Culture Shock!: Syria (Paperback)

by Coleman South (Author) "After I accepted my first overseas teaching job - in Damascus - I began searching both the local public library and the library at my..." (more)
Key Phrases: most foreigners, United States, Middle East, Abu Romaneh (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 6-10?Straightforward, up-to-date overviews of two Arab nations. In addition to the standard coverage of country books, these well-written texts address the changing roles of women; marriage and funeral customs; examples of typical wages; and the manner in which different social, ethnic, and religious groups interact with one another. The attractive layout features a high-quality full-color photo on each page. Pastel-colored blocks of text give more in-depth information about high-interest topics. An uncluttered physical map of the country is useful, as is a world map that shows the nation's relative size and continent placement. A "Quick Note" section outlines major statistics and ready-reference facts. Arabic words are defined in the text and in the glossary. Two valuable additions that flesh out cultures that Americans need to know more about.?Sandra L. Doggett, Urbana High School, Walkersville, MD
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
You'll never feel intimidated and awkward about the customs and etiquette of another country again. With the insights provided in this CULTURE SHOCK! Guide, you'll learn to see beyond the stereotypes and misinformation that often precede a visit to a foreign land. Whether you plan to stay for a week or for a year, you'll benefit from such topics as understanding the rules of driving and monetary systems, religious practices and making friends. There are tips on political traditions, building business relationships, and the particular intricacies of setting up a home or office. Great for the business traveler, the foreign exchange student, or the tourist who makes a sincere attempt to cross the bridge into a new and exciting culture.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company (June 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558682430
• ISBN-13: 978-1558682436
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,329,427 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very accurate description of what to expect, October 17, 1999

By	Eugene ([e-mail]) "epantera" (Buffalo, NY) - See all my reviews

I found this book to be 97% accurate of what my experiences were for the week I spent in Damascus and immediate areas. I highly recommend anyone planning a trip to Syria to use this book as a guide to understanding Syrian customs. Coleman South's attention to the details of everyday life helped immensely. The Syrian people were indeed friendly and became even more so when they found out I was an American. I would only add that since Culture Shock: Syria! was written, information access is widespread, as judged by the forest of satellite dishes seen on rooftops and CNN in my hotel rooms.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Dated "shock", December 2, 2007

By	Mother Jones "Mom" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Culture Shock! Syria: A Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Paperback)

I've just returned from a month long stay in Syria where I traveled throughout the country. During my travels I met many interesting people young and old and from every political persuasion. All were extremely friendly to me as an American and stated that they viewed the American government (read Bush) differently from the American people. I was very disappointed in how out of date the Cultural Shock book was in almost all areas. The country is no where near as conservative as you would be led to believe by this text. On many occasions I couldn't believe that he was writing about the same country as I visited. I read the book before I went and then reread it upon return. I wouldn't recommend this book because it is so very dated. An added point: I have traveled extensively in the middle east and am very familiar with the history and cultures. of many of the countries. This book sorely needs updating!!!