Hero's Journey
The stage in which the hero first learns about a challenge or adventure.
What is the Call to Adventure?
In Spain, dinner is often eaten later than in countries like the United States. If a Spanish friend invites you to dinner at 9 p.m., you shouldn't assume it's unusually late for them.
Question: What cultural difference is being described?
What are differences in meal times?
Something valuable that a person or organization owns.
asset
I bought ___ new jacket yesterday. ___ jacket was on sale.
a, The
In Italy, this coffee drink is traditionally enjoyed at breakfast. Ordering it after dinner may surprise some locals.
Question: What is this drink?
What is a cappuccino?
The stage in which the hero leaves their familiar world and begins an unfamiliar adventure.
What is Crossing the Threshold?
In the United States, customers at sit-down restaurants are generally expected to leave a tip. In Japan, tipping is generally not customary and can sometimes cause confusion.
Question: What should a traveler research before visiting another country to avoid an awkward situation?
What are local tipping customs?
An agreement in which a person or organization pays to use something.
lease
She wants to become ___ architect because she loves designing buildings.
an
At many American coffee shops, the price on the menu is fixed. However, at some traditional markets around the world, customers and sellers negotiate before agreeing on a price.
Question: What is this practice called?
What is bargaining & haggling?
During this part of the journey, the hero faces difficulties, meets allies, and learns important lessons.
What are Tests, Allies, and Enemies?
At a traditional market in Morocco, a tourist sees a handmade bag and asks the seller for a lower price. The seller responds with a counteroffer, and they negotiate until they agree on a price.
Question: What is this shopping practice called, and why might it be acceptable in one setting but inappropriate in another?
What is bargaining or haggling? It may be expected in some markets but not in shops with fixed prices.
An association of workers in a trade, industry, or profession that protects and improves their rights, working conditions, etc.
union
Could you close ___ window next to you? It’s getting cold in here.
the
You get your dream job in New York City. Your boss says, “Call me David,” but you still address him as “Mr. Johnson.” At a business lunch, you arrive 15 minutes late, stand very close while talking, and leave no tip at the restaurant.
Question: Name three cultural or professional expectations you may have misunderstood.
What are using the requested first name, being punctual, respecting personal space, and following local tipping customs?
The hero confronts a major danger or fear and must overcome a difficult test that changes them.
What is the Ordeal?
A visitor from a culture where people stand farther apart meets someone who stands close and immediately uses their first name. The visitor thinks the person is being intrusive or overly familiar, but the other person intends to be friendly.
Question: What two cultural differences might explain this misunderstanding?
Answer: What are differences in personal space and levels of formality when addressing people?
To shape or arrange something again or differently.
reshape
My brother goes to work by bus, but he took ___ taxi home last night.
a
In some parts of Spain, lunch is traditionally the main meal of the day and may happen later than in the United States. Meanwhile, many New York office workers grab a quick lunch between meetings.
Question: What two cultural factors could explain these different eating habits?
What are differences in meal times and work schedules?
After completing the adventure, the hero returns to their ordinary world with new knowledge, wisdom, or something valuable to share with others.
What is the Return with the Elixir?
You are invited to a dinner party in another country. You arrive exactly at the stated time, but the host is not ready. Later, you discover that guests in that social setting often arrive a little after the invitation time. At a business meeting in the same country, however, people expect everyone to arrive promptly.
Question: What does this situation teach us about cultural norms, and how should you respond when you are unsure about expectations?
What is the importance of understanding context-specific cultural norms and asking politely about expectations rather than assuming one rule applies everywhere?
The act of ending one's work contract.
severance
___ education he received at ___ university in London helped him get ___ job he had always wanted.
The, a, the
A tourist visits a café in New York, where tipping is customary, then travels to Japan, where tipping is generally not expected. In both places, the barista smiles and chats with customers, but the tourist notices differences in personal space and formality.
Question: Name three cultural differences the tourist should be aware of to avoid misunderstandings.
What are tipping customs, personal space, and levels of formality?