How do I relate cross-culturally locally, nationally, and internationally?

I believe relating cross-culturally to people is a difficult task for me. I am always used to my own cultural that opening myself to other cultures is difficult. The different cultures around me do not have a lot in common with me.

I guess locally the way a relate to people is through the similarities that I have with certain people. Basic beliefs, morals, characteristics, and specific traits that are similar to my own draw me to converse and learn about others. Living at camp is probably the most local way for me right now in interacting with cultures.

Nationally and internationally are difficult to describe the way I relate to others cross-culturally. I realize that nationally I am used to the many different cultures. I see that cultures are different from state to state whether its the most conservative state to the most liberal state. I have noticed that politics plays a big role in the culture around me. It seems that the national cultural outlook is one of material gain. The culture in the U.S. tends to run towards the latest fad and the newest trend.

I think the different cultures around the world are diverse in every way. All countries have different values, expectations, beliefs, governments, trends, and lives. My relationship with other cultures in the world would be difficult to describe. I think that if I spend more time learning and maybe even visiting other cultures around the world, it would be a great experience for me. I did have an opportunity last week while cooperating the zip line with two other Launch students to meet bussiness me from other international cultures. I found it amusing how these men were fascinated and a littel weary of the riding the zip line. Once the first rider went down they were snapping away pictures on their cameras to remember and perhaps show their families their experiences in America. This wasn't a suprise to me, but some times I forget how the day to day activiteies that I deal with are different and new to others. Learning how and why other cultures seek out worldly desires would help me in my journey to reach the lost.

I need to go into every situation with the mind set that not everyone around me was brought up with the same cultural beliefs and values.