When studying abroad in Asia, be it China, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, or South Korea, it is a good idea to prepare by learning some of the customs commen there.
Host families in Asia: Families can range from parents with their children to having 3 generations living in the same home.
Customs in business: Seniority is very important. Instead of addressing the other party as Mr. or Mrs., it is always appropriate to address the other party by his designation i.e. Chairman, Director or Manager. When giving out name cards and business cards, make sure you start with the most senior person before moving down the line. Also ensure that you are handing them the card with both hands and remember that the card you are giving must face the recipient. Gifts are always appreciated if you are meeting someone for the first time, make sure the senior people get a better gift or at least gifts perceived to have a higher value than their junior staff. Formal dinners are common in business situations and may include drinking, karaoke, etc. It is impolite to refuse to take part in this. If your business acquaintances are hosts for the night, all bills will be picked up by them for the night, including all entertainment. It is impolite to fight for the bill or worse, split the bills. Similarly, if you are the host, you are expected to pick up all bills for the night.
The concept of ‘saving face’: Face has to do with the image or credibility of the person you are dealing with. You should never, insult, embarrass, shame, yell at or otherwise demean a person. If you do, they will lose “Face”. Awareness of face and it’s impact is an extremely important cultural issue. In the business world, negotiations should be conducted to assure that the person at the other end of the table maintains face even if the deal should not successfully conclude. Face shows up in many ways and really begins early in life. Chinese children learn it as they are growing up. Parents will not discipline by saying “bad girl” or “naughty boy”. They will discipline with “no” or “wrong”. As the child grows, face creates a strong pressure for an individual to excel. Because this is such an important issue, you need to train yourself to recognize where this can become an issue, and to avoid having your contact lose face.
For more information about cutural differences and cultural adjustment, download AmeriSpan’s Guide to Cultural Adjustment.
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