Evaluating Intercultural Behavior - "Chope-ing" seats

This intercultural incident happened during my summer program in Korea. Although no conflicts happened, we were ashamed of our actions.

To most of the NUS students, it is a norm to place our bags unattended on our seats in the canteen while ordering food. It served to give us an assurance that we have seats after we buy our food. While in one of the university’s canteen in Korea, we did the same thing. However, when we were queuing for food, we felt that something was amiss as some of the Korean students gave us weird stares. Few moments later, it finally dawned on me that everybody had their bags with them while queuing for food! What made it worse was that there were students with food standing around waiting for seats in the canteen while our bags were happily seated on the chairs. After we got our food, we went back to our seats, ate quickly and left the canteen feeling guilt-stricken. It was one of the worst meals I had in my life.

Frankly, I think we should have paid more attention to our surroundings before we acted. We should not have assumed that what is the norm in NUS is applicable to everywhere else. I felt that the Korean students understood that we were new exchange students, as things could have turned out ugly if they decided to throw our bags aside and sat on our seats.

This incident had made me realize that the Koreans are more of a “we” culture as by not placing their bags on the chairs, more students will get to utilize the chairs. Overall, the “efficiency” of the chairs would increase as it can serve more diners at a given period of time. Singaporeans on the other hand are more of an “I” culture as we deny others of a chance to utilize our chairs when we are queuing for food by placing our bags on the chairs. Although the “efficiency” of the chairs would decrease, being selfish creatures, we are guaranteed a seat after we buy our food. This difference in culture is also seen in trains in both Korea and Singapore. In Korea, commuters would automatically move to the center of the carriages allowing more commuters on board. While in Singapore, commuters tend to cluster near the doors of the carriages, denying others the chance to board the train.

I feel that Singaporeans have much to learn from the Koreans with regards to this aspect of their culture.

Edited: 21 Feb 2010, 1956h

Application Letter 2nd Draft

Dear friends,

Thanks in advance for taking the time to look through my application letter, I would admit that there are still plenty of areas that require improvement.

The job that I am applying for can be found at http://www.ge.com/careers/students/eedp/asia.html

RE: Opportunities in Undergraduate Leadership Program

Dear Sir/Mdm,

I am writing in response to your recruitment over the internet for the Undergraduate Leadership Program.

I will be graduating from National University of Singapore with a degree in Electrical Engineering with 2^nd Upper Class Honors, specializing in Power, Drives and Control. My final year project required me to have an in-depth knowledge of power converters and renewable energy. In addition, it placed my analytical and problem solving skills to the test while working individually.

During my course of undergraduate study, I held the position of Vice President for NUS Outdoor Activities Club. During which I co-managed and groomed a team of 15 individuals to run the club. I have also organized 3 treks to Malaysia for the undergraduates of NUS. I gained precious experience from planning and leading these overseas trips in the fields of risk management, public relations as well as leadership. Furthermore, the trips that I organized trained me to remain calm in the event of any emergencies, and to handle them appropriately.

I was also the project director for Race 6, a nationwide adventure race. In which I successfully led a team of 20 individuals in planning for this 3 days 2 nights race. Race 6 attracted more than 100 participants and also garnered sponsorships amounting to over $7000. My communication skills were heavily tested when I had to communicate with the sponsors as well as the management of the locations that we used. I am confident that my ability to work well with others and my experience with leadership positions qualify me for the Undergraduate Leadership Program.

I am greatly interested in a position in General Electric as they are often invested and groomed by the company. I am also drawn to the challenges that the participants of this program will face. Obtaining a degree with 2^nd Upper Class Honors while being heavily involved in co-curriculum activities is a testament of my time management skills; and I am quite sure that I would be able to cope with the intensity of this program.

My resume is enclosed for your reference, and I look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions or wish to contact me, I can be reached at 9999-9999 (mobile) or at Chuakunlin@nus.edu.sg. Thank you.

Best Regards

Chua Kun Lin