Monochronic and Polychronic Cultures
In general, the way that different cultures view time can be described as a spectrum with monochronic or polychronic at either end. While there are cultures that fall in between, when planning a transition abroad it is a good idea to understand which end of the spectrum your native culture falls closest to and which end your destination culture falls closest to. Monochronic Cultures In a monochronic culture, people tend to place a high value on timeliness and schedules. They focus on the value of time, and therefore tend to have a very rigid interpretation of how to organize their...
Read MoreGet Lost in Business Culture
As Susanne Taylor points out in her blog post “Why Getting Lost is Good for You,” it can be helpful to “get lost” in the culture of another country. Not to “be lost,” as Susanne points out, but to “get lost” by observing the nuances of the country and its culture. Learning the business culture in your new host country is critical to making a strong first impression as well as demonstrating professional behavior to your peers, whether they are locals or expatriates. The nexus of culture and your job search is where you will ultimately achieve job search success. Almost everything you...
Read MoreTop 7 Perks of Expat Living
There are so many incredible advantages to being an expat, but sometimes we forget about them and wishing ourselves back home. Print out this list and keep it in a prominent place for when you get down on your choice to be an expat. 1. You get to reinvent yourself. With each move, you get the chance to rediscover who you are. You have the power to be “the athletic one” or the “bookish one” or the “crafty one.” You can leave personality traits you don’t like behind in another country. 2. It’s almost impossible to have a lot of stuff. When you’re an expat, you’re usually moving...
Read MoreQuick Tips for Cross-Cultural Communication
One of the most common mistakes international professionals make when seeking a job in a foreign country is trying to use the same business communication tactics that worked in their home country. Unwritten communication rules are embedded in subtle societal norms that will become more apparent once you’ve familiarized yourself with the country. A good way to go about this is by viewing cultural expression on a spectrum that has Emotionally Expressive on one end, Emotionally Reserved on the other, and Variably Expressive in the middle. Option 1: Emotionally Expressive Cultures In...
Read MoreHow to Deal with Culture Shock
There’s no doubt that moving to a new country and adapting to a new culture can be challenging. It takes time and requires a considerable amount of patience, even if you have experience moving abroad. Often times, the adjustment to environmental and social differences can include culture shock. When assimilating yourself into a new culture that’s very different from your own, culture shock is often unavoidable, but it doesn’t have to necessarily be a bad thing. Culture shock is a learning experience of its own, and with it comes a broadening of perspective and understanding. Getting a better...
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