This article presents a case for adopting a constructivist approach in the teaching of culture to federal, business and civilian personnel. In support of this argument, the author: (1) outlines the history of culture teaching as it progresses from behaviorist through cognitive to constructivist orientations; (2) argues that a constructivist paradigm is key to designing and delivering culture training that meets current U.S. security needs; and (3) illustrates how such a paradigm could be operationalized by analyzing a failed cross-cultural encounter and demonstrating how constructivist pre-departure training could have mitigated the negative outcomes. (Contains 7 tables, 1 figure and 2 notes.)