---
title: Explore the Culture Iceberg!
description: How is culture like an iceberg? Here is your guide to the culture iceberg!
image: https://blog.icesusa.org/hubfs/tip%20of%20iceberg.jpg
---

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# Explore the Culture Iceberg!

By [Brenda Padilla Ericksen](https://blog.icesusa.org/author/brenda-padilla-ericksen)

![](https://blog.icesusa.org/hubfs/tip%20of%20iceberg.jpg)

Hosting an exchange student is like opening a window to a whole new world, but here’s the thing: [Culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture) isn’t just what you see on the surface. It’s like an iceberg. The visible part? That’s just the tip! The deeper, hidden part is where the real understanding happens.

![the culture iceberg graphic](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/the%20culture%20iceberg%20graphic.jpg?width=734&height=413&name=the%20culture%20iceberg%20graphic.jpg)

If you want to truly connect with your student, you have to dive beneath the surface—into their [beliefs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belief) (*ways of thinking*), [values](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_basic_human_values) (*what they consider important*), and [norms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_norm) (*the unspoken rules they learned growing up in their culture*).

Let’s break it down and make those deep conversations easy (and fun)!

 

## What’s Above & Below the Surface?

At the tip of the [cultural iceberg](https://www.peacecorps.gov/educators-and-students/educators/resources/culture-iceberg/), you can observe the obvious things like food, clothing, language, music, holidays. At the bottom of the iceberg, you can discover hidden gems: the beliefs, values, and norms that shape how people think, feel and act.

![culture iceberg model](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/culture%20iceberg%20model.jpg?width=734&height=413&name=culture%20iceberg%20model.jpg)

Here’s a brief guide for taking deep dives with your student, to explore the hidden aspects of culture together. Be prepared to find buried treasures!

 

## Exploring Cultural Beliefs

### What Are Cultural Beliefs?

Beliefs are the ideas we grow up thinking are true, *whether they actually are or not*! They shape how we see school, work, family, and life in general.

![top of a mans head with someone holding a lightbulb over him](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/top%20of%20a%20mans%20head%20with%20someone%20holding%20a%20lightbulb%20over%20him.jpg?width=730&height=411&name=top%20of%20a%20mans%20head%20with%20someone%20holding%20a%20lightbulb%20over%20him.jpg)

### Examples of Cultural Beliefs from Around the World

- Japan: Harmony matters more than personal opinions.
- Germany: Rules and structure create success.
- Mexico: Family always comes first—no exceptions.
- India: Respecting elders brings wisdom and good karma.
- Norway: Everyone should be treated equally, no matter their status.

### How to Talk About Beliefs with Your Student

- Ask for opinions: *“What do you think about this idea?”*
- Compare perspectives: *“In the U.S., we believe in speaking up in class. How is it in your country?”*
- Share your own experience: *“We believe teenagers should do chores to learn how to be responsible. What do you think?”*

 

## Exploring Cultural Values

### What Are Cultural Values?

Values are what a culture sees as important. They shape how people prioritize their time, relationships, and goals.

![woman with hand on chest and American flag in the background](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/woman%20with%20hand%20on%20chest%20and%20American%20flag%20in%20the%20background.jpg?width=736&height=414&name=woman%20with%20hand%20on%20chest%20and%20American%20flag%20in%20the%20background.jpg)

### Examples of Cultural Values from Around the World

- China: The group’s success is more important than individual achievements.
- France: Life should be enjoyed (especially meals)!
- South Korea: Hard work and perseverance lead to success.
- Brazil: Expressive, warm communication shows friendship.
- Canada: Politeness and personal space are highly valued.

### How to Talk About Values with Your Student

- Observe and ask: *“I noticed you don’t like to talk about your achievements much. Is that a cultural thing?”*
- Explore differences: *“In the U.S., independence is really important. What about in your country?”*
- Explain American values: *“Here, being on time is a big deal. What about where you’re from?”*

 

## Exploring Cultural Norms

### What Are Cultural Norms?

Norms are the unwritten rules people follow without even thinking. That is, until they travel somewhere new!

![one thumb up and one thumb down](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/one%20thumb%20up%20and%20one%20thumb%20down.jpg?width=727&height=409&name=one%20thumb%20up%20and%20one%20thumb%20down.jpg)

### Examples of Cultural Norms from Around the World

- Italy: Greeting with kisses on both cheeks, even with acquaintances.
- Thailand: Touching someone’s head is considered disrespectful.
- Finland: Silence is totally normal and comfortable in conversations.
- Turkey: Arriving late to social events is not just acceptable, it’s expected.
- United States: Tipping at restaurants is a must, not optional.

### How to Talk About Norms with Your Student

- Explain American norms: *“In the U.S., making eye contact shows confidence. What about in your culture?”*
- Ask about their home country: *“What’s considered polite in this situation?”*
- Compare experiences: *“How do people greet each other in your country?”* (Then demonstrate American handshakes, waves, or casual nods!)

 

## Why Does This Matter?

![two women and a teenage girl talking](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/two%20women%20and%20a%20teenage%20girl%20talking.jpg?width=718&height=404&name=two%20women%20and%20a%20teenage%20girl%20talking.jpg)

Understanding the hidden parts of culture helps you avoid misunderstandings and build a stronger relationship with your student. Here are just a couple of examples.

- If your student seems quiet, they may not be shy, they might come from a culture where respect means waiting to be spoken to.
- If they hesitate to ask for seconds, they may be following a custom where it’s polite to wait for the host to offer more food.

 

## Be Curious, Not Critical

![man with hand held to ear to show he is listening](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/man%20with%20hand%20held%20to%20ear%20to%20show%20he%20is%20listening.jpg?width=738&height=415&name=man%20with%20hand%20held%20to%20ear%20to%20show%20he%20is%20listening.jpg)

Cultural differences aren’t right or wrong, they’re just different! Instead of thinking, *“That’s weird,”* try saying, *“That’s interesting! Why is that?”*

By exploring the culture iceberg with your student, you’ll not only help them adapt to life in the USA, you’ll learn a lot about your own culture too! So go ahead. Start the conversation. Dive beneath the surface. Start exploring!

And keep an eye out for buried treasures!

 Tags: [culture iceberg](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/culture-iceberg)

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