What is a cultural lens?

A cultural lens is another term for viewing things from the perspective of a foreign culture. In order to apply a cultural lens on a situation, soft skills like empathy and understanding are needed.

When interacting with foreign cultures, it is important to not assume that they view things the same way as the native culture does. This applies on both a personal and government level. Some countries place more value on financial wealth and work ethic, while others may place more value on recreation and family. In order to help foreign cultures, it is first important to understand how they will view a gift or recommendation to ensure it is appropriate.