Cross-Cultural Photo Scavenger Hunt

One of the most exciting parts of hosting a high school exchange student is the chance to see the world through a new lens—right from your own community! A Cross-Cultural Photo Scavenger Hunt is a fun and interactive way for host families to explore cultural influences around them while creating lasting memories with their student.

This challenge encourages families to step outside their routine, discover international connections, and start meaningful conversations—all while snapping photos along the way!

How to Play

1. Team Up or Compete – Work together with your student or split into teams.
2. Set a Time Limit – 60-90 minutes keeps it exciting.
3. Take a Photo of Each Item – No need to collect anything—just document it!
4. Share and Discuss – Compare photos and talk about what you discovered.
5. Bonus Points for Creativity!

Outdoor Cross-Cultural Photo Scavenger Hunt

1. A restaurant serving food from your student’s home country
2. A sign with text in a language other than English
3. A mural, statue, or monument representing another culture
4. A grocery store selling international foods
5. A flag from another country (on a building, car, or clothing)
6. A street name with cultural or historical significance
7. A menu with dishes from at least three different countries
8. A shop selling traditional clothing or accessories from another country
9. A bilingual (or multilingual) person holding up fingers for how many languages they speak
10. A cultural festival poster or advertisement
11. A musical instrument with origins outside your country
12. A vehicle or form of transport that’s common in another culture
13. A place where people practice a cultural tradition (yoga studio, martial arts dojo, etc.)
14. A world map displayed in a public place
15. A local business owned by an immigrant family
16. A dish that’s eaten differently in other cultures (e.g., sushi, tacos, curry)
17. A library section with books in other languages
18. A traditional dance or music performance (live or on a street performer’s setup)
19. A piece of architecture inspired by another culture
20. A person wearing clothing with patterns or designs from another culture
21. A drink from another country (bubble tea, espresso, matcha, etc.)
22. A park or garden with plants native to another part of the world
23. A newspaper or magazine featuring an article about international news
24. A landmark or building named after someone from another country
25. A piece of street art that reflects a global theme or cultural connection

Indoor Cross-Cultural Photo Scavenger Hunt

1. A cookbook featuring international recipes
2. A recipe from your student's home country
3. A world map or globe displayed in your home
4. A TV show, movie, or book from another country (on a screen or shelf)
5. A household item your student finds unusual or different from home
6. A flag from another country
7. A souvenir from a trip abroad
8. A piece of traditional clothing or fabric from another culture
9. A product label written in a different language
10. A game or toy that originated in another country
11. A spice or seasoning commonly used outside your culture
12. A recipe card or menu featuring a dish from another country
13. A piece of international currency
14. A greeting card or decoration for a holiday from another culture
15. A photo of your student showing how they greet people in their home country (e.g., bowing, handshakes)
16. A handmade craft or artwork from another culture
17. A drink from another country in your home (tea, mate, imported soda, etc.)
18. A calendar featuring international holidays
19. A bilingual dictionary or language-learning book
20. A social media post featuring an international tradition
21. A kitchen utensil unique to another culture (e.g., a tortilla press, wok)
22. A music album or playlist featuring songs from another country
23. A package of international snacks or candies
24. A dining setup that reflects another culture’s table customs (e.g., chopsticks, communal dish)
25. A postcard or letter sent from another country

Bonus Photo Challenges

Want an extra challenge? Try these creative photo prompts:

✔ Take a picture of your student holding a dish from their home country.
✔ Snap a photo of a hand gesture or symbol that has different meanings in different cultures.
✔ Find a “fusion” item—something that combines elements from two cultures.
✔ Photograph your student teaching you how to say a phrase in their language.
✔ Capture a side-by-side comparison of a cultural difference (e.g., different ways to eat the same dish).

Why This Matters

Hosting an exchange student is about more than just providing a place to stay—it’s about building global understanding and learning from each other. This Cross-Cultural Photo Scavenger Hunt helps families and students discover new perspectives while making memories together.

So grab your cameras, open your minds, and start exploring the world—right from your own community!