They can be on the left or right stalk, and can be activated by turning the stalk or pulling it up or down. To add confusion, some cars have variable intermittent wipers that are activated by twisting the end of the stalk or sometimes by pulling up or down on the stalk. In addition, front wiper controls are often integrated with rear wiper controls and front and rear washers. Finding the right function is often a matter of trial and error. The interior of the European-designed Ford Focus has a round headlight switch on the dash to the left of the steering wheel, wipers on the stalk, large, rotary heater controls underneath the radio controls, a trunk release on the dash, a handbrake between the seats, and exposed cupholders on the floor console.
Some differences are the result of cultural differences.
European cars usually have power window switches on the centre console between the driver and passenger rather than on the doors, because that's where Europeans like them. Europeans also prefer a rotary seatback adjustment rather than a lever, and a pull handbrake rather than a footbrake. Japanese and Korean cars usually have the headlight switches on the stalk instead of on the dash. For example, Saturn cars have power window switches between the front seats, and the new 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora has a headlight-on switch on the left stalk. Finding a cupholder when you really need it can be an entertaining experience.