How to Be Culturally Receptive During Study Abroad
How to Be Culturally Receptive During Study Abroad
Remember when you were young and going to stay over your friend’s house and your parents told you to use your manners? That’s kind of like what we are telling you to do when you study abroad.
Be respectful. Say please and thank you (in the native language of your host city if possible). Eat the local food, and if you are in a homestay then definitely eat what they serve you (unless you do not like it, then kindly tell them). And always, always, always help clean up after yourself. Whether you are eating dinner with your host family, at a restaurant, trying on clothes at a store, studying at a cafe or doing anything in a public or private space, leave that space just as clean as you arrived.
A lot of other countries have this misconception about Americans: we are loud, obnoxious, selfish, and rude individuals. Now, this may come from their interactions with a few bad seeds or from the portrayal of Americans on reality tv- remember when Jersey Shore went to Florence? Yeah, I don’t think Florentines want to remember that either…
You represent your country, your home university, your provider and your family when you are abroad. Do an accurate job at showing how respectful Americans can be to others and how welcoming we are to new traditions and cultures. After all… you are in someone else’s home, and while they allowed you to be there, they didn’t invite you, so you must be on your best behavior.
Definition(s) of cultural receptiveness:
Being open-minded about different norms, values, beliefs & overall lifestyle of different groups of individuals
Changing your behaviors or thoughts to refrain from perpetuating the misconception of a culture or to stop unintentionally or intentionally offending a culture
ASA has laid out the groundwork for how you can be culturally receptive to the locals in your host city/country.
#1: Ask locals questions!
Don’t be afraid to ask a “stupid question” -- there’s no such thing!
Talk with your Site Directors to learn the basics of the culture you’re surrounded by
It’s better to ask than assume and offend someone
#2: How to avoid offending someone:
Don’t say: “I heard Italians do…”
Say: “What do Italians do in regards to…?
#3: Don’t constantly compare their culture to American culture in a way that comes off disrespectful or condescending.
It’s okay to make observations and it’s great to learn from their lifestyle and such, but don’t talk down to or about this new culture.
#4: Do things culturally specific to locals
This will help you expand your knowledge of their culture, immerse yourself within it and connect with locals.
#5: Attempt to learn their language
Many cultures appreciate this, and when they realize you are a foreigner, if they know English they will use that if you do not know how to say something in their language.
#6: If someone misconceives American culture, kindly correct them.
Locals in your host country will be learning as much about you as you are of them! This goes back to my Jersey Shore portrayal. Show them that not all Americans scream, cry, destroy property or crash into the back of a police car.
Being kind, respectful and receptive doesn’t cost a penny, so we urge you to actively try to be these things while you are living in someone else’s home. Think of how you would like foreigners to act if they moved into your hometown. You wouldn’t want them to write off your culture and refrain from interacting with the locals, so don’t do that yourself.
Studying abroad is a process of self-growth. Take each new experience as a learning opportunity and a way for you to step out of your comfort zone and into your role as a world citizen!
If you are currently abroad and are having disputes or miscommunications with locals, please reach out to your Site Director immediately.