Expat Country Session
Please cover the following basics about the country. Please reference all data (use footnote notation in APA style)
Understanding the Environment (macro factors)
Politics and Business
What are the biggest parties and what is their ideology?
What is the role of government in business?
Is the government stable?
How democratic is the country? Officially/unofficially?
Can politics be discussed openly?
How corrupt is the government?
Is the government effective in accomplishing its goals?
What is the relationship with the USA? China? Russia? Which is closest and why?
Are young people knowledgeable about politics in the host country? What is their political ideology?
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Crime and Society
What is the level of crime? Above or below Asia/US?
Which are the most common crimes?
Is the police honest/corrupt?
Is pick pocketing common, rising/falling?
What are the drugs and alcohol laws/penalties? Are they effective?
Is prostitution common/legal/tolerated/controlled?
Is the public court system efficient and honest?
What is the extent of violent crimes against women/minorities and how are they handled by the authorities?
Health issues
What are the major health hazards? Infectious diseases?
Do you need official prescriptions to buy drugs in pharmacies?
Can prescriptions from America be used?
What types of vaccines are recommended for the country?
Are you allowed to donate blood in the US after visiting the country?
Are there world class medical facilities?
How does health insurance work in the country?
In case of emergency, is medical evacuation needed?
Business Culture
What to wear to work?
When is formal dressing needed? Not needed?
What is the negotiating style of people in the country?
How does power distance impact business dealings?
What is the employee/boss relationship in this culture?
Are people formal or informal?
What is the relationship with co-workers in this culture?
Practical Issues (micro factors)
Language “Cheat Sheet”
How to say hello, thank you, goodbye, cheers, etc.
How to address older people, officials, boss/employee, men/women, etc.
Is small talk necessary before getting down to business?
Unspoken language: unique body language and gestures
Gestures considered offensive
Money
What is the currency and its exchange rate against the US$?
Is the currency fully convertible?
Is the currency stable over time? (5 years)
Is there a black market for the currency? (what is the difference with official exchange rate)
Are money belts needed? (security/pick pocketing situation)
Are credit cards accepted everywhere?
What is needed to open a local bank account? Regulations?
Dining Out
Tipping practices
Seating protocols in formal situations
Typical foods
Differences in alcohol consumption
Average price of a meal
Availability of Michelin stared restaurants
Cultural Adjustments
How different and in what ways is the culture different from America’s? (use a cultural model like Hofstede or Globe models)
How different and in what ways is the culture unique in Asia?
What are the commonalities with the USA?
Is gift giving common? If so, what is expected/appropriate? Not appropriate?
What are key holidays and how are they celebrated?
What are common cultural mistakes people make?
What are some common folklore and proverbs that can help understand the culture? Explain.
Communication
Is communication low/high context? Give examples
Is communication style direct/indirect?
What is the appropriate distance between people?
Is touching appropriate and, if so, in what contexts?
Are there gender specific communication patterns?
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Shopping and getting around
Is bargaining common? If so, what is the expected discount over said price?
Are prices more/less expensive than the USA? Find examples.
Is the price for foreigners higher in some places?
Is public transportation effective and efficient? Expensive?
Are unlicensed taxis common/safe?
Is walking at night by yourself safe?
Are there areas unsafe for foreigners during the day/night?





