INDIVIDUAL AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN SHAPING THE INTERACTION BETWEEN GERMAN AND INDONESIAN EXCHANGE STUDENTS

Abstract

This study aims to better understand the dynamics of short-term student exchange as a form of educational tourism. The case study used in this study is the exchange program between a German Junior high school in Brunsbüttel and the Indonesian counterpart in SMPK 2 Harapan Bali. It focuses on the individual and cultural differences between students, and subsequently their behavior and attitude. It uses the qualitative method to analyze the cross-cultural exchanges already happening throughout and after trip from the German students to visit their Indonesian counterparts. It looks into the preparedness of the German students coming to visit Indonesia, and vice versa. It is interested in analyzing the international interaction through foreign exchange, to find the barriers in communication, interaction and understanding for each other. The study uses guided interview in the form of reflection with the German students after the exchange program in Indonesia.
Keywords: student exchange, educational tourism, German students, Indonesian students, cultural differences