NRSG 201
Cultural Immersion Journal
Reflective journal (50 points)
Students are required to participate in intercultural events and to write a reflective journal related
to these experiences. Students will log at least 16 hours of experiences in order to receive
credit for this assignment. A minimum of two activities are required. Some examples of
intercultural experiences are listed below – please note that these experiences are just
suggestions. Other activities may qualify. All events must be approved by the instructor
prior to participation. Student will email description of activity and receive permission from
Kathy Brookbank prior to participation.
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Attend a cultural fair or festival. Describe activities. Analyze significance of the
activities noted.
Eat at an ethnic restaurant – NOTE: Mexican, Chinese, or Italian restaurants do not
qualify! Describe what was eaten and student’s response. Analyze and discuss customs
differing from student’s own related to dining experience and/or food.
o Limited to 4 hours
Visit a church, synagogue, temple, mosque, etc. (Must be significantly different from
student’s faith base. Substituting one Protestant denomination for another is not
acceptable.)
Attend a service at a church, synagogue, temple, mosque, etc. (Must be significantly
different from student’s faith base. Substituting one Protestant denomination for another
is not acceptable.)
Watch and analyze news report concerning aspect of health occurring in another part of
the world.
o Maximum time allotted is 2 hours
Participate in poverty experience.
Interview an individual from another culture.
o Maximum time allotted is 2 hours.
Participate in a family or community gathering of individuals from a culture other than
your own.
Read a book written by an author from another country or culture about another country
or culture
o Maximum time allotted is 6 hours.
Visit an ethnic grocery store – pay attention to the kinds of foods sold and whether or not
all food groups are found. What impact would the type foods have on wellness/specific
types of disease processes?
o Maximum time allotted is 2 hours.
The typed reflective journal for each activity should include the following:
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Time spent and date of experience
Description of what the student observed
Activities in which he/she actively participated
Summary and impressions of the experiences
o What the student felt, learned, perceived, etc.
o What the risks and benefits of participation included
o What surprised the student
o What the student found that he/she didn’t expect
o What was the same/different as the student’s cultural upbringing
o How these experiences will impact the student as a nurse
o Other pertinent information