7 tips on how to bridge cultural gaps abroad

Bridging cultural gaps is something that we do every day. But mostly unconsciously and without any significant problems. But what if you get stuck halfway? Seven tips from a personal point of view that might help you to cross that bridge.

How can you bridge cultural gaps if you don’t know the culture? Every one of us has a unique story and background. And somehow we mostly understand each other, especially if we speak the same language. But what if you move to a new country? How do you manage to get your message across without being frustrated? To make it clear: I am not down that road yet (and probably will never be). Bridging cultural gaps is an ongoing process. I still struggle now and then, but the way has gone from unpaved to an all-weather surface road.

Bridge the cultural gap with Language

I am sorry to disappoint you as you probably think: Nothing new, I have heard that a hundred times. And I tell you, it is the truth. If you want to understand a culture, you have to learn the basics of a language. Language is culture and a key to integrate. Otherwise, you will be cut out of conversations, and you cannot follow what’s on in the local news. Unfortunately, social codes, body language, and traditions are not in the package if you learn a language. But it is the first step to get an idea of how things are communicated. If you analyze how things are said, you know how their thoughts are put into words. And that says a lot about a culture. Are people going straight to the point or taking a lot of detours to come to the essence?

Bridge the cultural gap with Humor

Humor is the juice of life but differs from culture to culture. On top, you have to master a language to understand jokes. So if you don’t think the jokes you hear are funny, its because you probably don’t have the same understanding of what is supposed to be funny. With time and language skills, you get a feeling for the humor of a new culture. Be patient, watch comedians from that culture to get an idea of their way to make jokes. You might still not find it funny, but you will understand at least what they think is funny. And this is part of their culture.

Bridge the cultural gap with getting the context

There will be a lot of situations where you feel lost as you don’t have a clue what others are talking about. You will be frustrated as you learned the language, and you still can’t contribute to the discussion. Try to be up to date when it comes to local news. Watch popular shows, look up famous people, and everything you come across in a conversation. In the beginning, you will need a lot of explanation to understand and follow a discussion of local friends or colleagues. I have made the experience that there is always someone that likes to explain and help. Pick that one at the table. It will make it easier to follow a conversation and in no time you learn rituals, social codes, and cultural habits. And who knows, this person might already become a new friend for life.

Bridge the gap by accepting the other way

Do you find it strange to drink coffee with milk in the afternoon? What you are used to is not what others are used to. Your way of doing something is not the way of doing something. It’s just your way. There is not only one way of doing something. Like Frank Sinatra sang: I did it my way! Drink your coffee black if you want to, but don’t be disappointed if others don’t. It’s just their way of going through life.

Bridge the gap by being patient

You feel alienated as you think you stand alone with your background? Do you know what is funny? It is not a feeling. You are alone with your background. In addition to that, abroad, your cultural background is going through a transformation: from unique to unknown and partly understood. At home, you can connect and refer more easily to others because you might have some things in common — like cultural background, language, and origins. Be patient. You will find again this person that gives you the feeling that you are not alone on this planet. Because fortunately, interests and passions can be shared wherever you are.

Bridge the gap by learning what respect means for others

People are not greeting on the street? Or not even nodding? That’s a shame as you feel that this behavior is culturally not acceptable. Every culture has its way of showing respect. If it is bowing, looking in the eyes while cheering or just waving when leaving — respect is culturally bounded. Learn what respect means by observing situations where you get offended. What is it, that makes you take quick offense?

Bridging cultural gaps — a new perspective on life

Moving from home always means leaving something behind. At the same time, you will gain something new. Bridging cultural differences go easy at home. When awkwardness is filling the room, you can make a joke, and everybody laughs. When you leave home, these things don’t work anymore. Automatism and autopilot stop but instead awareness grows. That is one of the significant benefits you will gain by leaving your culture. You will wear new glasses and will see the world from a different angle. Your home will look different. And that is because you now put your own culture in perspective to others.

If you can find a way to bridge abroad, you will learn about life as you will be able to connect wherever you go. Bridging cultural gaps is something we all should know how to do — consciously.