One concept that seems universal is our desire to know our surroundings... While we were in Cambodia, I wanted to go out and explore the town.. our guide very politely insisted he join us... there it was for safety..
Here when students go out... most come from countries where public transportation is everywhere and therefore places and destinations are easy to find...
When I try to explain how to get somewhere I always get.. No worries I will find it.. or now the most popular I have an I-Phone.. it has GPS...
We have students refuse to open a paper map and then not see the Icon or site that they planned their day around... we also get calls that I am lost.. or how far am I... both we can talk through...
But what is sad and also funny... a wonderful student from Japan, Ryo.. decided to take the bus to the YMCA skate park.. (used by Tony Hawk and Shawn White..) getting on was not a problem.. but then he realized he didn't know how to stop or let the driver know he was at his destination...
when he asked a fellow passenger.. no one on the bus spoke English and of course Japanese was out of the question...
Ryo, had been studying English in the USA for a while so he was able to have one or two Spanish words.. he soon learned that in the US there are times that only Spanish is spoken..
Most students learn to be resourceful and we aim to keep them safe... but they all get lost and we always then hand them an old fashioned map...
I think that is one of the larger differences between the U.S. and many other countries, public transportation. Our transit system is not nearly as conducive for tourists let alone residents trying to conveniently get around town for work or pleasure.
ReplyDeletePlus, could you imagine life without GPS technology though? I just picture everyone walking around with maps and compasses! AND...How many fights between friends, spouses, and family about going the wrong way (and needing to stop and ask for directions) has GPS saved us?!