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Four years ago, I collaborated in a training project as a trainer in Niamey. As preparations progressed, my preconceived concerns started creeping in, how would I take to a country dominated by Muslims? Our project involved designing and delivering range of leadership and management courses to Nigerien trainers who would then teach the material to 2,000 employees/volunteers. After months of work the material was translated into French/Arabic. I was nervous arriving Niamey, on getting there, my fears subsided. Course delegates were keen to learn and appreciated my interactive style over the more didactic style they were used to. As I became more familiar with local practices, I got used to holding breaks around prayer times and modifying team-building exercises involving physical proximity ensuring everyone participated. Majority of delegates were women and wore hijabs with brightly-colored clothes, make-ups, and were strong-minded. I soon realized that my equating veiled women with oppression were completely unfounded. As rapport grew, I refrained from wearing long robe, preferring to adopt open and honest dialogue to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes concerning Christians and Nigerians. But as my confidence increased, it seemed to become less of an issue. After a few weeks, I realized there were many similarities including a dry ironic familiar “Nigerian” humor and common human values as honesty, openness, warmth and kindness. The experience challenged my assumptions and made me more aware of unconscious biases. It also reminded me to focus on common ground when meeting new people from other countries/cultures; to make an effort to listen with an open mind; and to ask questions rather than judging or making comparisons. What I enjoyed most about cross-cultural environment is becoming acquainted with new cultures and challenging my stereotypes. For everyone who conforms to a stereotype, I’m happy to meet another who completely contradicts my preconceived notions. Looking four years back, I would conclude that traveling to Niger Republic in that collaborative assignment was not only an experience that stressed and stretched me to the limit, but a decision that pushed me to the edge and challenged my humanity. At World Nomads, I hope to become a part of this dynamic culture which will give me a leading edge to work effectively in diverse teams and situations and I believe that my distinctiveness will enrich the learning experience of my classmates.