These days it is easy to believe one fully understands a foreign culture even without having directly experienced it. Images in the popular media and information gleaned from books or from encounters with a few natives can provide the illusion of real knowledge. Living in a culture, having to come to terms with its conventions and customs, is a different matter entirely.
Every culture has distinct characteristics that make it different from every other culture.
Others can be so subtle that learning to deal with them is a complex process. A first-time visitor may remain uncomfortable and off balance for quite some time. Culture is learned and transmitted from generation to generation. Living in a foreign environment for an extended period of time will allow you to confront and develop a better understanding of the differences in various cultural systems. Cultural Stereotypes Numerous studies have been done to identify specific characteristics that distinguish one culture from another.