Glimpse Abroad is an online and print magazine focusing on stories from young people studying and volunteering abroad; it is a non-profit organization which aims to foster cross-cultural exchange, particularly between the United States and the rest of the world.

The site currently has a database of 380 articles from over 90 countries. You have to register to see the full article; there are perhaps 10 questions in addition to your email address…but it’s worth it.

Example stories include Roma Refugees In Kosovo, Dancing In Bhutan, Is Ignorance Bliss?, and Another Splendid Day (A South African in The US)

There are also sections such as Ask an Expert; Culture Shock; Race & Identity; and Etiquette.

I think these stories are especially useful because a) the sheer number of countries they cover, and b) they are based on people’s stories, and not just practical information like lists of customs or programs on offer. As is, I think they provide some excellent insight, from a variety of voices but with consistent standards of writing.

I think the justification for the magazine and the aims are pretty spot on and neat, so I’ll finish with those:

“As an economic and military superpower, the United States exerts more power internationally than any other nation; however, the American public’s understanding of the rest of the world and its peoples, its cultures and its social and political challenges is severely limited. The Glimpse Foundation is designed to reconcile this disparity.

Glimpse believes that if we seek to understand the daily realities of life around the world, we are more likely to identify ourselves as world citizens with a responsibility to global stewardship. Through positive, personal and peaceful cross-cultural communication, we can work toward developing a global community built upon mutual respect and understanding.”