Question

Choose any country except the United States, and your native country (if different from the United States). Describe the culture of this country in detail. What are some key cultural aspects of which a U.S. expatriate on assignment in this country should be aware? What aspects of this country’s culture could cause culture shock for a U.S. expatriate? What advice would you give to someone who was preparing for a long-term assignment in this culture? Finally, would you want to spend an extended amount of time as an expatriate in this country? Why or why not? Support your assessment.

Answer 1

Selected Country: India

Culture of India

India is a diverse nation in terms of languages, customs, dressing styles, food habits, religions, etc. When it comes to religion India is a Hindu majority country with almost eighty percent of the population believes in Hinduism. Religious practices and festivals are part and parcel of Indian life. Though it is a Hindu dominated nation, people from all religions are living in this country such as Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, etc. Indians give more importance to spiritual practices such as yoga, meditation, etc in their daily lives. The cow is treated as a holy animal in India. In the case of families, family values are given a top priority and the families are highly patriarchal that is the men are having a dominant position in families. Normally up to three generations are living under a single roof. India has one of the oldest caste systems in the world, there are mainly four casts and numerous sub-castes there.

Key cultural aspects that a U.S. expatriate should understand

In India elderly are respected very much so it is safe for a US expatriate to address them as "Sir" or "Madam" irrespective of their career position. People normally greet others by saying "Namaste" by folding their hands together. In a greeting situation, elders and seniors should be greeted first. Giving gifts in the very first meeting is not that common in India. An expatriate might be invited to wash hands before eating food, people usually eat food with their right hand. The cast system is prevalent even in job situations also and the familial relationships might exert a big influence even on career decisions.

Possible cultural shocks for a U.S. expatriate in India

Indian cities are very much crowded as it is a highly populated country and there is no relevance for personal space in public places in India like a railway station or a bus station etc. People may stare at a person when he or she is in a public place but it is not considered as something rude in Inda. Indians are less punctual compare to US citizens which may also cause cultural shock.

Advice to a U.S. expatriate who was preparing for a long-term assignment in India

• Public displays of affection are culturally not accepted in India so the expatriates should not go for it.
• Men shall not give shake hands to women as it is not so common there.
• Religious beliefs are not allowing the majority of people to drink alcohol so the U.S. expatriate shall invite them for consuming it.

How long a U.S. expatriate should spend in India

India is a good destination for U.S. expatriates as it is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Also, it helps a U.S. expatriate to get rich cultural insights which are valuable in their life. English is is the official language for government and business dealings is also advantageous for a U.S. expatriate. Also, the cost of living in India is only a fraction of the cost of living in the US so it is financially beneficial to those expatriates who receive their salary in dollars in India. The presence of international companies, shopping malls, and schools will definitely give a US expatriate an at-home feeling.

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