Do you believe in Santa Claus?

One of the most interesting things about studying overseas is learning about a new culture. Strange how different people do things differently in other parts of the world, and all those different habits and behaviour patterns that are part of a culture. We all hope that if there were better understanding between peoples, war would become a thing of the past.

Pointing your finger, hand or foot might be misunderstood. The way people move their hands or arms can vary enormously from country to country - like in Italy or Japan. (Which of the two countries see "larger" hand gestures - can you imagine?) The word is "demonstrative" - how much you show your feelings.

It some countries it is perfectly normal to kiss upon meeting (twice in Paris and then three times further south in France). All very confusing. Which cheek do you start with? Who goes first through a door: women or men, or both, or children?

Who sits down, or stands up first? Who invites one to eat or drink? Who pays: me, or you, or him or her? Certainly it is easy to misunderstand cultural messages when abroad.

Most important is to keep an open mind and try to be flexible. When in someone else's country it is necessary to go with the flow, to see how others behave and when. The "why" comes with time. It is always good to ask if you are not sure. In most cultures it will be understood that you are a foreigner and that you may not be familiar with the culture. In a multicultural world, it is always good to quietly announce your unfamiliarity and signal that you are a foreigner to the country or culture.

Meantime, even if you do not believe in Santa Claus I do hope that someone buys you a gift at the end of the year.

John Kelly

Director

Mentor International www.mentor.ac