- Home
- Destinations
- Guide For Indians In Belgium
Guide For Indians In Belgium
- By Bobby Castro
- Published 12/23/2011
- Destinations
- Unrated
Bobby Castro
For a more comprehensive discussion on Indians in Canada, do visit us at the " title="http://www.nricommunity.com/forum/f8/\">" target="_blank">http://www.nricommunity.com/forum/f8/"> Indians in Canada Forum.
Guide For Indians In Belgium
As a newcomer to Belgium, an Indian immigrant's first order of business is acclimatizing not only to the weather of the country, but also the cultural traits of the majority of the residents. Being a visitor to the country entails the need to establish respect and observance of local customs and traditions of the Belgian people.
The following are some sure-fire tips to win over your Belgian hosts or gain new friends in the area:
Family. The family unit is central to the life of the Belgian people and inclusion of children is a must in all its activities. Thus when greeting new arrivals, do not only shake the hands of the adults but also the children. When visiting a home, bringing gifts to the hosts as well as their children would surely score good points amongst the locals.
Dress. Being a cold climate, it would just be appropriate to dress conservatively. When in a business function, men should wear dark conservative suits with white shirts and ties. Shoes for this kind of attire are lace ups and not loafers. As for women, business suits or a blouse and skirt are acceptable for women. Shoes must always be kept clean and polished.
Table Manners. Elbows must be kept off the table and hands must remain on the table and not on your lap. The first toast is always given by the host and the guest of honor would give the final toast. All the food on your plate must be finished and being unable to do so would be considered as impolite and wasteful. When you are done eating, place your knife and fork on the plate to show that you are full.
Gift Giving. When giving gifts, it is best to give tokens instead of expensive ones and alcohol as a gift should only be given to close friends. Never give chrysanthemums as they are often associated with death and give flowers in odd numbers, except for the number 13. When receiving gifts, it is considered proper to open them upon receipt.
Body Language. It is considered impolite to snap one's fingers or slapping someone on the back, as it is deemed offensive. When flashing the OK sign, where the thumb and forefinger form a circle and the three other fingers are extended, it means zero or nothing in the country.
Do take all these simple things in mind so as to not to offend Belgians in their native country. These would come in handy in making new and great friends and colleagues as an Indian in their social circle.
The following are some sure-fire tips to win over your Belgian hosts or gain new friends in the area:
Family. The family unit is central to the life of the Belgian people and inclusion of children is a must in all its activities. Thus when greeting new arrivals, do not only shake the hands of the adults but also the children. When visiting a home, bringing gifts to the hosts as well as their children would surely score good points amongst the locals.
Dress. Being a cold climate, it would just be appropriate to dress conservatively. When in a business function, men should wear dark conservative suits with white shirts and ties. Shoes for this kind of attire are lace ups and not loafers. As for women, business suits or a blouse and skirt are acceptable for women. Shoes must always be kept clean and polished.
Table Manners. Elbows must be kept off the table and hands must remain on the table and not on your lap. The first toast is always given by the host and the guest of honor would give the final toast. All the food on your plate must be finished and being unable to do so would be considered as impolite and wasteful. When you are done eating, place your knife and fork on the plate to show that you are full.
Gift Giving. When giving gifts, it is best to give tokens instead of expensive ones and alcohol as a gift should only be given to close friends. Never give chrysanthemums as they are often associated with death and give flowers in odd numbers, except for the number 13. When receiving gifts, it is considered proper to open them upon receipt.
Body Language. It is considered impolite to snap one's fingers or slapping someone on the back, as it is deemed offensive. When flashing the OK sign, where the thumb and forefinger form a circle and the three other fingers are extended, it means zero or nothing in the country.
Do take all these simple things in mind so as to not to offend Belgians in their native country. These would come in handy in making new and great friends and colleagues as an Indian in their social circle.