Why conduct ethnographic study abroad?

2. Ethnography and Language Learning
 Language is not just a set of phonemes and grammar rules – it is a
different way of thinking
Language ability is not just defined by how well you can speak the language - being
able to “pass” as a native speaker without high levels of proficiency is a very useful
skill!
 Ethnography gives you the chance to understand what makes the TL
speakers tick
 Integration into your host culture is an essential part of your experience
abroad, and ethnography gives you the chance to make integration a
part of your YARP
Rather than research being a mundane distraction from your new life abroad, you
are able to make more project fun, and integrate it into your daily life.

3. Intercultural communication is the ability to…
 Understand the perspectives of others
The aim of ethnography is to see things from another’s point of view and present it to the
outside world, learning empathy and consideration etc.
 Recognise the assumptions which govern your and others’ social interactions
(what is wrong, right, rude, polite)
This makes you more socially aware and more able to be non-judgemental about the
customs of others (just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s wrong!)
 Be aware of and able to manage ‘culture shock’
You will become more socially aware and more able to be non-judgemental about the
customs of others (just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s ‘wrong’!)
 Speak a second culture, not just a second language

4. What’s different about an ethnographic
project?
 You don’t set out with a hypothesis, it develops during the research process
The idea that the answer is not right in front of you, waiting to be proven is daunting, but it
means you can constantly guide your research by what you and your participants find
interesting and important.
 It forces you to get out and interact with the ‘natives’
Ethnography involves taking risks, putting yourself out there and almost definitely getting it
wrong. The ability to pick yourself back up again and keep trying new things is invaluable in
the world of work! It’s always easier to stay in your comfort zone, but is it the best thing for
you?
 Ethnography never stops!
Once you learn ethnographic skills, they will be a part of your daily life – One student
ethnographer in Germany: “I couldn’t stop thinking about where everyone was, what they
said and why they said it”

5. Some topics of last years projects
 Dance and Identity in Spain
 Ecotourism in Brazil
 Anglican/Episcopal Church Communities in Germany
 English in the French Linguistic Landscape
 Social Movements in Brazil

6. Some comments from previous EEP students…
 “The ethnographic experience absolutely changed my year abroad
experience. I don’t know if, without the added motivation of the project, I
would have gotten up early every week to travel to Frankfurt and spend
hours talking to people I would never have otherwise had the opportunity
to meet.”
 “I found it challenging to step out of my comfort zone, but it was so worth
it! I was so glad to have been able to conduct research which allowed me to
meet and work with new people, practise my Spanish and have completely
new experiences.”