Preparing Your Student Group for New Cultures

One of the most exciting aspects of international travel is the chance to experience a new culture. Here are some tips to help you prepare your students for experiencing a new culture on your student performance tour:

Buy a Guidebook                    

Guidebooks like Lonely Planet and Rough Guides include excellent background information within their pages. Consider investing in such a book, and then sharing it with your students before your trip.

Talk to Exchange Students

There’s a chance there is an exchange student in your school from the country your group will be visiting. If so, invite them to come and talk to your group about their culture, and how it differs from your local customs and traditions. The best way to learn about a culture is from a person who is a part of it.

Inject Some Humor

Check out “How to tell if you’re American” for an informative and humorous look at our own culture. Then, use the links at the top of the page to look at the cultural differences of your group’s destination. The site takes a fresh look at cultural differences, in a way that is likely to be relevant to your students.

Learn the Basics of the Language

If you are traveling to a non-English speaking country, consider teaching your students a few basic phrases before you depart. Just a little knowledge of the language can go a long way in making day-to-day interactions in an unfamiliar place much easier.

Avoid Stereotypes

After having learned about cultural differences, it’s important to keep an open mind. Remind your students to avoid stereotypes and assumptions about individuals they meet. Use what they have learned as a foundation for learning even more about the local culture after they arrive.

If you haven’t traveled internationally with your group before, contact us today to find out how rewarding international performance travel can be.