Travelling to a foreign country is always filled with excitement and a little trepidation. A different culture with different customs, unusual food, an unfamiliar currency and shopping experience, unusual sanitation facilities are all things one must cope with. Having participated as a host family for several years with the Canada World Youth program and travelled quite a bit worldwide, my most important advice is to be sensitive to other cultures. When travelling and working in foreign countries you cannot impose our western ways on others, you must respect the habits of the people you are visiting and working with. Cultural diversity is one of the wonderful aspects of this planet we live on. So it is important to learn a little about the country you are travelling to and the people who live there.
Prior to our trip to Kenya, we met with our friend Bill, who works in Kenya, Rwanda and Sudan on a frequent basis, to find out about money, business etiquette, etc. Bill provided us with a couple of books which gave us great insight into the culture we were about to visit. We had a better understanding of what to expect and how to deal sensitively with situations when they arose. Before you leave on your volunteer trip abroad take some time to read and familiarize yourself with the new culture - by lessening the surprise of the unfamiliar, you'll be better able to cope with less stress and able to enjoy your experience more fully.
Some books to read:
African Friends and Money Matters by David E. Maranz
Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier
I Dreamed of Africa by Kuki Gallman
African Nights by Kuki Gallman
Also don't forget to watch the movie
Out of Africa by Karen Blixen
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