The assistant professor of Social Work at Grand Valley State University is the author of a new book based on his own experience as a community development consultant in Armenia in 1995-97. Crossing Borders--Confronting History: Intercultural Adjustment in a Post-Cold War World describes Johnson's personal struggle to adjust to life in Armenia in the wake of the Soviet Union's collapse.
The book was published by University Press of America. It is available through Amazon.com and local bookstores.
I use my personal journals as the main body of this book to tell two stories, Johnson explains. The first recounts how Armenians had to live without heat, light and with little food for years because of social, political, economic and natural disasters. The second story is about how I adjusted to Armenian culture after a lifetime of living and learning in the United States.
Johnson, a native of Flint and a graduate of Flint Northern High School, wrote the book as a model for intercultural adjustment to make transition to a foreign culture easier for other travelers. He also takes a critical look at how American organizations and individuals can disrespect other cultures.
I believe this book can be read and understood by readers of all backgrounds interested in life in other countries, Johnson says. It should be especially useful for those interested in what has happened since the end of the Cold War, social work, community development, humanitarian assistance and personal development.
