Cultural Encounters

In an international volunteering project, you meet many ways of living, thinking, and communicating - from local people and from other volunteers. Some of these differences make you smile, some confuse you, and some make you reflect on your own habits. This reflection helps you notice and make sense of these cultural encounters - not to judge them, but to learn from them and understand what they reveal about culture, yourself, and solidarity.

What you will need:

  • A sheet of paper or a small notebook (or a digital note)
  • Pen or markers

Instructions

  1. Notice your cultural encounters.
    Over the next few days, pay attention to moments that make you think, “Hmm, that’s not how I’d do it.”  These could be about time, communication, gestures, food, work, or emotions - anything that feels “different” to you

  2. Choose three that stand out.
    Write or draw three short cultural encounters. Just a few words are enough - what happened and how you felt in that moment.

  3. Reflect on each encounter.
    For every situation, note:

    • What was different or surprising?

    • What makes me think it’s a cultural difference, not just a personal one?

    • What might this difference tell me about the culture or people involved?

    • How did I react, and what did I learn about myself?

  4. Connect the dots.
    Look at your three encounters together. Do you notice any patterns - things that repeat, or emotions that stand out?

  5. Share with your buddy(ies) (Optional)
    In pairs or small groups, share one of your cultural encounters. Listen with curiosity - it’s not about being right or wrong, but about understanding. Possible reflection prompts:

    • Which difference was easiest for me to accept? Which was hardest?

    • What did I learn about my own culture through these encounters?

    • What helps me stay curious and respectful when I don’t understand something?

    • How can noticing differences help build solidarity in an international team?

Guidance for mentors/facilitators

  • Use this activity during the first week, once volunteers have started engaging with others. Frame it as observation, not evaluation - encourage curiosity instead of judgment.
  • Support both emotional reflection -“What did I feel?”- and meaning-making - What might this mean?.
  • In group sharing, focus on common themes and insights, not comparisons between cultures.
  • Connect it to solidarity: highlight how understanding and appreciating differences builds empathy, inclusion, and trust - essential for working and living together.