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These days, we all have a lot on our minds. It\u2019s tempting to use our vacation time to escape to a remote beach, where we can slip into blissful oblivion with a cocktail in hand.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Relaxation has its place, but with a little effort and a different approach, we can also use our vacation time to create change, if we so choose.<\/p>\n

If you’re up for a challenge and feel like turning your vacation into a more\u00a0inspiring experience, here’s a guide to representing your country abroad and building positive relationships along the way.<\/p>\n

The Power of Citizen Diplomacy<\/h2>\n

\u201cA \u2018citizen diplomat mindset\u2019 means being intentional when interacting with individuals from a different country by believing that one of your roles is to positively represent the United States,\u201d explained Jennifer Clinton, president of citizen diplomacy non-profit Global Ties. \u201cOur reality today is that citizens around the world are having much greater influence on local, national,\u00a0and international relations.<\/p>\n

Being a citizen diplomat means not only representing our country, but engaging in meaningful interactions across cultures to create shared understanding.<\/p>\n

This can be as simple as engaging in more conversations with locals, but it\u2019s not always easy to escape the tourism bubble, and it can sometimes be difficult to have meaningful exchanges with taxi drivers or strangers on the street.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s OK to have balance,\u201d said Richard Bobo of Cultural Vistas, an international exchange nonprofit. \u201cSpend a few days in a resort. Then spend a day or two out in the country really experiencing the culture.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Browser\u2019s Incognito Mode Can Help You Book a Cheap Vacation<\/div>\n
Daily grind getting you down? Follow these tips and tricks to keep your wallet fat and your heart full on your next vacation.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Engaging in Meaningful Interactions<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Travel often teaches us that we have many things in common with people who appear to be very different from us, which in turn helps us see those commonalities through a new lens.<\/p>\n

What are your passions? What issues do you care about? Wherever you’re going, there are people who share your passion or who are exploring innovative solutions to similar issues. Imagine how much you can learn \u2014 and share \u2014 by connecting with them.<\/p>\n

Connecting Through Services<\/h3>\n

Plenty of services make it easier to connect with locals when you travel.<\/p>\n

You can stay with local hosts through\u00a0Couchsurfing<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Airbnb<\/a>. You can also use Couchsurfing to find other users to meet for a coffee or meal.\u00a0Meetup.com<\/a>\u00a0is an excellent way to attend gatherings and participate in activities with locals who share your interests.<\/p>\n

Vayable<\/a>\u00a0and Airbnb\u2019s\u00a0Experiences<\/a>\u00a0provide more structured options to meet locals. You can book unique travel experiences hosted by a local guide or expert, such as a dinner, workshop, or specialized tour. These experiences are usually based around a specific interest, offering the chance to learn from and connect with locals in a more personally meaningful way.<\/p>\n

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\"Citizen<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Volunteer With a Local Organization<\/h2>\n

Volunteering is a great way to connect with a community and make an impact. You\u2019ll also learn how people in other countries are approaching problems in creative ways.<\/p>\n

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Search your destination country on\u00a0idealist.org<\/a>\u00a0to find local organizations. Even if they aren\u2019t able to accommodate you as a volunteer during your trip, you may be able to arrange a site visit or meeting to discuss issues, share knowledge, and perhaps find a way to collaborate.<\/p>\n

Utilize Your Networks<\/h2>\n

Our own networks can easily lead to contacts across the globe. Sharing a mutual connection makes it easier to forge a relationship, and it\u2019s more likely you\u2019ll stay in touch after the trip.<\/p>\n

Contact your university\u2019s alumni office to see if they can connect you with alumni or former international students at your destination. Ask colleagues and tap into professional networks. Send a message out on social media. You may be surprised how many people have connections to your destination.<\/p>\n

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Beyond your personal networks, there may be local resources that can help. Does your city have\u00a0sister cities<\/a>? Are there local businesses with international ties or roots?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Community-based organizations<\/a>\u00a0devoted to international relations and citizen diplomacy exist across the country. They host dozens of international visitors each year.<\/p>\n

\u201cGlobal Ties has affiliates in 45 states,\u201d said Clinton. \u201cThey often have strong networks of individuals around the world who would welcome the opportunity to interact with Americans to reciprocate the hospitality they received.\u201d<\/p>\n

Creating Shared Understanding<\/h2>\n

Mutual understanding is an important aspect of citizen diplomacy, but it\u2019s hard to get there without context.<\/p>\n

Leading up to your trip, read a few stories each day from local news publications. Do a\u00a0Google News<\/a>\u00a0search for the country, including keywords for issues or topics that interest you.<\/p>\n

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By educating yourself on the realities of your destination, you will be able to engage in more meaningful conversations.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

You may also discover something you can incorporate into your trip, such as a local event or an organization whose work you want to learn more about.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0\"Citizen<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Alvaro Leiva<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Bringing Citizen Diplomacy Home<\/h2>\n

Citizen diplomacy doesn\u2019t have to end with your trip. Just as you served as a representative of America while traveling, you represent the country you visited when you return.<\/p>\n

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\u201cUse social media as a way to educate your friends back home of the people and customs of your host country,\u201d Clinton said. \u201cDon\u2019t just post photos of monuments. Mention what the people are like, friends you made, things you learned.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

You can continue to serve as a citizen diplomat by volunteering with international organizations and becoming a connector between your community and the rest of the world.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue diplomacy is apolitical,\u201d Bobo said. \u201cThe more people\u2019s minds are opened, the more they realize there are other ways of living and doing things, the more the fear of the \u2018other\u2019 reduces.\u201d<\/p>\n

by: RACHAEL TAFT\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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