ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the achievement of academic goals and ways to reflect on student's experience in the moment. Studying abroad is most definitely about discovering another culture, another language, another place. Immersion in a new culture means more than just being present. It involves purposeful and thoughtful communication and interaction with the culture. Ineffective cultural communication can lead to greater culture shock and longer adaptation periods. Effective cross-cultural communication, although assuredly presenting numerous challenges, is an important skill that will help students practically in the future, and it can also allow them to learn about their host culture and about them-self. It is essential to use interactive communication technology wisely, as a place for directed reflection on their experience. Active reflection involves thinking about the four dimensions of their learning experience: personal identity, cultural identity, vocational and skills learning, and global citizenship.
