Moving Overseas? Expats Mind the Culture of New Country!
Do you ever think of doing anything in the right way? Suppose you eat with fork and knife and while lifting some food item with your hands, do you think about which hand to use? While kissing or giving a warm hug to your female colleague, do you think whether it would be right or not to do so? I am hundred percent sure, you do not think this way. And why should you? After all you have grown up doing all these things in the way you do it now. But if you are planning for moving overseas then apart from knowing whats and hows of international relocation, you must also study about the right ways of doing things according to the new country's culture and traditions!
Here are certain cultural do's and dont's. However, the right way to know about any culture is to observe what locals do and follow suit.
- If you are relocating to countries like China, Korea, or Thailand, refrain from touching someone while talking unless the person is a close friend of yours. They become uncomfortable with this gesture. In the Middle East, men and women cannot interact among themselves in public and if you try to touch them, just imagine what a mess you'll be in!
- If you are moving to India, Africa, or the Middle East, remember using your right hand while picking up and eating anything served communally. If you are left-handed, explain it properly to your fellow diners before beginning to eat.
- In Turkey and some Scandinavian countries, the sauna or hammam are considered pure spaces and even clothes are not allowed inside. However, if you are desperate enough to go there and can't even shed all of your clothes, wrap yourself in a towel- that is somewhat accepted there but do inquire about any such provisions first.
- When visiting sacred places after moving to Asia in countries like India, Pakistan, Thailand etc. always keep your shoes outside any temple, mosque or other religious places. Taking shoes inside the sacred places is considered sin over there and even you wouldn't like hurting religious feelings of any community.
- If you have expatriated to the Asian countries like Korea and Japan, don't get offended if anyone doesn't look straight into your eyes while talking. It may be rude in your country but not in theirs. However, in countries like America and Germany, you must make direct eye contacts if you don't want yourself to be considered rude and indifferent. If you are confused, just follow the golden rule- observe the locals of your host nation and know how you should look at them!
- If you are about to relocate to Africa, Japan, Thailand, China, or Finland, start developing the habit of remaining silent while eating your meals.
The best idea will be to attend a cultural orientation program and learn all about behaving in public in your destination country after your international relocation. At home, of course, you can be yourself even if you are an expatriate! Someone has rightly said, home sweet home!
