Question yourself about the dynamics of intercultural encounters by taking part in a pre-departure training course before embarking on a trip abroad. This course will prepare you to navigate in diverse cultural contexts and understand the issues surrounding cultural differences, perceptions and interactions between people from different backgrounds. By asking yourself the right questions about your own assumptions, your role and your stance as a visitor to another country, you will be able to develop a critical awareness and intercultural sensitivity.
By engaging in this process of reflection before you leave, you maximise the chances of making your trip a profound learning experience, both personally and in terms of relationships. You'll return with a more nuanced understanding of the social, political and cultural realities of the country you visit, while developing valuable intercultural skills needed in an increasingly globalised world.