Saturday, December 8, 2012

5 Ways to Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Time for another Blog Carnival!



Carol at Girl Gone Travel is the host this time around, so please also check out the other carnival posts! 

I used to teach English as a Second Language and these tips pretty much overlap with what I recommended for my students because the best way to learn anything is to just jump right in and immerse yourself!

Rule #1 - Get Over Yourself

Me in a fez in Marrakesh, Morocco looking ridiculous
Yup, you're going to have to drop your ego off and be prepared to look silly now and then. You're learning/trying new things so you won't fit in right away. However, if you have a really open attitude and not worry about how you look or sound, people recognize and reward effort. You stand a much higher chance of being accepted if you are not uptight or sensitive about everything. Don't try to be perfect - the fact is, no one else is really caring or watching. It's true!



 

Rule #2 - Watch TV from that culture

I always told my students to listen to the radio and watch TV (that's how I won the favorite teacher award! Joke) because not only is it in the target language which helps for learning, but because it provides valuable insight to how those people think. You can learn a lot about the values and humor of a people from their media. Yes, some is over the top and stereotypical, but it still gives you some clue (and it's easy and fun!). Not only that, but you can most likely get a head start by watching from home (on the Internet maybe) before you go, and keep the memories alive after you return.

Rule #3 - Find a lover

That sounds cliche, doesn't it? But it works! Sure, a local friend is good, but nothing makes learning about another culture more fun than a romance! You also automatically get a whole new group of friends to hang out with as well!


morocco arabic coke and sprite by solowomantraveler
These aren't hard to figure out!
 Rule #4 - Go OUT

Don't be shy, be a social butterfly! Go out and ride local transportation, get lost, get out of the tourist zones (consider safety) and try a little of all the local foods you can find. I love going to grocery stores and looking at the products. The less I understand about what it is, the more likely I am to buy it. I'm not even sure what I've eaten and I'm still alive! You don't have to like everything, but you should at least try everything!


Rule #5 - CouchSurf  
couchsurfing.org

Nothing immerses you more in a local culture than actually living with a local family. I highly recommend CouchSurfing for that (tips here and here). On more than one occasion, CouchSurfing has made my travel experience WAY better than anything I could have accomplished on my own. Locals help you avoid the tourist traps and get immersed in the authentic side of daily life.
Even if you're not comfortable staying on a stranger's couch, you can join just to attend public activities/meetings and you'll meet tons of people that way. Often tourists will get together and check out sites as a group, so if you get tired of being a solo woman traveler, you can always join up with a CouchSurfing group for a day.
(One caveat: don't just join Couchsurfing to score a freebie. See if you agree with the whole philosophy and then decide if it's for you or not. Us Couchsurfers really care about our community!)


14 comments:

Lisa Lightner said...

I don't think anyone wants my family on their couch! Stopping by from the carnival to say hi.

Kelly Johnson said...

oh dear, why not? LOL I've had a family stay on my futon (a couple and their 9 month old baby). It's not that bad!

Thanks for stopping by!

Carol Cain said...

Hahaha! I often stay up all night watching television in other countries! LOL!

Kelly Johnson said...

It's so much fun!
Thanks again for hosting!

Stephanie Jones said...

Love the idea of getting over oneself. So true, and something I have a hard time doing. Luckily my travel partner in crime, the other Delusional Diva, has no trouble whatsoever....so every once in a while, I am tempted to make a fool of myself....like the time I got up in a Florence restaurant and started singing with the performer. As my father said, my voice is a disgrace to my race...but I had a ball.

One Quarter Mama said...

Sometimes the most memorable moments are the silliest!

Michaela said...

I love your tip to find a lover and I assure folks that it works! I met someone on one of my trips who was instrumental in making sure that I got a full cultural experience, learned the city outside of the tourists areas, and had a lot of fun! Spending time with a local and letting them plan the agenda is a great way to immerse yourself!

Kelly Johnson said...

It's true! I only give advice that works! :D

Andrea Nicholas said...

I love this list!


Rule number three is definitely one I haven't heard before. Well, I guess I have heard whirlwind romances advocated. Nevertheless, I'll be sure to put that one to practice. ;-)

Kelly said...

To be honest, I've never hooked up with someone on the road, but the other option is when they come to visit your country. Just as fun! :)

Andrea Nicholas said...

Yeah, I'd probably be a bit more tame in my adventures, but getting to know new people is always fun!

VacayGirl said...

I love this! This is a great list to abide by. I think going to the grocery store would be my way to go. I can see myself perusing the aisles just for the company of being around people if I get lonely.

Kelly said...

Glad you like it! I can assure you it's fun all around :)

quillanbacha said...

Play Casino Games - Mapyro
Get 의왕 출장샵 directions, reviews and information for Casino Jackpot City 서울특별 출장마사지 Hotel, Las 순천 출장마사지 Vegas, NV, in Las Vegas, NV. Slot machine Jackpot City 수원 출장마사지 Hotel 제주 출장샵 Casino