Category: Cross-Cultural
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Unlocking Zimbabwe’s Buzzing Business Culture
As the African Cats are poised to overtake the Asian Tigers, Zimbabwe has gained international attention as a popular investment and expansion location. An English-speaking African nation with blossoming mining and manufacturing sectors, we discovered during our recent business travels that Zimbabwe’s economy is a diamond in the rough. Ten years ago, new promise…
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Unlocking Estonia’s Thriving Business Culture: 3 Cross-Cultural Tips
Few people might expect the small Baltic nation of Estonia to become an international leader in technological and start-up sectors, but this northern European powerhouse has led the continent in tech development over the last decade. Not only does it have one of the highest ranked business environments (ranked 12th in the world by World…
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Three Tips for Cross-Cultural Mastery in the UAE
As we discovered during our January visit, from the dazzling city of Dubai, to the buzzing metropolis of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates is rapidly climbing the ranks of the global business ladder, and investors worldwide are taking note. According to the Institute of International Finance, FDI into the UAE jumped from 8.9 billion…
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Successful Business in Botswana: Bridging the Culture Gap
Since gaining independence in 1966, Botswana has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing economies. It continues to gain momentum as one of the industry leaders in mining and manufacturing. Prudent management of the country’s resources, transition to a democratic political system, and good governance have contributed to Botswana’s sustained 5% growth per annum…
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Doing Business in South Africa in Inspiring New Ways
South Africa’s workforce is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and warmth, attracting business professionals and investors alike. South Africa’s economy is the second largest on the African continent after Nigeria. It is home to thriving tourism, industrial and mining sectors as well as developing technological industries. In fact, South Africa is the world’s largest…
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Year of the Dog: Energy, Integrity, and New Connections
In Eastern Asia, excitement is building as nations prepare to celebrate for a new Zodiac year. Chinese New Year, celebrated on February 16, 2018, brings families together for festivals and feasts during the biggest holiday in many Asian cultures. It holds special meaning tied to the Zodiac cycle. The Zodiac Cycle is a 60-year period…
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Global Valentine’s Day Celebrations
We’re familiar with the classic gift exchange on February 14 between couples in the U.S., but did you know nations worldwide celebrate Valentine’s Day with beloved traditions and unique twists? The following four countries have a unique Valentine Day origins, beliefs, and celebrations. Afghanistan Most regions of the Middle East discourage a celebration that may…
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Picturesque Pyeongchang: Cultural Wonders for Travelers
Every four years, sports enthusiasts and globetrotters head north to witness world-class athletes compete in the spectacular Winter games. In February 2018, the historic games will take place in Pyeongchang, South Korea, a small province nestled in the heart of the Taebaek Mountains. The region’s snowy slopes and pristine scenery are not only the perfect…
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Keeping Up in Korea: 2018 Travel Tips
From speed skating to Alpine skiing, the Winter Games offer chills and thrills for spectators worldwide. The year’s games will take place in Pyeongchang, South Korea, and thousands of sports enthusiasts are gearing up to witness the competition in early February. With so many nationalities represented in the games and in the stands, cultural…
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Lessons from FLE: Overcoming Intercultural Communication Roadblocks
Since the age of Babel, teachers have been seeking ways to overcome the hurdle of language barrier and give students practical skills to navigate new lingual and cultural waters. This challenge becomes much harder when the teacher doesn’t speak their student’s native language, or when each student speaks a different language or dialect. Sound impossible?…