New Traveling Etiquette Guide Available to College Students

Article, CNN, October 7, 2004
http://www.cnn.com/2004/EDUCATION/10/07/cultural.correctness.ap/index.html

It is estimated that over 167,000 college students traveled abroad last year. This number nearly doubles the same statistic from twenty years ago. Unfortunately, as an increasing number of students travel abroad, general sentiment toward America in many other countries is getting worse.

One reason cited for this increasing resentment towards America is the unilateral approach the U.S. has taken with Iraq. Many other countries do not share the opinions of the U.S. government when it comes to Middle East policy, and the media in those countries have often voiced this opposition across national airwaves.

Apart from representing opposing foreign policy viewpoints, Americans haven't been known to be the most culturally sensitive tourists, especially those who travel while in college.

For these reasons, a new "world citizens guide" has been published to help young American tourists become more culturally aware while traveling. In this guide, students will learn the cultural practices of many different countries. For example, one should not tuck their hands in their pockets while talking in Belgium, or touch the top of anyone's head in Indonesia.

The 60-page passport sized booklet was created through a partnership between Southern Methodist University and an advocacy group named Business for Diplomatic Action. It was unveiled recently at SMU and will be distributed to approximately 200,000 university students this fall.