Switzerland – Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette (Paperback)
May 31, 2009 by Destination Guide
Filed under Travel Switzerland Guides
Review
“Culture Smart! has come to the rescue of hapless travellers, Sunday Times Travel -…the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries, Global Travel -…full of fascinating, as well as common sense, tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas, Observer -…as useful as they are entertaining, Easy Jet Magazine -…offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world, New York Times.”
Product Description
Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships.
Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include
* customs, values, and traditions
* historical, religious, and political background
* life at home
* leisure, social, and cultural life
* eating and drinking
* do’s, don’ts, and taboos
* business practices
* communication, spoken and unspoken
“Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers.” Sunday Times Travel
“… the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries.” Global Travel
“…full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas.” Observer
“…as useful as they are entertaining.” Easyjet Magazine
“…offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world.” New York Times
Buy Switzerland – Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette (Paperback) at Amazon
I grew up in Switzerland and bought this book out of curiosity to see how others see the Swiss. I found the information in this booklet very concise and easy to read. For the most part the book is very acurate and up-to-date. It is also fun to read and gives lots of information on understanding the Swiss, their history, and their customs. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about the Swiss and their country.
I bought this book as a gift for a graduate student who was going to work in Switzerland for two years. However, I did look through it before giving it away, and I had done quite a bit of research on line before picking this particular item. The book seemed to me a very practical guide for someone taking up residence in Switzerland, and was not so much meant for the casual 2-week vacationer. The sections on cultural differences between the Swiss and other people were particularly interesting, and would head off some awkward moments for a new immigrant. The parts about rules for apartment living sound quite strict for someone from America, but, again, would prevent misunderstandings between Swiss and foreign tenants. There are also the more usual guidebook sections on recreation, such as hiking, skiing, eating in restaurants, etc. The student who received the book proclaimed it “great”, and I think it will come in handy in the months ahead.
I bought this book for a friend in the U.S.A. As a Swiss I was very curiouse to read how “the Swiss” are.
I can agree with most things in the book and recomand “Switzerland – culture Smart!” to everybody who is interested in getting a quick overview about the general Swiss culture and attitude.
3.0 out of 5 stars
really a quick guide
it doesn’t have much picture inside. But it is really a quick guide
if you want to know Switzerland more.