Intercultural Differences

  When it comes to language whether it be verbal or non-verbal, from culture to culture meanings vary.  When you are talking to someone from another culture you have to keep these differences in mind.  Without taking this into consideration you risk dealing with major communication ramifications.
  A professor of mine once told me he had a friend that visited Australia and was working there for some time.  This friend had set up a meeting with a mayor of a town at one o'clock.  My professor's friend waited and waited for hours until the mayor finally showed up much closer to three o'clock.  Here in the United States we have a very strict interpretation of time.  In Australia coincidentally, time has taken a much more laid back approach.  Before you venture out of your country it would be a good idea to do some research on the chronemics differences of your destination.
  Another difference in cultural language I have heard about is territoriality.  Ironically the same professor told me a story about a friend of his that went to Egypt for a vacation.  In Egypt there are many merchants that roam the streets looking for someone to buy their cloth, jewelry, perfume etc.  My professor's friend was out touring the pyramids when she came across one of these merchants.  The very persistent salesman was probably two inches from this woman's face trying to sell things to her, which in our culture is a serious invasion of our body territories.  The merchant also violated what is normal in our culture by nearly following this woman back onto her tour bus and stroking her hair, rubbing her back, and fondling her in these various ways.  Needless to say this woman was extremely uncomfortable, especially with the violation of touch.  In the Egyptian culture this is a very normal gesture and is just the way their merchants try to sell things to tourists.  Researching all of these qualities and more would be extremely advisable for someone taking such a leap out of their own culture and into another. 
  I believe that by being knowledgeable of some cultural differences is crucial, especially because we ourselves have become such a diverse country.  By understanding norms of other cultures, it is easier to avoid disrespect and embarrassing situations for yourself and others.