Preparing a child for cultural differences isn’t about rehearsing rules — it’s about cultivating curiosity, respect, and small practical habits that make new experiences smoother and more fun. Although cultural clashes may arise during an immersive experience we have prepared this guide that would help your child to tackle them easily while enjoying from learning a new culture.
Talk positively about differences
Language can be an ally or an enemy when talking about cultural diversity. Words like “different” instead of “weird” set the tone and will raise your child’s awareness.
Tips:
- Celebrate curiosity: praise questions rather than worry.
- Use everyday moments to point out differences neutrally: foods, school schedules, greetings.
Practice simple social routines
It is completely normal to feel nervous about socializing in another language, and most importantly, another culture. However, by making your children be familiar with basic phrases such as hola, gracias, por favor, buenos días…they will probably feel much more comfortable. But don’t panic, 2 or 3 sentences are enough. Other games that can be a good option to break the ice with the culture are role-plays (how to ask for help, introduce yourself, or say “excuse me”) or practicing new mealtime norms (e.g., waiting to be served, sharing family-style plates).
Explain schedules and roles
Knowing what to expect reduces culture-shock. Therefore, explaining typical camp day rhythms like wake up hour, activities, meals or free-time periods is really helpful. Parents can also shed some light on the concepts of personal space and privacy in different cultures so as to make children feel more confident when arriving at the camp. Moreover, it is important to set the difference between counselor roles and parent roles so that children know who to ask for help whenever they need it. Counselors at our summer camp become older brothers and sisters.
Build emotional tools for adjustment
Children who can name feelings cope better with socialization in different atmospheres.
Tools:
- “If-then” plans (If I feel homesick, then I’ll go to the counselor or write a letter).
- A small comfort item that’s easy to carry.
- Practice short separations at home (overnight at grandparent’s) to build confidence
Encourage open-minded behaviour
Letting your child know about differences and curiosities is the best way to build an open-minded perspective. In practice, small actions matter, so trying one new food together each week, encouraging questions about new games or routines or modelling polite curiosity (“How do you say…?” not “Why do they…?”) are key to creating a diversity-friendly mindset.
More guidance?
My Spanish Camps offers full guidance and continuous communication with families until the beginning od the camp and of course, during the camp. Your families’ journey will be supported by a team of professionals that will happily share their advices and adapt to your needs. If you want to contact out team, you can do it clicking here.
