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"I knew there would be culture shock and a need to adjust, but I really underestimated it. For me, it was a lot of mental blocks that I had to work through in the first month and just buckle down and get through it. The expectations in the classes were different, the class structures were different, I had trouble bonding with my host family, and that first month really sucked. I wanted to go home a lot but after I got through the first month I started getting a lot more comfortable, I just think that people should be more open about the adjustment period." ~Nazareth University student who studied abroad in France
Isaiah Bishop
Peyton Tripp
Antonio Benitez
Zoe Tylipakis
The Cultural Iceberg
The Cultural Iceberg
WATCH 🎥 this video that explains how culture is so much deeper than what we can see.
WATCH 🎥 this video that explains how culture is so much deeper than what we can see.
Culture Mapping
Culture Mapping
READ 📚 about ways cultures are different that may not be visible above the surface of the Cultural Iceberg. Culture mapping is a way to consider aspects of culture you may have never thought of before!
READ 📚 about ways cultures are different that may not be visible above the surface of the Cultural Iceberg. Culture mapping is a way to consider aspects of culture you may have never thought of before!
These comparisons were adapted from Foreign to Familiar: A Guide to Understanding Hot- and Cold-Climate Cultures by Sarah A. Lanier, 2000
In Sarah Lanier's Foreign to Familiar, she theorizes the majority of cultural differences can be attributed to one difference - whether the people are located in a hot climate (closer to the equator) or a cold climate. Hot climate cultures are dependent on relationships and value punctuality and productivity less than cold climate cultures like in the US. Of course, none of the below information is universal, but rather is simply a way to frame cultures in your mind and begin to understand why different cultures have different values.
In Sarah Lanier's Foreign to Familiar, she theorizes the majority of cultural differences can be attributed to one difference - whether the people are located in a hot climate (closer to the equator) or a cold climate. Hot climate cultures are dependent on relationships and value punctuality and productivity less than cold climate cultures like in the US. Of course, none of the below information is universal, but rather is simply a way to frame cultures in your mind and begin to understand why different cultures have different values.
Hot Versus Cold Climate Cultures
Hot Versus Cold Climate Cultures
Hot Climate Cultures are:
Hot Climate Cultures are:
Relationship-based
Communication must create a "feel good" atmosphere
Feeling oriented
A person's well-being takes priority over efficiency and time
Communication and relationship building are important over productivity
Cold Climate Cultures are:
Cold Climate Cultures are:
Task-oriented
Communication must provide accurate information
Logic oriented
Efficiency and time are high priorities; demonstrating these qualities shows respect to another person
Direct Versus Indirect Communication
Direct Versus Indirect Communication
Direct Communication (Cold Climate):
Direct Communication (Cold Climate):
Short, direct questions show respect for a person's time and professionalism
A "yes" is a yes and a "no" is a no. There are no hidden meanings
Questions are answered honestly and directly. These responses do not reflect how a person feels about you
You can say what you think (nicely) and it usually will not be taken personally
Indirect Communication (Hot Climate):
Indirect Communication (Hot Climate):
It's all about being friendly
Questions must be phrased in ways to not offend due to directness
Use a third party for accurate information if you get the sense a direct question is being too harsh or you are not getting the results you are seeking
Avoid embarrassing people
Individualism Versus Group Orientation
Individualism Versus Group Orientation
Individualistic Cultures (Cold Climate):
Individualistic Cultures (Cold Climate):
I am a self-standing person with my own identity
Every individual should have an opinion and can speak for themself
Taking initiative within a group is good and expected
One must know how to make decisions for oneself
My behavior reflects me, not the group
Group Oriented Cultures (Hot Climate):
Group Oriented Cultures (Hot Climate):
I belong, therefore I am
My identity is tied to the group
The group protects and provides for me
Taking initiative within a group can be greatly determined by my role
I do not expect to have to stand alone
My behavior reflects the whole group
Team members expect direction from the leader
Inclusion Versus Privacy
Inclusion Versus Privacy
Inclusion Cultures (Hot Climate):
Inclusion Cultures (Hot Climate):
Are a group-oriented culture
Individuals know they are automatically included in conversation, meals, and other activities of the group
Possessions and resources are to be used freely by all
It is not desirable to be left to oneself
It is rude to hold a private conversation or to make plans that exclude others
Privacy Cultures (Cold Climate):
Privacy Cultures (Cold Climate):
People enjoy having time and space to themselves
People are expected to ask permission to borrow something or to interrupt a conversation
Each person is in ownership of their possessions and it is their responsibility to maintain and protect them
In a community setting, it might be common to label one's food, tools, etc. to set them apart from the group's common possessions
It is acceptable to hold private conversations or make exclusive plans with only a few people
Concepts of Hospitality
Concepts of Hospitality
Hot Climate:
Hot Climate:
Hospitality is spontaneous, often without an advance invitation
Hospitality is the context of a relationship (even within business)
Hospitality usually takes place in the home
The host fully takes care of the needs of the guest. Usually, the guest pays for nothing
A gift is usually expected
Food and drink are involved
Travelers are taken in and provided for
Cold Climate:
Cold Climate:
Hospitality is taken very seriously and is planned for
It is usually not as spontaneous. The host usually needs advance notice of a visit
Travelers are usually expected to make their own arrangements other than what is specifically communicated to the host ahead of time
Guests need to expect to pay for their transportation and restaurants if visiting in the United States. If the host plans to pay, they will usually say so
Hospitality is a special occasion and takes the full attention of the host
High Context Versus Low Context
High Context Versus Low Context
High Context Societies:
High Context Societies:
Have existed for thousands of years and customs/rules are harder to bend
Who you are related to matters
Who you know matters
It is better to overdress than underdress
Watch to see how others respond in a situation to apply appropriate behavior
Remember to honor the people you are dealing with; being too casual is insulting
Use manners
Respect the rules
Give attention to appropriate greetings
Low Context Societies:
Low Context Societies:
Are historically relatively young and cultural precedent is not as established
Who you know matters but not as much. What you know is more important
Do not be offended by the causal atmosphere
Address people by their given names unless others use titles
Different Concepts of Time and Planning
Different Concepts of Time and Planning
Hot Climate Cultures:
Hot Climate Cultures:
Are not as oriented toward the clock
Are event oriented
Are spontaneous and flexible
Respond to what life brings
Consider that saving time is not as important as experiencing the moment
Have informal visiting as part of the event
Cold Climate Cultures:
Cold Climate Cultures:
Are time-oriented
Are structured in their approach to life
Enjoy using time efficiently
Try to plan their day with their mindset of saving time
Expect the event to be at the time announced
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