International Dining
While international business has been around for centuries, it has gained much speed and complexity over the past two decades. Firms seek international market opportunities more today than ever before, touching the lives of billions of people around the world. During our course seminars we focus on four countries the United States has the most total trade with. The countries include South Africa ($63.3 billion), Brazil ($71.7 billion), France ($77.3 billion), and Japan ($203.7 billion).
South Africa
Do:
Don't:
- Cross your knife and fork on your plate to indicate that you are still eating
- Place your knife and fork closely together to indicate that you are done eating
- Put your napkin on your lap upon getting seated
Don't:
- Leave food on your plate when you are eating
- Cut bread rolls. Instead, break them into small bite-sized pieces on a side plate
Brazil
Important Tips:
Avoid:
- Dress up
- Say "bon appetit" before you begin to eat
- Keep your hands above the table
- When offered food say "yes, thank you" or offer a polite excuse
Avoid:
- Placing your elbows on the table
- Making noise while you eat
- Eating with your hands
- Using a toothpick at the table in the open
- Drinking from a can or bottle
France
Table Manners:
Some tips:
- The French use the continental style of dinning
- Keep your hands visible
- Bread is served on the table, no plate offered
- Never eat with your hands
Some tips:
- The most honored position is at the head of the table
- Follow the host
- No elbows on the table
- Only talk business if host starts to do so
- Ask for seconds
- Eat dessert normally
- Say "salut" at the last toast
- Serving tips are not necessary
Japan
Good to Know:
Do's and Don'ts:
- The most honored position is at the middle of the table
- You may be sitting in a seiza position.
- Use chopsticks
- No napkins
Do's and Don'ts: