“Individualism and collectivism, also known as individual orientation and group orientation, are two of the most fundamental concepts that assist in the process of understanding a culture’s social life. These values produce variations in family structures, how aspects of education are structured, the way businesses handle group work, and how people conduct social relations. Collectivistic cultures place an emphasis on community, collaboration, harmony, the public good, and maintain face. Contrastingly, individualistic cultures emphasize personal rights, privacy, freedom, innovation, and self-expression.”
To learn about Spanish, Japanese and UK culture continue reading Ally’s complete article on her blog.
About the Author: Ally Bonicker ’23
Ally Bonicker is a rising Sophomore at Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, PA. She is majoring in Public Relations, and minoring in Professional Writing. Ally has a passion for photography, art, music, and writing, and she enjoys spending time outdoors.
Ally created this blog as the final project for her Multi-Cultural Communications summer 2020 course. In this course, she learned the importance of developing good intercultural communication skills. She has developed a strong understanding of many different cultures, as well as the unique cultural patterns and characteristics of many of the world’s cultures.
Ally hopes this blog provides you with an insight into the cultural concepts and challenges that you might experience when studying abroad. Ally hopes to study abroad in the future and is currently considering Dr. Kathy Hughes’ May 2022 Ireland in Text and Image program.
Blue Jays Abroad 
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