Local colleges and universities often bring in speakers, artists, and musicians from across the globe. These events are usually free, making it an easy way for you to get yourself involved in a multi-cultural environment. [1] X Research source An authentic Mexican restaurant will be a better choice than a fast food place that just so happens to sell Mexican food, such as Taco Bell. Single, family-owned businesses, such as grocery stores and restaurants, are great places to frequent.
No one can understand or pay attention to everything. Follow your interests, looking into and enjoying the new cultures and ideas that spark your interest.
Try a cultural potluck, where everyone must bring food representative of their culture. Start a music exchange, giving each other the favorites from each culture and then comparing. Get in touch with your local Rotary club to ask about opportunities to host people from other cultures.
Some words cannot be translated smoothly, such as the Senegalese word “Tauranga,” and are the best at illustrating the unique culture from which they come.
Don’t limit yourself to cultures that seem very different. Try to experience the life of those in the “worse” and “better” parts of your hometown.
Volunteer trips frequently stick you right in the middle of the “action,” allowing you to get to know locals, which is the best way to immerse yourself into another culture. Pre-planned trips can be very touristy, but many of them allow “home-stays,” where you get to live with a local family. The longer you spend in a town, the more of their culture you can begin to appreciate. [2] X Research source
Culturally Unacceptable Practices: In some cultures, men and women should never touch in public. In some places, a thumbs up gesture is considered rude. If you want to truly understand a culture, you can’t accidentally offend it. Necessary dress and clothing: While shorts are acceptable across America, they are frowned upon in some places. Women, in particular, should pay attention to cultural fashion norms, as they may be strict. Common greetings and phrases: Even if you don’t learn the language, simply greetings can do wonders and open doors to all sorts of cultural experiences. [3] X Research source [4] X Research source
Don’t try to impose your own culture on others, or try to replicate your culture while abroad. Go with the flow, becoming a part of the culture instead of trying to stick out of it. Don’t compare their culture to yours, as this can easily be seen as an insult. The most important thing is to try to understand cultural differences and find a common understanding between each other.
Don’t let the first few attempts at understanding deter you – the difficulty will pass.
Keep in mind that not everyone will want to learn about your culture. If someone seems reluctant or disinterested, stop. Don’t be pushy about it.
Try to look objectively instead of comparing what is happening to how you normally do things. Remember that, for someone unsure of your culture, your methods likely seem odd or weird, too. Stop thinking about “right and wrong,” as there are very few “right” ways to do things, especially where unique cultural practices are concerned. Instead, think of the “why. “[6] X Research source
Remind yourself that culture is a response and reflection to the environment, politics, and resources, not something that appears out of thin air. Noting these triggers will help understand them. [7] X Research source
Outside research, asking questions, and careful watching are necessary to get over the immediate shock of certain cultural differences, like walking into a Senegalese house in the fall and seeing a half-skinned goat. However, knowing the religious importance of Tabeski, a local holiday, makes the behavior a lot more understandable. [8] X Research source
Don’t feel like understanding and accepting is the same thing as condoning the behavior. Your job as a traveler is to be open-minded, not to agree with everything.
