Lesson 5: Global Citizenship
Engaging with the World While Recognizing Your Boundaries
Welcome to Lesson 5 of Cultural Intelligence 101: How to Be a Global Citizen. Today, we'll explore what it means to be a global citizen, the challenges that come with it, and how you can reflect on your global mindset.
"Why Can't Things Just Be Like Home?": A Failed Study Abroad Experience
I once had a student who was obsessed with the idea of studying abroad in Thailand. She had spent months learning the language, watching travel vlogs, and preparing for the experience. But after just a few weeks, I received an email filled with frustration:
"The WiFi is too slow."
"People take forever to respond to messages."
Nothing worked the way she expected.
In our conversations, I pointed out that she wanted to experience a culture she loved, but deep down, she also wanted something more familiar. I encouraged her to step back, observe, remember what she loved about Thailand, and embrace the differences. But each week, her frustration grew. Instead of seeing cultural differences as something to learn from, she saw them as inconveniences.
Eventually, she decided to cut her study abroad trip short. And while she still loved the idea of travel, she realized that fully immersing herself in a different culture was harder than she had imagined.
This experience raises an important question: What does it mean to be a global citizen, and how can we know if we're ready for it?
What Does It Mean to Be a Global Citizen?
A global citizen understands and respects different cultures, connects with people, and considers how their actions impact others. It's more than just visiting new places—it's about engaging with the world, even when things feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. A Global citizen:
Knows that being aware of a culture isn't the same as understanding it. In my student's case, she had researched Thai culture extensively before arriving; she had the knowledge. But real-life experiences didn't match what she had expected. It's always important to avoid assuming you already understand a culture and instead take the time to observe, listen, and ask questions.
Actively engage in new environments. Some travelers never leave their comfort zones—they eat the same food they know, only talk to fellow travelers, and don't interact with locals. Being a global citizen means more than being present; it means engaging. Talk to the locals and attend community events. The goal isn't to make everything work like home but to learn a new way of being.
How Much of a Global Citizen Are You?
Ask yourself these self-reflecting questions:
Do I See Differences as Learning Opportunities?
Instead of getting frustrated when things are done differently, do I try to understand why they exist?
Can I Adapt to Different Social Environments?
Am I flexible in new environments, or do I expect others to act exactly like me?
Am I Aware of My Own Cultural Biases?
Everyone has biases, but a global citizen recognizes and challenges them. Do you assume your way is the "right way,” or are you open to new perspectives?
Do I Consider the Impact of My Actions?
Reflect on how your choices affect the places you visit. Are you mindful of your privilege and how you interact in different spaces?
Being a global citizen doesn't mean you have to be perfect—it means you're willing to learn, adapt, and engage. The key is to embrace the differences and grow from the experience.
Are You Ready to Be a Global Citizen?
Reflect on your own experiences and share your thoughts in the comments.
See you next week for Lesson 6: Building a Global Career