How can you foster mutual understanding between cultures? In the field of intercultural communication, there is the “contact hypothesis”. It says that pure contact between cultures does not lead automatically to mutual understanding. Instead, stereotypes can be reinforced and people can leave with a worse opinion of the other than before.
To foster mutual understanding between cultures, there must be a certain framework. If you take the example of an international youth exchange, there must be someone to lead it. It’s also good if the exchange is institutionalised and if famous persons support it. People then have to do something together which is very important. They have to have a common aim. The contact should take some time and should not be superficial. This chance has to be created by the leader. It's also an advantage if youth have the same background as that minimizes conflict. The original attitudes and stereotypes towards the others play also an important role for the success of the exchange. Friendship can transcend stereotypes and lead to a better valuation of the other cultural group.

 

At my university, I take part in a student initiative for intercultural competence. We do training for international students to help them to integrate in Germany and training for German students to prepare them for abroad. There, we let them do exercises together, let them exchange experiences and explain to them the basics of intercultural communication. They learn that the biggest part of culture is unconcious, that stereotypes have several functions, and a lot more. We put a focus on the mutual exchange of experiences. After the training we usually go for a drink. The informal parts are often the most effective parts as there friendships are built. Thus I think that personal friendships are the key to foster mutual understanding between cultures.