The following will provide you with some important general information and guidelines.
Gestures that we use in our everyday life can be easily misinterpreted abroad. For example, the simple "OK" gesture (forming a circle with your thumb and index finger) means "screw you" in Germany and "zero" or "worthless" in France. Giving someone the "thumbs up" may be interpreted as telling someone "up yours". In Australia, if you flash the "V," "peace" symbol with your palm facing toward you, you're telling someone "screw you." To play it safe, don't use gestures until you are certain what they mean.
In addition, refrain from using the bone-crushing handshake that is favored in the US. It may be interpreted as a sign of aggression. Nodding your head to say "yes" and shaking your head to say "no" may mean the exact opposite in your host country. In the US, it is respectful to look someone directly in the eye, however, in other parts of the world, it is impolite and disrespectful. Physical contact may or may not be appreciated or understood. A pat on the back or a hug may make natives of your host country embarrassed or uncomfortable. As this article shows, foreign gestures aren't always what they seem.
At first, let your hosts take the lead in "small talk." There may be differences in what are acceptable topics. For example, while Americans may find it normal to talk about themselves, your hosts may view that as being too personal. Also, all cultures have certain unspoken rules defining how far away to stand or sit while conversing, what is the appropriate volume level of a conversation, and what to do when parting company.
If you are studying in a country where English is not the native language, do not be afraid to practice your new language. Most people will be flattered by your efforts. Keep the following suggestions in mind. Do not use slang. It could be misinterpreted if you use it in the wrong context, or it may translate into nonsense. Be aware of the differences between the "familiar" and the "polite" form. This is not something we use in the US, but it can be important in other languages. Also, do not make rude comments in English assuming that those within hearing distance will not understand. Remember that English is a widely spoken language, and people often understand it even if they cannot speak it.
Regular class attendance, following culturally appropriate norms, and observing school regulations are critical to your success abroad. As a representative of Northeastern, you should act with respect towards faculty and staff. Keep in mind that acceptable classroom behavior may be different in your host university. For example, in Ghana, raising your left hand is disrespectful. Observe and ask local students.
There are some circumstances in which haggling over prices is appropriate and even expected, but this is not always true. If you have any doubts, there is a simple test you can use. Politely indicate that you like the item(s) very much, but that the price is more than you intended to pay. If the merchant wishes to bargain, this will give him or her an opening to offer you the product at a lower price. If, however, it is not that kind of establishment, you can politely end the conversation.
Please be tactful and discreet. If you want to photograph a person, it is best to politely ask their permission. Some cultures vehemently oppose taking pictures of people. Others expect compensation (money) for the privilege. In general, do not take pictures of politicians, soldiers, or military buildings unless you know it to be acceptable (at the "changing of the guard" outside Buckingham Palace in London, for example). Stories abound of students having their film or camera confiscated or worse.
THIS APPLIES TO EVERYONE. As an American living in a different country, you will be a minority.
Many students of color report that in the US they self-identify as African American, Latin American, Asian American, etc, but abroad, they are simply an American. Reports from past participants vary from those who felt exhilarated by being free of the American context of race relations, to those who experienced different degrees of "innocent" curiosity about their ethnicity, to those who felt they met both familiar and new types of prejudice and had to learn new coping strategies. Very few minority students conclude that racial or ethnic problems represent sufficient reason for not going. On the other hand, they advise knowing what you are getting into and preparing yourself.
In some countries, women have a difficult time adjusting to attitudes they encounter in public and private interactions with men. American women are seen as liberated, especially sexually, and sometimes the cultural misunderstandings that come out of that image can lead to difficult and unpleasant experiences.
Some men openly demonstrate their appraisal of women in ways that US women find offensive. It is not uncommon to be honked at, stared at, verbally and loudly approved of, and in general, to be actively noticed. Sometimes the attention can be flattering. However, it may soon become annoying and exasperating. Eye contact between strangers or a smile at someone passing in the street, which is not uncommon in the US, may result in totally unexpected invitations. Some women feel that they are forced to stare intently at the ground when they walk down the street.
Indigenous women, who often get the same treatment, have been taught, either explicitly or through experience, how to ignore the attention. Many US students find that hard to do or feel that they attract unwanted attention simply because they are American. You will have to learn the unwritten rules about what you can and cannot do. Women can provide support for each other. Former students suggest that you get together several times early in your stay to talk about what works and what does not for dealing with the unwanted attention.
Needless to say, all of this makes male-female friendships more difficult to develop. Be careful about the implicit messages you are communicating. Above all, try to maintain the perspective that these challenging and sometimes difficult experiences are part of the process of learning a new culture.
It is important to be aware of laws pertaining to homosexuality in other countries, as well as the general attitudes of the populace. The countries you visit may be more, or may be less, accepting of homosexuality as compared to the US. Moreover, whatever the general rule, there will always be pockets of differences and personal idiosyncrasies within the population at-large.
