{"id":1225,"date":"2016-08-04T14:56:58","date_gmt":"2016-08-04T14:56:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.openhandsinitiative.org\/blog\/?p=1225"},"modified":"2018-05-07T20:32:20","modified_gmt":"2018-05-07T20:32:20","slug":"7-ways-to-discover-and-connect-across-cultures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.openhandsinitiative.org\/blog\/7-ways-to-discover-and-connect-across-cultures\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Ways to Discover and Connect Across Cultures"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summer’s in full swing! And what a great time to discover and connect to new cultures! Our “how-to” guide on enjoying an open summer will give you ideas on how to build common ground and increase understanding of people and cultures from around the world. Here are seven ways you can discover and connect across cultures.<\/p>\n

\"Cultural<\/p>\n

1. VISIT A CULTURAL CENTER<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Cultural centers provide\u00a0great ways to learn about a community’s history, traditions, and customs. \u00a0The Goethe-Institute,<\/a><\/span> which has 159 centers in 98 countries worldwide, is\u00a0a great way to learn about German culture, language and\u00a0society. Find one near you here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Cultural<\/p>\n

2. TRY AN INTERNATIONAL DISH<\/strong><\/p>\n

In many cultures, food plays a central role in social activities and provides\u00a0cultural\u00a0clues on\u00a0traditions and values. From the food itself, to how it’s prepared, the utensils used to eat it, to when certain foods are eaten (such as on birthdays or national holidays), through food, we are able to share in a very meaningful aspect of culture.<\/p>\n

The Queens International Night Market<\/span>,<\/a> in New York, is\u00a0a large, family-friendly open-air night market in Queens, featuring over 40 different international food vendors,\u00a0celebrating the rich cultural diversity and heritage of NYC and Queens.<\/p>\n

\"Cultural<\/p>\n

3. READ A BOOK WRITTEN BY A LOCAL AUTHOR<\/strong><\/p>\n

What better way to learn about a culture than from the people who comprise these cultures themselves. Reading a book from a local author on his\/her society provides invaluable insight into the psyche of that community. A few books our staff have enjoyed include:<\/p>\n