To be open mind, this means to try and experience as much of the culture as possible. You have to open your eyes and your mind to see what these people have gone through and how they live i think it gives you a deeper understanding of who you are. Think about it ;)
Try live how they live, yes you have to try it, you have to adjust in their life style, you can't think you are in your home-country
A pratice advice, make a photocopy of your passport and Identifier card and upload to Internet for example to your e-mail so if you lost your bags you can get it.
Do you have any more advice? I would be please to listen you..