2- thrown in at the deep end
3- we don't see eye to eye
6- get on like a house on fire
D
Match the idioms to the correct meanings.
1- Break the ice
2- thrown in at the deep end
3- we don't see eye to eye
6- get on like a house on fire
Work in pairs or small groups_ Discuss the following.
1 What tips do you have for breaking the ice at meetings with new clients/people from other cultures?
2 Talk about a place you have visited which was a real eye-opener.
3 Describe a situation when you
a) put your foot in it
b) felt like a fish out afwater
c) got into hot water
d) were thrown in at the deep end.
If you could be sent anywhere in the world to work, which country would you choose? What aspects of its culture do you particularly like?
Reading
Culture shock
A- Read the article below quickly and decide which of the following (1-5) are:
a) referred to in a positive way in the text
b) referred to in a negative way in the text
c) not referred to at all.

1- understanding the culture of the country you are living in
2- asking British colleagues personal questions when you meet them for the first time
3- hiring staff who are flexible and tolerant
4- providing staff with practical support
5- looking at the role of the spouse (husband o r wife) in the selection of candidates
for overseas postings.
B
Read the article again and answer the questions.
1 What things are people from different countries in an organisation:
a) likely to have in common b) likely not to have in common?
2 What is 'cultural awareness'?
C- Work in pairs. What do you think should be covered in a cultural training course?
D- Write a paragraph using information from the article and giving tips to people doing business in the UK.
LANGUAGE REVIEW : Advice, obligation and necessity
Advice, obligation and necessity
1 Advice
o We can use should and shouldn't to give or ask for advice.
Global companies should never underestimate the effect that culture can have.
• For strong advice, we can use must or mustn't.
You mustn't invade a British colleague's personal space tao soon.
2 Obligation/Necessity
o We often use must when the obligation comes from the person speaking or writing.
We must show more cultural understanding.
o We use mustn't to say something is prohibited or is not allowed.
You mustn't smoke inside any building.
o We often use "have to" to show that the obligation comes from another person or institution, not the speaker.
You have to get a visa to enter the country. (This is the law.)
3 Lack of obligation / Lack of necessity
o Don't have to and mustn't are very different.
don't have to = it is not necessary
You don't have to hurry. We have plenty of time.
Choose the most appropriate verb, There are some situations where both verbs are possible. Can you say why?
1- If you are invited to a Brazilian's house for dinner, you ____ arrive at least 30 minutes after the time mentioned.
2 - You _____ give purple nowers as a gift in many countries.
3- All personnel_____read the health and safety notices in the building.
4- Staff _____ disclose information on the project unless authorised.
5- I think you______encourage the team to develop interpersonal skills.
6- Simone______ work so hard - she is looking very tired.
7- When going to a new country to do business, you ____do some research into their culture.
8- You _____ pay immediately. We can offer you credit.
Read these notes on Chinese business protocol. How does each piece of advice compare with the situation in your country?

What are the 'safe' topics of conversation for this sort of situation?
Which topics would you avoid?
G- In your opinion, which of these items of advice for a successful conversation are useful and which are not?
1 Listen carefully. 5 Ask questions.
2 Give only 'yes' or 'no' answers. 6 Stay silent.
3 Interrupt a lot. 7 Keep eye contact.
4 Be polite. 8 Be friendly.