Are you like me, just waiting for the world to open up so you can travel again? Can you hardly wait to buy that next airline ticket to take you overseas? I really get that. I'm right there with you. In the meantime, I'm learning to evaluate how I view the cultures of the places that I long to visit and to become better prepared to fully enjoy those cultures.

One way to prepare is to look internally to discern the tendency towards being a cultural critic or a cultural learner. Without even realizing it, we can fall into looking at other cultures with a critical eye rather than with an eye to learning and welcoming the differences.

A cultural critic tends to be inward focused, viewing his or her own culture as the only "good" culture, or at least better than others. This perspective can create an attitude of judgment or superiority about a culture's way of life. Even those of us who like to travel can become cultural critics. It's easy to look for the things that remind us of home when we're visiting other places. Doing this can minimize deep cultural differences and the ability to value those differences.

How can we grow as cultural learners?

1. Develop a sense of curiosity. Learn the history of the places you plan to visit. Try to understand the people's values and why they do the things the way they do.
2. Value the good in each culture. Understanding that my own culture is one of a number of complex systems allows me to be comfortable moving between cultures and traveling or living among minorities, global nomads, and expatriates.
3. Expand your perspective. Listening to others' perspectives helps me to become more outward focused and helps my perspective of the world to grow and expand.
4. Enter with respect and honor. Respecting and honoring another culture does not require agreeing with the culture.

Where do you hope to travel in the future?

What are ways you would like to develop as a cultural learner?

About the Author: Barb is the IDEAS Director of Community Life and has lived in Cote d'lvoire and France. Enjoy other blogs by Barb, such as 4 Steps Towards a New Opportunity.