Job Discussion Forums

[moonraven]

I believe that the keys to changing cultures are learning about the new culture--I mean everything you can--and investing yourself in it. So long as you are thinking about what the benfits are for you--rather than what you can do to benefit the community--you will be an outsider.

[Gordon]

Interesting comments so far. I'd like to add that I think much of this depends on where you live. Some cultures are much tougher to interact or become accepted by than others. Japan is near impossible and in fact you will always be an outsider "a gaijin" no matter what you do, how much Japanese you speak, how long you've lived there or even if you do attain Japanese citizenship. I'm not saying the Japanese are unfriendly to foreigners, but there will always be an "us and them". Furthermore, the more Japanese you speak, the less they trust you IMO. Many Japanese people like it when you learn to speak Japanese, but become fluent and then they get uneasy This is what I have observed at least. Of course these are generalizations.

[shmooj]

[Gordon]

I hope my point is not misconstrued to think we should not try to learn the language or that it is hopeless. Just that some countries/cultures are more difficult to bridge than others.

[XXX]

I found that a smile and an attempt to learn about the culture that you are in does wonders for getting along with the locals. I was always treated the same way I treated them- with respect.