Part of the fun of interning abroad is having the chance to immerse yourself in a different Culture. 

Each country has their own distinct set of customs and idiosyncrasies. And when you’re visiting on vacation, you barely scratch the surface. You’ll see the sights and try the food, but you won’t truly get to know the people or their way of life.

But by interning abroad, you can delve deeper into the national psyche of your host country. We spend so many of our waking hours at work that this can permanently alter your outlook on life.

Many interns bring back international insights or unique working practices that they discovered abroad; and blend their own attitude to work with those they’ve developed on their internship.

Of course, every country has its own unique spin on things. But it’s sometimes helpful to get some general perspective in preparation. When going from a Western country to an Eastern one – or vice versa – interns and tourists alike can sometimes experience a culture shock. Just look at the Japanese tourists who’ve been experiencing Paris Syndrome for years.

But ultimately, experiencing new cultures is part of the richness of life. And there’s no better way of getting the most out of your new country – and ensuring you don’t experience anything like Paris Syndrome – than preparing before you go.

That’s why we’ve put together this – very generalistic – look at the difference between Western and Eastern Business cultures. 

Hierarchy and Ability in Eastern & Western Culture

In the West, we tend to overestimate our competence and ability. One study suggests that 94% of American university professors consider themselves to be ‘above average’; this is impossible, of course, and points to some egotism among the Western psyche. 

Conversely, numerous studies across East Asia have found that this particular trait is rare. In some cases individuals were more likely to underestimate their ability compared to the average.

This is because Eastern culture tends to focus on the collective good, with families and communities having a large say in the lives of individuals. On the other hand, much of Western thought, from John Locke to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, is centered around freedom and liberty; from this stems a natural individualism and focus on the self.

How does this translate to business culture? For starters, hierarchy plays a far bigger role in Eastern countries. Where Western countries often employ a relatively flat business structure, with individual contributions welcomed; Eastern countries often have a rigidly defined chain of command. If you’re at the top, your word is final. 

This sense of seniority can extend to sitting down or greetings; managers and bosses tend to be older, which means that they’re greeted first and sit down first. Pay your respects to your elders and you’ll thrive.

Cultural Differences in Relationships

Relationships are a key part of any business. You build relationships with colleagues, clients, managers and stakeholders. So it’s important to know exactly what’s expected of you.

In the West, business relationships tend to be more formalized. Meetings are preferred over individual or informal agreements. And while work is collaborative by nature, Westerners tend to leave things in the office before they head home.

Conversely, strong business relationships are vital in Eastern cultures. Here, there’s a preference to build personal bonds outside work; often through informal after-work social sessions like karaoke or drinks. Relationships here often last years; while work tends to be more transient in the West, with employees changing companies every few years, there’s a focus on the long term in the East.

In fact, the employee-employer relationship is typically a far more paternal one in Asian countries. Employers are expected to nurture and grow their employees, offering guidance if standards fall short. Relationships, once forged, are unbreakable; you just need to get there first.

Asking Questions and Voicing Disagreements: East vs West

No two people are the same, and so disagreements are inevitable in business. In Western culture, asking difficult questions and disagreements are a good way  to get to the bottom of a problem. 

These techniques can help refine and make ideas more practical; or else help you realize when a solution isn’t viable. A healthy team can disagree and not take things personally; as long as the final outcome is a good one, it’s worth it in the end.

In Eastern business cultures, however, open disagreement can lead to a loss of face or honor. In South Korea, this is known as ‘kibun’. To directly challenge your superior can be seen as disrespectful; instead, businesses tend to look for areas of common ground to ensure things remain collaborative and harmonious. 

It’s best to keep disagreement to private and polite discussion; if you do feel the need to question things, be as careful and civil as possible. Try re-framing direct statements like “I think that’s wrong,” to something like “We could try it a different way.” 

This is something that varies among individual Western cultures, too, so always do your research before interning abroad. The Dutch are notoriously direct; the British less so. 

Cultural Differences in Day-to-Day Life

Beyond specific business habits, you’ll find lots of brand-new day-to-day idiosyncrasies wherever you intern. 

While you can often get by without knowing the ins-and-outs, attempting to fit in with your host country’s culture will demonstrate empathy and respect. 

First, business cards are important in Eastern countries. Exchanging business cards is known as ‘meishi’ in Japan, and it follows a careful protocol. Hand your business card over with two hands, and then receive your partner’s card in return. 

It’s vital to regard what you’ve been handed carefully – this will demonstrate respect and interest. Observe your partner’s name and titles closely, then place the card down in front of you on the table for the duration of your meeting. Simply grabbing the card and quickly putting it away in your pocket is seen as highly disrespectful.

Similarly, while handshakes are a regular Western greeting, a short bow in many Asian cultures is a friendly sign of respect. Unless you’re anticipating a fight, it’s typically bad manners to hold eye contact; so keep your eyes firmly downwards as you greet your business partner or colleague.

Keep in mind that many Asian professionals won’t take it personally if you go for a handshake; some will even offer a handshake of their own to put you at ease. But it’s a good way to demonstrate your respect for and immersion in your host country.

Lastly, Eastern cultures tend to favor modesty and humility. Keep your tone even, don’t raise your voice, and limit how much gesticulating you do.

Summary

As we’ve discussed, no two countries are culturally identical. But it can be useful before interning abroad to consider things from a generalized point of view. 

After all, through war, colonisation and philosophy, every region draws parts of their culture from a common wellspring. American ideas of liberty were heavily influenced by French thinkers; British culture today is made up of Normans, Celts, Romans, Danes, and many more besides. 

The history of East Asia follows a similar story. Empires rose and fell, conquering and spreading their ideas; countless religions sprung up, drawn from similar myths and legends. 

So while you’ll find individual quirks and habits, you’ll also find plenty of common ground between them.

As a rule, East Asian countries tend to be less individualistic and more collaborative. Society is built around the common good, and families have a large say over individual decisions. Honor and respect are valued highly; so make sure to remain deferential to your elders.

As we go into what some experts are calling the Asian century, there’s never been a better time to intern in an Asian city. At Beyond Academy, we offer a range of internships in Bangkok, Seoul, and Tokyo. Whether you’re a budding PR executive or you’ve got your sights on the silver screen, you’ll work with professionals to develop your industry skills and insight.

If you’d like to gain world-class work experience in your sector of choice, contact us and let us begin planning your Asian adventure!

The post East vs. West: Cultural Differences to Keep in Mind appeared first on Beyond Academy.

The post East vs. West: Cultural Differences to Keep in Mind appeared first on Beyond Academy.