Expert: Edison - 8/14/2009

Question
I am moving to Sao Paolo for my company and I am wondering what are the main cultural differences between an American and Brazilian. I how can I expect to be treated as an American.

Answer
Hello Daryl,

Brazilian are extremely friendly people and very interested in meeting and helping other people. You will only be treated as American if you behave like an arrogant American. Most American that visited Brazil, love the country, their food and their people.

Few differences are:

1. Americans like they how space, Brazilian loves touching, hugging and kissing each other.
2. In Brazil, friendship means inviting to come to their house, share a meal and meet their family. Americans rarely do that, only if it brings personal benefits to them, such as career enhancement, more money, get into a relationship.
3. Americans usually don't like to try different food, music; and Brazilians love it.
4. Bureaucracy, long lines for everything, violence in big cities, and corruption is a way of live in Brazil that few Americans can understand and tolerate.

Check these links for more details:

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/living/living_abroad/living_in_brazil....
http://org.elon.edu/brazilmagazine/2006/docs/Palka.pdf
http://communicata.wordpress.com/2007/07/23/america-and-brazil-cultural-comparis...

Please, write me again if you have more specific questions.

Welcome and have fun in Brazil!

Edison