Most people in talking about cross-cultural experiences with others will blend description, interpretation and evaluation. Learning to distinguish among these three types of reactions is most helpful in learning to be nonjudgmental or draw wrong conclusions about cultures different from one s own. Interpretation has to do with what one thinks about what one sees. Interpretations are most often based on one s own perceptions, assumptions and values. Those perceptions, assumptions and values are in turn based in part on one s own cultural background.
Evaluation has to do with what one feels about what one sees.
First, evaluations make apparent one s own standards of behavior standards that are based in part on one s own culture and may be inappropriate in another culture. Second, evaluations give insight into how another culture may evaluate the same behavior. By being able to distinguish among description, interpretation and evaluation, it is reasoned that individuals will become more understanding and aware of cultural differences while at the same time becoming less apt to draw harsh judgments or negative stereotypes concerning different cultures. The journal should be personal reflections on one or two experiences from the trip to Italy that the participant felt were the most powerful learning experiences for him or her. To preserve anonymity, the journal should be identified with a student I.D. number only on a separate cover page.