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Managing Differences

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Here we are… my final blog post about Iceland. It has been an enjoyable journey exploring their culture. From the beginning, I was saying that Iceland is my dream destination, and after this detailed study of its culture, it remains on top of my bucket list. I believe I will have no problem adapting to their culture if I go there for a few weeks of vacation, as it does not vary much from Polish culture. However, if I were to move there for a longer period of time, I might struggle to understand some less common beliefs. For instance, traditional Icelandic beliefs, Huldufólk , or hidden people. It might be challenging for me to accept due to cultural differences. https://www.viator.com/tours/Reykjavik/Icelandic-Language-Class-Breaking-Down-The-Myth/d905-16823P7 Additionally, learning the language could be another obstacle to adapting to a new environment. Learning languages ​​does not come as easily to me compared to subjects like mathematics. On the other hand, maintaining personal spa...
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Education

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The educational system in Iceland consists of four levels: playschool, compulsory, upper secondary, and higher . Education for children and adolescents between the ages of six and sixteen means that 10 years of schooling is mandatory, and parents are responsible for their children's attendance. All four levels of education in state-run institutions are free, while private institutions charge fees. The school year starts between August 21 and September 1 and ends between May 31 and June 10, lasting approximately nine months. Similar to the United States, there is a five-day school week from Monday to Friday. School hours generally begin between 8:00 and 9:00 am and end around 2:00 to 4:00 pm . During lunch time most schools offer hot meals that parents can buy at a fair price for their kids. During compulsory education, students have between 30 and 37 lessons per week depending on age range, however, students spend between 20 and 25 hours per week. In upper secondary education, stud...
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Healthcare

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https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/10/03/the-10-biggest-trends-revolutionizing-healthcare-in-2024/ In every culture, we have different beliefs about health. A few main perspectives tend to be followed, such as holistic, medical, supernatural, and religious. Iceland is considered one of the healthiest countries in Europe, where medical and holistic approaches are the most common. Icelanders believe that their diet, lifestyle, and use of medicine are crucial to living a happy and healthy life. They prioritize simple, nutrient-rich foods, with favorites like skyr and other Nordic dishes. The Icelandic Provisions discovered that skyr helps to control body weight, regulate blood sugar, and promote bone and heart health. Additionally, Icelanders enjoy spending time outdoors, as engaging in outdoor activities is viewed as an effective way to care for both physical and mental health. The smaller size of the country made relationships between the citizens tighter, and socializing is...
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Business in Iceland

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Have you ever thought about differences in the business world across various countries? In this blog, I will discuss the business values in Iceland and compare them with those in the United States. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/business-people-shaking-hands-on-iceland-55575229 In Iceland, business protocols and practices are not only traditional but also modern. One of the most important aspects is direct communication. Icelanders are straightforward not only in everyday situations but also in their business interactions. Additionally, punctuality is highly valued. Everyone is on time at their meetings, and if they are running late, letting them know the host is recommended. Icelanders shake hands as a greeting, which is the most appropriate way to meet someone in their culture. While the conversation it is vital to maintain eye contact. It shows the respect and interest in the conversation. If you want to start a conversation, the most popular and safe topic is wea...
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National Pride of Iceland

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Sport is often one element that combines the whole nation. In most countries, national tournaments are much bigger than clubs, or college competitions. It is the same in Iceland. Soccer and handball are two of the most popular sports in this country. They also have their traditional sports such as Glima and Knattleikr. Soccer  National Icelandic soccer team https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/03/sports/soccer/euro-iceland-france.html Soccer has a long and rich history. The national soccer team, known as Strákarnir okkar, means "Our Boys". They reached the quarterfinals of the UEFA European Championship in 2016, which was surprising for many soccer fans as the team beat several of the top European teams, and as a country with such a small popularity it was a huge achievement for them. They even became the smallest nation by population to make it to the World Cup finals in 2018. The most well-known soccer player from Iceland is Eidur Gudjohnsen. Due to his talent, Ediur played for ...
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Free Time Adventures in Iceland

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Have you ever wondered what people in another country do in their free time and what their favorite activities are? In this post, we will explore what Iceland has to offer. https://explorerchick.com/trip/iceland-glaciers-and-hot-springs-winter-adventure/ Glacier adventures - Due to its unique geographical features, Iceland is famous for ice-walking, ice-climbing, snowmobiling, and sailing on glacier lagoons. These activities can typically be completed in a day. In particular, it is one of the most favorite activities among tourists, but many residents also love to actively relax from everyday work.  https://hekla.com/blog/top-10-natural-hot-springs-in-iceland/ Spas and swimming -Icelandic nature is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful in the world. Transparent and clean water, geothermally heated swimming pools, and spas are located throughout the island. It is not without reason that Icelanders are included in the ranking of the longest lifespans in the world. Embracing and ...
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Nonverbal Messages

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Britannica defines nonverbal communication as the “transfer of information from one person to another without the use of words or spoken language. It can occur in a variety of ways, including through facial expressions, gestures, and body posture or position.” Understanding non-verbal speech is very crucial to avoid misunderstandings. In various cultures, the same signs have different meanings, so knowledge is essential. Being familiar with these signs might help have a more fluent conversation. Additionally, nonverbal communication might be particularly helpful when a language barrier occurs. For example, while traveling, we might not speak the local language, but gestures can help us communicate with the local community. In Iceland, maintaining eye contact is a vital aspect of nonverbal communication. It shows respect and interest in the conversation. Moreover, one of the most vital gestures is shaking hands with the hosts when visiting someone and taking off your shoes before enter...
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