The Blog for Culture Vultures

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing havoc across the globe.

Markets are in meltdown, flights have been grounded, gatherings banned and whole countries on lock down as the world tries to slow down its spread.

Does Japanese culture fascinate you?

Every culture behaves in certain ways that can seem weird and wonderful to the outsider.

By way of exploring Thai culture, in this blog we’re going to be looking at some of the stranger aspects of life in Thailand.

If you’re travelling to the Middle East on business, and want to make a good impression, then it’s important you understand behaviours which are considered rude – or even taboo.

The Middle East is a large region, made up of many different countries – and hence cultures.

Overall, British society tends to be quite relaxed about most things.

However, with a certain way of doing things and an emphasis on manners, Brits can become quite irritated with people who fall short of expectations.

Wherever you travel in the world, getting someone’s name wrong can be the difference between making a good impression or a bad impression.

If you’re travelling to China on business, it’s important that you take the time to understand the naming structures.

If you’re travelling to the UK for a business meeting, then be sure to make a good impression by understanding British meeting culture!

A little bit of cultural awareness can go a long way in improving communication and professional relationship building.

Whether for business or pleasure, if you’re travelling to Japan, it’s important you know how to address people.

Etiquette is an important part of Japanese culture and getting things wrong could result in you being perceived as rude or ignorant – not a good footing in which to start your trip to Japan.

Have you heard the story about the French student keeping money in his shoe?

Well, then we’re going to tell you a true story about a young French student called Victor who travelled to Thailand.

Working in the ASEAN region? Looking for some quick tips on how to do business? Need to know some of the main cultural differences you may come across?

Then this blog is for you!

If you’ve visited the UAE, then you’ll know that one of the things they do really well (particularly in Dubai), is to create great visitor experiences.

The UAE is known for its beautiful architecture, luxurious hotels, beautiful mosques, cultural landmarks and incredible tourist attractions.

Doing business with the Chinese? If so, then it’s more than likely that food will be involved at some point!

If you are travelling to Thailand for work, then you really need to understand a little about Thai culture first.

Despite its reputation as the Land of Smiles, Thai culture is relatively formal and, if you behave in the wrong manner, the people can judge you negatively for failing to show the right decorum.

Doing business or working in Japan can be tough for foreigners.

If you're doing business in Japan or working with the Japanese culture, it's crucial to get your head around some key language phrases.

Did you know the Japanese have over 20 ways to say 'sorry'?

During a two-day visit to Israel last week, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a meal created and served by celebrity chef Moshe Segev at Israeli PM Netenyahyus residence.

All was going well, and the meal proved to be outstanding until desert arrived, rather curiously, in a metal decorative shoe.

The giving and receiving of gifts is an important part of professional and personal life in the Middle East.

Closely tied up with the need to maintain relationships and as a way of gaining and giving face, gift giving bonds people together.

Having worked in Dubai for over 10 years, one of the things that constantly amazes me about visitors to the Emirate is that they think they have landed in some sort of desert version of Las Vegas, where everything goes.

Well, as British IT consultant Jamil Ahmed Mukadam has found out - it is anything but.

Why a "have our cake and eat it" approach to international negotiations doesn't always lead to a win-win

The most politically divisive negotiations are currently taking place as Britain negotiates its exit from the EU.

One of the key aspects for those involved in the Brexit negotiations is to make sure that everyone leaves the table feeling that are walking away with a good deal.