The source of information for this page is L. Robert Kohl's Survival Kit for Overseas Living, fourth edition,
©2001. Used with permission of Intercultural Press, A Nicholas Brealey Company. All rights
reserved. Other use of this material is prohibited.
Strategy for a Stranger Entering a Strange Land
Begin to learn the basic names and phrases that appear on the signs and the names of foods or services. Learn
to read the street signs. Learn the monetary system.
Look for the differences. Are needs met differently here from the way they are at home? Are things organized
differently? What’s the logic or custom behind the naming of streets? Are there different combinations
of food or other goods in the stores or markets? What goods are displayed most prominently? What does
that tell you? What buildings stand out? How do you get a taxi? Pay on a bus? There is bound to be
something vital to you that seems to be totally missing? Does this society ignore a basic human need?
Don’t panic. The need is probably met in a different way from what you’re used to.
Talk to people. Identify friendly English speakers and develop and acquaintanceship. Don’t be afraid to ask
questions. Most people are very anxious to tell foreigners about their country. Go systematically into
different stores and offices and strike up conversations with anyone who will talk with you.
Talk with people before and after you arrive in the country. The best means of gathering information from people -
whether they are Americans or host nationals - is to ask questions. Talk with people every chance you get,
and don’t hesitate to ask the questions for which you need answers.
Learn the Local Language
The ability to speak just a few phrases expressing the common courtesies to the people you are living among says a
great deal. In fact it speaks volumes; above all, "I respect you and your culture and I’m doing my best
to learn all I can about it."
Americans should take no pride in the fact that they have a poor reputation as foreign language learners...In the
business world, Americans are recognizing that the company representative who is fluent in both English and the
language of the country of assignment, all else being equal, is worth far more than the one who must make
do with English only. There is and aphorism frequently heard in the corporate world: "If you’re going to
buy, you can do it in your own language. If you want to sell, you’d better do it in the local language."
Don’t worry about what the host nationals think of your modest, fumbling efforts. Most will be delighted.
Get Information in these Areas:
1. History. Look for something brief unless you’re a history nut. Don’t get bogged down in a heavy tome that
would put an insomniac to sleep.
2. Basic factual information. Find out about natural resources, family organization, religion, art, political
structure, and so forth.
Symbols
Human and natural resources
Family and social structure
Religion and philosophy
Education
Fine arts and cultural achievements
Economics and industry
Politics and government
Science
Sports and games
Foods
Language
3. A human profile. Develop a profile of an average host national the way we have done, in the course of this
book, of an average mainstream American.
4. Specific dos and don’ts for the stranger. As you know, each culture has its own set of manners, expected
behaviors, and unspoken rules. Find out what they are before going or as soon as possible after arriving.
5. Present-day problems and current national affairs. This kind of information is necessary for an intelligent
understanding of what’s going on around you.
6. Problems you as an American are likely to encounter. There are problems that are going to arise primarily
out of what you bring with you, your cultural baggage. Neither you nor the host culture is to blame,
however. You need particularly objective information to begin to solve these problems...Other Americans
are probably a good source for both he information and the solutions. But beware of emotion-laden biases.
8. Principal sights, monuments, and scenic areas. There is a high correlation between those foreigners who
function at their best overseas and those with the keenest interest in exploring the country to which they
are assigned. A national of the country will probably be your best resource in this venture. Why not invite
him or her along as a guide-companion?
9. The nation’s heroes and heroines. As Americans, we might expect someone who had come to live in the United States
to know about George Washington or Abraham Lincoln...Familiarity with your hosts’ myths, history, and famous
men and women will endear you to them. This is the kind of namedropping nobody minds.
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