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... Do not refer to Ukraine as “the Ukraine”. Using ‘the’ in this context is reminiscent of the Soviet era and implies that the country is a region within the since-dissolved USSR. It is important to pronounce “Ukrainian” correctly, with stres ...

... Foreigners commonly envision Mexico as an underdeveloped, economically impoverished country. Some global measurements and social indicators can suggest this. For example, the minimum wage in 2017 was 88 pesos per day (roughly $6 AUD).28 Nevertheless, the c ...

... Be aware of appropriate attire when visiting a home or a religious building. Being shirtless, wearing singlets with thin straps that expose your shoulders and skirts that sit above the knee are sometimes considered too revealing in Kenya. Kenya hosts larg ...

... Smoking in enclosed public places is illegal. If you wish to smoke, avoid lighting your cigarette indoors and only smoke in designated areas. The primary focus of this cultural profile is the Republic of Ireland, rather than Northern Ireland (a region part ...

... Greeks may praise themselves, such as complimenting their own cooking or telling stories in which they are the hero. This is not considered to be bragging behaviour in Greece. Some Greeks may believe in the evil eye (mati) whereby one’s misfortune is cause ...

... Poor treatment of the Roma minority is common and Romanians may be openly disparaging and discriminatory towards them. Be aware that Romanians can become defensive if you point out this behaviour. People may remind you that you cannot be judgemental if you ...

... Many Mauritians enjoy watching and/or playing football (soccer). This is usually a good point of conversation and a great way to bond with your Mauritian counterpart. ...

... “British” and “English” are not synonymous. “British” may refer to people of Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) or citizens of the United Kingdom, while “English” refers specifically to people from England. Northern Ireland is part of the United King ...

... You may find some questions Indians ask to be quite forward or frank by Western expectations (e.g. ‘How much do you earn?’). However, these kinds of questions are commonplace in India. Westerners may feel awkward having people clean up after them or do thi ...

... Corporal punishment by any name or means is prohibited in Sweden. Smacking children or any similar behaviour is highly frowned upon. The indigenous population in Sweden – the Sami – are sometimes called ‘Lapps’. This is a derogatory term and is not encour ...