How to Navigate Cultural Differences on an Internship Abroad

Quick answer: To handle cultural differences abroad, learn the basics of local customs before you arrive, watch what your colleagues do and ask polite questions. Expect to make a few mistakes and do not take them too hard. This post uses Chinese New Year as an example, with its food, taboos, dress code and gift etiquette.

What is Chinese New Year and why does it matter?

Following the moon calendar, the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year officially begins with the New Moon and ends when the Full Moon unveils itself in the dark sky. This means that its starting date varies every year. Even so, its purpose, to pray for wealth and prosperity in the coming year, does not wither or change with time. Carrying forward a history of roughly 3,500 years, Chinese New Year continues to be the most popular festival for native Chinese and their descendants. Each year, the holiday draws more than 1.18 billion Chinese descendants to countries like South Korea, Singapore, and China.

Lasting for 15 days, Chinese New Year is the time of year where families come together to spend quality time together, enjoying food, desserts, and beverages believed to bring good luck. Available only during this time of year, these foods include fish, Chinese dumplings, whole chicken, Chinese New Year cakes, spring rolls, sweet rice balls, longevity noodles, oranges and many others.

What are the main Chinese New Year taboos?

If eating certain foods can bring you good fortune, some practices are believed to welcome a bad omen into your new year. As bizarre as these may sound, they are religiously practiced by those who celebrate. On the first day of Spring Festival, you should never take medicine or pills, as it could foreshadow a year of prolonged sickness.

You should also refrain from washing your hair or clothes, sweeping, and taking out the garbage during the Spring Festival. Doing so is equivalent to giving away wealth.

On the topic of money, you should avoid having porridge for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any other time of day. Yes, even if you are really craving porridge that day, you should not give in if you do not want your year to be unfruitful. Sharp pointed objects like needles, scissors, and knives, or shards from broken bowls and plates, should be avoided at all costs because they are believed to cause accidents. Therefore, they should not be used or given out as New Year gifts.

Murals during Chinese New Year (Source: Jisun Han on Unsplash)

Why is it worth adapting to a new culture?

We could stay on the topic of Chinese New Year traditions and taboos for longer, but we figure not everyone would find it enjoyable. So, instead, let's talk about adapting to and navigating these cultural differences. You have probably gone to another country at least once, for study, an internship or leisure, or met and interacted with people from another culture.

Let's face it, if you are not a Chinese descendant yourself, are not friends with those who are, or have not read books on Chinese New Year, this may be your first time hearing about these superstitions, taboos, and practices. That is only natural. Your life revolves around your reality, your truth, which stems from the home you were born into and what your parents' and grandparents' beliefs were. After some world-seeing, you soon realize that they are your safe place, the place you call "home".

Stepping away from where you belong does not take away the familiar. It opens your eyes to new cultures and other ways of making sense of the world around you, and lets you make positive personal changes with the options in front of you. If it suits your lifestyle, you can always learn to appreciate and embrace them all.

We understand that breaking out of your comfort zone is not always pleasant, and it can be overwhelming. But you should not let that stop you from taking the first step. Don't be afraid of making mistakes. Not making any mistakes is ideal, but if you do, there is no use in beating yourself up. Remember that all of this is new to you. That is the whole point of putting yourself out in the world and experiencing something unfamiliar, like an internship abroad.

How should you behave at work during Chinese New Year?

If you are interning abroad during Chinese New Year, try your best to be respectful toward the local customs and traditions. Most importantly, be mindful of what you say and do during this time of year, as you may risk disrespecting the locals and their traditions. If red is the dress code, it is best not to step out of line and show up in white or black, which are linked to mourning.

Employees usually get about seven consecutive days off during Chinese New Year (in 2023 this was 21 to 27 January), and work continues the following week. In a professional setting, it is appropriate to give scarves, hats, gloves, tea sets, and similar gifts if you wish to show your gratitude and extend well wishes to your colleagues and seniors. Be sure to remove any price tags before handing them over. They will appreciate that, even if you can't see it on their faces.

Cultural barriers are not the only obstacle to making memorable moments during Chinese New Year. Language can be an issue too. With limited knowledge of the local language, this time of year can be difficult. It is a good idea to have a translator near you in case of emergency, and a friend who knows both languages would do too.

How can you prepare for cultural differences abroad?

To make the most of your time abroad, be prepared for the cultural differences you may meet. Forming a basic understanding of local customs, traditions and language can enrich your travel, study or internship abroad. It lays the foundation for a deep appreciation of the culture, and it helps you see the world around you in a non-judgmental way.

Are you looking to expand your cultural horizons and build your personal and professional skills? Take a look at where AIP places interns, then book a free call with a career advisor to talk it through.

FAQs

How do I deal with culture shock during an internship abroad?

Expect it and give yourself time. Learn a few basics about local customs before you go, watch how your colleagues behave, ask polite questions and do not be hard on yourself when you make mistakes. Everything is new to you, and that is the point of going abroad.

What should I avoid doing during Chinese New Year?

Traditions say to avoid taking medicine on the first day, washing hair or clothes, sweeping, taking out the garbage, eating porridge, and using or giving sharp objects such as scissors and knives. Customs differ between families and regions, so follow your colleagues' lead.

What should I wear to work during Chinese New Year?

If red is the dress code, wear red or bright colors. Avoid white or black, which are linked to mourning.

What gifts are suitable for coworkers and managers?

Scarves, hats, gloves and tea sets are common choices. Remove any price tags before you hand over a gift.

Do I need to speak the local language to intern abroad?

Not for most AIP placements, because host companies work in English. Learning a few local words still makes daily life easier and shows respect for the culture.

Ready to see where you could intern? Browse our internship destinations.