Questions to Ask Someone From a Different Country
Thoughtful questions to learn about culture, daily life, values, and perspectives from someone with a different national background.
1What's something about your culture that you wish more people understood?
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What's something about your culture that you wish more people understood?
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Why this works
Invites them to share what's often misrepresented or overlooked about their background.
2What do you miss most about home when you're away?
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What do you miss most about home when you're away?
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Why this works
Reveals what they value most—food, family, landscape, or cultural rhythms.
3How would you describe a typical day in your hometown or city?
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How would you describe a typical day in your hometown or city?
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Why this works
Provides concrete, lived detail beyond tourist stereotypes.
4What surprised you most about living in or visiting [current country]?
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What surprised you most about living in or visiting [current country]?
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Why this works
Surfaces cultural contrasts and what stands out when norms shift.
5What's a tradition or holiday in your country that you think is especially meaningful?
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What's a tradition or holiday in your country that you think is especially meaningful?
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Why this works
Opens conversation about values, rituals, and what the culture celebrates.
6How does your country approach family, and what role do elders or extended family play?
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How does your country approach family, and what role do elders or extended family play?
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Why this works
Explores family structure and intergenerational dynamics that vary widely.
7What's a common misconception people have about your country?
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What's a common misconception people have about your country?
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Why this works
Invites them to correct stereotypes and share a more nuanced picture.
8What do you think your country does better than others?
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What do you think your country does better than others?
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Why this works
Celebrates strengths and gives insight into national pride and identity.
9What's a food from home that you can't find here, and what makes it special?
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What's a food from home that you can't find here, and what makes it special?
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Why this works
Food is deeply personal and cultural—this opens sensory and emotional memory.
10How does your country approach work-life balance compared to here?
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How does your country approach work-life balance compared to here?
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Why this works
Reveals cultural attitudes toward labor, rest, and what constitutes a good life.
11What's something that's considered polite or rude in your culture that's different here?
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What's something that's considered polite or rude in your culture that's different here?
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Why this works
Surfaces etiquette differences and helps both people navigate cultural nuance.
12How do people in your country typically socialize or spend time with friends?
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How do people in your country typically socialize or spend time with friends?
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Why this works
Shows how community and connection are practiced in different contexts.
13What's a book, film, or piece of art from your country that you think everyone should experience?
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What's a book, film, or piece of art from your country that you think everyone should experience?
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Why this works
Invites cultural exchange and offers a window into national storytelling.
14How has your perspective on your own country changed since spending time abroad?
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How has your perspective on your own country changed since spending time abroad?
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Why this works
Explores how distance shifts understanding and what becomes visible from outside.
15What's something you've learned or adopted from [current country] that you'll take home with you?
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What's something you've learned or adopted from [current country] that you'll take home with you?
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Why this works
Shows openness to change and what resonates across cultural lines.
16How does your country approach education, and what's valued in the school system?
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How does your country approach education, and what's valued in the school system?
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Why this works
Reveals priorities—rote learning, creativity, discipline, or critical thinking.
17What role does religion or spirituality play in daily life in your country?
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What role does religion or spirituality play in daily life in your country?
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Why this works
Explores how faith shapes public and private life differently across cultures.
18What's a phrase or saying in your language that doesn't translate well but you love?
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What's a phrase or saying in your language that doesn't translate well but you love?
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Why this works
Opens linguistic and conceptual doors to how language shapes thought.
19How does your country approach healthcare, and what's your experience with it?
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How does your country approach healthcare, and what's your experience with it?
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Why this works
Reveals systemic differences and personal stories about access and quality.
20What advice would you give someone visiting your country for the first time?
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What advice would you give someone visiting your country for the first time?
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Why this works
Invites generosity and practical wisdom while honoring their expertise.
Cross-Cultural Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.