How To Make Big Moves : Cultural Curiosities

“Life is like a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Albert Einstein

Arriving in a new place is complete sensory overload. Things that seemed so simple, suddenly require more mental bandwidth. You are going to feel overwhelmed.

Start by Googling the norms of the society you will be walking into. Packing useful insight on what to expect, and what not to do, in your back pocket you will absorb the shock (or hilarity) in advance. Beware of questionable intel. For example, I read on one site that Swedes are quite open about what goes on behind closed doors… bathroom doors that is. Although I have yet to come across an awkward exchange of this sort, I have fully enjoyed fika and Cinnamon Bun Day. Yes, just last Sunday (October 4) this sweet treat was celebrated in every corner of the country. A reason to try one for the first time, or the fifth.

Obviously doing business is a whole other ballgame and you want to be up on what is acceptable culture. In Italian business circles, for example, the double cheek kiss is seen as way too friendly. Go figure.

What cultural curiosities have you come across in a social or business context?

Sara Graham is the author of a soon-to-be-published guidebook entitled How To Make Big Moves : Relocate Without Losing Your Mind.