Chinese Cultural Know-How

As promised here is the 5th and final installment of information on Chinese Cultural know-how for 2010:

Chinese society and culture

Confucianism can be seen as a major influence that permeates the whole of Chinese society. It revolves around the concept of harmonious relationships. This is manifested in an aversion to conflict, maintenance of proper behaviour and the preservation of ‘face’, which roughly translates as ‘honour’, ‘good reputation’ or ‘respect’.
Chinese people value sincerity above all qualities. They admire sincerity, education, respect and frugality.

Confucianism: a Chinese ethical and philosophical system developed from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–478 BC). In Confucianism, human beings are teachable, improvable and perfectible through personal and communal endeavour especially including self-cultivation and self-creation.

In Chinese names, the surname comes first and the given names second. For instance, the basketball player Yao Ming should be addressed as "Mr. Yao", not "Mr. Ming".

In conversation, avoid controversial topics relating to China’s recent political history. Instead, ask a Chinese person about their culture, art and literature, or the recent economic growth of their nation.

Would you like to know more about Chinese culture or living and working abroad in China?
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Chinese Cultural Know-How

As promised here is the 4th installment of information on Chinese Cultural know-how:


Socialising, eating and drinking:

Hospitality is an integral part of Chinese culture, and an invitation should be seen as a great honour.


• If you eat in a restaurant you should not offer to share the bill, but you will be expected to reciprocate. Tipping is technically illegal in China, and you will not ever be expected to leave anything.

• If you are invited to the home of a Chinese person and you cannot attend, be sure to explain why so that you are not seen as disrespectful.

• Arrive on time and remove your shoes on entering a Chinese home. Bring a small gift, and remember to eat well and compliment the food.

• Never eat the last piece from a serving tray, and wait for your host to start eating before you do. Learn to use chopsticks and try everything you are offered.

Would you like to know more about Chinese culture or living and working abroad in China?

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Chinese Cultural Know-How

As promised here is the 3rd installment of information on Chinese Cultural know-how:

GIFTS:

• Gifts are traditionally given in China at New Year, weddings, births and birthdays.

• The way a gift is wrapped is almost as important as the gift itself. Gold and red are excellent choices. Avoid black, white or blue, as these symbolise funerals.

• Offer gifts with both hands. Don’t open gifts that you are given when you are still with the giver. You may refuse a gift three times before you accept it.

• In Chinese and other East Asian societies, a red envelope or red packet (known as Hóng Bāo in Mandarin and Lai See in Cantonese) is a monetary gift which is given during holidays or special occasions.

• Red envelopes are mainly presented at social and family gatherings such as weddings or on holidays such as the Lunar New Year. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is supposed to ward off evil spirits. A married person would not turn down such a request as it would mean that he or she would be "out of luck" in the New Year. In keeping with Chinese customs, newly wedded couples are also usually expected to be extremely generous with the amount offered in the red packets, so as to receive blessings for a blissful marriage.

• The amount of money contained in the envelope usually ends with an even digit, in accordance with Chinese beliefs; for instance 88 and 168 are both lucky numbers, as odd-numbered money gifts are traditionally associated with funerals. But there is a widespread tradition that money should not be given in fours, or the number four should not appear in the amount, such as 40, 400 and 444 as the pronunciation of the word "four" resembles that of the word "death", and it signifies bad luck for many Chinese. At weddings, the amount offered is usually intended to cover the cost of the attendees as well as a goodwill to the newlyweds. It is considered extremely rude to give a low amount of money on such an occasion.

Would you like to know more about Chinese culture or living and working abroad in China?
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Chinese Cultural Know-How

As promised here is the 2nd area of information on Chinese Cultural know-how:



Gestures and body language:

• The Chinese are not keen on physical contact, so be sure not to pat or slap a colleague’s back.

• Body posture should always be formal and attentive, as it shows you have self-control.

• When business cards are exchanged, present and receive cards with both hands and take time to read the card you are given. This shows your respect.


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Chinese Cultural know-how

Over the next few blogs I will be sharing 5 areas of information on Chinese Cultural know-how.
Here is the first -

GREETINGS:
• It is important to be reserved and courteous when greeting in China.

• If you are applauded as a welcome, return the applause.

• Greetings are formal and the oldest person is always greeted first.

• Handshakes are the most common form of greeting with foreigners (beware not to be overly vigorous when shaking hands as the Chinese may interpret this as aggressive).

• Many Chinese will look towards the ground when greeting someone.

• Address the person by an honorific title and their surname. If they wish to move to a first-name basis, they will advise you which name to use.

• Be ready to laugh at yourself readily – the Chinese have a great sense of humour!

Would you like to know more about Chinese culture or living and working abroad in China?

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Chinese Cross-Culture?

I recently found this quote and thought that it summed up some of the complexities of why it is sometimes difficult for 'foreigners' to understand the Chinese....
Chinese historian Professor Yi Zhongtian is quoted as having said:


The Chinese people are frank yet tactful, honest yet sophisticated, suspicious yet gullible, stubborn yet flexible, unscrupulous yet loyal, advocate etiquette yet often appear unmannered, stand for the golden mean yet are extreme, value the quality of being thrifty yet like to parade their wealth, maintain traditions when convenient yet love to chase modern fashion, believe contentment brings happiness yet often daydream about becoming overnight millionaires, believe the word of the fortune teller yet lack affiliation to any religion, like to form groups yet often fight, love to be controversial yet know how to smooth things over, do not like to be meddlesome yet love to gossip, know how to “seize the day” yet always talk about taking life easy...

Would you like to know more about living and working abroad in China?
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Working abroad in China

China is currently in the press due to the current visit of the British Prime Minister and the events surrounding his visit. Some interesting cultural difference is being highlighted as part of the visit. We are wondering what cultural training David Cameron has received?
At expatknowhow we have been putting together a China Culture Guide which will soon be available on our website for download.
We believe that this guide will be a valuable resource for anyone that will be visiting or moving to live and work in China/Hong Kong/Macau.
Watch this space for more details...

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Know-how for expats returning 'home' after living and working abroad.

When you have been living and working abroad for a period of time (1 year +). It can be difficult to settle when you return 'home'.
Here are some tips from repats who have had experience of this situation:

1. Realise that you will have to start over in some way.   
2. Life might feel like it went on without you. Life hasn’t waited for you to return.
3. Consider that you might have to put some effort into rekindling your friendships and relationships at home.
4. Accept that your friends and family will probably never be able to completely understand what your life was like abroad.
5. Be prepared to find yourself missing aspects of your former life.
6. Expect the unexpected. Think of it as another adventure, just like the one you started when you moved abroad.

Happy return 'home'...

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Relocation tips when moving to live and work abroad

•What assistance does your employing company provide for new arrivals locally?
-Find out and make the most of all support given

•Many cities have active expat social groups that can prove to be a good source of practical information for everyday life and settling in matters.
-Ask your relocation agent for an up to date list.

•Join online expat communities that will enable you to connect with other expats in the local area.
-Find out first hand how they overcame issues during their own relocation.

•Most importantly, don't forget to ask your relocation agent for any tips they may have for you to make the most of your package.
-Remember that they are your ally and they want more than anything else to have happy clients and customers, so will be more than available to provide any tips they can to assist you in your move and settling in to your new assignment.
 
Happy Relocating...

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Do you want to work abroad as an expatriate?

If you want to be posted to live and work abroad for your company - what do you have to do?

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), fewer companies are sending their employees abroad on work placements nowadays, and those who are being relocated for employment assignments are being less well remunerated and rewarded for their relocation.
Companies across the globe have had to slash staff, cut costs and rein in spending in an effort to remain in business. Therefore, is it unrealistic to think that you can expect your company to give you an overseas assignment?

The recession has not stopped new markets from emerging – what’s more, it has not stopped any business anywhere in the world from wanting to remain competitive.

A survey of executives and companies across 77 nations globally by the EIU revealed that 40% of all companies really wanted to increase their expatriate workforce.

Therefore, you can assume that there is a desire to have strong, well - experienced staff relocated overseas to develop new arms of your company’s business abroad. What’s more, it’s a fact that there is demand for expatriate staff, particularly with strong management experience for example, in many business sectors in the likes of China, India, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Russia…

The number one factor holding companies back from relocating staff according to the EIU is a financial one. And when you look more closely at the report from the Economist Intelligence Unit you discover that the placements that have been given aboard even during the recession have been less well paid than before.

If you really are very keen to move to live and work abroad, and you want to get an assignment from your current company, you have to sell the idea to them and sell yourself as part of the package. To do so you need to understand where their reluctance may come from – i.e., it’s a financial issue – and you need to be able to counter any of their arguments against your move with excellent reasons why you are actually the ideal candidate for the relocation.

Happy Relocation.....

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Business in India - Working abroad

Thinking about doing business in India? Thinking about working abroad in India?
Great article by the economist that I found linked from the dialogin.com website.
http://www.economist.com/node/17145035


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Expat relocation tips

Are you going to be living and working abroad?
Are you concerned about the possibility of identity fraud...
I heard last week of a lady preparing to leave the UK to go and live and work abroad, who hired the services of ALLSHRED. Allshred are a secure shredding and recycling company based in Oxfordshire http://www.allshred.uk.com/. She was concerned that if someone got hold of her old disposed of documents that they might have the possibility to steal her details and identity.
Have just added this to my expat relocation support tips list for future clients. Great idea.

Happy shredding!

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Advice Abroad, From Home?

When you are travelling to live and work abroad for business, where can you get the best advice from to make your trip successful?

Here are some comments from expats and business people who have experience of this:

"Most travel Web sites offer enough information to leisure travelers to make their trip a good one. But business travelers often have different needs."

“Hotel reviews in TripAdvisor and similar tourism sites are only slightly helpful, because most reviewers don’t have the obsession with connectivity that I do. Expat sites tell me more.”

” The hotel recommendations from someone who had past expereince, led not only to something more affordable and gave me all the amenities I needed, but put me in the center of things.”

“It’s helpful to speak with people who are from where you are from, and learn from their mistakes.”

Need help to make your trip successful?
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Advice from an experienced expat

The one thing that makes for a happy expat experience is good old fashioned advance preparation.

As true as this is for the expat, it is even more true for his/her family. As there is no such thing as a happy expat with an unhappy family.

If you are planning to live and work abroad then whether you have six months or six weeks to prepare for your expat assignment, there is a lot you can do in advance to make the transition as smooth as possible. Three humble suggestions to consider:

1. Throw away the travel guide book to your future home - Worse than useless. They usually give a tourist's view of a city/country, with no real sense for what it is like to live there.

2. Confront the facts - good, bad and ugly - and make sure any family members do the same. Some places are tough to live, and all are different from home in some difficult ways. The more you know about the negative aspects of your new home, the more you will avoid disappointment on arrival. You may even be pleasantly surprised.

3. Get professional help - With the internet touching nearly every corner of the world, there has never been an easier time for an expat to keep in touch with friends and family back home. But don't let this fool you into thinking the expat life is easy; an overseas assignment will still present you and your family with numerous challenges. Consulting a professional expat advisor before you leave is a wise move. Many employers will pay for this service, as it is helps ensure a good return on the huge investment they are making in sending you overseas.

Do you need professional help and support?
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Working abroad - Unfair dismissal in the UK?

Are you going to be working abroad?
Are you going to be sending an employee to work abroad?
This can raise may legal questions?
One question should be whether these individuals retain the right to claim unfair dismissal in the UK.

Recently (in 2 cases) the courts have referred to the priciples laid down by the House of Lords in the Lawson vs Serco case (2006 IRLR 289 HL), which divide employees into the following categories of cases:

standard - employees who ordinarily work in Great Britain can claim unfair dismissal if they were working in this country at the time of their dismissal.

peripatetic - employees who work in different locations abroad can only claim unfair dismissal in Britain if they are based in this country. The decisive factor in determining the base will be where the employees headquarters are or where the employees travel begins and ends.

expatriate - employees who both work and are based abroad can bring a claim here only in exceptional circumstances. They might be able to bring such claims if they work in an extra-territorial enclave, or were posted abroad for a business carried on in Britain, or have 'equally strong' connections here.
This information is an extract from an article written by Barry Mordsley and James Davis from Salans.

One of the many things you need to know when sending employees to live and work overseas.

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Managing Global Virtual Teams

Further to my last post on managing virtual teams I found some great information on wikibooks:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Managing_Groups_and_Teams/How_Do_You_Manage_Global_Virtual_Teams%3F

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Happy Teams....

Managing Virtual Teams - misunderstandings arising from cultural differences

A new report from the Economist Intelligence Unit, Managing Virtual Teams: taking a more strategic approach, highlights the prevalence of virtual teams and the methods by which they are managed.


The accompanying survey of over 400 executives from around the world found that, while 78% now work, or have worked, in a virtual team, this kind of teamwork has many problems, two of the biggest being misunderstandings arising from cultural differences – a strong argument in favour of cross-cultural training – and the general difficulty of leading people from a distance.
See more of the article @ www.eiu.com/sponsor/NEC/virtualteams

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U.S. Travel Visa Requirements

The US Government has recently announced that as from 9 September, there will be a $14 pp charge for ESTA applications.

The ESTA is the compulsory internet form that must be completed prior to travel on the US Visa Waiver entry scheme. Currently the ESTA is free of charge and valid for 2 years from time of issue.

No travel arrangements need to have been made to apply for an ESTA.

To apply, click on http://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

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Safety and Security Abroad

Safety know-how:

Whether you work for a company or you are on your own, it is you who is ultimately responsible for your own safety and security.
Before you leave to live or work abroad it is important to:

•Copy important documents (keep secure)

•Be familiar with the rule of law

•Have an emergency and contingency plan
 
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Expat Know How
At home working all over the world...

What to know when moving abroad to live and work?

When moving to live and work abroad there are many things that you will need to consider and know.
Visit http://www.expatknowhow.com/menus/main.asp?PN=Country to find out know-how and links to other useful websites.
17 topics you will need to review about the country you will be going to live in:
•History
•Economy
•Type of Government
•Value systems (the basis for behaviour)
•Language
•Legal requirements
•Business Practices (time, negotiating, entertaining)
•Protocols (Greetings, titles, gestures, gifts,dress)
•Security and Safety
•Health
•Transport
•Holidays
•Electric current and plug type
•Currency
•Time zone
•Country calling codes
•Weather
Be at home all over the world...

Packing for a trip abroad

Are you preparing for a trip abroad?
Do you have limited luggage allowance or space?
Then you need to go to this below link to find useful packing know-how:
www.expatknowhow.com/menus/main.asp?PN=Packing

If you have your own useful tips and know-how on packing for a trip abroad then please share with us by leaving a comment.

Physical Gestures and Future Communication with Computers

A must see video of a presentation by Pranav Mistry made at TED (Ideas worth spreading) in Mysore India.
The future of Computers and Communication?
Cultural differences spring to mind...Interested to hear your thoughts on this video and the future of communication and how we interact with each other and computers...
Enjoy the video...
http://www.ted.com/

China Trade Show know-how

Tips when meeting someone Chinese at a trade show:

• Questions about a Chinese person's private life are acceptable when used appropriately; thoughtful questions and communication about family are considered good gestures that provide friendly talk and further business.  
• Use small talk as an opening before you move to your specific interest points.  
• Dress formally but don't over-dress, Chinese believe professional dress shows respect for all participants at a trade show.  
• Use colourful stands and attractive giveaways, which will draw more attention.  
• Act professionally when introducing yourself and exchanging business cards.  
• Don't be shy when mentioning your expertise, because Chinese worship authorities and experts.  
• Don't stand close and don't touch often, Chinese like to have private space.  
• Be friendly in crowds and queues. Chinese don't pay much attention to a slight unequal treatment once in a while.  
• 
  
  Don't take first reactions too seriously; you might get lots of interest and enthusiasm but still get no feedback afterwards.  
• Don't be too pushy with the follow-up, and don't expect feedback very soon. Chinese need a period of mutual understanding to cooperate with business partners.  

Tips for anyone Chinese who is planning to attend a trade show :

• Introduce yourself confidently and actively; give firm handshakes.  
• Try to be straightforward and get down to business faster.  
• Always smile and be prepared when people don't reply with passion.  
• Form a line to wait for your turn and don't jump in conversations between others.  
• Don't spend too much time in small talk and don't talk too much about your private life.  
• Avoid making promises too easily.  
• Give quick feedback if you are really interested in what you see or hear

Article taken from the Argonaut Blog -

http://blogs.argonautonline.com/

Virtual Working Summit

http://virtualworkingsummit.com/

Its already started but the first session was so great that I had to recommend this online summit to others who may work remotely or with International teams or those who may need to communicate with others using conference or web calls as part of their work. Click on the above site to register.


John Niland kicks off on 28th June with Building Trust Remotely,
Nancy Settle-Murphy on 29th June: Navigating Across Cross-Cultural Tripwires,
John Flynn on 30th June: Tools for Successful Virtual Working.
Jean Binder on 1st July: Communication on global projects,
Pete Bennett on 2nd July: The seven dirty tricks you must be aware of before choosing your audio and web conferencing partners
Gareth Kane on 6th July: Sustainability and Virtual Working
Elizabeth Harrin on 7th July: Social Media and Virtual Teams
Penny Pullan on 8th July: Conference Calls Made Easy
Lothar Katz on 9th July: Negotiating Internationally

Happy Listening......

5 great iphone apps for travellers

Great apps for frequent travellers...

1. World Flights
Live departure and arrival information for every single flight in any given airport in the World. Fast, easy, intuitive and very low price: the best flight tracking application on the Appstore.

http://itunes.apple.com/app/world-flights/id374168766?mt=8


2. HotelPad
Hotel directory with maps, pricing and availability live info for most hotels across the World, again a must have for any last minute booking or finding the perfect location for your stay.

http://itunes.apple.com/app/id324473924?mt=8


3. Convert
Currency, distance, weights, measurements, temperature converter and more. Do not feel lost in any country and know instantaneously what is what.

http://itunes.apple.com/app/convert-the-unit-calculator/id325758140?mt=8


4. TripIt
Keep track of your flights booking, hotel and rental car reservations. A great complement to World Flights and HotelPad.

http://itunes.apple.com/nz/app/tripit-travel-organizer/id311035142?mt=8


5. Pageonce Personal Assistant
One app to keep track of your bank accounts, frequent flyers points, social networks and anything else you can think of while on the road.

http://itunes.apple.com/nz/app/personal-assistant/id285056092?mt=8


Happy Travels....

Doing Business with the Brits

Doing Business with the Brits


Today, UK businesses are very different from 20 years ago. However, there is still some hierarchy in British firms, with a distinctive difference between the status of Executives and managers, with most executives having secretaries. But contrary to many articles you'll read about the Brits and their working practices, they have become much more egalitarian with flatter organisational structures. And, NO! bowler hats and pinstripe suits are rarely seen.
The British like to work in teams and identify with personal commitment to a group. Individual initiatives are generally taken following a group consensus to proceed. However, there is also a strong feeling of individual accountability for implementation. Most managers aspire to be effective, decisive and above all 'fair'. Fairness in relationships is more important than closeness (the Brits overriding value system lies in the concept of 'fair play').
Meetings start on time and conclude on time. A meeting without a concrete decision or result is seen as a 'waste of time'. Unlike many other cultures, meetings are generally informal in style and begin and end with social conversation. Participants are expected to make a contribution, not necessarily just in their own specialist area. Opinions are encouraged and listened to. Advance papers may not have been read thoroughly before the meeting (unlike the French, German and Finns).
Although English is spoken all over the world, many cultures need an interpreter to understand if the British are saying "Yes". Wanting always to be polite and to have time to think, a standard business response is, "We'll think about it" or "How interesting". Communication is open, somewhat indirect, impersonal and detailed. It can be contradictory; but it should never be personal. Northern Europeans often fail to understand the true meaning of British communication as it is not as direct as theirs.
Humour is frequently used as a defence mechanism, often in the form of self-depreciation or irony and can become quite sarcastic during disagreements or arguments.
Presentations are structured and formal, but usually have an element of humour. Nowadays, an element of entertainment is expected.
Understatement is very common. Brits hate over emphasis (hyperbole), they see it as boastful and pushy. Sometimes Brits appear less enthusiastic than they really are. Don't give British people a 'hard sell' or what they refer to as an 'American sell'. They dislike it, seeing it as manipulative and pushy. They'll walk away. The audience will expect to ask questions at the end.
Best tip for working with the British: beware of the 'stiff upper lip' which gives the British the appearance of formality and detachment, they traditionally use this when faced with difficult situations.


Interesting article recently posted at Sietar UK and written by Dr. Deborah Swallow

Cross-cultural know-how for first time meetings

3 cultural know-how tips about first meetings, that I recently read on linked in........

1. Dress conservatively

You are planning to attend two important networking events: one in Milan, Italy, and another one in Dubai, UAE. How do you think your typical conservative suit would be perceived in these cultures?

In Italy, and particularly in Milan, the capital of fashion, the dress code is not to be overlooked. Style of dress is of the utmost importance, as outward appearance is indicative of inner values. Clothing is considered a reflection of your social standing, family background, education level, and overall level of competence. Therefore, dressing too conservatively or not making the extra effort to follow the current trends may give quite a bad impression.

On the other hand, your knee-length skirt, or tight-fitting trousers may be considered inappropriate in Dubai, where women usually wear loose-fitting dresses and show as little skin as possible. In Arab countries, modesty in dress and behaviour is the basis for respect. Not taking this into account may not only give a bad impression but even cause offence.

2. Greet every one with a firm handshake


The British handshake is a firm, quick shake. The firmness of the handshake is supposed to convey both dynamism and sincerity. It is considered acceptable for women to instigate handshakes with other men and women. But is it the same in Japan or Saudi Arabia for instance?

In Japan, hand shaking can only happen when an older and higher positioned Japanese person offers his hand to a younger person but never the other way round. Besides, handshakes are not supposed to be strong, and they seldom are. Therefore, a senior Japanese may not appreciate you instigating a firm handshake with him and may even feel offended by your obvious lack of respect.

In Saudi Arabia, physical contact between men and women is to be avoided. Be aware that while Saudi men may shake hands with other Western men, some Saudi men will not shake hands with Western women. You should therefore let them initiate the greetings and follow their lead.

3. Smile


British people tend to be quite reserved – there isn't generally an extensive use of gestures or facial expressions in the UK. A British person making a special effort to smile may appear moderately expressive in comparison to other cultures.

In Nigeria, smiling and showing sincere pleasure when meeting a person is important. People tend to be very expressive and more use is made of facial expressions than would be the norm for Northern Europeans. Warmth and friendliness are highly valued qualities. Neutral facial expressions are likely to be interpreted as a lack of interest in the other person.

However, smiling too much may be considered suspicious in Russia. Russian people tend to be rather formal, unsmiling, reserved and poker-faced at first encounters. They tend only to warm up when they are starting to appreciate and trust you.

Successful meetings...................

Travel advice

I recently had an article posted on the online magazine - Executive Traveller.
This magazine has lots of useful info and tips about travel. Places to stay, deals to be had, tips for travel, etc....
Go and take a look -
http://www.executivetraveller.net/
For those of you out there about to fly somewhere or return home, i hope that you avoid both the BA strike and the Iceland volcanic ash.......
Happy Travels...

'Managing' Overseas

Managing Yourself: Making It Overseas

I was recently sent this great Harvard Business Review article:
http://hbr.org/2010/04/managing-yourself-making-it-overseas/ar/1

Is your best performer/high achiever being sent overseas with the right attitude and skills?

Are you confident that you will be able to continue with your high level performance when you take that overseas post or project?

This article eloquently raises this question and shows that sometimes the best performer at 'home' is not the best for the job overseas?

Perhaps some additional global/cross-cultural skills are required?


Do you have any experience or stories to share that confirm this point?

What is your expat experience?

The HSBC Expat experience report 2009 shows results of a recent survey taken by expats.
Read more at this link:
http://www.offshore.hsbc.com/1/2/international/expat/expat-survey/results-2009
You can also find an expat economic report and offshore offspring report at the same site.
Are you thinking of becoming an expat?
Are you being moved as an expat to a new location?
Then this article will be valuable for you to read, giving insights into different locations and what other expats are saying.
Which country do you rate as being the best location to live in as an expat?

International Retirement Benefit Scheme - s615(6)

Was recently introduced to the benefits of a s615(6) trust scheme by Matthew Steiner of the Company s615(6) - The International Retirement Benefits Scheme. A tax efficient way for companies  (UK Limited Companies) and individuals (who's duties are conducted wholly outside the UK - non UK resident) to save for retirement.
To find out more go to http://www.section615.co.uk/
Happy Saving...

How to avoid Jet Lag

To follow on with my recent theme of air travel and IT. I recently read this great article about jet lag on the LinkedIn Global Worker Group:

'American mathematicians are working on a new software that could potentially halve the number of days it takes to adjust to a new time zone. The software, which is being developed by the University of Michigan and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, which focuses on the proper way to use an already-accepted method for beating jet lag–timed light exposure. For many, timed-light exposure works. But what some don’t know, is that if it is applied incorrectly, it can actually worsen your jet lag.

Researchers say the computer program they’re creating will allow travelers to maximize their efforts to beat the problem, resulting in more efficient sleep, a decrease in fatigue, and an increase in cognitive performance.

Travelers would simply enter the details of their flight into the program to receive specific instructions on the basics, such as when to sleep, when to go outside and spend time in the daylight, or how to take supplements believed to help curb jet lag, such as melatonin.

The research and resulting solutions could take another five years or so to complete, but when the work is complete, there are likely to be multiple applications, not just for jet lag. If you work the night shift, or under extreme work conditions, the software may be able to help you, too.

A book on jet lag was also recommended - Overcoming jet lag - Charles F Ehret, Lynne Waller Scanlon

Happy Sleeping!

Worlds Best On-Time Airlines

Great article from Forbes on the worlds 10 most on-time airlines
We need all the help we can get when travelling overseas.
Hope this article will help you when planning your trip.
Why not let us know what personal experience you have of these and other airlines?
Happy Flying!

World Travel Mobile Applications

worldmate iphone application
I was recently advised by a frequent traveller to download and use the worldmate iphone application. This app is also available for Blackberry, Nokia and Windows mobile.

The features include: flight status, travel calender, weather, world clock, maps, LinkedIn, etc.....
Well worth a look at the site to see the benefits for world travellers.
Happy travels.........

iphone travel apps

21 travel applications for iphone

I was recently sent this blog link by a colleague, it has details of 21 travel applications that can be downloaded and used on an iphone, some are even free. Great information for all those who own an iphone and travel, whether for work or pleasure.

Portugal - what is it like there?

Portugal know-how
My first overseas business trip in 1987 and later my first expat posting in 1991 was to Opporto (Porto) Portugal.
What a dream first posting. Loved the food, loved the wine and especially the Port wine... chilled white or smooth warming red. Friendly people, great language, wonderful countryside and culture.
I would recommend a trip to anyone whether going for holiday, business or to live.
My colleague and I took a trip back there again in 2007 and saw that it has got even better in recent years, with improved road and infrastructure.

I was recently sent the above link by the same colleague and love the fact it contains great pictures and useful information about visitng Portugal, that echo my own thoughts and experience. As well as the fact that the information comes from a U.S fashion company photo shoot trip, as my working roots and what took me there are from the same industry.

Antarctica Culture?

Further to my Blog in January where I stated the trips that I would like to take in 2009, I received a link from a friend and colleague who has a cousin who has been working there. For those of you who are interested do go and take a look at his Blog -
http://frostofheaven.blogspot.com/
Wonder what type of cultural know-how would be required for that type of posting!
Anyone with first hand knowledge let us know all about it...........

Up in the Air

I went to see the new George Clooney film on Saturday called 'Up in the Air' and apart from the fact that it made me laugh so much I almost cried, it also made me remember what it used to be like travelling alone when I was employed by an American Corporation. I felt the film had been made for me and parts could have been about my life. A must watch for anyone who travels for their job and or anyone who has had to or will have to lay off/fire workers.

Travel guides for expats and others................

If you are travelling to a new country for a holiday, business trip or to settle and live there, then there are many places that you can now go to find out more about that country and what to expect from your visit. Country specific travel books, internet sites, intercultural training and cross-cultural training courses and websites.
I recently found the following website that has expat guides to over 34 countries;
http://www.expatarrivals.com/the-united-kingdom/moving-to-the-united-kingdom
Happy travels..........

New Year Travel

Its a New Year and a new decade (Happy New Year to all....sorry its somewhat late) and I have been sat here at my desk wondering what to write in my first blog of 2010.
I have been snowed in now for over a week, with all appointments having to be cancelled since I last had appointments to attend to before Christmas!
Now I am trying to remember why I returned to the UK after 20 years of living overseas in different warm climate countries, where the sun was nearly always shining and it never even got cold let alone snowed! I can remember many times wishing to feel cold as I overheated during the day or evening in many different locations.....
They say the grass is always greener on the other side and I now think that I may finally truly appreciate that saying. I came back home for many reasons and the weather was obviously not one of them and here is where I wish to stay, but I am thinking that some travel in the not to distant future is sounding rather like a good idea..........Can you believe that the next trips that I plan to take are the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train journey through France, the Swiss Alps and the Italian Dolomites and a cruise through the Antarctic to observe the penguin colonies, visit the Bay of Whales and Ross island........I clearly must enjoy the cold!
So I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has done either of these trips and what their experience was like, with any hints or tips on how to plan/prepare and also from anyone who has any cultural know-how of these countries that I should know about before I go.