Chapter 4
Cultural and socio-economic aspects
Introduction
Travelling to a foreign country is one of life’s greatest privileges. As professionals who travel internationally, we might have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in and learn from diverse cultures. This chapter aims to delve into the cultural and socio-economic aspects we encountered in countries, offering practical advice and insights. With contributions from colleagues sharing firsthand experiences, this guide aims to enhance our readers’ understanding and awareness in navigating global contexts. This chapter discusses various key themes that emerge, beginning with experiencing differences in ways people greet each other, dress, and eat. These nuances extend to scheduling, where the time food is normally consumed impacts the timing of meetings and morning/lunch breaks during events. For professional women, cultural literacy is not merely an asset—it is a strategic competence. Understanding social norms, power hierarchies, gender expectations, and communication styles directly influences professional credibility, personal safety, and the effectiveness of mission outcomes
This Chapter 4. complements the previous Chapter 1 (Preparing to Travel Abroad for Work), Chapter 2 (Packing-list), and Chapter 3 (In the plane (or any other means of transport), in transit and arriving at your destination) provides practical guidance to help you arrive prepared, alert, and confident.
To make the most of local culture, it is essential to approach cultural differences as a resource rather than an obstacle. Different cultures offer distinct ways of communicating, building trust, and demonstrating respect, and these differences create opportunities for mutual learning. For professional women, cultural awareness can also enhance confidence and authority in unfamiliar settings.
Preparing in advance by studying local norms, consulting a local colleague, or speaking with someone who has recently worked in the country can be especially valuable. Colleagues who have travelled to a country may sometimes offer more practical insights than residents, as they remember the perspective of an outsider navigating unfamiliar expectations for the first time.
Small, everyday behaviours often carry significant cultural meaning. While they may appear minor, they can strongly influence first impressions, professional relationships, and perceptions of respect.
Furthermore, visiting or living in a foreign country and experiencing cultural differences can have a huge influence on how you adapt to the new environment. Considering cultural differences is crucial, particularly during event planning, as it ensures inclusivity and respect for diverse customs and traditions. Culture shock can manifest in various stages, from initial excitement to feelings of disorientation and adjustment challenges. For further insights on culture shock, including its meaning, stages, and strategies for overcoming it, refer to Culture Shock Meaning, Stages, and How to Overcome (investopedia.com).
Social Status and Cultural Awareness
Depending on the country or region, there are distinct differences concerning the perception and social status of professions involved in the One Health sphere with respect to gender. While we observe a high proportion of women in the public health sector across the world, there are substantial differences between countries concerning the proportion of women in the animal health sector or the environment sector. In some countries such as Niger, for example, certain departments of environmental services are linked to the military. The medical doctors (less the nurses) are usually highly respected, but can absolutely have a lower social status and income than veterinarians, for example in highly livestock-dependent countries such as Argentina. Additionally, the urban versus rural setting within a country may turn views on professions and the role of women in these professions around. Within the same professional group women may face societal pressure to restrict themselves to certain branches of the profession (e.g. laboratory, pharmacies versus livestock practitioner) or to occupy less well-valued or sometimes higher-profile positions. Therefore, you might face some preconceptions (positive and negative) when you fulfil an ‘unusual role’ for that context.
Operationalizing One Health
Operationalizing One Health is on the one hand driven by dedicated individuals and personalities involved. But on the other hand, the societal perception of professions and the role and percentage of women in these professions, directly impacts your work e.g., Rivalries between professional sectors, people and sector-wise, who is likely to take the decisions, with whom to discuss which topic and, who to convince first to succeed with your objectives. Professional women working across sectors may encounter additional complexity when gender norms intersect with professional hierarchies. Being aware of sectoral rivalries, decision-making structures, and informal power dynamics can help in identifying allies and anticipating resistance.
Society and status of women
Profound issues like the position of women and how they are treated in a country or region, in politics and in religion might not be discussed openly. Care should be taken when commenting on these issues if one is to comment at all. In some cultures, married women and women with children have a different status that allows them to more easily avoid harassment. If unmarried, wearing a ring that looks like a wedding ring and/or keeping photos of your “nieces” or “nephews” on your phone can be an advantage in avoiding harassment. In some contexts, married women or women perceived as married may experience different social treatment. Professional women may choose to signal boundaries in ways that feel appropriate and safe to them. However, any such decision should be guided by personal comfort and local context.
Gender Based violence
As women, we are often exposed to gender-based violence ourselves or we often witness gender-based violence around us. See Chapter 10 for more information on gender-based violence in the context of harassment and other threats to safety, security, and wellbeing. Understanding the context where we are can allow us to behave in a more appropriate way and better support others. Situational awareness does not imply responsibility for preventing harassment; responsibility always lies with the perpetrator. However, contextual awareness may assist in risk mitigation and informed decision-making.
The institution you are working with or/and the institution hosting you might have a harassment strategy and a mechanism for reporting complaints. Study it and contact the persons in charge if you have any question and clarification. Unfortunately, there is often a vacuum in terms of policies and mechanisms. You thus might want to identify women’s organization working on these issues that might be of help.
Greeting rituals
First impressions matter everywhere you go, and salutations (i.e., how to greet someone) vary greatly across countries, languages and cultures. Mediterranean and most Latin American countries consider a close embrace and a kiss on one or both cheeks to be a normal greeting. In Paris, four kisses are frequent. On the other hand, especially in some Asian or Muslim countries, greeting may not involve touching at all, or women are not given a hand by men.
Africa, presenting the highest linguistic diversity globally with over 1500 languages spoken across its regions, exemplifies the rich tapestry of greeting rituals. While a firm handshake is the most common way to greet someone in many African cultures, nuances exist; for instance, women may offer softer handshakes in certain societies. It also can be a common gesture if somebody holds on to your hand for some time after a greeting, and it can be perceived as impolite if you immediately retract your hand. Moreover, the significance of eye contact during greetings varies in some cultures, it signifies warmth and respect, whereas in others, it may be perceived as confrontational or impolite. In rural areas, greetings with both hands may be preferred. Further reading on commonalities of culture on the African continent 17 African Cultural Values (To Know Before You Travel to Africa) (migrationology.com).
Different Greeting Rituals for Women and Men
In the Lozi culture of Zambia, individuals clap before greeting or expressing gratitude. Notably, women use a rounded hand palm, whereas men employ a flat hand palm. In some West African countries, when people are meeting a traditional authority (men and women), they might avoid direct eye contact with this person to show particular respect. If important or delicate matters are to be discussed, you or the authority might address words over a third person (usually your local colleague, preferably, but not compulsory a man), who then serves as a kind of ‘honour messenger’. Many times, this is useful due to language barriers or the typically low-voice speaking of authorities. When invited to handshake with an elder or an authority, consider supporting your right forearm with the palm of your left hand. On a less formal level, high value is given on first exploring potential relationships (ancestry and relatives, other people you might both know, places you both are familiar with, etc.), this serves as a social status check and looking for common ground. Notions on family affiliation or siblingship (sister, cousin, mother, etc) don’t necessarily mean the exact status, but rather how close someone is considered to the person (linguistic group, gender, political or social opinion, friendship, etc.). In Zambia a man can traditionally marry different wives and as the children “belong to the man” they often grow up with “another” mother. In that case they might talk about an “older or a younger” mother, referring to another wife of the father and not necessarily their biological mother.
In Thailand, people greet each other with the word ‘Sawadee’ followed by ‘kah’ for females and ‘kraap’ (soft r) for males. It is normal to refer to someone of a perceived higher status by the title ‘Khun’ (Mr/Ms) followed by their first name. Instead of handshakes, Thais traditionally “Wai” by pressing their palms together. More on Thai greetings:Thai Culture – Greetings — Cultural Atlas (sbs.com.au)
Bowing is a common form of greeting in Japan, where the depth of the bow varies depending on the level of respect or formality observed.
While in India, greetings differ according to regional and religious customs. In certain regions, “Namaste” with folded hands is the customary greeting gesture, while in others, a handshake or “Salaam” is more common
Practical Cultural Examples and Why They Matter
Greetings and personal interactions
In many countries, greetings involve physical contact (handshakes, bows, or nods), while in others physical contact—especially between men and women—may be limited. Observing how colleagues greet one another before initiating a gesture can help avoid awkward or inappropriate situations.
In some cultures, addressing people by their professional title or family name is a sign of respect, particularly in formal or hierarchical environments.
For professional women, these norms can influence authority, visibility, and perceived legitimacy. Awareness allows strategic adaptation without compromising professional identity.
Shoes and personal space
In many Asian countries, removing shoes before entering homes, temples, or certain workplaces is expected. Failing to do so may be seen as careless or disrespectful. Wearing clean, easy-to-remove footwear can make these situations easier to navigate during field visits or informal meetings.
Gratuity/Tipping practices
In countries such as the United States and Canada, tipping service staff is not optional but a core part of social and economic norms. Not tipping may be interpreted as disrespectful or unprofessional, especially when dining with colleagues or partners.
In contrast, tipping may be unusual or even inappropriate in other countries, where service charges are already included.
Respect for elders and hierarchy
In many cultures, age and seniority command significant respect. Elders or senior colleagues are often greeted first, invited to speak first in meetings, and served first during meals. Recognising these dynamics can be particularly important when professional women are working with senior stakeholders or community leaders.
Questions about Age
During a mission to the Democratic Republic of Korea, one of the first questions I was asked before almost every meeting was my age. After this happened several times, I became curious and asked why it mattered. I had no difficulty sharing my age, but I found it unusual that this was consistently among the very first questions.
I was then told that age was important for determining the order and seating during meetings: the eldest person would usually be given the first opportunity to speak and would also be offered a place of particular respect at the table. It was a small but memorable reminder of how deeply cultural norms can shape even the most formal professional interactions.
Body language and seating etiquette
In parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, the sole of the foot is considered unclean. Sitting in a way that points the bottom of your foot toward someone—especially a senior person—may be perceived as offensive. Being mindful of seating posture during meetings, visiting religious spaces like temples or informal gatherings can prevent unintended disrespect.
Business cards and professional exchanges
In Japan and some other East Asian contexts, exchanging business cards is a formal ritual. Cards should be presented and received with both hands, briefly reviewed, and treated with care. Placing a card casually in a pocket may signal a lack of respect for the person or their role.
Gift-giving norms
In some cultures, small gifts are customary when visiting colleagues or partners, while in others they may raise ethical or professional concerns. Understanding whether gifts are expected, appropriate, or discouraged is essential, particularly in institutional or diplomatic contexts.
Why This Matters for Professional Women
These culturally informed practices do more than prevent missteps—they help professional women:
- Build trust more quickly
- Signal cultural intelligence and respect
- Navigate authority, hierarchy, and visibility with confidence
- Reduce uncertainty in unfamiliar environments
Approaching culture with curiosity, humility, and preparation allows professional women to engage more effectively, feel more at ease, and leave a positive and lasting impression.
Religion and beliefs
Religion plays a significant role in shaping social norms, professional etiquette, daily routines, and scheduling in many societies. For professional women, understanding how religious beliefs influence work rhythms, public life, and expectations can help avoid misunderstandings and support respectful engagement.
In many cultural contexts, meetings or events may begin with a short prayer, blessing, or ritual. Participating respectfully—by observing quietly, standing when others stand, or following local cues—can signal cultural awareness without requiring personal religious involvement.
Religious observances may also affect availability, working hours, and mobility. For example:
In Muslim-majority countries, Friday midday prayers (Jumu’ah) are a central weekly obligation. Meetings scheduled around midday on Fridays may be shortened, postponed, or poorly attended.
In parts of the Pacific, Sunday is widely observed as a day of worship and rest, and professional activities, travel, or meetings may be discouraged or socially inappropriate.
In Hindu-majority settings, meetings or project launches may begin with prayers or offerings to deities such as Ganesh (associated with removing obstacles) or Saraswati (associated with knowledge and learning). This is particularly common in educational, academic, or ceremonial contexts.
Being aware of these practices allows professional women to plan schedules realistically, demonstrate respect, and avoid unintentionally signalling disinterest or insensitivity.
Cultural and Religious Celebrations and Holidays
Cultural and religious celebrations, often referred to as “holy days”, can offer valuable opportunities for cultural engagement, but they also have practical implications for travel, work planning, and personal safety.
Major observances such as Ramadan, Tet and Lunar/Chinese New Year, Hanukkah, (the Jewish “Festival of Lights,) and Christmas (celebrated on different dates depending on Orthodox, Coptic, or Western Christian calendars) can significantly affect:
- office hours and staff availability,
- transport schedules and border operations,
- accommodation prices and crowding, and
- expectations around eating, drinking, or socialising in public.
For professional women, dress expectations may also shift during religious periods, with greater emphasis on modesty in public spaces. Before departure, it is strongly recommended to verify whether such dates may overlap with your travel or work commitments. This can be done by consulting online holiday calendars or by checking directly with colleagues, local partners, or your organisation’s country office. Early awareness helps prevent logistical disruptions and demonstrates cultural consideration.
Some religious holidays have evolved into widely celebrated public festivals, where social norms are temporarily relaxed. Examples include Holi in India or Carnival in parts of Europe. During these periods:
- cities may be crowded and noisy,
- public services and transport may be disrupted, and
- behaviour that would normally be considered inappropriate may be more tolerated.
These environments can feel overwhelming or unsafe. Increased alcohol consumption, harassment, or discriminatory behaviour may occur in some settings. Awareness, advance planning, and situational caution (e.g. avoiding crowded nightlife areas, arranging transport in advance) are important to reduce risk and stress.
Menstruation
Although menstruation is a natural biological process, cultural attitudes toward it vary widely across regions and can influence women’s mobility, participation in professional activities, access to facilities, and overall wellbeing. Understanding these differences is important for practical planning as well as for navigating social expectations with discretion and confidence.
In many Western countries, menstruation is generally recognised as a normal part of life, although stigma and embarrassment persist, particularly in professional environments. In contrast, in parts of South Asia (for example India and Nepal), menstruation may be considered impure in certain cultural or religious traditions. In some rural areas, menstruating women may face restrictions such as being discouraged from entering kitchens, temples, or religious spaces, or from preparing food. Access to affordable menstrual products and comprehensive menstrual health education may also be limited, a challenge often referred to as period poverty.
In East Asia, including China and Japan, menstruation is acknowledged but typically not discussed openly. Japan has a long-standing policy allowing menstrual leave, though in practice it is rarely used due to social and workplace pressures. In the Middle East and North Africa, menstruation is often viewed through a religious framework. For example, within Islamic practice, menstruating women are exempt from fasting during Ramadan but are also considered ritually impure and therefore do not pray or enter mosques during this time. In Sub-Saharan Africa, attitudes vary widely between communities: some view menstruation as a natural marker of womanhood, while others associate it with impurity or secrecy, which can affect girls’ and women’s participation in school, work, or community life. In much of Latin America, menstruation is often treated as a private matter and not openly discussed, although there is a growing regional movement promoting menstrual education, access, and equity.
For professional women travelling internationally, these cultural norms can have direct practical implications. Menstrual products, particularly tampons, may be expensive, limited in variety, or difficult to obtain, especially outside major cities. It is therefore advisable to bring sufficient supplies for the duration of travel, including pain relief medication if needed. Those who use menstrual cups may wish to carry a spare, as these are unavailable in many countries. Disposal can also present challenges: sewage systems may not accommodate sanitary products, and waste bins may be absent in toilet facilities. Carrying small disposal bags can help manage this discreetly and hygienically.
Across regions, period poverty and limited menstrual health education remain significant global issues, affecting dignity, health, and participation in daily life. At the international level, a growing menstrual equity movement advocates for improved access to menstrual products, the removal of taxes on essential hygiene items, better education, and the reduction of stigma surrounding menstruation.
Anticipating these realities supports better preparation, reduces stress, and allows continued engagement in professional responsibilities while travelling without unnecessary discomfort or disruption.
Menstruation
What to Do
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Do pack sufficient menstrual products for the entire trip, including pain relief medication if needed, especially when travelling to rural or low-resource settings.
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Do carry discreet disposal bags for sanitary products, as waste bins may be unavailable and plumbing systems may not support flushing.
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Do plan ahead for long travel days, field visits, or limited-access settings by keeping supplies in hand luggage or a day pack.
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Do be mindful of local norms regarding religious spaces, food preparation, or ceremonial participation during menstruation, particularly in conservative contexts.
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Do seek trusted local advice if unsure about facilities, disposal practices, or social expectations.
What to Avoid
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Avoid assuming menstrual products will be easily available or affordable at your destination.
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Avoid flushing sanitary products unless clearly permitted, as this can cause plumbing problems.
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Avoid openly discussing menstruation in professional or public settings where it may be considered inappropriate or uncomfortable.
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Avoid scheduling critical activities without contingency planning if access to toilets or privacy may be limited.
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Avoid self-judgement or unnecessary stress when encountering cultural restrictions—these reflect local norms, not personal attitudes toward you.
Time Perception and Punctuality
Perceptions of time and punctuality vary widely across cultures. In some contexts—such as Switzerland or Germany—strict punctuality is closely linked to professionalism, reliability, and respect. In others, schedules may be more flexible, with meetings starting later than planned or adapting to changing circumstances.
- Regardless of local norms, professional women are generally advised to:
- Arrive on time for meetings and appointments
- Communicate proactively if delays are unavoidable, and
- Remain patient and composed if timelines differ from expectations
Demonstrating adaptability while maintaining professional standards helps manage relationships without frustration. Understanding local time norms can also prevent misinterpretation of delays as disrespect or inefficiency, when they may instead reflect different cultural priorities or constraints. Professional women may need to balance adaptability with boundary-setting, particularly when flexible scheduling intersects with personal safety considerations such as late-night travel.
What to Do
- Do research key religious observances before scheduling meetings, travel, or field activities, and confirm working hours locally.
- Do observe and follow local cues during prayers or rituals (standing, waiting, remaining silent), even if you are not participating.
- Do ask local colleagues discreetly about appropriate behaviour during religious periods (e.g. fasting hours, dress expectations).
- Do plan flexibility into schedules during major religious holidays or festivals, as services, transport, and availability may be reduced.
- Do arrive on time for meetings, even in contexts where schedules are flexible, and communicate clearly if delays occur.
- Do prioritise personal safety during large festivals or celebrations by arranging transport in advance and avoiding unfamiliar crowded settings late at night.
What to Avoid
- Avoid scheduling critical meetings during known prayer times, holy days, or major religious festivals without local confirmation.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting periods (such as Ramadan) unless you are certain it is acceptable.
- Avoid assuming festivals are “purely social”—some remain deeply religious and require respectful behaviour and dress.
- Avoid interpreting flexible timing as unprofessionalism; differences in time perception are cultural, not personal.
- Avoid high-risk environments (e.g. heavily alcohol-focused events, overcrowded nightlife) during large public celebrations, particularly when travelling alone.
- Avoid reacting visibly with frustration or judgement when norms differ from your own; calm professionalism builds trust.
Why This Matters for Professional Women
Religion, holidays, and time norms directly influence visibility, expectations, safety, and professional credibility. Awareness of these factors enables professional women to:
- plan work and travel more effectively,
- avoid unnecessary stress or cultural missteps,
- navigate public and professional spaces with greater confidence, and
- engage respectfully while maintaining personal and professional boundaries.
Approaching these differences with preparation, curiosity, and situational awareness strengthens both professional effectiveness and personal wellbeing.
How to introduce yourself
Introductions vary by country. The best approach is to inform yourself of the traditional ways to introduce yourself beforehand or ask a colleague (best a female colleague) at your destination. Most societies “forgive” foreigners, but you will feel more comfortable to be aware and “do the correct thing,” as this can reduce the stress you might feel by not wanting to offend somebody. It is therefore also advised to always start in a more formal way addressing somebody, as it is easier to move towards informality afterwards instead of the reverse. Check the formal formulas in the country, as sometimes men and women have different ways of addressing each other.
In some countries, especially in South Asia, veterinarians and medical doctors introduce themselves as Dr…… It is also respectful when addressing them with Dr. in a formal way instead of just using their first name. Often in meetings it is noted that women are addressed by their first name while men as Dr. by their family name. Make sure that you set the example by formally addressing the professional women as Dr. (where appropriate) and their full name even if you have a close and informal relationship with them so that you fully acknowledge their status.
Social etiquette
Social etiquette related to standing when greeting someone or when a person enters a room varies across cultures and is often closely tied to respect, hierarchy, and formality. In many Western professional settings, people typically remain seated during informal interactions but may stand when greeting a senior colleague, a client, or someone being formally introduced, as a sign of respect and professionalism. In parts of East Asia, such as Japan and Korea, respect is shown less through standing and more through bowing; however, standing when a senior person enters a room—particularly in formal or traditional settings—may still be expected. In many African and South Asian cultures, standing up when an elder, supervisor, or authority figure enters is a strong sign of respect, and remaining seated may be perceived as dismissive. In the Middle East, standing to greet guests or senior figures is common and reflects hospitality and courtesy. Conversely, in more informal or egalitarian cultures, such as in parts of Northern Europe, remaining seated may be entirely acceptable. For professional women, observing how local colleagues respond when someone enters a room and mirroring their behaviour is often the most effective way to demonstrate respect while navigating unfamiliar social norms.
Communication and Body Language
Body language is a powerful form of nonverbal communication, conveyed through gestures, facial expressions, posture, eye contact, and physical proximity. It adds nuance to spoken language and can help build rapport across cultures. At the same time, body language is highly culture-specific, and gestures or behaviors that feel natural in one context may be misunderstood or even offensive in another. For this reason, cultural awareness and restraint are essential, particularly in professional settings.
Touch requires particular care. In many cultures, especially more conservative or religious contexts, physical contact between people of the opposite sex may be inappropriate or misinterpreted. Even casual gestures such as a friendly touch on the arm can cause discomfort. Some body parts also carry symbolic meaning: in several Buddhist cultures, the head is considered sacred, while the feet are viewed as unclean. In countries such as Thailand, it is therefore inappropriate to point the soles of your feet toward another person or toward religious objects such as Buddha statues, including when sitting cross-legged.
Eye contact is another key area where cultural interpretations vary. In many Western cultures, direct eye contact is associated with confidence, honesty, and engagement. In contrast, in parts of East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, prolonged or intense eye contact—particularly with senior colleagues or authority figures—may be perceived as confrontational, disrespectful, or overly familiar. Professional women may need to strike a balance: demonstrating attentiveness without appearing challenging or intrusive, especially in hierarchical environments.
Gestures also differ widely across cultures. In countries such as Italy, expressive hand movements are common and socially accepted, while in Japan or other East Asian contexts, restrained gestures and minimal physical expressiveness are often preferred. Broad arm movements in formal settings in Japan may be perceived as impolite or lacking self-control. The hands, although frequently used for communication, can easily lead to misunderstandings: the “OK” sign (thumb and forefinger forming a circle) signals approval in some countries, but may be offensive in parts of Latin America, while in France it can mean “zero” or “worthless.”
Other gestures to be cautious with include pointing with a single finger (which may be considered rude in some cultures), beckoning someone with the palm facing up (offensive in parts of Asia), or using the left hand for giving or receiving items in cultures where it is associated with impurity.
For professional women, mindful body language supports credibility and helps navigate unfamiliar environments with confidence. When in doubt, adopting a more neutral posture, limiting gestures, observing local colleagues, and mirroring their communication style is often the safest and most respectful approach.
What to Do
- Do observe local colleagues first and mirror their level of eye contact, gesture use, and physical distance.
- Do keep body language neutral in professional settings: relaxed posture, controlled gestures, and calm facial expressions.
- Do use open but respectful eye contact, especially when listening, while avoiding prolonged staring in hierarchical or conservative contexts.
- Do use both hands when giving or receiving items in cultures where this signals respect (e.g. Japan).
- Do maintain awareness of symbolic body parts, such as avoiding contact with the head or pointing with feet where these are culturally sensitive.
- Do ask discreetly if you are unsure about acceptable greetings or gestures, particularly in formal or gender-sensitive environments.
What to Avoid
- Avoid initiating physical contact (e.g. hugs, arm touches, cheek kisses) unless you are certain it is culturally appropriate.
- Avoid exaggerated gestures or broad arm movements in cultures that value restraint and formality.
- Avoid pointing directly at people, especially with a single finger; use an open hand instead if needed.
- Avoid displaying the soles of your feet or pointing them toward people or religious objects in cultures where this is considered disrespectful.
- Avoid assuming eye contact norms are universal; what signals confidence in one culture may be seen as confrontation in another.
- Avoid using common hand signs (such as the “OK” sign) without knowing their local meaning.
East Asia (e.g. Japan, China, Korea)
Key norms
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Communication tends to be high-context and restrained.
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Respect for hierarchy and seniority is central.
Do
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Keep gestures minimal and controlled, especially in formal settings
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Use moderate eye contact, particularly when speaking with senior colleagues.
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Present and receive business cards or documents with both hands.
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Pay attention to seating order and who speaks first in meetings.
Avoid
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Broad arm movements or animated expressions in professional settings.
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Prolonged direct eye contact with senior figures.
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Writing on or casually pocketing business cards in front of the giver.
Middle East & North Africa
Key norms
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Gender, religion, and social hierarchy strongly shape interactions.
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Professional boundaries may differ by gender.
Do
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Let local counterparts initiate greetings, especially between men and women.
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Maintain respectful physical distance and composed posture.
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Use the right hand for giving and receiving items where applicable.
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Be attentive to prayer times and religious cues in meetings.
Avoid
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Initiating physical contact with the opposite sex.
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Strong or prolonged eye contact that may be perceived as confrontational.
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Sitting in a way that exposes the soles of your feet toward others
Sub-Saharan Africa
Key norms
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Respect for elders and seniority is highly valued.
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Communication style varies by country but often blends warmth with formality.
Do
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Greet senior individuals first and acknowledge them verbally.
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Use calm, respectful body language and measured eye contact.
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Observe how colleagues use gestures and mirror their style.
Avoid
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Rushing greetings or appearing impatient.
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Interrupting elders or senior colleagues.
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Overly casual posture in formal or community settings.
Europe (General)
Key norms
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Wide variation between regions, but professionalism and personal space are important.
Do
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Adapt gesture use to the local context (more expressive in Southern Europe, more restrained in Northern Europe).
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Maintain appropriate eye contact during discussions.
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Respect punctuality and structured meeting etiquette.
Avoid
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Assuming uniform norms across countries.
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Excessive physical familiarity in professional contexts.
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Interpreting reserved body language as disengagement.
Latin America
Key norms
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Communication is often expressive and relational.
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Personal rapport may precede formal business discussions.
Do
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Expect closer physical proximity and expressive gestures in some settings.
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Use warm facial expressions and attentive listening.
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Follow local cues for greetings and formality.
Avoid
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Overly rigid or distant body language that may seem cold.
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Assuming common hand gestures (e.g. the “OK” sign) have universal meaning.
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Rushing interactions without initial social exchange.
This section adds more detail to some of the previous sections
Try to maintain respectful communication, by adopting a friendly, non-threatening and non-judgmental attitude, that reflects cultural sensitivity. It is advisable to err on the side of formality rather than informality, ensuring clarity and precision in your interactions. Body contact can be interpreted differently in different cultures. Make sure that you are being respected and never let anybody cross your boundaries.
Approaching interactions with a positive attitude, wearing a smile, and practising patience can significantly enhance communication effectiveness and good will. Despite good preparation and cultural respect, challenges may arise, leading to feelings of stress or frustration. In such instances, speak slowly and clearly, considering language barriers and the possibility that not everyone speaks English. If you don’t speak the language, use gestures and hand signals as best as you can, but also be careful, as some hand-signals can have very different meanings depending on the culture
In your pre-trip preparation, it may be helpful to try and learn some words in the local language or bring a dictionary with you. Google Translate can be very helpful, also if the country uses a different script. If you work in a different country from your own, good communication is especially important with your bosses, co-workers, or host families.
Cultivating empathy towards individuals you encounter fosters deeper connections and mutual understanding. Empathy means being able to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and relate to their emotions and perspectives. With empathy, you can build rapport and contribute to a positive and enriching cross-cultural experience. A positive attitude can take you far and result in a better relationship and a more enjoyable time abroad.
Dining etiquette
Dining etiquette can vary extensively among cultures. Africans are considerably formal when it comes to dining with guests and business acquaintances. Can men and women sit in the same space or eat at the same table? They follow established dining customs that are essential to know. It is essential to dress nicely or formally when asked to attend dinner. In this case, it is better to be over-dressed formally than under-dressed by making sure that specific body parts are covered (such as shoulders, legs, head, arms). In some countries, sandals or open toe shoes are not considered respectful.
It is best to wait to be seated and for others to start eating and also to watch what hand and what eating utensils are used. In parts of Asia for example no knives are provided on the table. Check if people tend to leave some food on their plates as an indication that they are satisfied or if it is polite to “finish what is on the plate”. If you are given food that you completely dislike, politely indicate that you have a taboo or an allergy/intolerance to consuming this item to avoid offending anyone. The same advice applies for alcohol, which in various societies and cultures flows generously at dinners. As a woman, you should be careful not to end up in an unpleasant situation due to the influence of alcohol.
In most cultures, be conscious about what hand you use when greeting people. Mostly the right hand is considered as ‘clean’ and can be used for eating. In various cultures the left is considered as “unclean”. In many parts of Africa, most eat with their right hands especially in rural areas, and a wash-basin is made ready to clean your hands before and after eating the meal.
Gift giving
It is always good to bring some small gifts along on a mission. These can be either gifts from your organization’s gift shop (like cups, bags, notebooks, keyrings with the organization’s logo on them) or you can buy them yourself. It is important that they are understood as tokens of appreciation and not mistaken for “bribes”. In UN organizations, gift-giving over a certain value is discouraged entirely to avoid this potential miscommunication.
Chocolates are always well received as a gift, although in very hot climates they need to be kept in a relatively cool place. Cheeses are more tricky as not all cultures eat dairy products or are sometimes prohibited by customs control. Biscuits, cookies or a small carving or terracotta item can be considered but also here carefully consider if depictions are culturally acceptable or not. Giving alcohol as a gift can be tricky and should be discouraged, as well as cigarettes and cigars.
When giving gifts, certain etiquette rules should be considered. Refrain from using the left hand to give gifts. Use the right hand or better yet, use both hands when presenting a gift. Generally, it is appreciated if the gifts are neatly wrapped. Note that in various cultures it is not customary to open the wrapped presents in public. Overall gifts need not be costly, and giving a present to a child is deeply valued. It is also a charming gesture in some cultures to present the lady of the house with an appropriate gift as well.
Offering flowers when visiting someone is a widely recognised gesture of courtesy, but its meaning and appropriateness vary significantly across cultures, making cultural awareness important—especially in professional or formal contexts. In many Western countries, such as much of Europe and North America, bringing flowers when visiting someone’s home is generally appreciated; however, the type, colour, and number of flowers can matter. For example, in countries like France or Germany, chrysanthemums are often associated with funerals, while red roses may imply romantic intent. In Eastern Europe and Russia, flowers are traditionally given in odd numbers, as even numbers are reserved for mourning. In East Asia, flower-giving is less common in professional contexts, and certain flowers carry strong symbolism: white flowers are often linked to funerals in China and Japan, while lilies or chrysanthemums may be associated with death or mourning. In many Middle Eastern cultures, flowers are usually appropriate when visiting a family home but may be less common in business settings; modesty and presentation matter more than extravagance. In South Asia, flowers may be offered in religious or ceremonial contexts, but gifts such as sweets or fruit are often preferred when visiting someone’s home. Across cultures, offering flowers to the host of the household—rather than to an individual woman—can help avoid misinterpretation. For professional women, when unsure, choosing a small, neutral bouquet, avoiding strong symbolism, or asking discreetly about local customs can help ensure the gesture is received as respectful rather than awkward or inappropriate.
Society and status of women
More profound issues like the position of women and how they are treated in a country or region, politics and religion might not be discussed openly and care should be taken to comment on these issues.
There are numerous websites with more information on body language such as:
How Body Language Is Informed By Culture (forbes.com)
Cultural Differences in Body Language to be Aware of – VirtualSpeech
Body language in different cultures around the world: A top guide (berlitz.com)
10 Examples of Unique Body Language from Different Cultures | FluentU Language Learning
Body Language in Different Cultures | Importance & Examples – Lesson | Study.com