German-American relations and cross-cultural experiences from the perspective of high school students' host families in the USA

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Concept of Culture

2.1 Three Sphere Model by Trompenaars and Hampden- Turner

2.2 “Collision” of Cultures

3. Interviewing the Host Families

3.1 Family I

3.2 Family II

3.3 Family III

4. Relationship Development

4.1 Expectations & Motivations

4.2 Getting to know each other

4.3 Finding one’s place

4.4 Visualization of Being a family

4.4.1 N’s Visualization

4.4.2 M’s Visualization

4.4.3 D’s Visualization

5. Conclusion

6. Works Cited

6.1 Appendix

Research Objectives and Themes

This study explores German-American relations through the lens of High School student exchanges, specifically focusing on how host families perceive and assign roles to their exchange students. The research aims to shift the traditional perspective from the student's learning process to the host family’s lived experience of cultural encounter and relationship development.

• The influence of cultural differences on family dynamics and daily interactions.
• Theoretical frameworks of culture (e.g., Trompenaars’ sphere model) in a practical exchange setting.
• The process of role negotiation and the formation of the "hybrid" family member role.
• The role of communication and shared rituals in overcoming cultural misunderstandings.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: Presents the motivation for the study and sets the theoretical stage for examining the host family perspective in German-American student exchanges.

2. Concept of Culture: Illustrates various interpretations of culture and introduces the three-sphere model to explain the layering of explicit, implicit, and norm-based cultural elements.

3. Interviewing the Host Families: Details the empirical-qualitative research approach, including the methodology for interviewing three American host families in Oregon.

4. Relationship Development: Analyzes the process of building a relationship, examining expectations, the "getting to know" phase, and the negotiation of roles within the host family.

5. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, highlighting the transition from guest to "hybrid" family member and the importance of cross-cultural learning processes.

6. Works Cited: A comprehensive list of academic literature and sources used in the research.

Keywords

Student Exchange, Host Families, Cultural Understanding, Explicit Culture, Implicit Culture, Ethnocentrism, Stereotypes, Role Assignment, Relationship Development, German-American Relations, Qualitative Research, Cultural Differences, Family Dynamics, Social Integration, Cross-Cultural Communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this thesis?

The thesis examines the host family's perspective during a one-year student exchange, focusing specifically on German-American relations and how these families navigate cultural differences.

What are the central themes of the research?

Central themes include the theoretical understanding of culture, the development of interpersonal relationships between host families and students, and the role of cultural awareness in managing expectations.

What is the primary research goal?

The main goal is to shift the academic focus from the student's individual gain to the host family’s role and perception of the exchange student throughout their year-long stay.

What scientific methodology is utilized?

The author uses an empirical-qualitative research approach, conducting semi-structured narrative interviews with three American host families based on the theory of Fritz Schütze.

What does the main body of the work cover?

The main body addresses cultural definitions, the empirical methodology, the process of relationship development, and a specific "Visualization of Being a family" exercise conducted with the participating families.

Which keywords characterize this work?

Key terms include student exchange, host families, cultural understanding, ethnocentrism, and role assignment.

How do host families typically perceive the role of the exchange student?

Families often struggle with assigning a fixed role, initially seeing the student as a "weekend guest" before evolving towards a more complex "hybrid" role that feels like a family member.

What did the visualization exercise reveal about family structures?

The exercise showed that families tend to move from viewing the student as an external entity to incorporating them into their established "family unit" as their mutual understanding and emotional connection grow.