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, […]
Culture
Dragon Boat Festival: A Cultural Cornerstone in China
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, […]
Multicultural Teams: Managing Transcultural Issues
It’s happening more and more every day. Multicultural teams are no longer the “hip” or “unusual” topic of international business. They are everywhere.
Songkran: Buddha’s New Year
Songkran – Thailand’s answer to the New Year – is celebrated with laughs, color, and a lot of water. Based off the Buddhist and Hindu calendar, April 13th to the 15th marks a new period for everyone. Depending on where you are in Thailand, they may celebrate it a little bit differently. For example, the […]
Reverse Culture Shock: What to Expect
Unusual sights and smells; people rushing to places unknown; new technology, and communication you don’t quite understand—and people who don’t quite understand you. This isn’t the scenario of an experience abroad, but instead of a coming home. Returning after a time in a different country and culture can lead to feelings of isolation, confusion, malaise, […]
Weddings Around the World: Africa
Now it’s time to explore the world’s second largest and second-most-populated continent: Africa. In many parts of the continent, African weddings are an event that simply can’t be missed. Let’s take a look at a few! Nigerians love to celebrate such an important day, and this is seen the most in the fact that they have […]
