Bolivians are very open to the Gospel. If you sit down with a Bible, they will often come over and ask what you’re reading or even directly ask you to tell them about Jesus. Take advantage of this opportunity! They genuinely want to know more.
Cross-Cultural Notes
- When you go to another culture, you are the strange one.
- Avoid making quick or negative judgments.
- Watch your facial expressions and your words (many people may understand what you’re saying).
- Avoid making references to military/political issues or other religious groups.
- Remember that North Americans often are more outgoing then those in your host culture, which may make them feel uncomfortable at times.
- Any time you are in a situation that takes you out of your comfort zone, think of the people to whom you are ministering.
- Time schedules are often much slower-paced in other parts of the world, so please be patient and flexible.
- Avoid flirting or spending large amounts of time alone with a member of the opposite sex.
- Be considerate of your hosts’ time. They have many responsibilities and don't have the time to act as tour guides and translators.
- Please be sure to ask a national’s permission before taking their photo. If a national asks you to pay them for their photo, do not take their picture but move on. (We don’t want to encourage begging, and it only reduces chances for others to take photos in the future.) If you ask a national to take your photo, keep in mind that there is potential that they could steal your camera.
Culture Shock
Culture shock will always take place for those who are not native to Bolivia. Knowing that culture shock inevitably occurs allows you to be prepared in advance. It is a normal occurrence and nothing to worry about. The degree of culture shock one experiences depends on a variety of circumstances, such as your flexibility, the number of times you’ve traveled abroad, and whether or not you have spent time in a third world country before. The duration of your stay on the mission field will have a large impact on culture shock as well.
The largest effect of culture shock often is an appreciation for things from home, such as food, family, cleanliness, wealth, and material possessions. This could surface as a distaste for everything in the foreign culture, but this depends on one’s openness and willingness to immerse oneself in the culture, as well as one’s attempt to appreciate the beauty of a different culture and its traditions.
For those staying for more than 2 weeks, the chances of experiencing more culture shock is possible. A few different signs of culture shock are:
- homesickness
- boredom
- irritability
- need for excessive amounts of sleep
- stereotyping of host nationals
- irregular eating habits (very little or excessive amounts)
For the most part these symptoms only occur in phases until the volunteer is able to deal with and accept the current situation. Being open, flexible, and willing to talk through these issues is the best way to grow through culture shock quickly. Again, being open to learning about a new culture and trying to appreciate it will be one of the most helpful ways to experience a lower level of culture shock.
STAGES OF CULTURE SHOCK
- Initial Euphoria (the honeymoon period)
- Irritation & hostility
- Gradual adjustment
- Adaptation & biculturalism
One of the best solutions for culture shock is knowing your host country. Learn as much about your host country before leaving. If you have questions about the way nationals do things, ask one of your local missionaries or a native friend that is understanding. (Be sure to ask in a tasteful way so as not to offend them.) Remember to keep a good sense of humor. As always, make sure you’re also spending time in the Word and prayer. Do not neglect this no matter how overwhelmed you may be feeling; our Creator understands other cultures much better than we ever can.
Here are a few hints about culture and customs that you may notice while in Bolivia:
