Art of Crossing Cultures, 2nd Edition

Highly recommended to others, even those who have no intention of going abroad but would just like to have a better understanding of the cultural differences in this world -- something sorely needed these days.

By the way, Western women so quick to judge the 'sad' reality of women in Arab societies might do well to read this quotation from Harriet Martineau:

"[The women of the harem] pitied us European women heartily, that we had to go about travelling, and appearing in the streets without being properly taken care of -- that is, watched. They think us strangely neglected in being left so free, and boast of [how closely they are watched] as a token of the value in which they are held."

It should be a sobering reminder that it's a fools' game to judge, and certainly to pity, the reality of a person from a culture foreign to ours.

Thank you for your efforts and insights, Mr. Storti.


I usually hate this stuff...   February 27, 2003
Xmas shopper (United States)
21 out of 23 found this review helpful

I am a totally way-too-confident, know-it-all travel partner, but I admit to having lost it while living in Eastern Europe last year with my husband (not his fault). Simply put: this book kept me from going home early SEVERAL times because Storti lets you moan and groan a little and then points out how you might have had a part in creating the cultural "misunderstanding" that plagues you. Trust me...if this book could help someone as stubborn as I am...it might be responsible for world peace someday.


Wisdom that makes a difference   January 30, 2009
Ms. F (San Diego, CA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

It's been over 15 years, but I can still remember passages from this book vividly as I read and re-read them before and during my three years in South America. The strategies and perspective offered in this book can truly make the difference between a happy, successful overseas stint and an emotional disaster. I saw many of my colleagues fall into the very traps discussed in the book (hanging out only with the expat community, refusing to learn the language, belittling the local community, overindulging in drink), which led to many unhappy experiences. Living abroad is difficult - educate yourself and arrive prepared. The reader of this book will not only learn to cope, but will be awakened to the true value of the cross-cultural experience: learning to see the world a new way, and thus becoming a new person.


Framework for Cross-Cultural Living   March 3, 2005
Julian A. Richter (Elizabethtown, PA USA)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Using humorous anecdotes, this book gives the reader a framework for adapting to other cultures, not a step-by-step guide to "here's what to take the hostess in Bulgaria." The stories of British colonists in India may seem irrelevant if a reader is looking for that level of detail, but they do present basic guidelines that are applicable to any culture in the world. I would recommend this as one book among many that a person should read prior to moving to an overseas assignment.


The first thing you should buy when planning to move abroad   March 4, 2002
P. Persad (Texas)
8 out of 12 found this review helpful

This is an excellent book on culture shock ~ it has helped me a great deal in my own experience as an expat. They cover each stage of culture shock and offer strategies to combat them.

The only reason I didn't give this book "5 stars" is that they get a little obscure and too philosophical at times.