How to Befriend Foreigners

Friends come in all shapes, sizes, colors and countries. One of the sad aftereffects of 9/11 is that instead of being open to different cultures, people are more suspicious. Making friends from a foreign country can lead to rich relationships that you won't find next door. Take these steps to befriend foreigners.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Reach out to people who are different from you. Avoid cultural bias they way you would any other form of discrimination.
2. Explore common interests. You might both enjoy drawing or sampling varieties of coffee. It's possible to have more in common with someone from another continent than you do with your neighbor across the street.
3. Learn about your new friend's culture. Show your interest by asking non-judgmental questions about the country they come from.
4. Share your culture with your friend. If you notice your friend staring at something or looking confused, try to find out what it's about. Explain "goth" when your friend wonders about the kids on the corner dressed all in black.
5. Enjoy activities together. Go to the movies or walk in the park together. It's easier to get to know people of any country under the auspices of a specific activity or event.
6. Be aware of cultural rules when you're the visitor in a foreign country. Ask a friend what to expect before a social gathering. For instance, it's considered bad form in Tokyo to fill your own glass at a gathering, but polite to replenish the glasses of others.
7. Respect differences. Just as no one should expect you to change who you are, neither should you expect a friend from a foreign country to change important customs.