Many situations in other cultures are confusing and ambiguous. A successful candidate needs to be able to express one's own feelings and thoughts, as well as to be able to ask for help in interpreting unfamiliar behaviors and subtle cultural cues. They should also be able and willing to listen to others express their thoughts and feelings. Flexibility and Adaptability. The ability to respond to or to tolerate the ambiguity of new situations is a crucial factor in cross cultural adjustment.
Curiosity is the demonstrated desire to know about other people, places, ideas, values, etc.
This skill or personality trait is important for intercultural travelers because they are constantly being confronted with new and different events and behaviors, and a genuine interest in those differences usually leads to positive responses. Positive and Realistic Expectations. It is well known that students choose to spend time overseas for a variety of reasons, some publicly stated and many private ones. Tolerance for Differences. A person will need to be able to tolerate, for a long period of time, people who have different values, beliefs and practices.