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Part of the thrill of world travel is never knowing what to expect. But being prepared for that trip around the world can bring even greater rewards — including the safest, soundest and most successful of assignments.
Best of all, by learning all you can about your destination’s climate, culture, cuisine and more, you’ll be less of a tourist, and more of a local yourself! Get a head start with the following tips:
Ouch, that hurts!
While the sight of a needle may send you into a panic now, you’ll be oh-so-relieved to have had your immunizations later. Certain diseases that have been eradicated at home are still a large threat in many other countries. That’s why for some international destinations, immunizations aren’t just recommended, they’re required for entry. You can get up to speed at the following sites:
It takes a while for immunizations to become effective, so be sure to visit your doctor at least six weeks before takeoff.
Beware of Mother Nature
While you can’t change the weather, you can certainly plan ahead for it. Many natural disasters are more common in certain geographic areas or times of the year. Hurricanes, for example, typically occur from May through November in areas like the Western Hemisphere and tropical areas of Asia. And earthquakes are known to hit countries along the Pacific Rim, as well as Polynesia and Puerto Rico.
So be your own force of nature. Know the climate of your destination country, including any weather advisories or restrictions. And always know where to get help, should Mother Nature strike.
Be safe, not sorry
A discussion on prepping for international travel wouldn’t be complete without mention of personal safety. You should always be aware of any security precautions or restrictions at your destination before you take the trip — even if it means delaying or cancelling your plans.
The secure AGB member website is a great way to find out. Just visit the “Security Profiles” resource and choose your destination country from the drop-down box. You’ll find information like crime and terrorism risk, cultural taboos, and news on political systems, police presence and much more. Definitely required reading!
Taste test
Eating the local cuisine is one great way to soak up a country’s culture — as well as its residents’ respect! But before you dive head first into camel meat in Egypt or fried grasshoppers in Tokyo, treat your palate to a little reward: research. By knowing your destination’s delicacies, basics — or even where the nearest pizza place is — you’ll stress less about the unknown. And maybe even get a craving for it!
Elbows off the table!
So now that you know what to eat, do you know how to eat it? Should you clear your plate, or leave it half full? Make a toast? Have a second glass of wine? When it comes to international etiquette, there is no right answer — it all comes down to the cultural norms of the country you’re in. But make no mistake: Those norms are important. A lack of cultural awareness can get in the way of your assignment objectives. Short of brushing up on your destination country’s etiquette (you can find some great tips here), focusing on these six areas in any country can really help come chow time:
- Seating: Who sits where? Is it OK for men and women to sit next to each other? Should you wait until someone else is seated before you sit?
- Eating: Knife and fork? Chopsticks? Bare hands?
- Body language: Take a seat on the floor or in a chair? What position?
- Conversation: Is business discussion appropriate? Is any discussion during eating appropriate?
- The food: Clear the plate or leave a little? Can you ask for more? What are the common foods?
- Home/restaurant: Should you bring a gift? Who pays the bill?
Brush up on business etiquette
You’ve been chosen for an international assignment — congrats! That obviously means the business acumen you’ve honed at home will go over well in any country, right? Wrong. Just as the customs and cuisine of any destination is unique, so too is the business etiquette. But by knowing what’s business appropriate in the place that you’re going, your efforts will go a long way.
Case in point: Being punctual is a plus in any country. But when conducting business in Norway, tardiness is akin to career suicide. But in Argentina, don’t be surprised if a meeting that’s going well runs a little longer … even if it means postponing the next one!
To find out more about eye contact, meetings, gift-giving and other business etiquette for your destination country, visit www.worldbusinessculture.com or www.international-business-etiquette.com.
The more you know, the better it will go!
World Business Culture. Accessed February 18, 2009, at http://www.worldbusinessculture.com.
Dining Etiquette: An Overview of Cross Cultural Dining Etiquette. Accessed February 19, 2009, at http://www.sideroad.com/Cross_Cultural_Communication/dining-etiquette.html.
International Dining Etiquette. Accessed February 19, 2009, at http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A354782.
International Business Etiquette and Manners. Accessed February 19, 2009, at http://www.international-business-etiquette.com/.
Food in Every Country. Accessed February 19, 2009, at http://www.foodbycountry.com/.
Don’t gross out the world. Accessed February 19, 2009, at http://www.fekids.com/kln/girls_guide/dining.html. |
