December is upon us, and with that comes the old religious tradition of Christmas. But before Christmas –a time of gift giving, celebration, and joy—there is the waiting period. This time of pause and expectation is known as Advent, and it symbolizes the anticipation of something new, something notable. Advent itself means “arrival” and it …
This year has certainly been one of the most dynamic political years the USA has ever seen. Though typically political talk is taboo in social culture within the USA, we’ve seen that line blurred heavily in 2016. However, when looking at the US election and making decisions about who should lead the country, it’s of …
Continuing our theme from last week of seasonal holidays, one cannot ignore the time of thanks that is given in North America. Both Canada and the United States celebrate Thanksgiving – however the similarities and differences are of equal length. For instance, both holidays originated from a historical and religious background – Being thankful for …
As we take a step into the fall season, we are entering a time of many important holidays. Some secular, some religious, some strictly historical and some a cultural blend. Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish holiday celebrated this year between Oct. 2nd and October 4th. Rosh Hashanah is the celebration of creation as it correlates …
24 hours in a day, 24 time zones, a million different interpretations of what this actually means. Timing is everything, particularly in business, and depending on where you are, the concept can have a very different ebb and flow. This difference in time, or rather, the perspective can greatly influence one’s perception of a culture …
We all know that your personality helps define a lot about you, such as who you hang out with, what type of work you’re suited for, and the way you generally function in everyday life. But did you know it can also help you determine the most suitable places for you to live in the …
The New Year is largely see as a time of renewal, rejuvenation, and restoration regardless, for the most part, of which culture you’re in. And though the New Year is far away in the West, the East is gearing up for a time of celebration. In India, there is a community of people known as …
For the first time in history, ten refugee athletes will compete at the Olympic Games Rio 2016, composing the Refugee Olympic Team (ROT). The athletes will march with the official Olympic flag at the opening ceremony.
For centuries, British Columbia-Vancouver in particular-has been a popular destination for Chinese migrants because of its calm pace of life, moderate climate, economic opportunities and most of all, position on the Pacific Rim, as it is closest to the Asian Pacific Rim.
Virtual travel is a budding industry. Today, its main use in the travel industry is for advertising purposes- to give consumers a taste of a new destination so that they are persuaded to go there. Yet is it not hard not to envision the great potential for virtual travel.
All it really takes is one small book that fits in the palm of your hand to send you to far-off lands, new assignments, great adventures, and fascinating cultures. This small book, the passport, wields enormous power. A passport can limit or free you from the direst circumstances.
Here in the United States, where CAI is headquartered, we are gearing up to celebrate the nation’s Independence Day on July 4th. Fireworks, family and friends, and good food will abound to recognize the time long ago, in 1776, when our nation declared its sovereign independence. But located just north of us stands our neighbor …
After being assigned abroad and working for some time, you might find yourself itching to venture out and explore your new surroundings. Every country has highlights and places to go, but we’ve all been there after a long day of traveling: exhausted, stressed, hungry, and just ready to sleep. But nothing is worse than discovering …
Sometimes, we all need a detox. Our fast paced, plugged-in culture can leave us frazzled and out of synch with nature, personal relationships, and our inner selves. For the more than 1.5 billion adherents of Islam, a month long detox, both physical and spiritual, is an annual occurrence: Ramadan. Ramadan, the ninth month of the …
Ramadan –the holy month of Islam – has begun. During this time, Muslims across the world will fast from food and drink from the time the sun rises to the time the sun sets to show devotion and understand sacrifice. But in the West, Ramadan has largely been a cultural mystery. Unlike Christmas or Easter, …
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Tuen Ng or Duanwu Festival, is a holiday that represents a cultural cornerstone for China. How the festival plays out can differ slightly based on geography, but each celebration is as important and valid as the last. Though the festivities can vary, there are some constants: Zongzi, …
As the Olympic Games draw near, with Brazil running the show, there is excitement over things to expect: The fan-favorite swimmer, Michael Phelps is returning, strong international competitors abound for practically every field…
Recently we wrote about the Millennial generation culture as it affects global society, today we’re taking a closer look at just what to expect from rising generations when they do what all must inevitably do: go to work.
It’s happening more and more every day. Multicultural teams are no longer the “hip” or “unusual” topic of international business. They are everywhere.