Culture Shock! Finland: A Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock! Guides) (Paperback)

by Deborah Swallow (Author) "Very few people know where Finland actually is..." (more)
Key Phrases: birch twigs, Santa Claus, Soviet Union, May Day (more...)

Editorial Reviews

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.

About the Author
Debbie Swallow is a Marshall Cavendish author. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company (July 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558685928
• ISBN-13: 978-1558685925
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #937,018 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #50 in	Books > History > Europe > Finland
  #74 in	Books > Travel > Europe > Denmark
  #82 in	Books > History > Europe > Denmark

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for anyone going to Finland!!!!, June 25, 2001

By	Jimmy Kytta (Columbus, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

I'm leaving in August to be an exchange student to Finland and this book told me everything the Lonely planet guides were afraid too! This book was divided into nicely planned sections with a wonderful section dedicated to doing bussiness in the country. No book about Finland would be complete without the sauna chapter- and this book spares nothing. It has been by far the best preparation book I've read. The only downfall is that it is written by a Brittish woman- but she makes both Bristtish and American comparisons whenever possible.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read, October 9, 2002

By	Carolyn Abram "traveler" (MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I, unfortunately, found the book after our recent trip. I had to laugh at so many of the customs and especially the traits, as I am of Finnish decent. It was light hearted, and I found it to be right on the mark, especially in helping me find out why I am the way I am. Have passed the book around and everyone agrees that it's a winner!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the Culture Shocks I've read, September 9, 2008

By	reskamrat (Apex, NC United States) - See all my reviews

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

I have actually read many of the Culture Shock books, as I have lived in, traveled to, and/or reported to managers of several countries. I find it fascinating to learn about other cultures and nationalities, and so find the Culture Shock series indispensable. Although I have lived in Sweden, I realized that I knew little of the Finns and of Finland.

This book covers the level of detail that I would expect from a cultural overview, and it provides insight from other individuals beyond that of the author's. The previous Culture Shock book I had read was about Canada, and that one was terrible -- I did not feel that I knew much more about the country than when I had started reading. In contrast, the Finland edition is very detailed and engaging -- I have learned a lot. Perhaps it is simpler to write of a relatively small country with a population of less than 6 million as opposed to the 2nd largest in the world with great diversity, but nonetheless, I can attest that the Culture Shock! Finland guide would be a necessity for anyone contemplating a move to the country, or for someone who works for a Finnish company/manager.