Written by Mai Hegazy, CAI’s Manager of Global Destination Services Each year on the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, millions of Muslims flock from all over the globe to Mecca, Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj (Islamic pilgrimage), one of the largest religious gatherings around the world. Hajj is one of the five main …
Many communication exchanges seem simple enough. You state a question clearly and succinctly, “Will the reports be finished by Friday?” and the answer comes back swiftly, “Yes.” Then, you sit empty-handed in your office on Friday afternoon, playing these eight words over and over in your mind, with confusion and frustration mounting at some of …
SANDWICHED between the mountains Banahaw and San Cristobal in the province of Quezon, Dhamma Phala, a meditation center, is surrounded by scores of coconut and mango trees and banana plants. The sky there is so blue and clear it seems as if it is possible to reach out and touch it. Nearly 50 men and …
Memorial Day is an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, to honor the heroic men and women who died in service to the United States. Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday was coined in the years following the Civil War, and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Traditionally, Americans celebrate Memorial Day by …
There are diverse reasons why global companies are struggling in Vietnam and elsewhere in the world but ONE is above them ALL. That reason is invisible, intangible but is everywhere at the same time and it is the one that impacts global companies the MOST. The worse is that most of the global companies are …
Silence can speak volumes, but what it says is different across cultures. Just as shared language does not imply shared meaning, shared silence does not either. Silence can be full of significance, answers, or nothing at all. It is a critical tool that impacts the rhythm of communication and its myriad implications are worth considering in …
The Holy month of Ramadan is observed by about 1.6 billion Muslims all over the world. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is a very special time in Islam. The holy book of Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) during the month of Ramadan, hence the month is known …
Why are national solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic so different? And what makes some approaches more successful than others? National and regional cultural differences are key factors that are often overlooked. By looking through four key national and regional cultural lenses, we can gain new insights into why countries are fighting the pandemic differently and …
The spring cleaning is complete and red packets handed out. Several more of our intercultural trainers shared with us the way in which they prepare for and celebrate the Lunar New Year now that it is here! In our final blog post of our 2020 Lunar New Year series, read about the traditions of some …
Happy Lunar New Year 2020! A vital part of Lunar New Year celebrations is the preparing and gifting of red packets. Also known as red envelopes, lai see (Cantonese), or hongbao (Mandarin), these red packets usually contain money and are given to the important people in one’s life before the New Year begins. In the …
Happy Lunar New Year 2020! Lunar New will begin on January 25, 2020. This year, we approached several of our intercultural trainers across Asia to understand what the Lunar New Year looks like from their personal perspective. For the first of the series, take a look into how one of CAI’s intercultural facilitators in Singapore, …
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is the month of the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims all over the world fast from dawn to sunset during this month in adherence to one of the Five Pillars of Islam (sawm). Ramadan officially begins after the visual confirmation of the crescent …
Holy Week is a time when Christians around the world celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday and marks Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion. Palm Sunday is often celebrated with a parade and procession of palm fronds that symbolize those laid at …
On March 8, 2019, we reflect on the progress that women have made in society, in schools, and in the workforce and the progress that still needs to be made to ensure an equal society for women around the world. The theme of International Women’s Day this year is #BalanceforBetter, aiming for gender equality in …
Springtime is swiftly approaching and the Lunar New Year has arrived! Chinese New Year follows the Lunar calendar. This means that while the exact date changes every year, the New Year day typically falls between mid-January and mid-February. This year Chinese New Year, celebrating the year of the Earth Pig, falls on February 5th and …
Each passing year brings its share of experiences, growth, and change. One constant in our lives remains: the holidays we celebrate and the traditions that surround them. Our holidays affect us in a personal way, linking us to family and close friends. Passing seasons evoke memories and instill in us an appreciation for our culture and a desire …
By: Ivonne Juraidini Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that commemorates the lives of deceased loved ones. It is a tradition that originated from indigenous rituals and eventually blended with Catholic elements as a result of Spanish influence. The holiday takes place over two days: November 1st and …
Art is a powerful thing. From the moment that humankind could, we started thinking creatively. Explaining and depicting the world around us. From the earliest cave drawings in South Africa which date back 164 thousand years to the well-known cave paintings in Europe that date 40 thousand years, humans have always been moved to art. …
Eating, scarfing, imbibing, dining, and sating are just a few words we use to describe the act of placing food into our mouths. Conceivably it is the most significant commonality that humanity shares. Whatever shape, form, flavor, or seasoning food may take around the world, people eat. More than that, across the world people, …
