What is Culture Crossing?
Culture Crossing's mission is to foster meaningful cross-cultural connections and perspectives through immersive educational experiences. We believe facilitating cultural experiences can break down the barriers of fear and ignorance, creating space to cultivate deep, meaningful connections that are so rare these days. Our goal is to expand worldviews by facilitating discovery, building a bridge between our comfort zones and the unknown.
Meet the Founder
Hi there, I'm Sarah James, founder of Culture Crossing.
My journey into the world of immersive cultural experiences began in 2015 after a tragic personal loss left me feeling isolated and searching for meaning. A close friend suggested I step outside my comfort zone and visit Mexico City for a weekend.
Armed with only my high school Spanish and a slew of American misconceptions about Mexican culture, those first days were incredibly rough. Thankfully, my friend, a Mexico City native, helped translate as I navigated this massive new city.
After the initial shock wore off, I was blown away by the welcoming spirit, focus on family, and manners I encountered daily. This was nothing like the false narratives I had heard back home. I realized their cultural pride was based on values and people, not materialism. Moved by this eye-opening experience, I returned several more times before moving there in 2017.
Living in Mexico full-time crystallized how powerful immersive cultural experiences are for gaining empathy and expanding perspectives. I founded Culture Crossing to open this door for others, facilitating meaningful connections across the world.
Our programs ease participants into new cultures through homestays, language lessons, volunteer work, and local guides - initiating an invaluable opportunity for mutual discovery. By fully engaging with diverse global communities, you will challenge assumptions, gain insights, and develop understanding that can't be replicated any other way.
Join us on this journey of exploration. The world awaits.
Expanding Perspectives and Forging Lasting Bonds
Our immersive programs make a demonstrated impact on both participants and host communities. The evidence is clear based on post-trip surveys and consistent follow-ups by our non-profit partners worldwide:
97%
of participants report our exchanges expanded their worldview.
75%
of hosts continue relationships with participants for 5+ years after.
Through cultural immersion guided by empathy, we open minds to new perspectives. And through earnest human connection, we build bridges that span divides and stand the test of time. Our work has only just begun.
Meet Our Team
Get to know the passionate individuals behind Culture Crossing.
Oversees development and operations of all immersive travel programs and cultural exchanges
Manages volunteer recruitment, training, and support for global service programs
Leads branding, promotions, advertising, and partnerships to spread awareness
Handles day-to-day functions like HR, finances, IT/web support, and facilities
Builds relationships with schools, businesses, donors, and cultural partners
Ensures customer satisfaction, safety, and cultural sensitivity for all programs
Creating Immersive Educational Experiences
Cultural Homestay Immersion
Live like a local while being welcomed into an overseas homestay for a 2-4 week cultural immersion experience.
Global Community Volunteering
Spend 1-4 weeks volunteering on impactful projects supporting underserved communities around the world.
Educational Group Tours
Embark on a 1-2 week fully guided tour tailored to cultural or academic themes to dive deep into a region.
Custom Group Programs
We design custom overseas trips for schools, companies, and organizations focused on cultural exchange.
Participant Experiences
Discover the transformative experiences shared by our program participants.
"My semester in Spain through Culture Crossing's homestay program truly changed my life. I arrived unsure how I'd pick up the language and navigate a new country. But my welcoming host family and guides made me feel supported from day one while also pushing me outside my comfort zone. Six months later, I left speaking Spanish and with lifelong friends."
Sarah D.
Seville, Spain
"I was wary about solo travel as a woman, but the week in Morocco with Culture Crossing erased all my fears. Our amazing female guides were with us in the souks and medinas, setting up incredible behind-the-scenes experiences. I felt safe, pampered and had my eyes opened to incredible new perspectives."
Amanda R.
Casablanca, Morocco
"As a chef, the culinary immersion tour of Vietnam was a food lover's dream. We cooked regional dishes at a local cooking school, toured spice markets with a local guide, and even helped harvest rice with village farmers. An edible education I'll never forget!"
Michael S., Chef
Vietnam
Discover New Cultures with Us
Immerse yourself in different cultures and expand your global perspective through our life-changing travel programs.
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