Article
Death to the Personal Bubble…
ID # 3766
While abroad in the African country of Uganda, there were many things that were culturally shocking for me. It was my first time in a different county and to be in a continent very different from North America took a lot of adjusting for me. I can think of many instances where the different concepts of time and space were demonstrated. Firstly, I worked in an orphanage with dozens of kids every single day. The kids were always full of energy, wanting to touch you, play with you and show them attention. It was quite exhausting to say the least! Similar to the Mexican culture discussed in the Crouch article, Ugandans are more group-oriented. They prefer group settings and keep standing distance to a minimum when having a conversation with someone.
My personal bubble was broken most often while I was at the orphanage interacting with the kids. Although I eventually got used to this culturally specific phenomenon, it took some time to get used to. All of the girls at the orphanage (about 30) lived in a room the size of a normal U.S. classroom and slept on bunk beds. The younger girls often shared a bed. There were times when they would ask me to spend the night with them in such cramped corners. I would spend my entire days and most nights at the orphanage but sleeping there was never in my agenda because I needed the refuge of my own bed at the end of the day. Additionally, talking distance between two people is very minimal. When I would engage in conversation with the older girls either at the orphanage or in the community, they would often place their arm around me and talk very close to my face. It was uncomfortable in the beginning, but like most things, I was able to adapt. While reading the Couch article, I saw so many similarities between the two groups. It really makes you look back at your life and ask the question: Why ARE we like that?
Adapting to the differing concepts of space and time that most people encounter while abroad is probably one of the most challenging tasks. In order to become comfortable in your new environment, you must let go of everything you are used to and be open to change. I would get frustrated at the headmaster at the school I taught at when he would go on his three hour lunch breaks. I just didnt understand how he could be allowed to leave for such long periods of time on his own and then come back as if nothing was wrong. I believe the stories behind how you adapt to the varying communication styles among countries is one of the most rewarding experiences you have while abroad.
Further Uganda Resources:
Culture Kit:
Videos:
A Typical Day at New Hope Orphanage
Articles: