign work environments, etc.
Outcome of Intervention One
During the preparation phase, I successfully got 46 people signed up for the activity. However, when the first class started, only 12 people participate. So we only had one class for these participants. After this, I asked some of the participants about there feelings and feedback of this activity. Most of them thought the instruction and advise given by the teacher is super effective and helpful for she has introduced several methods of language improving and instructed students to do the intensive reading step by step. However, some of them thought this progress may not be suitable for all participants with different level of English. The progress of English improvement may take a long time of period. It needs students’ active motivation and perseverance of working. Most of the progress related to the students themselves. Also, different circumstance has different solution of the improving, which lead to the non-effectiveness of this kind of lecture. Also, people who want to attend the class have different requires, vary from language improving, test skills, finding jobs abroad, etc.
Failure analyses of Intervention One
1.The objectives of the course were not clear enough. 2.Lack of motivation and constraints to make sure most people attend. 3.The effectiveness of the class is uncertain.
Feedback from Zuleika:
20-80 rules: If you invite 100 people to an activity, there will only be 20 of them show up. So it is normal that only 20% people participate. This should not be called as a failure. But it is necessary that I should get feedback from people who participate.
Revision of Intervention Two
According to the condition and feedback of the first intervention, I decided to choose an accurate topic to talk about, which should be more practical and effective in a one-time activity. Therefore, I collect the preference and opinion from the participants and other stakeholders. I did a small questionnaire and let them choose from several options.
[Questionnaire: Choose 1-2 topic(s) do you have most interest in or feel the most urgent to solve? A. Preparations before coming to London (items to bring, housing rental, immigration process, etc.) B. Solutions when facing problems in London (emergency situations, disputes over interests, threats to personal safety, etc.) C. Daily life in London (recommended restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping places, etc.) D. Language issues (how to improve daily oral communication skills, how to practice understanding lectures, etc.) E. Enhancing psychological cross-cultural adaptability (how to alleviate anxiety before coming to London, listening to the advice and views of sojourners who have lived here for a long time, and locals, etc.) F. Others: __]
I got 21 stakeholders answered this question. The feedback is as the chart below.
According to this feedback and the discussion with expert, I decided to emphasize on the second and fifth topic. I also invited Lucy as the main lecture and played other 3 London local people’s video about the advice I got from them during the lecture. The lecture used both Chinese and English, which may help the new coming sojourners have a glimpse of the coming life. Also, to improve the attendance of activity, I collect some information about other topics and put the file in order. Those who have committed to participating in this event will receive the relevant materials from me. I still post this message on social media and group chat with more freshmen who are going to study in London in September.
Translation:
Essential Guide to Life in London for Freshmen
A warm welcome to all the sojourners heading to London this September! To assist in your transition, we’ve curated this invaluable lecture. We’re honoured to have Lucy as our main speaker who will delve into practical solutions for challenges you might face in London, including emergency situations, disputes over interests, and potential threats to personal safety. Moreover, we’ll be featuring videos from 3 long-term London locals, offering guidance on enhancing psychological cross-cultural adaptability and alleviating pre-arrival anxieties. The session will be conducted in both Chinese and English to ensure a seamless integration into your new life. For those who’ve confirmed their attendance, expect preparatory materials, from immigration tips to daily life recommendations, in advance.
Time: 23/8/2023 14p.m.-15p.m.
The outcomes of this event showed marked improvements compared to the initial intervention. Out of approximately 150 sojourners I approached to participate, we saw an encouraging turnout of 43 individuals. Feedback was predominantly positive, suggesting the event was both informative and beneficial. During our interactive Q&A session, participants actively sought advice on several fronts. They expressed interest in:
Establishing meaningful connections with those sojourners who’ve been in the city longer or with the local residents to better navigate their early days.
Gaining detailed insights on pragmatic concerns such as safety protocols, the nuances of transportation, and finding suitable accommodations.
Grasping a better understanding of local cultural norms, etiquettes, and the subtleties of interpersonal interactions within this new environment.
Plan for other interventions
1.Guidebook for Chinese people who newly come to live in London
•Interview and conduct questionnaire from target group
•Collect guidebook content from Internet and social media
•Get feedback from target group and revise
Feedback from Zuleika:
I should do some research and analysis from the other guidebook that already exist. Do the comparison with them and make sure if it is necessary to make a new guidebook or to find out what differences should be between them.
I’ve researched some existing guidebooks about living in London, both in Chinese and English. While I did find some inaccuracies and outdated information in these guidebooks, and though I hoped to address these issues with an updatable electronic version of the guidebook, I realized that most of the answers can be easily found on local social media with a simple search. Therefore, I believe that creating a guidebook is indeed pointless and a waste of time. There might be better ways to support newcomers to London.
Plan for other interventions
2. An offline sharing and social event designed for Chinese people newly living in London
Feedback from Zuleika:
Find some people who have been in London for years and make the connection.
Revision: In-person social activity for Chinese new sojourners and experienced sojourners or local people to build up connection.
In anticipation of transitioning into university life in London, I have devised a comprehensive strategy with the objective of effectively integrating into the local social milieu:
Initial Engagement: I intend to participate in freshman orientation events organized by the institution. The dual purpose is to grasp ice-breaking techniques and to enhance interpersonal communication skills in unfamiliar settings. Concurrently, this will serve as an avenue to connect with key stakeholders, enticing them to take part in the initiatives I spearhead.
Thematic Alignment: The subsequent step involves identifying a central theme for the forthcoming activity. It is pivotal to strike a balance by choosing a universally appealing topic, rooted in areas of my expertise. The ultimate goal is to discern the nexus between the chosen activity and social interactions.
Post-Event Analysis: Following the execution of the event, I plan to initiate a follow-up mechanism to garner feedback. This will be instrumental in assessing the effectiveness of the initiative, highlighting its strengths and areas of potential enhancement.
This structured approach ensures not only effective social integration but also the establishment of a sustainable foundation for future endeavors.
Plan for other interventions
3.Skill Exchange – Platform Building Intervention: I am in the process of organizing a skill exchange event, specifically targeting sojourners who have recently arrived in London. This program is designed to bridge the information and skill gaps, while simultaneously promoting social interactions.
Structure:
Requirements & Concerns: Participants are prompted to note down their immediate needs or issues on a slip of paper. Examples could range from ‘finding appropriate accommodation’ to ‘drafting an email effectively’.
Skills & Interests: In the subsequent column, individuals are encouraged to list their expertise or activities they are passionate about. This can include offerings like ‘providing photography services’ or ‘shopping with peers and assisting in clothing selection’.
Participant Preferences: Here, the focus shifts to personal inclinations. Participants jot down preferences regarding potential partners, such as gender, commonly used language, etc.
To ensure privacy while fostering connection, contact details are to be penned down on the reverse side of these slips.
Implementation: Subsequently, I plan to reach out to experienced London residents who display an interest in such social activities. They can then sift through the entries, identifying those they resonate with or believe they can assist. This establishes a platform for dialogue and social engagement.
The intrinsic beauty of this approach lies in its organic nature, allowing individuals to both offer and receive, thus ensuring mutual benefit while fostering genuine connections.
