Whether it’s traveling abroad or connecting with someone from a different background through daily conversation, cultural exchange offers the opportunity to appreciate global perspectives and build empathy. But what does that mean?
For Local Coordinator Karley Ailin, who works with students and families across the country, it means a connection that lasts a lifetime.
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to step into another person’s shoes and feel what they feel. This can be especially important in cross-cultural interactions.
Experiencing other cultures firsthand challenges preconceived ideas and dismantles stereotypes. Learning about a new country’s customs and beliefs before a visit can help prepare participants for navigating unfamiliar cultural experiences. For example, tipping practices aren’t the same worldwide and cultural norms around childbirth can vary widely across the globe.
Empathy can also foster innovation by encouraging diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches. Having the ability to empathize with people from different backgrounds allows leaders to create more inclusive company culture. For example, a leader who exhibits empathy may offer flexible work arrangements for employees dealing with stressful situations, allowing them to maintain focus and performance. Empathy can also help leaders encourage accountability in their teams by focusing on the root causes of performance issues rather than assigning blame. In addition, it can increase employee retention and loyalty by showing that leaders care about their needs.
Global Competence
Global competence is more than just skills—it’s the mindset and knowledge needed to live in a diverse world. Students who are globally competent take responsible action and strive for lifelong learning, respect others and themselves, and have critical and comparative thinking skills (UNESCO 2015).
Educators can foster cultural competence by introducing students to different worldviews and perspectives. They can also help students become more reflective of their own identities and the impact of cultural norms on their lives. They can build cultural sensitivity by facilitating interactive sessions and immersive experiences like travel and global networking opportunities.
Emerging leaders need to understand the nuances of various cultures to be successful in their professional spheres and personal relationships. This is especially true in today’s interconnected economy, where collaboration with colleagues and clients from different cities and countries is routine. Leaders who are culturally competent are more prepared to navigate the complexities of international business operations and partnerships, ensuring that teams are working effectively and cohesively.
Intercultural Connections
In a globalized world, connecting with other cultures has never been more important. Whether it’s traveling abroad or hosting an international student, cultural exchange fosters empathy and mutual understanding by encouraging individuals to look beyond assumptions and embrace differences.
Intercultural exchange also offers economic benefits, such as increased tourism and the trade of cultural products. Scientific collaborations between researchers from different countries help identify new research opportunities and generate inventive solutions.
Ultimately, cultural exchange is about choice—individuals have the freedom to engage with difference by choosing to read diverse authors, watch foreign films, or attend local cultural festivals. And it’s about societal choice to promote equitable, culturally-inclusive practices and policies. In the academic context, intercultural exchange focuses on promoting self-reflection and societal transformation, as well as a pursuit of global sustainability that requires ethical engagement and recognition of power dynamics.
Authentic Experiences
Authentic experiences are at the heart of cultural exchange. Whether it’s a student staying with a family, international workers sharing their work skills, or friends making connections across continents, meaningful interaction leads to lifelong friendships and global community.
Experiencing a culture firsthand reveals truths and myths that challenge biases, dismantle stereotypes, and reveal a more nuanced picture of our world. It also builds empathy. After all, it’s harder to hate people you know and understand.
A true culture experience requires more than a trip abroad or joining a formal program, however. For example, a local family who welcomes an exchange student into their home can provide a powerful cultural exchange that allows them to discover new foods, traditions, and holidays. The experience can even help them better understand their own heritage and values.