Normalizing Discomfort in Times of Change
We are excited to invite you to a great learning opportunity! This interactive session will use storytelling and discussion to help demystify the concept of culture shock and how it can apply to more than just international travel. Participants will talk about the process of adjusting and adapting to new settings and cultures, learning ways to cope with the discomfort that often comes in times of change.
René will share personal, often embarrassing stories about language and cultural mishaps to illustrate her own experiences with culture shock and the many emotions of finding her way in a new environment.
Details of the Workshop
🔹 Topic: Culture Shock. Normalizing Discomfort in Times of Change
🔹 Date: February 14th, 2024
🔹 Time: 10:00 – 11:30/12:00
🔹 Venue: Centrum Informacji Naukowej i Biblioteka Akademicka (CINiBA), Bankowa 11A, Sala konferencyjna
🔹 Language: English
🔹 How to Enroll: Register with the following link: https://forms.gle/r7i4tzqd5xX3VAo5A
About René Henry
René L. Henry, Ed.S., M.S.
Doctoral Student, University of Silesia in Katowice
As a higher education professional with over 14 years of experience in supporting student psychological well-being and development in the United States, René began doctoral studies at the University of Silesia in Katowice in October 2022. Current research focuses on student psychological needs and how universities, especially through student service and administrative staff roles, are supporting them.
Prior to pursuing doctoral studies, René served as an Assistant Director and Senior Academic Advisor at Indiana University (IU) in Bloomington, Indiana, working with more than 300 students a year. Her work with students has been recognized by NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising with an Outstanding Advising Award-Certificate of Merit in 2020 and the Bloomington Academic Advising Council (Indiana University) with the Terri Nation Award in 2022.
She has worked in community mental health and held various student affairs positions while earning a Master of Science in Education and Specialist in Education degrees at IU.
René received her undergraduate degree in music education from Ball State University and taught instrumental and general music before relocating to Bloomington.
She was a founding member and board president of the Southern Indiana Wind Ensemble and regularly volunteers with community and professional organizations. René currently volunteers with the American Corner Katowice, a joint venture of the U.S. Embassy and the University of Silesia in Katowice, where she assists with educational programming. When not working or studying, René enjoys spending time outside, traveling, and all things Lego.