If you follow the news (especially the news on YouTube), you may have heard about several instances of foreigners being deported, arrested, or vehemently criticized for behaving inappropriately abroad. In this context, the discussion about cultural sensitivity takes center stage. And this is what we will be looking into today.
What is cultural sensitivity?
Cultural sensitivity may sometimes be confused with general politeness and unwillingness to offend people. But it's more than that. Cultural sensitivity is more about deeply (and genuinely)
understanding and respecting the nuances of another culture.
It starts with being aware of cultural norms, practices, and values that may differ a lot from your own. This awareness will allow you to adapt the way you behave and communicate to your new environment – without compromising your values and way of life in the process.
At its core, cultural sensitivity is simply about mutual respect.
Why does cultural sensitivity matter?
Let's explore this through some vivid examples.
"A Chilean tourist in Japan faces backlash for doing pull-ups on the sacred Shinto Torii gate".
In October 2024, a Chilean gymnast and social media influencer posted a video of herself doing pull-ups on the sacred torii gate at a Shinto shrine in Japan. The torii gate is a revered symbol in the country and holds deep spiritual significance in the local culture. The tourist's actions were widely condemned on Japanese social media – and many locals viewed her actions as a sign of blatant disrespect to their culture and traditions.
True, the tourist was most likely unaware of the significance of the gate in local culture. And there is nothing inherently malicious in her actions. However, this is exactly why we started our conversation about cultural sensitivity and the importance of awareness. Respect for a different culture is almost impossible without knowledge about it. And while this may not be an absolute must for a tourist, it is practically essential for an expat.
"American YouTuber arrested in South Korea following a series of provocative behavior".
In October 2024, American YouTuber and streamer Johnny Somali was arrested by South Korean police following a series of provocative actions. One of them included kissing and performing a lap dance on the Statue of Peace—a memorial honoring Korean comfort women from World War II.
(*Comfort women were women and girls, many from Korea, China, and other occupied territories, who were forcibly taken or coerced into slavery by the Japanese army Imperial during World War II).
Needless to say, the incident sparked outrage and, paired with other disrespectful actions of the streamer, resulted in his subsequent arrest.
In this case, we don't really know if the person in question was aware of the cultural significance of the statue - there are conflicting reports online. However, apart from this specific incident, Johnny Somali's behavior in South Korea was loud, abrasive, and provocative. And in a culture that prioritizes modesty and humility, his behavior caused an understandable backlash.
The examples we've mentioned here are extreme. But they illustrate a common issue – lack of cultural sensitivity can get you in trouble.
Why is cultural sensitivity important for expats?
Expats are not tourists. If a tourist commits a faux pas abroad, they will be leaving in a week – and the only consequence of their actions may be some extra embarrassment. Expats, on the other hand, are trying to build a life in a new country.
One key reason cultural sensitivity is essential is because it will help you prevent misunderstandings that could otherwise create friction – or even do serious damage to your reputation.
For instance, in many East Asian cultures, humility is a valued trait, and overt self-promotion might be seen as arrogant. An expat unaware of this could unknowingly harm their professional relationships by speaking too boldly and confidently about their achievements.
Similarly, in countries where personal space is less emphasized, such as in parts of the Middle East or South America, keeping "extra" distance may be seen as cold and unfriendly.
Cultural sensitivity also opens doors to deeper connections. When you make an effort to understand and honor local traditions, you signal that you are genuinely interested in a new culture. This effort is often reciprocated. And the more interest you take in others, the more others may engage with your own background and traditions.
For example, an expat in Japan who takes the time to observe and follow the custom of handing over a business card with both hands and a slight bow will signal respect for local professional etiquette.
Moreover, cultural sensitivity allows expats to better understand the values and emotions that shape their new environment. Being culturally sensitive makes you more adaptable. And the more adaptable you are, the easier you will find it to deal with various situations in a foreign environment: resolving a workplace conflict, taking on a different pace of life, etc.
How to be culturally sensitive
This question seems to be as big as the world itself. Cultural sensitivity is more of a process than an achievement. It's something that you develop gradually, step by step, and how it happens may be very different from one expat to another.
Active observation is a powerful tool. Pay attention to how locals interact, dress, and behave in social or professional settings. Are conversations formal or casual? Do people value personal space? These cues can guide your behavior without overstepping boundaries. If unsure, it's always better to ask politely than to assume — most people will appreciate your curiosity and be happy to talk to you about their culture.
Language plays an important role. Even learning a few basic phrases, such as “hello,” “thank you,” or “excuse me,” in your new language can make a positive impression. It shows effort and your motivation to engage. It's also a good idea to be mindful of body language: gestures that are friendly in one culture might be considered rude in another.
Cultural differences require empathy. Do your best not to judge unfamiliar customs – but rather focus on understanding their importance. For example, in some cultures, punctuality is rigidly observed, while in others, it's more flexible. If this perception doesn't match yours, you may, quite naturally, get frustrated. But if you simply recognize this as a difference that you need to be aware of, you may save yourself a lot of discontent.
How to manage the emotional transition without being hard on oneself and on others
The other – and equally frightening – side of not being culturally aware is being "overly" culturally aware. It's not about trying too hard – but rather about being too critical: of yourself and others.
Being culturally sensitive is definitely important – but it's equally important to not scare yourself (and others around you) into being too afraid of doing the wrong thing.
Moving to a new culture inevitably involves a learning curve, and mistakes are part of the process. Be kind to yourself and give yourself the time to adjust. Instead of focusing on the missteps, welcome them as opportunities for growth.
One common pitfall is expecting yourself to adapt instantly to your new environment. It's important to recognize that important transitions take time. Set realistic goals for yourself, and don't compare yourself to others. We all learn and adapt at our own pace.
Similarly, manage expectations of those around you. Family members or colleagues may also be adjusting to your presence as an expat, and misunderstandings may happen. Being culturally sensitive doesn't just apply to understanding locals. It is also about how you interact with fellow expats, coworkers, and even loved ones back home.
For instance, your colleagues may have stereotypes about people from your country. Or, your family back home may struggle with you being away. Try to approach these situations with empathy. Just like you, they are in the process of adjusting to something new and unfamiliar.
One of the most effective ways to manage emotional transitions is to build a strong support network. Reach out to fellow expats who understand the challenges you're facing, join local community groups, and stay proactive in your effort to understand the world around you.
Finally, remind yourself of why you are here. You may have moved for career growth or to get to know yourself better. Perhaps you were looking for a fresh start. Keeping your goals in mind can help you stay motivated and focused through the emotional roller coaster that comes with living abroad.
