✨ Unfolding cultures abroad, so you won’t be shocked! ✨
“Is this how the people live here?”
I’m sure many of you have heard of the term “Culture Shock” But of course it doesn’t mean you physically go in to a shock. But it’s actually the feeling that you are not one with all things around you. We’re talking about starting a a life in a foreign country which is full of new cultures and attitudes of the people around you that has changed that makes us feel difficult to cope and makes you question “Is this how people live here? Why isn’t it the same as when I was in Thailand?” But in the end, all these worries will go away only if you are open-minded and learning to adapt
“England, The Land of the Posh Nobles”
Whenever you hear “England” there’s an image of a group of lasses on a picnic, sipping tea in their lace dress. What you might not know is other than their love for sipping tea, the Brits also love drinking “beer” and it also has to be in the good old British pubs. If you’ve been to here, you would have seen the Brits heading in and out of these pubs all the time. The main idea is to sit down chat and vent about things in the pub vibe with their beers and the music. If you want to try living the British way, why not head out to the pub and try out a few beers, you’ll understand what we’re talking about!
Another thing you should know before going to England is that the Brits are really serious about queuing up (I mean seriously!). I mean don’t even think about budging in but to be real, you shouldn’t be doing that in any country anyway. So, don’t have your mind wander off and forget about your que. And while you’re wandering around and see homeless people lying around on the streets – don’t be surprised, it’s really common here
“America, The Land of Freedom”
Even though, they are well known for “freedom” but Americans still do respect the law as well as one another too. Especially, with the personal space when talking face to face. Americans might take in to account that you’re having a serious argument if you’re talking to one another too closely. Other than the mentioned, it’s also a tradition to tip for everything! Whether it’s in restaurants, taxis, hotels or even the cleaners in the toilet. You basically have to tip around 15-25% of the actual price. Don’t forget to have your calculator apps ready at all times.
If you are looking for consumer products here, there’s nothing to worry at all. American supermarkets sell everything! Whether you’re looking for milk, bread, rifles, bullets or even sex toys! And if you dare to order a large pizza in the states, you’ll be surprised by how big the size is. They made to serve quite a number of people. People here use their hands to eat pizzas, so don’t even bother with the cutlery. If you’re invited to dine at a friend’s house, don’t forget to bring some food and drinks along with you.
“Australia, The Land of Kangaroos”
Before we start, I must tell you, Australians take politeness seriously, like the words “Please” and “Thank you”. Or you could practice saying “Ta”, which is also a slang for Thank you. And if you’re invited to dine at a friend’s house, it’s a tradition to bring something along with you like a bottle of wine or some drinks, or something along those lines. Simultaneously, if someone visits you and you serve them water – it will be rude and insulting. You should instead, ask them what would they like to drink, “Would you like some tea, coffee or juice?” Being late is also considered very rude for Australians. Bargaining when you’re shopping or in a taxi is also a no-no. Another thing is department stores or local shops close quite early here, around 6PM. Buildings like restaurants and shops here would also be packed together in the same area but if there are houses around, in which the houses would also be packed together. It’s really common to see workers, students eating around the benches next to the roads or in the parks, some people even pack their own lunches.
“Canada, The Land of Snow”
In Canada it’s very common to see milk packed in a bag. It might not be unusual for Thai kids that’ve been drinking bagged milk since we were young. But other than milk, in Canada they also have packed water and juices in bags too. This is also for the convenience in transporting and distributing. Department stores in Canada are closed on the weekends but other stores like convenience stores start closing around 5PM, which is so different from Thailand where you’ll still see people heading into a store at 10PM.
As for waste disposal in Canada, every household will have disposal bins provided by the government, which are well separated into 3 main categories “Compost waste” wastes which includes organic matters like vegetables, fruits, food waste and also coffee grounds. Next is “General waste” like plastic crisps bags, toffee wrappers, etc. And lastly “Recycling waste” like cardboard boxes, cans, bottles, etc. This is strictly the responsibility of each household to do so. If you do not separate the wastes into their categories properly, the first time you would get a formal notice. But if you do it again you would receive a ticket and have to pay a fine.
“New Zealand, The Land of Never-Ending Clouds”
In some countries, there may be cultures where you would have to withhold your emotions and not express them, whether if you’re happy, angry or sad. But definitely not in “New Zealand”, here you can talk openly about your feelings to others. But you’d just have to speak the truth though. If you’re confused about something just ask. Don’t just assume that people would just understand you. In some countries, making eye contact with a seniority person can be disrespectful especially if you’re in a serious conversation or being told off. Eye contact is one of the most important things in a conversation for New Zealanders.
Most high school students in New Zealand go to bed around 9-10PM during school period. Which is the time when people in the house must refrain from making noises to avoid disturbing them. And students are not allowed to use the internet or mobile phones after 11PM during the week days. Most homes in New Zealand often have pets, usually either a cat or a dog that lives with them indoors. New Zealanders are really strict on time keeping. You must not be late whether when it’s time to eat, if you have an appointment or coming home after school. If there’s an unavoidable reason for you to be late, you must call the people at home or your host parents as soon as possible. Another thing that’s really important is you must wash your hands with soap before preparing a meal.
Going to live in a foreign country requires good preparations for dealing with the differences. At this point, if you are interested in studying in the above mentioned countries, whether it’s England, America, Australia, Canada or New Zealand,you can ask for guidelines or consult us through Line: @gounithailand or Facebook: gouni.th Or just pick up the phone and give us a call at 021634620. We can recommend schools that are suitable for ‘your lifestyle’!
