Thursday, February 16, 2012

Welcoming Families From Around the World

My family country of origins is Greece.
The first thing I would due to prepare for them is research the family culture.  I would concern myself with determining who is the power figure in the family.  I would need to know if it is appropriate to communicate with the mother or the father.
Then I would learn their meeting etiquette the way they are accustoms to greeting people with they meet for the first time. Upon their arrival I would greet them with a smile, firm handshake while maintaining eye contact as they are accustom too.
As a welcoming tool I would prepare refreshment such as cakes and fruit for their arrival.  They are accustomed to offering refreshment to guest at major events.
Then I would look into their religious practices.  I would try to obtain some type religious symbol for them such as the sign of the cross or a bible whichevers appropriate.  Most of their religious practices are centered on the sign of the cross.
Next I would try to obtain some cultural related toys or objects for the children to have. Children in Greece usually play with rattles and yo-yo’s.
Going out of town in your own country can be culturally shocking. Therefore, I hope that preparing these accommodations to a new family in the United States it would give them a sense of belonging and providing them with an excellent perception of the U.S.  It is a proven fact that you only get one chance to make a good first impression.  Through this experience I am able to factor in a little bit of their culture in to mine creating atmosphere love and acceptance.

References:
Kwintessential (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/greece-country-profile.html
Sutton,S.(n.d.) Greece. Retrieved from: http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Greece.html

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