Other Culture Bingo

Living in a new culture means noticing differences. Some things may feel exciting, others confusing or even frustrating. This is an invitation to pay attention without judgment, making cultural differences easier to observe, reflect on, and learn from.

What you’ll need:

  • Grid – 4X5
  • Pens or markers – none if digital version

Instructions:

  1. Take your Bingo grid and keep it with you for the first month of arrival.

  2. As you observe something that fits a square, mark it off (optionally - write a date)

  3. Try to notice as many as you can, but don’t force it.

  4. Once you have completed one line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal), or the whole card, take time to reflect using the questions below:

  • Looking back, which observations do I believe are cultural? What makes me think so?

  • Did I learn something new about myself from these observations?

  • What helps me stay open instead of judgmental when something feels “strange” to me?

Examples for the Bingo Prompts (20 options for a 5x4 grid):

The way people interact
People greet each other differently than I’m used to

Someone stood closer or farther from me than expected

I saw a different way of expressing politeness

I experienced or noticed a different sense of time or punctuality
Daily life

Mealtimes are at different hours than I’m used to

Shops or public spaces are open/closed at unexpected times

I saw a surprising use of public space (e.g., parks, streets)

Public transport or traffic behavior was different
Language

I saw people using a gesture or facial expression I didn’t understand

I noticed that how people say “no” or “yes” feels different here

I was unsure whether someone was being direct or indirect

I felt uncomfortable or unsure about how to express myself
Emotions

I felt unexpectedly emotional (happy, frustrated, excited)

I caught myself comparing things to home

I assumed something and was wrong

Something made me laugh or feel very awkward
Cultural norms

I saw a celebration, ritual, or tradition I didn’t recognize

I noticed people dressing differently than I expected

I learned a rule (spoken or unspoken) I hadn’t known

I noticed different gender roles or expectations

Guidance for mentors/facilitators:

Possibility to deepen the reflection:

  • Which Bingo square was easiest to notice?
  • Which was hardest?
  • What did you learn about yourself in this process?