Unit studying Overseas r e a d I n g introduction

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5

A

  

Handy hints for overseas students and travellers

A  Studying abroad, or simply planning a nice trip to an exotic location? Unfortunately, while people might be understanding 

if you have problems with their language, they are less likely to be forgiving if you break the unwritten social rules. Did 

you know, for example, that in Japan it is considered rude to blow your nose in public (and heaven forbid you put your 

cotton handkerchief back in your pocket!)? You might also be studying (and socialising) with people from all over the world. 

A few helpful tips will ensure you avoid upsetting your hosts, or even your fellow students!

B  The best advice we can give you is to learn some of the local customs of the people you will be spending time with. 

Let’s say you have arrived in Asia and you’re sharing a meal with new-found friends. You might feel very satisfied 

with yourself if you can use chopsticks when you’re eating, but make sure you don’t point with them. Many Asians 

consider it rude. And don’t forget to check who should start the meal first: you or your hosts. Different countries 

have different ‘rules’ about this. Speaking of food, when eating in certain provinces of China, it is considered bad 

luck to turn over a cooked fish. And Italians like it when you show your appreciation of their cooking, so never 

refuse a second plateful!

C  Behaviour connected with the body can be confusing because of social differences. In Muslim cultures,

for example, people avoid using the left hand to give and receive. Many people in these cultures eat

only with the right hand and they might consider you impolite if you use your left. But if you

are given a business card in a country like Singapore, and you don’t accept it with both hands,

you’ll be showing disrespect and a lack of interest in the person giving the card. In Britain,

shaking hands is common between business people but is becoming less common in

social situations these days (and  then often only the first time you are introduced).

The Italians kiss and shake hands (but be careful, it’s twice – once on each cheek),

the Belgians may kiss three times, alternating from cheek to cheek, and the French?

Well, whole books have been devoted to the subject!

01 IELTS Express Intermediate WB TXT.indd   8

01/02/12   5:59 PM

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