An extremely useful tool for pre-departure discussions & expectation-setting with short-term study abroad participants, it can help students acknowledge that they struggle with openness, without seeming as if they are confessing to "racism" or ethnocentrism.   A good facilitator can also use this tool to generate discussion about how many people prefer comfort foods when they are ill or stressed; thus leading to productive discussions about emotional resilience and productive stress reduction techniques (such as mindfulness) in the face of discomforting differences.

In a short study abroad program it can be surprising how food choices become a divisive issue between group members from the same culture, between group members and the leader, or between the learner from the local culture. This tool is a good and fairly non-threatening way to begin to hold meaningful conversations about values and behavior.

Learning the willingness to try unfamiliar foods can also identify willingness to be open to cultural expediences. Food is a essential aspect of daily living, this tool can help key in on change in openess after first hand experience in a different culture.