Strategi Komunikasi Dalam Mengatasi Perbedaan Budaya Peserta Magang Internasional pada Program “AIESEC”

Abstract

This research aims to analyze communication strategies, obstacles encountered, and efforts made by participants who have participated in the AJESEC program, both global volunteers and global talents, in dealing with cultural differences faced while undergoing programs abroad. The research uses a qualitative approach and descriptive method. The subjects of this research are five people, whom had participated in a program from AIESEC respectively, where the program lasts 1 to 2 months and is carried out abroad. The research results indicate that the communication strategy of the participants in dealing with cultural differences abroad in the AIESEC program takes into account three components, namely the type of communication used by the participants in dealing with cultural differences while abroad, the problems participants encounter while undergoing the program and how attitudes of the participants in dealing with these problems. In participants' view, preparing themselves before leaving for a country they have never been to, let alone staying for more than one month is indeed the critically essential to do. In addition to give an idea of what it is like to live abroad, participants will be able to guess what problems are likely to be encountered. Cultural differences can lead to poor communication, or even misunderstandings. The problems most frequently encountered by the participants are language barriers, food, living habits and also weather. Participants gradually are able to solve problems by understanding foreign cultures during their stay. Apart from gaining a lot of new insights, participants are also able to view numerous new perspectives from various cultures that they encountered while living there with those from other countries, as well as the local community.