For me, in recent years I've focused on Playback/improv as a basic toolkit when working across cultures. Enter admitting I'm a novice of their culture and don't want to download more American culture and styles they've picked up from movies and imported TV shows.
I want to explore with them and see what and how THEY use drama and tell their stories, and I give them some fresh tools they can massage and make their own.
ALSO:
In our esteem, the BEST books on prep for working cross culturally are by Sherwood and Judith Lingenfelter (from Biola then Fuller). They both have their doctorates in Cultural Anthropology and have taught for years at both Biola and Fuller. They do a lot of training with Wycliffe and other organizations.
I think these books should be required reading for EVERYONE working cross culturally. Brilliant, insightful. Would save A LOT of mess ups.
