Sarah James in Mexico

Sarah James in Mexico

Problem Statement:

McGill must devise a plan that will not only improve the relationship between the two schools, but also the quality of the program for the students and families involved.

Analysis:

McGill had been attempting to build a relationship with the administration at INI in hopes of sending more students there for cross-cultural and language training. Sarah’s email to the director of the international program places McGill in a difficult situation by creating unnecessary tension between the two universities. Some of Sarah’s concerns are reasonable and should be addressed prior to sending more students to INI; however, the tone of her email demonstrates cultural insensitivity and a lack of awareness of Mexican culture that must also be addressed if the two schools plan to continue the exchange program.

Sarah is not wrong to be concerned that her dietary restrictions were not met by the family. As a vegetarian, Sarah may feel that she is compromising her ethics if she is expected to eat meat. Sarah demonstrated a lack of awareness of the culture in her dealings with the host family by seeming unsatisfied by the food that was served to her and even overly particular with what she preferred to eat. Alternatively, Sarah’s dietary restrictions may be viewed as rude or ungrateful by a host family that has not been prepared to understand that vegetarianism is not always as simple as an individual not liking the taste of meat, but often an ethical decision that becomes part of the individual’s identity and value system. Additionally, the issues with the transportation to the airport and with payment for the few hours spent with the host family on the day of Sarah’s departure indicate issues between INI and the host family. These issues do not signify cultural misunderstanding, but do, as Sarah suggested, indicate a lack of clarity between the university and the host family