Some years ago, I found myself reflecting on the transformative power of foreign narratives. Having spent much of my life traveling, living, and studying in diverse countries, I’ve always been drawn to the rich tapestry of human culture.
From studying educational psychology methods in one part of the world to immersing myself in the traditions and social structures of another, my curiosity has led me to explore the colorful and diverse narratives that define us. Watching foreign films, reading books from other cultures, and engaging with global stories has been a natural extension of my passion for learning.
My career, particularly my work with immigrants, has deepened this connection. These experiences taught me to be humble and receptive to voices and traditions different from my own. In these encounters, I’ve found profound lessons in kindness, friendship, and heartfelt connections. It’s often in the shared laughter, in the moments of mutual understanding across cultures, that I’ve felt the true depth of our shared humanity.
As someone with a naturally high social intelligence, it’s instinctive for me to delve into the complexities of cultural and social structures. But beyond personal curiosity, I’ve come to see these stories as essential tools for growth. They teach us to move beyond judgment and embrace the unfamiliar.
In a world where it’s all too easy to stick with what feels familiar, foreign narratives open a window to new perspectives, reminding us of the vast richness of human expression.
However, watching foreign films, TV shows, and reading books from other cultures is more than just a pastime. It’s a way to train and expand our cultural intelligence, broaden our emotional horizons, and learn how to communicate more effectively with people from all walks of life. Let me share why this matters so much.
Peru. Shutterstock
1. Learning the Voices of Other Cultures
Every culture has its own voice. It’s in the rhythm of its stories, the pacing of its dialogue, and the perspectives it prioritizes. When we engage with foreign media, we begin to understand how these voices differ from our own and what they have to teach us.
Take Turkish dramas, for example. They often delve deeply into themes of family, loyalty, and community. The emotional intensity, which might seem unfamiliar at first, reflects a cultural value of connection and collective responsibility. By immersing ourselves in these narratives, we learn to appreciate perspectives that may challenge our own. It’s an exercise in humility and curiosity—qualities we desperately need in an increasingly polarized world.
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2. Training Emotional and Cultural Intelligence
One of the most surprising benefits of watching foreign media is how it trains our emotional and cultural intelligence. As we watch characters navigate conflicts, celebrate joys, and endure hardships, we step into their emotional worlds. This helps us understand not just what they feel, but how they feel—and why.
For example, in many East Asian dramas, emotional restraint and subtle expressions often take center stage. These choices reflect cultural values of harmony and respect for others. By noticing these nuances, we can better understand cultural differences in emotional expression and learn to navigate them with sensitivity in real life.
3. Enhancing Communication Skills
Effective communication is about more than just words. It’s about understanding context, body language, and the unspoken rules that govern interactions. Foreign media exposes us to diverse communication styles, teaching us how to read between the lines and adapt our own ways of connecting.
Consider Bollywood films. While some might dismiss them as overly dramatic, they actually showcase a storytelling tradition that values heightened emotion and vivid expression. These elements are not just artistic choices; they are reflections of cultural communication styles that emphasize connection and engagement. By watching with an open mind, we learn to appreciate these differences and even incorporate elements of them into our own communication toolkit.
First Australians. Shutterstock.
4. Moving Beyond Stereotypes and Judgments
It’s all too easy to judge foreign media through the lens of our own cultural biases. Comments like “Bollywood is so fake” or “K-dramas are too melodramatic” reveal more about our limited perspectives than the quality of the media itself. When we approach these stories with respect and curiosity, we begin to see the artistry and authenticity behind them.
By challenging these stereotypes, we not only broaden our appreciation for global creativity but also dismantle the mental walls that separate us from others. This is how cultural intelligence grows—by replacing judgment with learning, understanding and curiosity.
Africa, Japan and the Middle East. Shutterstock
5. Expanding Creativity and Problem-Solving
Stories are the bedrock of creativity. The more diverse the stories we consume, the richer our own creative processes become. Foreign media introduces us to new metaphors, archetypes, and ways of thinking that can inspire innovation in unexpected ways.
For instance, the sci-fi genre in Japanese anime often explores themes of technology, humanity, and spirituality in ways that are rarely seen in Western media. These narratives challenge us to think differently, offering fresh perspectives on complex issues. They remind us that creativity thrives when we look beyond the familiar.
6. Building Global Empathy and Connection
At its core, engaging with foreign media is about empathy. It’s about stepping into someone else’s world and seeing life through their eyes. The more we do this, the more we realize that while cultures differ, the human experience is universal.
A film like Parasite resonates globally because it captures the struggles of class inequality—a theme that transcends cultural boundaries. By connecting with these stories, we not only understand others better but also see ourselves in their experiences. This is the power of storytelling: it dissolves barriers and builds bridges.
Eastern Europe, Native American, Islam, Asia. Unsplash.
7. Creating Peaceful Cultural Bridges for the Future
The more we engage with stories from other cultures, the more we contribute to a future built on mutual respect and understanding. These cultural bridges are essential in a world where division often feels easier than connection. By learning from each other’s stories, we lay the groundwork for a more empathetic and harmonious global community.
As I reflect on my own experiences with foreign media, I realize how much they have shaped me. They’ve taught me to listen to voices I might never have heard otherwise, to approach differences with curiosity instead of judgment, and to see the world as a tapestry of interconnected stories.
But this isn’t just about personal growth. It’s about what we can achieve together when we embrace the diversity of human expression. Imagine a world where we all approached each other with the same respect and curiosity we bring to a beautifully crafted film or book. What could we learn? How might we grow? And what kind of future could we create?
So, here’s my invitation to you: pick a film, a show, or a book from a culture you know little about. Watch it with an open mind and a curious heart. Let it challenge you, teach you, and inspire you. And then, share what you’ve learned—because stories have the power to change not just individuals, but the world.
What’s the next story you’ll explore? Let me know in the comments, and let’s continue this journey of cultural discovery together.
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