Culture Smart! Switzerland: The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture

Set aside your preconceptions of postcard scenery, chocolate and cheese, faceless bankers, and spotless cities. The real Switzerland is anything but bland.

This small, rugged, landlocked country in the middle of Europe is full of surprises, among them traditional customs and festivals which vary not just region to region, but village to village. Energetic, magical, and occasionally eccentric, these customs reveal a side to the Swiss that you may never have suspected.

Culture Smart! Switzerland introduces you to the rich human dimension of this enigmatic country. It provides an historical overview, explores Swiss values and attitudes, and gives advice on how to navigate your way through various aspects of Swiss life and society. It looks at the home life of the Swiss, and describes what’s important to them, how they work, socialize, and how best to get along with them. All this will give you a starting point so that you can discover for yourself the hidden riches of this fascinating society.

For more information visit: https://culturesmartbooks.co.uk/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=133

Wherever you’re traveling to, have a more meaningful and enriching experience by learning about the culture and society of the country you’re visiting.

We have guides to over 100 countries for you to choose from, including 22 brand new editions—the perfect read to dip your toe into your next destination before we can travel again.

Book Details:

    • ISBN: 9781787028609
    • Format: Paperback
    • Page count: 200
    • Dimensions: 170 x 110 x 15mm
    • Published at: £9.99 / $12.99 / CAN $17.99

5 things you need to know about Norwegian culture

Norway is an ever popular destination for visitors, drawn to its dramatic fjords and rugged coastline and the stunning spectacle of the Northern Lights. Proud of their land’s pristine nature and breath-taking beauty, Norwegians will expect visitors to respect their customs. And although they are naturally reserved they are very friendly and welcoming.

To mark the publication of a new edition of Culture Smart! Norway, here are some snippets from the guide, detailing aspects of Norwegian culture that are useful to know about before you visit. If you like what you read, you can pick up the guide here and receive 25% off the RRP throughout January with the code CSNEW25!

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Faux Pas and Feminism: Navigating France as a millennial Brit

The vibrancy and electricity of this Monday at midnight made an English Friday night look bland by comparison.

In an account of my relocation to Montpellier in the South of France, I tackle everything from first encounters to feminism on the other side of the Channel.

Top tip number 1 for moving abroad:  When arriving alone, at midnight, with three suitcases, DO check which Hotel Ibis your reservation is at before you land.

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New Title Announcement – Culture Smart! HUNGARY (Jan 2018)

Culture Smart! Hungary: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture.

A landlocked country in the heart of Europe, Hungary was a powerful medieval kingdom. Intimately involved in European history and culture, the Hungarians have always been proud of their distinctive identity, reinforced by the fact that their language bears no resemblance to that of any of their neighbors.

Today, following the collapse of Communism, Hungarians feel part of Central Europe again, the Europe of science, culture, and civic virtue, of gem-like Baroque churches and 19th century schools, town halls, barracks, and railway stations. This beautiful and beguiling land is home to the magnificent city of Budapest on the banks of the Danube, to the largest lake in central Europe, and to charming spa towns and hot springs. Hungarian openness and hospitality have been tested by the migrant crisis on Europe’s doorstep, and the rise of populist parties.

 After setting the context in a brief historical overview, Culture Smart! Hungary offers practical advice and important insights into different aspects of Hungarian life today, to help deepen your understanding and appreciation of this complex and talented people. 

Author Bio:

Brian Mclean and Kester Eddy are British writers who have both lived in Budapest for many years. Each brings specialist knowledge to the book, the former in Hungarian history and culture and the latter in political and economic affairs.

Culture Smart! Hungary: The essential guide to customs & culture.

ISBN 978-1-857-33868-3
TRADE PAPER, £7.99; (UK) £7.99; (US/CA) $11.99/$15.99
ALSO AVAILABLE IN E-BOOK
PUBLICATION DATE: JANUARY 2018
PUBLISHED BY KUPERARD

Wednesday Wanderlust – 10 values and attitudes of Western Europe

Western Europe 

Western Europe is a popular destination for expats, students, and tourists. Check out these 10 values and attitudes straight from our guides.

Belgium

  1. Belgium has always been multicultural. For its whole recorded history its territory has been inhabited by more than one people. There has been internal migration and immigration. Not long after the Belgian nation was created in the nineteenth century, people flocked from poor Flanders to newly industrialized Wallonia.

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