International Affairs
I am currently studying abroad for three weeks and have learned in my short time here just how valuable it can be to make connections EVERYWHERE you go. While the classes I am taking focus on my intended field of study post-graduation, it has been essential for me to make good choices and represent myself and America in a positive light while being out and about in Europe.It got me to thinking a lot about the way we carry ourselves in our "everyday" lives. Whether we realize it or not, people are always watching us! And the person that is doing the watching could very well be a fabulous executive looking for their next new hire. It is vitally important that you always be respectful of others around you, most notably while visiting someone else's homeland.
While I don't think it is necessary to pretend to be more proper than you normally would, I do think you should investigate the customs of the countries you visit. For example, while waving hello to someone is perfectly acceptable in America, in some other countries, it is considered an insult. Researching these things not only can help you in becoming more culturally aware, but also land you potential offers to work abroad elsewhere!
Labels: European customs, making connections
Posted by Amanda on 7/30/2009 05:04:00 PM
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1 Comments:
I completely agree that being adaptable and conscious of your environment is an essential trait that everyone should have. Whether on vacation, in the office or just meeting new people running errands, everyone should try to be polite. I've worked with many people who think that a strong personalty style will get them far, but actually it turns people off. Being cordial and courteous can get you a lot further than you think!