You are considering moving abroad.

Research attitudes to personal space and

discuss how you might feel in two different countries.

Jess: The number of students going abroad for higher education has increased
tremendously in the contemporary world. Moving or studying abroad will take
students out of their familiar surroundings to go and live in a different culture.

Abby: However, there is something that makes adopting a new country seems to be
a challenge for students. There are so many guidances should be introduced for
international students. Personal space, for instance, I think this is the first and most
important things for students when resettling in a new country.

Jess: Ah, so you, Have planned about studying overseas right?

Abby: Yeah, I am considered to move either in America or Japan. I have researched

a little bit about the personal space in each country. Uhmmm, I think it is quite
different.

Jess: Really? Mee too. I have planned that I will move to England in the following
years. Personally speaking, I think the term Personal Space is the same in USA and
England.

Abby: I have no doubts about that. For cultural norms in America, Americans are
likely to have lots of personal space – commonly at least 4 feet between themselves.
It is called "the personal standard circle." If someone invades to the boundaries of
that personal space, it may cause controversy.

Jess: I got that point. From my own experiences, about my trip to the USA. I shared
a room with one American girl and one India girl. However, the American girl tends
to require more personal space than India girl.

Abby: Oh, interesting, can you describe more?

Jess: For example, Asian people, when we talk, we usually put we arms around our
friend's shoulders, right? But American girl tends to be more discomfort when I did
that. At that moment, I felt quite bad as I thought that she hated me or something.
But when she explained, I can understand why the term personal space is different
in different cultures.

Abby: I strongly agree with this. I had a trip to Europe last year. I was curious about
why people always set a distance from others. Whenever getting in line or on the
bus, People usually stand away around 1-2 meters with others. At first, I questioned
that: Is that a serious problem when people are too cold or distant with each other?.
But when I study more,

Abby: But Jess. Have you ever imagined that once day when you are in England,
and we do things such as: hugging or kissing on the cheek for greeting?

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 Jessi: Haha. Nice question. But I think that British people are not very keen on
displaying affection in public. I mean hugging, kissing and touching are usually
reserved for family members and very close friends. For me, I think It is reasonable
to do that cause if I want to stay there for an extended period, I have to get used with
this, right?

Abby: Yeah. You know that in some countries, especially in Asia, public hugging or
kissing is still unfamiliar for people. My advice is that you should prepare or practice
that first. It may be difficult for the first time, but I believe that you will be okay with it
soon.

Jessi: How about your Japan plan?

Abby: Oh, I do not worry much about that because Japanese culture is quite similar
to VN as we share the same continent. However, Personal space dictates how one
communicates, works, and lives in Japan far more than in any other country
worldwide.

Jess: Oh, Can you give me more in-depth details about that?

Abby: The Japanese are notoriously shy and private and are regarded as much
more reserved than other Asian countries. Privacy is essential in Japan. People are
often expected to be quiet such as no talks on a mobile phone while on public
transportation. Moreover, eyes contact seems to be rude in Japan.

Jess: Some of my friends who are studying in Japan, they said that in Japanese
culture, people are taught not to maintain eye contact too much eye contact as this is
often considered disrespectful. In fact, instead of looking in their eyes, people can
look at others' necks when interacting.

Abby: Woah, That is new for me. But do you think this is too strict?

Jessi: Why you ask me? I'm so curious about what will happen to you when you
move to Japan?

Abby: I can not deny the term Personal Space in Japan is quite hard for me to adapt
to these strict rules. I should spend more time to study this.

Jessi: Okay. Let's see

Abby: To conclude, I think even when you decide to move to Western or Eastern
countries, you should adapt to their new behaviors. Different states have different
cultures. So if we don't want to make an awkward situation, you must research about
its culture, especially its personal space because it is the most severe problem.

Jess: That's right. I believe that whenever we go, we should also avoid some rude
behavior such as: Invading too much to people's personal space, touching when
communicate, Moreover, some aspect allows in Vietnamese, however, it is not good
to do in foreign countries. There are no strict etiquette rules that you have to stick to

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 everywhere. But you have to respect their cultures as well as become the residence
there.

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