Embracing Cultures Around the World

How to Adapt To and Learn About New Cultures While Traveling

Something that can be scary to folks that haven’t traveled internationally yet is the thought of embracing new cultures. How do you adapt to a new place? What if you don’t speak the language? Will you like the food? It can all be overwhelming.

Transparently, even well-traveled people may struggle with exposure to some cultures different from their own. I know that I personally worry about new places, especially those unlike home. There are several ways, however, that I prepare myself to be more comfortable in these situations. Traveling is learning – about the world, about others, and about yourself. It’s okay to feel discomfort, it’s all about how you adapt to it.

Embracing Speaking Culture: What if I don’t speak the language?

I’ve been countless places where I spoke very little of the language, or even none at all. You may be asking how you can embrace new cultures if you don’t share language. My best advice is to try and learn a few simple phrases before going, such as:

1. Please and thank you.
2. Do you speak [insert native language here]?
3. Where is the bathroom?
4. Cash/credit card (for buying food and souvenirs)

Before going somewhere, I also try to expose myself to as much of that language as possible ahead of time. For example, I knew I was going to Peru over a year in advance, and that Spanish was the main language I’d hear. I found a podcast called Coffee Talk Spanish and would listen any time I had to drive. I picked up some simple phrases, and was exposed to different accents and speaking speeds. While I didn’t become fluent by any means, I could have simple conversations with shopkeepers and waiters and felt more comfortable.

As a failsafe, I always download the Google translate app and specifically the language of the region I’m visiting. That way, even if I have no cell service, I can communicate in a pinch. This was actually a lifesaver on my trip to Japan. I obviously hadn’t picked up Japanese very quickly and got lost when I took a train too far outside the touristy areas. I used the app to ask staff at a 7/11 how to get back to the train station. They were able to find someone in the shop that actually worked at the station, who walked me back. Talk about lucky!

Embracing Clothing Culture: What should I wear in [x country]?

A region’s clothing customs is something that I often try to look into ahead of a trip. In most cases, if you’re visiting touristy areas, you can get away with your regular outfit choices. That being said, it’s important to be respectful of the place you’re visiting. A few examples I’ve come across are:

1. In most churches in Italy, you have to have your knees and shoulders covered to enter. This includes even the most touristy churches, like the Vatican. You can and will be denied entry if you’re deemed to be too exposed.
2. In Morocco, most women that live there dress more modestly. While you won’t be noticed as much for not doing so in places like Marrakech, it’s still the most respectful thing to do. I made sure to pack lightweight, long trousers and a top or scarf I could use to cover my upper half. This offered added protection from the sun as well.

Not only can dressing similarly to the locals help with respecting customs, it can help you blend in a bit. You’re less likely to be targeted as a tourist, I’ve found, the more you try to assimilate. Embracing a culture’s clothing practices can be beneficial in more ways than one.

Embracing Food Culture: I’m a picky eater – should I still go to [x country]?

Short answer: YES. One of the best parts of experiencing a new culture, in my opinion, is the food. That being said, I know everyone has different dietary needs and preferences. Here’s my advice on this one:

1. Look up some staple dishes in the place you plan to visit. Pinpoint which you’d be willing or able to try.
2. Stock up on snacks as backup. I’ve had to do this a few times myself when my stomach simply was not agreeing with the spices used (looking at you, Morocco). Even when I enjoy the food, I can’t always have it. Having something like protein bars or bread in my hotel or daypack can be a lifesaver.
3. Explain dietary needs ahead of a meal, if you’re able. My host family was incredibly accommodating in Italy, and would try to find local foods that I could have. This also makes it clear that you’re not being rude, you just can’t have the meal.
4. Stick to things you know. If you know you like meat and potatoes – find that kind of dish. If you are a pasta girl like myself, there’s almost always something similar available. Trying local versions of “safe” foods is still exposing yourself to the culture!

Embracing Religious Culture: Differences in religions and beliefs

This one can be tough for people for different reasons. Some may have strong beliefs of their own. Others may have no beliefs at all and don’t understand religious emphasis. Myself? I’m somewhere in the middle. I try to approach different religions with an open mind and, if nothing else, respect.

Some regions emphasize religion and spirituality. We may not always agree with one another, but there are a few ways we can show basic respect:

1. If you plan to visit a religious site, do your research.
   • Before I went to Japan, I knew I’d want to visit temples throughout Tokyo for their historical significance. I researched best practices for entering certain sites, and what was or wasn’t permitted by tourists. One thing I made sure to do was dress appropriately if going inside. I also learned about cleansing practices before entering.
2. Listen to locals.
   • Not every setting is open for visitors. Some practices only allow certain groups within a religious building. For example, we learned about Islamic practices in Morocco and surrounding buildings. However, we were not allowed to enter active mosques if we were non-Muslim. If a sign or individual asks you not to enter, or engage in a particular behavior, please listen to them.

I’m by no means saying we should all engage in religious or spiritual activities that we do not wish to. What I am saying is that we need to, as travelers, be mindful of the customs of places we are visiting. Even if something is advertised as a place to see at your destination, know that there could be more significance to it.

How else can I embrace new cultures?

Aside from the key points I mentioned above, my best advice to you is to research, but also to listen to representative voices. Don’t just listen to travel bloggers (myself included!). If you really want to know about a place’s culture and customs, tune in to and elevate local voices.

Responsible cultural experiences

As you continue to branch out in your travels, you’ll find a lot of offerings of “authentic” cultural experiences. Sometimes, they may be. Other times, it’s often people profiting off of tourists wanting to learn. I’ve been guilty of this myself, but what’s important is learning from those mistakes.

Some of the best cultural learning experiences I’ve had have been through my trips with EF Ultimate Break. Since those tours are directed by locals to the country you’re visiting, the activities are also planned by them. In Belize, our director arranged for us to learn about Garifuna drumming. Our director in Morocco arranged for our group to visit a Bedouin/Berber family in the Sahara. We sat down and had tea with the family and learned about their life and practices. We also visited a local music house, Dar Gnaoua Bambara Khamlia, for a performance.

Be open to cultural learning

One thing about me is, if I don’t understand something, I’m finding the answer. This has especially held true when it comes to embracing the cultures of the places I visit. I love asking questions (respectfully, of course). My tour directors with EF and the guides they hire are the perfect people to ask. Even if you don’t go with a group, don’t be afraid to ask questions of staff and volunteers at different sites and museums.

As I mentioned before, I also always try to do research on an area’s customs before arriving. I like to be prepared so that I don’t accidentally offend someone (or even break a law). If you aren’t sure of something, don’t guess – look it up! There are some things you may find mixed answers on, but that’s where I go back to my previous point. Amplify and listen to indigenous voices. If an American citizen says one thing, but a Peruvian something else, and I’m visiting Peru? I’ll be putting more stock into what I heard from the Peruvian individual.

Learning Culture through Travel

Like I’ve said before, travel is about learning and embracing the new. It’s about leaving your comfort zone. Being exposed to new cultures is one of my favorite parts about visiting another part of the world. I’ve learned so much not just about the places I’ve visited, but also myself. By embracing culture through travel, I’ve found new favorite foods and even new belief systems that I’ve applied to my life. I strongly encourage each of you to do the same. Learn, embrace, and adapt. Be respectful and mindful in your choices and actions. Most of all, have fun doing it!