Summer is not over yet. Perhaps some of you still have their holidays ahead, or perhaps some of you are looking forward to autumn, which may bring a study or work experience in a different country. It goes without saying that a foreign country means a culture which is different from your own, in a more or less drammatic way. But beware: not all trips abroad automatically include a full immersion in the other country's culture. There is an abbundance of articles on this topic, but here is my personal take on things, based on my own experiences, those of the people I know, and also on the things I would do if I had new opportunities coming my way.
I will go from number 11 to number 1, although the order is totally subjective.
11. Read as much as you can on that country's culture and civilization. I left this one at the end, because it is advisable to start before you travel. Whether it is literature, travel blogs, history and geography books, news and current affairs, the more you know about your place of destination, the better. You will at least have some idea of what to expect, you will have the basis for conversations with locals, and you will find out what topics you would like to go deeper into during your stay.
10. Spend at least one month in that country. It's time to decide the lenght of your stay. This condition, in itself, deserves more importance than no. 10, but it requires a fair amount of flexibility. If you are going there for work or study purposes, this will be unavoidable. However, if you are just planning to travel, such a long stay may not always be possible. If this is the case, you can stay for a week or two, and then return next year, and so forth, picking up your exploration where you left off. The length of stay is important, because if you are really interested in a country's culture, a few days' city break with no follow-up will never be enough. You would only concentrate on the main touristic objectives, which, although impressive, are not exactly what daily life is all about.
9. Become familiar with their national and local entertainment. This one, you may also have started before departure. But once you get there, you will have access to far more sources of information, cultural manifestations, television and local media, etc. At least try, out of curiosity. Watch a movie production of that country, listen to their music, attend a traditional festival or cultural event, or whatever you like. You may or may not like or understand it at first, but you never know. Or at least, do it just to have an idea.
8. When shopping, choose national brands and traditional artefacts. Not only you help functioning that country's economy, but that is also part of the culture, as traditional and unique techniques have been employed in their production. When in Italy, I love Bottega Verde, and when I'm in England I love the Body Shop. Or, what about ethnic fashion? Did you know that a Romanian ie looks fabulous in combination with jeans, but also with an elegant office skirt? Or that I am in love with my Russian scarf, but also with my Spanish earrings? :)
7. Take long walks or bus trips with no particular destination. Get to know the atmosphere of the city. You may end up away from touristic areas, but that's good. That is where day-to-day, real life is happening. However, in order to keep safe, it is better to do it during the day, and also to inform yourself if there are any particularly dangerous areas, which are better to avoid. Every place has its own atmosphere, beyond the touristic. Get to know the place's vibe, and get used to it.
6. Visit as many cities, villages, resorts, etc. as you can. This is quite similar to the point above, especially if your new residence is in a capital city. Capitals, or major cities in general, are quite cosmopolitan, and may have left traditional culture in the background, as people are generally busy with their hectic lives. But smaller cities and villages give a better insight on what life in that country is really about, or may be better connected with traditions.
5. Try the local cuisine. And, if you're brave enough, learn how to cook it. Food plays an important part in our daily life. And why not experience it? What is traditional in your new country? Is there a dish or an ingredient that "scares" you, such as horse meat in Sicily? Or the raw fish of sushi in Japan? Ok, you may not start directly with it, but at least consider it. Or at least taste from someone else, during a dinner with friends. See if you like it, or if it goes against your beliefs, surely in every place of the world there are dishes for every taste and preference, that you'll surely find something you like.
4. Learn the language. At least the basics, although it is preferable that you are able to sustain conversations on various topics, not just find your way around the city and ask for stuff in shops and for directions in the street. Some languages are more difficult than others, also depending on what your mother tongue is, and therefore they require more time and dedication to learn, but it is worth the effort. Never, ever assume that everyone speaks English, especially if you're not going to an English-speaking country. Learning the language is important especially for the next two points...
3. Live with locals or local families. It is not always possible, but it makes a big difference. It is more likely to happen in childhood and adolescence, when you get to visit a country as part of an organized school programme (after all, this is how my first visit in England was like), but for an adult things will be more difficult. However, perhaps you have a friend or aquaintance who can host you for a few days. If it is possible, just go for it! You become really aquainted with family atmosphere, or at least with a local home, and everything that makes it. Furniture, colours, decorations, meals, and, most of all, daily routine.
2. Socialize with locals, of different ages and social statuses. People make culture, and they all have their own way of making sense of the world. And if the former point is not possible, for this one you have no excuse. Be friendly and be curious. Socialize with everyone that you meet: from your schoolmates or workmates, to the hairdresser, or the bartender who serves your coffee every morning. Ask questions about their country and about everyday life of the past and present day, and in different environments. Listen to their stories. It is priceless!
1. Keep an open mind. No matter what you do, this is by far the most important point. Be prepared to see, hear and experience things that are completely unknown to you. Some of them you will like, others you will not. Cultural shocks will happen anywhere and anytime. You must learn to accept them, embrace what you like, and politely refuse what you dislike. But at all times, be prepared to learn about the good and the bad, and (as cliché as it may sound), to move beyond your comfort zone.
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