Differing Results of Deep Cultural Learning

Previous chapters have looked at some of the challenges of deep cultural learning and have examined possible learning outcomes, both positive and negative. They have also looked at what it might mean to call an intercultural experience deep. They have not, however, examined in any detail the ongoing process of how those different outcomes take place. As we can see from the quotes of sojourners above, sojourners talk about their cultural learning processes in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to relate them to a cultural learning theory.

Sojourners' descriptions of their own learning raise questions about the deeper processes of cultural learning. For example, is it possible for someone like Jack, who has lived abroad for 14 years yet does not speak Japanese or have Japanese friends, to have achieved a high level of intercultural awareness? If not, why didn't he? And if he's happy in Japan, then isn't that okay?