Operationalizing the interview process

My main objective for interviewing three students is to gain a better understanding of the culture they come from.  I am interested in knowing about their traditions, customs, food, religious beliefs, and daily activities. I want to compare this information to my own culture. I would also like to know how it feels coming from a different culture to the United States.   I think it is very important to understand and know about how other cultures work because we live in such a globalized society.   Every day the world is shrinking through business connections, travel opportunities, study programs, etc…  Understanding differences in cultural practices gives us a better chance of working together with patience, kindness, and compassion.  People may brush each other off because they don’t know how to interact with one another because of cultural boundaries or language barriers.

1.       Write my objective

2.       Prioritize questions list

3.       Approach those in class I would like to interview

4.       Ask if they would be interested in meeting with me

5.       Pick a date and time that works for both of us

6.       Set up a meeting place

7.       Rent out a tape recorder with new batteries and tape, make sure it is working correctly

8.       Practice asking the interview questions so I can guide the conversation in the correct direction

9.       Prepare by dressing professionally

10.   Bring refreshment for my interviewee

11.   Make it to appointment ON TIME

12.   Turn on the recorder

13.   Welcome the interviewee and thank them for coming

14.   Start the conversation with basic ordinary questions

15.   Steer the conversation towards the goal questions

16.   Keep the conversation going as long as it needs to, don’t just stop because all questions are answered

17.   When finished ask if they would like to add anything else or would like to ask me any questions

18.   Thank the interviewee again and part ways

19.   Listen to the recorded interview and then transcribe it

20.   Begin research for country report

21.   Write the summary and reactions to the interview

22.   Post on my blog.