When doing a work experience overseas in any foreign country, people often would want to try their best to avoid conflicts and to minimise misunderstandings. Therefore, it is extremely important to understand the work place culture of the country where you will be working. You will need to find out about the acceptable behaviours as well as the non acceptable behaviours at the work place.

Here, we would like to provide you with some information with regard to the acceptable and the non acceptable work place behaviours for both in Australia and New Zealand.

• Punctuality – People from both countries has high regard for this. You will be seen as more of a professional and taken more seriously if you are punctual.
• Eye contact – Keeping eye contact as you talk to other people is important. You will appear to be professional and confident.
• Shaking hands – When you meet and leave people, hand shaking is appropriate. However, in some parts of New Zealand, quick hugs may be appropriate. Once you begin work for your employer, you will need to observe how people greet each other and act accordingly.
• Speak clearly – Clear articulation of the English language is essential.  
• Queuing – It is essential to respect others by always wait for your turn to be served in a queue.
• Gifts – Giving others gifts in the work place is not usually practised. However, should you be invited to someone's home, it is polite to bring small gifts such as flowers and chocolate.
• Listening skills – It is polite to respect others by listening to what they have to say. In turn, you can expect others to do the same.
• Be polite – Always respect others by being polite and using words such as “please”, “thank you” and “your welcome”.
• Littering – It is usually forbidden to litter in and around the work place. Do the right thing and place your rubbish in bins.
• Smoking – Most work places ban smoking in and around the working area. If you wish to smoke, it is safest to ask to find out where the appropriate smoking areas are situated.