1. Gauging Success in Adapting to Different Cultures and Lifestyles
Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor
Creating Cross-Cultural Satisfaction- Easy as 1-2-3
1. The Relating- Mentoring method
Know someone who wants to interact with Americans but finds it so much easier to stay with
their own cultural, ethnic and language group? I can meet with your friends in one-on-one or
small group settings in a safe environment to offer conversation, relational interactions and a
place to gain confidence speaking American English with an American!
Video - http://tinyurl.com/culturalmentor
2. The Lifestyles Inventory method
In this holistic and layered approach we look at different areas of your life with the use of the
‘life wheel’. We will celebrate your successes and use your skills, talents and resources to help
you gain success in all areas that you desire!
(See next page for a worksheet you can start on your own!)
Video- http://tinyurl.com/lifeinventory
3. The Three-tier cultural integration method
In this method, choose a behavior that you would like to change and explore how the behavior
can be integrated into your habit and psyche.
(See third page worksheet)
Video- http://tinyurl.com/three3tier
Method 1: The Relating- Mentoring method
Video - http://tinyurl.com/culturalmentor
This method is most successful with:
• Individuals/Groups who are shy to interact with ‘local Americans’, and remain in their
ethnic/linguistic community
• Individuals/Groups who can speak English, and also require some coaching/exposure with trying the
American accent out with an understanding mentor
• Individuals/Groups who want to explore aspects of their culture and a new culture to relate better
to the people and circumstances to create success
• Individuals/Groups that are strong academically and socially, especially in their home countries, but
in US require some guiding through the system here.
Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor
©Authentic Journeys, January 2009 page 1 of 4

2. Gauging Success in Adapting to Different Cultures and Lifestyles
Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor
Method 2: The Lifestyles Inventory method
Two approaches:
Color in the pie chart below- the more each slice is colored, the more comfortable or success you are
experiencing in those areas. Video- http://tinyurl.com/lifeinventory
Or Rate the areas 1-10 – 10 being the most comfortable/best
Career ________ Finances ________
Significant Other ________ Spirituality/Religion ________
Family ________ Education/Personal Growth ________
Friends ________ Fun and Leisure ________
Physical Health and Well Being ________ Lifestyle ________
Emotional Health and Well Being ________ Balance in Life ________
Physical Environment ________
**Journal your thoughts/experiences/feelings to help you explore more.
Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor
©Authentic Journeys, January 2009 page 2 of 4

3. Gauging Success in Adapting to Different Cultures and Lifestyles
Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor
Method 3: The Three-tier cultural integration method
In this method, choose a behavior that you would like to change and explore how the behavior can be
integrated into your habit and psyche. Video- http://tinyurl.com/three3tier
Step 1:
Identifying and intellectually understanding a need to change
What is the behavior?________________________________________________________
Why is it important to adjust the behavior to be successful?_____________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Step 2:
Modifying actions and thoughts
What has helped me to change the behavior (what immediate benefits do I see that create
success)?____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
What are the drawbacks?________________________________________________________
If yes, what thoughts or pre-conceived notion do I have about this behavior that prevent me
from making it a habit?___________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Step 3:
Modifying personal impressions to create a new habit
What inside me do I need to release to be successful at maintaining this behavior and making it
a habit?_______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor
©Authentic Journeys, January 2009 page 3 of 4

4. Gauging Success in Adapting to Different Cultures and Lifestyles
Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor
Shall we meet?
Jennifer Kumar, LMSW
Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor
I am happy to meet you-
In Person
On the phone (585)387-9325
Via chat- e-mail jenkumar@gmail.com
Website: http://journeys.alaivani.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#/jenkumar
Videos to accompany this series: http://alaivani.com/Blog/tabid/56/EntryID/436/Default.aspx
or - http://tinyurl.com/cultureworkshop
Questions and Answers:
How many people can you see at one time?
One, two or three
Where do we meet if we meet in person?
Public places, on campus, library. I do not have an office.
Can you show me life skills?
Yes. I can guide you through tasks so that you have the skills and confidence to do it on your own!
What is the commitment I must make?
Let us meet at least one time and we can decide if mentoring is right for you. If it is, we can create a
schedule that suits your requirements.
What are the fees?
Up to three FREE sessions 1-hour for RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY) students.
Outside RIT – 1 Free 1 hour session, and sessions thereafter are $20-$40 an hour. (Expires 6-10)
What is your training and education?
B.A. Communications (SUNY Buffalo), M.A. Social Work (Madras Christian College, India), Life Coaching
Certification (In progress, Life Purpose Institute, California)
Worked in colleges and social work agencies in India and America.
I can provide more details if requested.
Jennifer Kumar, LMSW, Lifestyle and Cultural Adjustment Mentor
©Authentic Journeys, January 2009 page 4 of 4