Ask a Bible college Student

[Emzap]

Third year Bible college student studying the Bible, intercultural studies, and counseling. Ask anything~

What do you like most about intercultural studies? Out of curiosity, do you have any recommendations for helping people bridge cultural differences and misunderstandings?

I love learning how to interact with people of other cultures. The intricate details of what makes a culture unique and how difficult it can be to understand a people group that you aren't familiar with is super fascinating. 

My recommendation is to be a learner. Seek to learn as much as you can. Ask tons of questions. Usually we have two categories that we classify the things around us: good and bad. Add an 'unsure' category, and make it a big one. A lot of times there are things that may seem good or may seem bad, but until we realize the motivating forces behind it, and the significance of it to the people, we really know very little from observation alone. Also, build relationships with specific people of another culture. When you become friends with people who are different, when you begin to commune with them, when they become like family to you, you'll be able to understand them and their culture better, and the love you have for them will overcome any differences.