Questions to Ask Someone from Another Country
Thoughtful questions that help you learn about their culture, experiences, and perspective while building genuine cross-cultural connections.
1What's something about your home country that you're most proud of?
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What's something about your home country that you're most proud of?
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Why this works
This question allows them to share positive aspects of their culture and country, showing respect and genuine interest in their background.
2What was the biggest cultural shock you experienced when you first arrived here?
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What was the biggest cultural shock you experienced when you first arrived here?
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Why this works
Understanding their cultural adjustment helps you appreciate their experience and learn about differences between cultures in a respectful way.
3What's a tradition or custom from your country that you'd like to share with others?
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What's a tradition or custom from your country that you'd like to share with others?
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Why this works
This question invites them to share meaningful cultural practices and gives you insight into their values and traditions.
4What's something about your home country that you think people here would find surprising?
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What's something about your home country that you think people here would find surprising?
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Why this works
This question helps you learn about cultural differences while showing interest in their perspective and experiences.
5How do you stay connected to your home country and culture while living here?
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How do you stay connected to your home country and culture while living here?
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Why this works
Understanding their connection to home helps you appreciate their identity and the ways they maintain their cultural roots.
6What's a common misconception people have about your country or culture?
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What's a common misconception people have about your country or culture?
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Why this works
This question helps you learn about stereotypes and misconceptions while giving them a chance to correct misunderstandings.
7What's something you miss most about your home country?
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What's something you miss most about your home country?
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Why this works
Understanding what they miss helps you appreciate their experience and shows empathy for the challenges of living away from home.
8What's a favorite food or dish from your country that you'd recommend?
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What's a favorite food or dish from your country that you'd recommend?
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Why this works
Food is often a gateway to culture. This question helps you learn about their culinary traditions while showing interest in their culture.
9What's something about your home country's history that you think is important for others to know?
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What's something about your home country's history that you think is important for others to know?
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Why this works
Understanding their historical perspective helps you learn about their country's story and gives you insight into their cultural background.
10How do you celebrate holidays and special occasions from your culture here?
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How do you celebrate holidays and special occasions from your culture here?
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Why this works
Learning about their celebrations helps you understand their traditions and shows interest in their cultural practices.
11What's something about your home country's education system that you found valuable?
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What's something about your home country's education system that you found valuable?
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Why this works
Understanding their educational background helps you learn about different approaches to learning and gives you insight into their perspective.
12What's a word or phrase in your language that doesn't have a direct translation in English?
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What's a word or phrase in your language that doesn't have a direct translation in English?
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Why this works
Language reveals cultural concepts. This question helps you learn about their language and the unique concepts in their culture.
13What's something about your home country's approach to family and relationships that you value?
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What's something about your home country's approach to family and relationships that you value?
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Why this works
Understanding their family values helps you learn about different cultural approaches to relationships and family dynamics.
14What's a piece of advice or wisdom from your culture that you find meaningful?
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What's a piece of advice or wisdom from your culture that you find meaningful?
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Why this works
This question invites them to share cultural wisdom and gives you insight into the values and beliefs of their culture.
15What's something about your home country's natural beauty or geography that you'd like others to know about?
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What's something about your home country's natural beauty or geography that you'd like others to know about?
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Why this works
Learning about their country's geography helps you appreciate their homeland and gives you insight into their connection to place.
16What's something about your home country's music, art, or literature that you're proud of?
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What's something about your home country's music, art, or literature that you're proud of?
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Why this works
Understanding their cultural arts helps you learn about their country's creative contributions and gives you insight into their cultural identity.
17What's something about your home country's approach to work and career that you appreciate?
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What's something about your home country's approach to work and career that you appreciate?
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Why this works
Learning about their work culture helps you understand different approaches to professional life and gives you insight into their values.
18What's something about your home country's sense of humor or what people find funny there?
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What's something about your home country's sense of humor or what people find funny there?
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Why this works
Understanding their humor helps you learn about cultural differences in comedy and gives you insight into their cultural perspective.
19What's something about your home country's approach to community and social connections that you value?
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What's something about your home country's approach to community and social connections that you value?
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Why this works
Learning about their social culture helps you understand different approaches to community and gives you insight into their values.
20What's something you've learned about this country that you find interesting or different from your home country?
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What's something you've learned about this country that you find interesting or different from your home country?
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Why this works
Understanding their perspective on your country helps you see your own culture through fresh eyes and learn about cultural differences.
Best Practices for Cross-Cultural Communication
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Genuine Interest
Ask questions that demonstrate you're genuinely interested in learning about their culture and experiences. This shows respect and builds connection.
Be Respectful and Open-Minded
Approach cultural differences with respect and curiosity. Don't make assumptions or judgments about their culture or experiences.
Listen Actively
Pay attention to their responses and ask follow-up questions. This shows you're engaged and interested in learning more.
Share Your Own Culture
Be willing to share aspects of your own culture and experiences. This creates a mutual exchange and builds understanding.
Question Sequences
The Cultural Explorer
The Experience Learner
Common Pitfalls
Don't Make Stereotypical Assumptions
Don't assume they represent their entire country or culture. Remember that individuals are unique and may not fit cultural stereotypes.
Avoid Insensitive Questions
Don't ask questions that might be offensive or insensitive about their country, culture, or experiences. Be mindful of their feelings.
Don't Focus Only on Differences
While cultural differences are interesting, don't only focus on what's different. Look for commonalities and shared experiences as well.