SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION FOR INTERIM ABROAD APPLICATION RELIGION & CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN SOUTH AFRICA (INTERIM 2008)

Since we will be spending a month together in a different cultural environment, it is important for me to pick a group of students who will get along together well. Therefore, I would like to know more about you. No need for really long answers, but you should probably type out your answers on another sheet of paper. Think a bit before you respond, and please submit this to me around the time you turn in your application form or shortly thereafter. Please also indicate if you are agreeable to the conditions for participation - sign and hand in.

NAME:____________________________CLASS YEAR: ­ __________

E-mail alias: __________

1) MAJOR(S):_________________________Other Notable Interests :__________________________________

2) ACADEMIC BACKGROUND : Have you studied any topics that would be relevant background

for this course on religion and culture (e.g. knowledge of Christianity or other religions, familiarity

with the history/political situation in Africa , work in the social sciences on the analysis of cultural or social dynamics)?

3) MOTIVATION FOR TAKING THE COURSE: What do you most want to get out of this overseas interim? What are your goals - both general and specific? Are there any particular aspects of the course that look most appealing to you?

4) WHERE THIS FITS IN YOUR PLANS: Why do this program as opposed to other St. Olaf offerings? Does this course fit in any way as a piece in the larger academic or personal plan you have for yourself or is it an adventure unrelated to your usual interests?

5) TRAVEL AND CROSS-CULTURAL EXPERIENCES : Have you ever traveled or lived before in a foreign or challenging cultural setting? If so, where? Have you had experiences living with people who are very different from yourself?

Have you ever spent time traveling or living closely together with a group such that you know what it might be like to be with a group in South Africa for a whole month? Describe some relevant experience(s) that might let me know how you react to cultural diversity or cope with the challenges of long-distance travel.

6) PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Do a little self-analysis. How particular are you about what you eat? Do you plan out your days very carefully or are you more spontaneous in your time management'? Do you like to be surprised or do you work best when you can anticipate what you are going to encounter? What do you do to relax and re-energize yourself when you feel stress or frustration? [There isn't a right answer I'm looking for. I want to see, however, how well you 'know yourself and have thought about what works for you as coping mechanisms.]

7) CONCERNS: In order to help you get the most out of this program, I need to be sensitive to your

personal needs as well as your academic interests and qualifications. Do you have any worries or

concerns about the program? Do you have any special needs or problems I should know about

(physical, psychological, academic, familial, cultural)?

8) PREPARATION: What kinds of things would you like me to do by way of orientation before we take off? Do you hope to prepare yourself for the trip in any special way?

Check if you will agree to these conditions of participation - and sign:

___ I understand that this is an academic program, and consequently I will be expected to attend all classes, do assigned readings and prepare some writing assignments in addition to enjoying various experiential and touring activities while in South Africa .

___ Although the program begins in January 2008, 1 will make my best effort to be involved in all orientation activities in prior months. I am also willing to put in some time to make myself

knowledgeable about South Africa before the program begins.

___ I understand that I am agreeing to being part of a group and that it is possible that at times I may need to sacrifice some of my personal preferences in order to contribute to the welfare of the whole. I am willing not only to be tolerant of others and cooperative but also to look for ways in which I can take some initiative to make this a positive experience for all involved.

___ I will not knowingly engage in any activities that are detrimental to my own health, my full participation in this academic program or the reputation of the group. I will accept the advice of the accompanying professor if there are any questions about what is appropriate when traveling in a foreign culture.

Signature:_________________________