New Zealand
1. I am meeting someone for the first time and I want to make a good impression. What would be good discussion topics? On the surface, Kiwis are friendly and outgoing. But we are also quite private. Although it is easy to start a conversation with us, we do not like sharing a lot of personal information. Topics to avoid include how much people earn, why they do not have any children or are not married, their weight - anything personal. 2. What do I need to know about verbal and non-verbal communications? Nonverbal and verbal communication styles in New Zealand are very similar to those practiced in most western countries. As an individualistic but low power-distance nation, people are seen as extremely approachable with an “open communication style” but also maintaining a strong desire for personal privacy. 3. Are public displays of affection, anger or other emotions acceptable? Like many Canadians, Kiwis tend to be fairly restrained when it comes to showing strong emotion in public, particularly in the workplace. Anger, frustration or sadness will be held back so as not to make a scene and it's best to avoid arguing in public spaces. 4. What should I know about the workplace environment (deadlines, dress, formality, etc.)? Few professional workplaces have clock-in/out work hours and institute a formal dress code. High levels of trust are given to staff who take personal responsibility for their work and are committed to producing results. 5. Briefly describe the local culture’s attitudes regarding the following: Gender, Class, Religion and Ethnicity. What impact would the above attitudes have on the workplace? New Zealand is usually equal to all races, genders and religions. This makes everyone in workplaces get along better. 6. When in this country, I want to learn more about the culture(s) and people. What activities can you recommend? For a totally unique Kiwi experience, immerse yourself in the local arts and culture. Visiting museum and art galleries is very recommended. 7. Who are this country's national heroes? Ernest Rutherford Accredited as the creator of modern atomic physics, Rutherford was one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908 and a baronetcy in 1931, and is still popular as Baron Rutherford of Nelson. Throughout his life, he took great pride in his New Zealand origins and the country, too, reckons his contribution still today. He died on 19th October 1937 at the age of 66. 8. What is the family life like in this country? Family life in New Zealand reflects life in many other western countries as traditional male and female roles in the family are slowly disappearing and the birth rate has fallen in recent decades to about two children per woman. Today both men and women in New Zealand work in about even numbers and which parent, if either, stays home with their children is up to the couple. 9. Describe work in this country. To work legally in New Zealand you need a valid work visa.New Zealand’s unemployment rate has been as low as 3.8%, this is a promising statistic for those lured by the promise of work. 10. What types of sports and recreation activities are popular here? New Zealand’s most popular sports are rugby, cricket, soccer, basketball, and netball. One main activity is fishing. 11. What healthcare is available to the people of this country? Getting seen by a doctor is usually easy (unless you live in a small town or somewhere very remote), and healthcare is quite affordable. 12. Describe the educational system. The education system in New Zealand is a three-tier model which includes primary and intermediate schools, followed by secondary schools (high schools) and tertiary education at universities and polytechnics 13. What are the important holidays in this country and explain the purpose of each? New Year's Day — Monday 1 January - The celebration of a New Yeara Day after New Year's Day — Tuesday 2 January Waitangi Day — Tuesday 6 February-Waitangi Day commemorates the first signing of New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty at Waitangi in 1840. Good Friday — Friday 30 March- It is on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Many Christians remember Jesus Christ's crucifixion on Good Friday. Easter Monday — Monday 2 April -Easter Monday is a statutory public holiday in New Zealand. It is on the Monday after Easter Sunday, in which Christians remember Jesus Christ's resurrection ANZAC Day — Wednesday 25 April-Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. Queen's Birthday — Monday 4 June-The Queens Birthday Labour Day — Monday 22 October-Labour Day in New Zealand falls on the 4th Monday of October celebrating the labour movement. Christmas Day — Tuesday 25 December Boxing Day — Wednesday 26 December-Boxing Day is a secular holiday that is traditionally celebrated on 26 December, the day after Christmas Day. 26 December is also Saint Stephen's Day, a religious holiday 14. What arts and literature are important in this country? New Zealand art consists of the visual and plastic arts (including architecture, woodwork, textiles, and ceramics) originating from New Zealand. It comes from different traditions: indigenous Māori art, that of the early European (or Pākehā) settlers, and later immigrants from Pacific, Asian, and European countries. 15. What types of food are popular in this country? What meals do they have and how are they usually served? Dinner is the main meal of the day and is eaten around 6pm. It normally contains meat and cooked vegetables, especially potato. Fish and chips is another typical New Zealand meal. |
Thailand
1. I am meeting someone for the first time and I want to make a good impression. What would be good discussion topics?
Ordinary Thais are quite inquisitive, therefore, the question of where one is from, what kind of work one does and for how long would be quite an acceptable icebreaker. One should not ask about the other’s family until a certain level of familiarity has been established. 2. What do I need to know about verbal and non-verbal communications? The traditional Thai greeting is called the wai. In general, the younger person greets first, by placing the palms together at chest level and bowing slightly. If someone wai to you, it is polite to wai back.Thailand we use many personal pronouns to indicate the speakers and listeners on person, gender, age, number, and status. 3. Are public displays of affection, anger or other emotions acceptable? In Thailand losing your cool is not Acceptable. Smiling is very liked in Thailand. 4. What should I know about the workplace environment (deadlines, dress, formality, etc.)? Thai staff lead a very submissive role, doing as they are told, strictly following instructions. To veer away from what they know makes them awfully uncomfortable. (This is one reason why in Thailand you don't get very far if you ask a service provider for something that is not advertised as being available.) 5. Briefly describe the local culture’s attitudes regarding the following: Gender, Class, Religion and Ethnicity. What impact would the above attitudes have on the workplace? On 9 September, Thailand’s Gender Equality Act came into effect. It is a legal instrument that prevents discrimination on the basis of gender and is inclusive of lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT). There have been no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious belief or practice 6. When in this country, I want to learn more about the culture(s) and people. What activities can you recommend? In Thailand you should visit their historical landmarks such as the Grand Palace. 7. Who are this country's national heroes? Naresuan. Naresuan, also called Phra Naret, (born 1555, Phitsanulok, Siam [now Thailand]—died April 25, 1605, on the Salween River), king of Siam (1590–1605), regarded as a national hero by the Thai people for having liberated the country from the Myanmar (Burmese). 8. What is the family life like in this country? In Thailand, children are given some household chores, and they tend to follow gender lines. Boys do not cook, do the laundry, or sew, as these are regarded as tasks for women. Most male teenagers in Thailand cannot cook beyond simple dishes or heating pre-packaged meals. Men are regarded as stronger and may be assigned more physically demanding jobs than women. Some families have household help to do chores. 9. Describe work in this country. The reality is that most jobs in Thailand are in teaching, and specifically the TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) arena.Jobs abroad in Thailand in hospitality, even at premier international resorts, are also paid at a local standard rate. 10. What types of sports and recreation activities are popular here? Soccer and boxing are the most popular sport in Thailand. 11. What healthcare is available to the people of this country? Healthcare in Thailand is in excellent quality. You will find that most major provinces have at least one private hospital, and popular tourist destinations have more. Thailand’s health service infra-structure consists of three components: government health services, non-profit health organizations (NGOs), and the private medical sector. 12. Describe the educational system. Education in Thailand is provided mainly by the Thai government through the Ministry of Education from pre-school to senior high school. A free basic education of twelve years is guaranteed by the constitution, and a minimum of nine years' school attendance is mandatory. 13. What are the important holidays in this country and explain the purpose of each? January 1: New's Year Day February 3: Chinese New Year's Day February 18: Makha Bucha Day/ Megha Puja Day April 6 Chakri Memorial Day April 13: Therevadin Buddhist New Year April 13-15: Songkran Fesival May 1: National Labor Day May 2: Substitution for National Labor Day May 5: Coronation Day and the Phi Ta Khon Festival May 10: Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day May 17: Visakha Bucha Day/Visakha Puja/Buddha Day July 1: Bank's Mid-year day July 15: Asarnha Bucha Day/ Asalha Puja Day July 16: Buddhist Lent Day August 12: H.M. The Queen's Birthday September 12: Chinese Moon Festival or Wan Wai Phra Jan October 12: End of Buddhist Lent day Wan Awk Phansa and the Naga Festival October 23: Chulalongkorn Memorial Day December 5: The King's Birithday December 10: Constitution Day December 31: New Year's Eve 14. What arts and literature are important in this country? Thai visual art was traditionally primarily Buddhist. Thai literature was traditionally heavily influenced by Indian culture. Thailand's national epic is a version of the Ramayana called the Ramakien. 15. What types of food are popular in this country? What meals do they have and how are they usually served? Noodles are a popular street food item as they are mainly eaten as a single dish. Chinese-style noodle soups, fried noodles, and fermented Thai rice noodles (khanom chin), served with a choice of different Thai curries |
Cambodia
1. I am meeting someone for the first time and I want to make a good impression. What would be good discussion topics?
Talking about your family, work and home country are all very interesting to Cambodians. They, in turn, will talk quite happily about their own family members, especially their children, as well as work and where they are from. A lot of business is conducted in Phnom Penh but many people have moved there from smaller towns. They enjoy talking about places to visit in Cambodia, especially the famous city of Angkor which is a particular source of pride. 2. What do I need to know about verbal and non-verbal communications? Cambodians generally have an indirect communication style. Questions are often expressed in vague terms, especially if it is a negative topic. Since the concept of face underpins interactions, Cambodians tend to avoid giving flat-out refusals and smile and nod to keep interactions amenable. Cambodians will also tend to answer indirectly to a negative topic or difficult question. A common response is to say, ‘same, same but different. Physical contact in Cambodia is acceptable among people of the same gender, but is usually minimal. This may include holding hands and hugging. Public displays of affection between couples, such as kissing, are generally not shown. Buddhist monks are forbidden to engage in any physical contact with women. 3. Are public displays of affection, anger or other emotions acceptable? Showing affective emotion, reflecting with empathy, warmth and genuineness is appreciated.Calm yourself down if you are upset and don’t show when you are angry. 4. What should I know about the workplace environment (deadlines, dress, formality, etc.)? Generally, work starts at 6:30 am or 7 am. People work until about 11:30 am and they go for a lunch break, and then come back at around 1:30 pm or 2:00 pm. Dress should be normal and clean (i.e. T-shirt for men); no requirement to have tie. What type of clothes you wear to work may depend on your financial resources. It is recommended that you wear local/traditional clothes when there will be celebrations or events. Punctuality and deadlines are not really very important. Arriving late to work seems to be normal. 5. Briefly describe the local culture’s attitudes regarding the following: Gender, Class, Religion and Ethnicity. What impact would the above attitudes have on the workplace? Elder and older people play important role in the society: salute them first and give them priority of seat. Women or girls should be respected at work or home. They are not allowed to touch, hug or kiss or sit with men. 98 % of the people are Buddhist. 6. When in this country, I want to learn more about the culture(s) and people. What activities can you recommend? Try to watch traditional dance, such as Ro-Bum-Upsara. It would describe about people’s attitude.There are museums and festivals, restaurants and cultural events. 7. Who are this country's national heroes? Heroic Oknha Khleang Moeung, Khmer national hero, a 15th century legendary army commander, who sacrificed his life to defend Cambodia against the Siamese soldiers in 1482 8. What is the family life like in this country? Everyone in the family is expected to live in harmony; they share food and look after each other’s business to an extent that no one has any privacy at all. Deference is shown to older members of the family, including aunts and uncles of both parents, who play an important role in guiding and binding in family matters. Man often work more and the family. 9. Describe work in this country. working conditions and workers rights in Cambodia are improving thanks to labour laws set out by the government, as they aim to adhere to international standards.There are two distinct types of employment contracts in Cambodia: fixed duration and unspecified duration. An unspecified duration contract offers more security as the employer is required to provide a reason for the termination of the contract, whereas a fixed duration contract is very limited and an employer can simply decide not to renew it at the end of the two years. It is paramount that you understand the intricacies of your contract before signing A fixed duration contract covers up to two years of continuous employment, including any extensions. 10. What types of sports and recreation activities are popular here? Sey is a very popular sport. It uses a shuttlecock-like footbag. It is made of feathers attached to a rubber disc.During their free time, they chat, play with their children and watch television in their communal villages. Because electricity is scarce in village areas, rural people generally sleep soon after sunset. 11. What healthcare is available to the people of this country? The Cambodian population and healthcare system struggles with many of the diseases common to the Tropics, in particular in rural areas. In addition, malnutrition of children has long been a major problem. HIV became an increasing problem in 1998, but the epidemic has since been almost curbed. 12. Describe the educational system. The Cambodian education system includes pre-school, primary, general secondary, higher education and non-formal education. The education system includes the development of sport, information technology education, research development and technical education. School enrollment has increased during the 2000s in Cambodia 13. What are the important holidays in this country and explain the purpose of each? The most popular holiday is Khmer New Year. Celebrated on April 13 or 14 each year, Khmer New Year, Bon Chol Chhnam Thmei, is a three-day affair that traditionally marks the end of the harvest season and is Cambodia's single most important holiday. 14. What arts and literature are important in this country? Traditional Cambodian arts and crafts include textiles, non-textile weaving, silversmithing, stone carving, lacquerware, ceramics, wat murals, and kite-making. 15. What types of food are popular in this country? What meals do they have and how are they usually served? Cambodians often eat bread with pâté, tinned sardines or eggs. ... Traditionally, Cambodians eat their meals with at least three or four dishes. A meal will usually include a soup, or samlor, served alongside the main courses. Each individual dish will be either sweet, sour, salty or bitter in taste. |