CCU 9

Citation: Nurcahyoko, Kunto. (2016). Cultural Snapshot: Fostering Crosscultural

Understanding Through Cultural Project, International Journal of Education, 4(4): 29-37.

This study aims at investigating Indonesian university students’ perception on cross-cultural understanding after doing Cultural Snapshot Project. Cross cultural understanding is a mandatory course for students majoring in English Education In Pamane Teaching College, Indonesia. After joining the class, students are expected to be able to understand the concept of culture as part of daily life and improve their understanding toward cross cultural aspects.

The course aims at helping the students to understand cultural phenomenon and how to response multiculturalism within society. As the students are teacher candidates, they are required to comprehend the material on cross cultural understanding. Such comprehension is vital because teachers are not only required to have knowledge and skill on the taught subjects but also to assist students in being tolerant individuals.

The result reveals that Cultural Snapshot Project has given the opportunity for the students to better realize cross-cultural understanding in their environment. In conclusion, the study shows that Cultural Snapshot Project has specifically enhanced students’ perception of multiculturalism in three major areas: cultural sensitivity and empathy, social tolerance, and understanding of diversity.