Cross-Cultural Training

Lesson 6: Culture in Society

Answers to Lesson 6 Exercises

Notes Provided by The Peace Corps

1. Visa Problems- There's no harm in trying, and especially not in being seen or known to have tried, even though you know you will get nowhere. (Or do you?) You could also explain that in a universalist culture like yours, the law is the law and connections don't help that much.

2. Loan Star- Try explaining that it isn't so much the money, but the whole concept that is the problem. You don't mind doing them a favor, but the real favor would be to get them to examine their premises. You could say the money is needed for some other friend, in worse straights. You could say you can't afford it.

3. Just the Two of Us- The situation at the school is probably your biggest concern here. As long as you stop the relationship now, at the point where you would´ve learned it was not the "innocent" situation you thought it was, you should be able to defend your behavior if anyone maligns you.

4. A Turning Point- Is this really true, that her family would be ruined? Does anyone need to know that you sleep together? This sort of thing must happen frequently here. It may be good to ask advice from others and not just take her word for it.

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