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welcome to the world citizens guide

The World Citizens Guide was put together by students for students to use when going abroad. This project started when a group called Businesses for Diplomatic Action, Inc. (BDA) realized that America's favorability in other countries was decreasing. In a search for answers there was a huge listening exercise with people all over the world participating. BDA reached out to the world and here at home to find out what U.S. travelers of all ages should know before they leave the country.

Four root causes of anti-American sentiment surfaced in all that listening. They are: our U.S. public policy, the negative effects of globalization, our popular culture and our collective personality. The negative stereotypes about our collective personality are something we travelers can help to change. Every year an estimated 170,000 college students from the U. S. study abroad. That's a lot of potential ambassadors who can make a change simply by being good world citizens.

Five of us, students in the Temerlin Advertising Institute at SMU in Dallas, worked with our professor. We reviewed everything BDA collected, and then asked students their opinions about studying abroad, before and after their trips. Then we spent weeks researching everything published in hard copy and online about traveling abroad. We took all that and made a guide we hope you find useful.

happy travels to you all...
lisa b. coe, ben lipsett, meredith mathews, meredith mckee and katie springfield

Comments. Questions. Additions.
traveler@worldcitizensguide.org

RESOURCES

where to turn

It's a big world out there and it can be hard to find out where to get answers to your questions about traveling abroad - especially while you're traveling. As we researched and talked to other students we compiled a list of resources that we found helpful. You won't find everything here, but it's a great start.

Before You Go

Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/travel
1-888-232-3228
U.S. government's advice on vaccinations, immunizations, and general health conditions abroad

Travel Vaccination Locations
http://www.tmvc.com
Traveler's medical and vaccination centers
Travel Insurance
http://www.globaltravelinsurance.com

United States Customs Service
http://www.customs.gov
Customs regulations for the U.S. and international governments

Study Abroad: Tips and Resources

US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs: Tips for Students Abroad
http://travel.state.gov/studentinfo.html
Travel warnings, obtaining passports and visas, background notes on countries, foreign entry requirements, medical insurance, US Embassy or consulate locations, crisis abroad information, general safety precautions, travel benefits for students, and links to other sources of information for students

Embassies

http://www.embassiesabroad.com
A quick guide to embassies around the world

International Education Resource
http://www.goabroad.com
Programs abroad and travel resources: travel warnings, travel guides, Embassies, currency converter, travel insurance, hostels/accommodations, international ID cards

Best Study Abroad Resources
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/study/resources/index.shtml
Links to key publications, web sites, and articles on study abroad

AIFS Study Abroad Programs
http://www.aifsabroad.com
Information on International and summer study abroad programs

Association for International Practical Training
http://www.aipt.org
Global training and cultural exchange programs for professionals or students

Frommers
http://www.frommers.com
Expert advice on individual travel destinations around the world

Lonely Planet
http://www.lonelyplanet.com
Another excellent source for advice on travel

Meet Your Neighbors

Culturegrams
http://www.culturegrams.com
Reference tool to give an insider's perspective on individual countries' culture: history, religion, customs, views, traditions, peoples, and languages

Language Help
http://www.single-serving.com
Provides both audio and printable phrase guides to a host of languages

CIA World Factbook
http://www.cia.gov/publications/Factbook
Summary of every country's statistics: geographical boundaries, international disputes, climate, geography, economic indicators, demographics, government, communications, and defense

The Virtual Tourist
http://www.wings.buffalo.edu/world
Click on the atlas to zoom into the region of your choice.

Money Matters and Conversions

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
http://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h10/update

Universal Currency Converter
http://www.xe.net/ucc/
The online converter allows you to check current conversion rates by selecting the two currencies you're interested in and the amount. Rates are updated every minute.

Western Union
www.westernunion.com
Money transfers, quick collect, send money online, bill payments, send cash worldwide

Tipping Abroad
http://www.tramex.xom/tips/tipping/htm
Chart by Country

http://www.frommers.com
Search "tipping guides" by country

Metric Conversions of Measurement
http://www.onlineconversions.com
length/distance, temperature, speed, volume, weight/mass, date/time, and more

Transportation and Accommodations

Train Information
http://www.raileurope.com
1-888-382-7245
Schedules and fares in Europe
http://www.railserve.com
Schedules and fares worldwide

Eurail Passes and Information
1-800-4-EURAIL

International Road Signs and Signals
http://www.asirt.org/roadwatch.htm

Hostel Listings Worldwide
http://www.hostels.com
Thousands of mostly private hostel listings in North America and international
http://www.accommodationsabroad.com
Lists accommodations in order of name, type and price

International Information and News

Live Radio Net
http://www.live-radio.net.info.shtml
Links to thousands of online radio stations worldwide

World Language Real-Time Chat and Forums
http://www.languagetrade.com

World Newspapers and Online Magazines
http://www.newsdirectory.com
http://www.worldpress.org/gateway.htm
http://world-newspapers.com
http://www.allyoucanread.com
http://www.thepaperboy.com.au/welcome.html

WORLD FLAGS AND FACTS

flags of the world - and some interesting facts

There is a lot to know about every country, but it's the little differences within each culture that make it interesting. We included an interesting fact and the major languages spoken for every country that you, as a U.S. student, are most likely to visit. We didn't cover every country in the world, but we've covered most of the ones where there are study abroad programs.

FLAG FACTS

Algeria (Official: Arabic. Other: French, Berber dialects)- In Algeria the traditional symbol of manhood is a moustache.
Argentina (Official: Spanish. Other: English, Italian, German, French) - People who live in Argentina eat more beef per capita than any other people.
Australia (English, native languages) - The film industry in Australia is one of the largest in the world.
Austria (Official: German, Slovene (official in Carinthia), Croatian (official in Burgenland), and Hungarian (official in Burgenland)) - Dating in Austria, one might expect to "go dutch." Unless it's a special occasion, men and women split the costs of their dates evenly.
Bahrain (Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu)- Citizens of Bahrain are among the most well educated people in the Gulf region.
Bangladesh (Official: Bangla, also known as Bengali. Other: English)- Some of the people here use their chins to point at things.
Belgium (Official: Dutch, French, and German) - In Belgium, talking with your hands in your pockets is considered rude.
Belize (Official: English. Other: Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib) and Creole)- The world's largest barrier reef is located in Belize.
Benin (Official: French. Other: Fon and Yoruba in the south and at least six major tribal languages in the north.) - Many people in Benin love hot and spicy foods.
Bolivia (Official: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara) - Some rural women wear bowler derby hats.
Bosnia/Herzegovina (Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian ) - Women here dye their hair; they rarely let their gray hair be seen.
Botswana (Official: English, Setswana ) - It is very rude to raise your voice in anger when you are in public.
Brazil (Official: Portuguese. Other: Spanish, English, French) - Few children ever leave home before they marry.
Bulgaria (Bulgarian, and secondary languages correspond with your background) - To say "yes" shake your head side to side; for "no" nod your head up and down.
Burkina Faso (Official: French. Other: 90% of the population speaks native African languages belonging to the Sudanic family) - Even though French is the official language of Burkina Faso, only 15-20% of the people speak it.
Cambodia (Official: Khmer. Other: French and English) - To greet someone in Cambodia place your hands together in prayer position at chest level.
Cameroon (Official: English and French. Other: 24 major African language groups.) - Cameroon has 240 local languages in addition to French and English.
Canada (Official: English and French.)- Canada has one of the highest immigration rates in the world, resulting in much cultural diversity.
Chile (Spanish) - Two Chileans have received Nobel Prizes in literature.
China (Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects and minority languages) - Even though China is barely larger than the U.S. in land size, the population is four times larger.
Colombia (Spanish) - 90% of the world's emeralds come from Colombia.
Costa Rica (Official: Spanish. Other: English) - A normal breakfast consists of black beans and rice.
Croatia (96% speak Croatian, 4% speak other languages including Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and German) - All levels of education are free to the citizens of Croatia.
Cuba (Spanish) - Feel free to interrupt a friend or acquaintance in the middle of a conversation because it is not considered rude.
Cyprus (Greek, Turkish and English)
Czech Republic (Czech) - Czechs remove their shoes before they enter someone's home.
Denmark (Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect) and German) - Denmark has always been a monarchy.
Dominican Republic (Spanish) - Dominoes is a national past time in the Dominican Republic.
Ecuador (Official: Spanish. Other: Quechua and other Amerindian languages) - It is not unusual to arrive anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour late to an event.
Egypt (Official: Arabic. Other: The educated know English and French.) - A man will only shake a woman's hand if she sticks her hand out first.
El Salvador (Spanish, Nahua (among some Amerindians)) - People in El Salvador think it is rude to point with the index finger.
England (English, Welsh (about 26% of the population of Wales), Scottish form of Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland)) - People in England watch more television than any other nation except people in the United States.
Ethiopia (Amharic, Tigrinya, Oromigna, Guaragigna, Somali, Arabic, other local languages and English is the foreign language taught in schools.) - People eat a porridge meal made of corn, barley, oats, or sorghum everyday.
Finland (Official: Finnish, Swedish Other: Sami- and Russian- speaking minorities) - A common activity is going to the sauna.
France - (Everyone speaks French, and the regional dialects (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish) are rapidly declining.) - In France the number of pets outnumber that of children.
Gambia (Official: English. Other: Mandinka, Wolof, Fula and other indigenous languages) - You can not eat and drink at the same time, so drinks are not served until after the meal.
Germany (German) - Instead of crossing your fingers for luck, Germans squeeze their thumbs.
Ghana (Official: English. Other: African languages (i.e. Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe, and Ga)) - When a guest leaves they are accompanied to the bus stop, taxi stand, or given a ride home.
Greece (Official: Greek. Other: English, French) - In Europe, the correct form for waving hello and goodbye is palm out, hand and arm stationary, fingers wagging up and down. The common American wave means no - except in Greece, where it is an insult.
Guatemala (Spanish and Amerindian languages) - When you hail a taxi, the bigger the hand motion the longer distance you have to go.
Guyana (English, Amerindian dialects, Creole, Hindi and Urdu) - In Guyana, younger people address most adults or elders outside of their families as auntie or uncle.
Honduras (Spanish and Amerindian dialects) - At the age of 15, young women are brought into society with huge parties.
Hong Kong (Official: Chinese (Cantonese) and English.) Many Hong Kong Chinese use a Western name for business purposes.
Hungary (Hungarian) - Almost 80 percent of the women in Hungary work outside the home.
Iceland (Icelandic, English, Nordic languages and German) - The people of Iceland have one of the highest life expectancy rate in the world.
India (Official: Hindi (primary), Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Punjabi, Assamese, Kashmiri, Sindhi, and Sanskrit. Other: English, Hindustani) - There are at least 300 languages spoken in India.
Indonesia (Official: Bahasa Indonesia. Other: English, Dutch and local dialects.) - If you touch the top of someone's head in Indonesia, they will most likely be very insulted.
Ireland (English> (primary) and Irish (Gaelic)) - Until 1995, the constitution in Ireland made divorce illegal.
Israel (Official: Hebrew. Other: Arabic is used officially for the Arab minority and English is the most commonly used foreign language) - Israel does not have a written constitution.
Italy (Officail: Italian. Other: German, French and Slovene.) - Placing a finger under your eye and pulling down on the skin slightly means that you think someone is smart.
Jamaica (English, patois English) - When you are in Jamaica and you respect or approve of an idea hit fists with a person.
Japan (Japanese) - In Japan, it is considered rude to look at a person directly in the eye for more than a few seconds.
Jordan (Official: Arabic. Other: English, among upper and middle class) - Women's jewelry is a symbol of wealth and financial security.
Kenya (Official: English and Kiswahili. Other: various indigenous languages) - Kenyans are more likely to trust you if you look them in the eye.
Kuwait (Official: Arabic. Other: English.)
Laos (Official: Lao. Other: French, English, and various ethnic languages) - Two-thirds of the population is Buddhist.
Lebanon (Official: Arabic. Other: French, English and Armenian) - In Lebanon people do not ask about someone's religion because that would mean you're categorizing someone.
Lithuania (Official: Lithuanian. Other: Polish, Russian) - Basketball is the most popular sport in Lithuania.
Luxembourg (Luxembourgish (national language), German (administrative language), French (administrative language)) - All citizens over the age of 18 are required to vote. And they enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world.
Madagascar (Official: French and Malagasy) - Madagascar is an island the size of Texas, inhabited by a wide variety of plants and animals that only exist there.
Malaysia (Official: Bahasa Melayu. Other: English, various Chinese dialects, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai and several indigenous languages in East Malaysia) - Let's go fly a kite! Kite flying is a favored past time activity for many people in Malaysia.
Mali (Official: French. Other: Bambara and African languages) - People in Mali are obligated to take care of extended family members, people end up taking care of an average of 10 people.
Malta (Official: Maltese and English) - Limestone is Malta's only natural resource.
Mauritius (Official: English and French. Other: Creole, Hindi, Urdu, Hakka and Bhojpuri) - Mauritius has rare species of birds that exist nowhere else in the world.
Mexico (Spanish, Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional languages) - Mexicans have two last names: one from the father and one from the mother.
Micronesia (Official: English. Other: Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Kosrean, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, and Kapingamarangi) - It is common for people to offer food to visitors or people passing by and it is an insult to refuse unless you are full.
Mongolia (Khalkha Mongol, Turkic, Russian) - Mongolia's nickname is "Land of the Blue Sky," because of the great weather, in an average year there are 257 cloudless days.
Morocco (Official: Arabic. Other: Berber dialects and French which is often used in business, government, and diplomacy) - In some homes, it may be considered impolite to finish eating before your host.
Mozambique (Official: Portuguese. Other: indigenous dialects) - While in Mozambique be prepared to travel by foot or public transportation, because only the rich own cars.
Namibia (Official: English. Other: Afrikaans is used by most of the population, German, Oshivambo, Herero and Nama) - In general the rural homes in Namibia do not have telephones.
Nepal (Official: Nepali. Other: about a dozen other languages and about 30 major dialects, and English.) - The Nepalese think that wanting personal space, or to spend time by yourself is strange.
Netherlands (Official: Dutch and Frisian) - The Netherlands has more than 600 art museums.
New Zealand (Official: English and Maori) - New Zealander's usually do not tip because the employer is responsible for their wages.
Nicaragua (Official: Spanish. Other: English and indigenous languages) - When you visit a home in Nicaragua, say hello to everyone and wait to be invited to sit down.
Niger (Official: French. Other: Hausa and Djerma) - If you want to get someone's attention in Niger you should snap or hiss.
Nigeria (Official: English. Other: Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), and Fulani) - Greet someone in Nigeria, before beginning a conversation.
Northern Ireland (English, Welsh (about 26% of the population of Wales), Scottish form of Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland)) - In Northern Ireland, it is unacceptable to date more than one person at a time.
Norway (Official: Bokmal Norwegian and Nynorsk Norwegian. Other: Sami- and Finnish)- In Norway, 40% of the Parliament and almost half of the cabinet positions are filled by women.
Pakistan (Official: Urdu. Other: Punjabi, Sindhi, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant), Pashtu, Balochi, Hindko, Brahui, English and Burushaski.) - It may be inappropriate for a man to hold a woman's hand in public, but men are often seen walking down streets holding hands.
Panama (Official: Spanish. Other: English) - Panamanians are what we would call "close talkers;" they sit or stand close together while they talk to each other.
Paraguay (Official: Spanish and Guarani) - Soccer is the most popular sport in Paraguay.
Peru (Official: Spanish and Quechua. Other: Aymara, and many minor Amazonian languages) - Around half of the people in Peru live in poverty.
Philippines (Official: Filipino and English. Other: eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocan, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense) - The Philippines became independent from the United States on July 4, 1946.
Poland (Polish) - If someone in Poland blinks both eyes at you, they may be expressing romantic interest.
Portugal (Official: Portuguese and Mirandese) - If you are in Portugal and you would like to say that something is very good pinch and shake your earlobe.
Puerto Rico (Spanish, English) - Women do not change their last names after they get married in Puerto Rico.
Qatar (Official: Arabic. Other: English) - Most adults in Qatar wear perfume.
Romania (Official: Romanian. Other: Hungarian, German) - In Romania, you should only call very close friends or family members by their first names.
Russia (Russian) - New Year's day is generally Russians favorite holiday.
Saudi Arabia (Arabic) - Rarely do women interact with men outside of their families.
Scotland (English, Welsh (about 26% of the population of Wales), Scottish form of Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland)) - Scotland is the birthplace of golf, it was invented in the 1500's.
Senegal (Official: French. Other: Wolof, Pulaar, Jola and Mandinka) - It is very important to people in Senegal that you are well dressed in public.
Serbia-Montenegro (Serbian and Albanian) - The Serbian Orthodox Church teaches people that each family is guarded by a patron saint.
Singapore (Official: Chinese, Malay, Tamil, and English) - In Singapore, conforming to social norms is expected and often is legally enforced. On a lighter note, water sports are very popular.
Slovakia (Official: Slovak. Other: Hungarian) - We cross our fingers to wish for luck; in Slovakia they hold their thumbs.
Slovenia (Slovenian and Serbo-Croatian) - When entering a home in Slovenia you should at least offer to remove your shoes.
South Africa (Official: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu) - South Africa is the wealthiest country in Africa, however, there is a large income difference between the races.
South Korea (Korean, English)- According to our friends in South Korea, if you are visiting or working in Asia then use chopsticks or learn fast. When you do, you will be highly regarded.
Spain (Official: Castilian Spanish. Others (all official regionally): Catalan, Galician, and Basque) - Spaniards are what we would call "close talkers," standing close to each other when talking and frequently touch each others arms.
Sri Lanka (Official/National: Sinhala. National: Tamil. Other: English) - Every full moon constitutes a holiday in Sri Lanka.
Sweden (Swedish and small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities) - Sweden's foreign policy is built upon neutrality and nonalignment.
Switzerland (Official: German, French, Italian and Romansch) - Every man who is "physically fit" serves in the army.
Syria (Official: Arabic. Other: Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian, French, and English) - While in Syria pass things with your right hand or both hands, but never pass anything with just your left hand.
Taiwan (Official: Mandarin Chinese. Other: Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects) - Mostly all of the young people wear eyeglasses in Taiwan.
Tanzania (Official: Kiswahili or Swahili, English. Other: Kiunguju (name for Swahili in Zanzibar), Arabic, and many local languages which is usually people's first language.) - In Tanzania, mothers are referred to by mama followed by their oldest son's name.
Thailand (Thai, English, ethnic and regional dialects)- In Thailand, it is actually illegal to leave the country with an image of Buddha.
Tibet (Tibetan)- When you want to greet someone in Tibet, simply stick out your tongue.
Tunisia - (Official: Arabic. Other: French) Time is relative in Tunisia, "tomorrow" could mean next week.
Turkey (Official: Turkish. Other: Kurdish, Arabic, Armenian, and Greek) - If you are saying hello to a small group in Turkey, address each person individually.
Uganda (Official: English. Other: Ganda or Luganda, other Niger-Congo languages, Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili, and Arabic) - Taking something from someone with both hands shows appreciation.
Ukraine (Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Polish, and Hungarian) - Ukraine is known for it's artistic Easter egg painting.
United Arab Emirates (Official: Arabic. Other: Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu) - Expatriates make up nearly 70% of the United Arab Emirates population.
United States (English and Spanish. There is no official language in the United States.) In 2003, 7,300,667 passports were issued in the U.S. In the 2000 presidential election, 60% of U.S, citizens who were of voting age actually cast a vote.
Uruguay (Spanish, Portunol, or Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix)) - Beginning at the age of 18, all citizens of Uruguay must return to their place of birth to vote.
Venezuela (Official: Spanish. Other: various indigenous dialects)- When shopping in Venezuela try asking how much something costs by rubbing together your thumb and index finger while rotating your palm upward.
Vietnam (Official: Vietnamese. Other: English, French, Chinese, Khmer, Mon-Khmer and Malayo- Polynesian) - The Vietnamese find it very rude to touch people on the top of their head.
Wales (English, Welsh (about 26% of the population of Wales), Scottish form of Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland)) - The sport of choice in Wales is rugby.
Yemen (Arabic) - People do not date in Yemen and marriages are usually arranged.
Zambia (Official: English. Other: Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja, Tonga, and about 70 other indigenous languages) - People in Zambia consider it an honor to have guests in their home.
Zimbabwe (Official: English. Other: Shona, Sindebele, and several tribal languages) - Respect is shown by lowering yourself. That is way when a superior enters the room no one stands up.
Our world - Mandarin Chinese, English, Hindi, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Portuguese and Russian. If you can say hello in these languages, you could greet over half the people in the entire world.

100 PEOPLE

100 people in the world

If the world were a village of 100 people, where would you fit in? It's amazing to see what a large or small percentage of people would identify with you. It puts things into perspective in a whole new way, with a little visual help. Roll over any of the listings to get a clear sense of how large or small a population might be.

CREDITS

world citizens guide
www.worldcitizensguide.org

published by business for diplomatic action, inc.®
www.businessfordiplomaticaction.org

authored by students and faculty of temerlin advertising institute
smu, dallas, texas
temerlin.smu.edu

CD & micro site designed by InSite Interactive

Sources

Axtell, Robert. 1999. Do's and Taboo's of Humour Around the World. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Berlitz. 1999. Business Travel Guide: Europe. Spain: Berlitz Publishing Co., Inc.
The Census Bureau Home Page, March 20, 2004, http://www.census.gov.
Culturegrams Home Page, March 20, 2004, http://www.culturegrams.com.
Eisenberg, Paul. 2004. Fodor's Europe. New York: Fodor's Travel Publishing.
Frommers. 2001. Hanging Out in Italy. New York: Wiley Publishing, Inc.
Laib, Risa, and Maupin, Jacquie, eds. 2002. Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door. California: Avalon Travel Publishing.
Nelson, Annalise. 2003. Let's Go: France. New York: St. Martin's Press.
Steves, Rick. Europe Through the Back Door Home Page, January 20, 2004, http://www.ricksteves.com.
Smith, David. 2002. If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World's People. Toronto: Kids Can Press Ltd.
Study Abroad Home Page, February 14, 2004, http://www.studyabroad.com.
U.S. Department of State Home Page, May 24, 2004, http://www.state.gov.