Online resources for finding potential interviewees for homework

Rikushix

I'm taking an upper year cultural psychology course, and I've got an assignment to do where I describe the dynamics of a family meal for someone of a foreign culture based on interviewing said person. The problem is that (and you'd think living in Vancouver would make this assignment easy) I don't actually know anyone who fits the parameters of the assignment. It needs to be someone from across the pond who preferably moved to North America within the last ten years.

So I'll preface this by saying I am NOT asking anyone to help me do my schoolwork. I know that's strictly against forum policy. Rather, I'm wondering if any of you have an idea of websites or resources where I could find someone to talk to about this? Maybe kinda like websites where students share course notes they've taken in class. Short of asking strangers via IRC, I'm a bit of a loss. The questions I have to ask are quite in-depth and I'm not sure I feel comfortable asking my Chinese friends "hey, do you know anyone who has immigrated to Canada recently and who would welcome me doing a complete ethnography of their eating habits?" If I have to, I will, but I'd rather find someone who volunteers to answer questions rather than put someone on the spot.

Esh

Rikushix wrote:

The questions I have to ask are quite in-depth and I'm not sure I feel comfortable asking my Chinese friends "hey, do you know anyone who has immigrated to Canada recently and who would welcome me doing a complete ethnography of their eating habits?" If I have to, I will, but I'd rather find someone who volunteers to answer questions rather than put someone on the spot.

This is pretty much what you need to do. You have to ask someone, so why does it matter if it's a friend of a friend or a stranger? I don't there's websites full of volunteers for this kind of thing. Short of that, check with the International Studies department at your school. They might be able to help you out.

Rikushix

Esh wrote: »

Rikushix wrote:

The questions I have to ask are quite in-depth and I'm not sure I feel comfortable asking my Chinese friends "hey, do you know anyone who has immigrated to Canada recently and who would welcome me doing a complete ethnography of their eating habits?" If I have to, I will, but I'd rather find someone who volunteers to answer questions rather than put someone on the spot.

This is pretty much what you need to do. You have to ask someone, so why does it matter if it's a friend of a friend or a stranger? I don't there's websites full of volunteers for this kind of thing. Short of that, check with the International Studies department at your school. They might be able to help you out.

Yeah, I realize my rationale is faulty :P I'll give that some thought. Your department idea just made me realize though - might as well ask classmates. If I recall the task is simply the opposite for those who fit my interviewee criteria.

Thanks Esh!