Etiquette Tips For Chinese Adoption Travel

When you are involved in a Chinese adoption, one of the last steps of the process is to travel to China to get the newest member of your family. Because China has a very different culture than the United States, you should know what the proper protocol and etiquette are. Here are some etiquette tips to make your travel experience more enjoyable. -Chinese people are very shy and modest. They do not show emotion or affection in public, and are very uncomfortable with people speaking bluntly. Most couples never kiss or hold hands in public. When greeting each other, a handshake is generally the most physical contact they will have. It is not uncommon for two females or two males to be holding hands while walking down the street. Usually Americans think this means that they are a couple, but that is not the case. It means that they are very close friends, and it is acceptable. It is not suitable for two people of the opposite sex to hold hands. Because Chinese international adoption requires travel to China, keep this in mind, so you are not offensive to the Chinese people. Be careful with your actions and be cautious of what you say. -Because Chinese adoption is a very intensive process, patience is required. Not only in the adoption process but in other aspects of Chinese living. Sometimes decisions that could easily be made anywhere else, can take a long time in China. Everyone is concerned about making sure that everyone involved is totally satisfied with the decision, and not just trying to make them happy. Chinese international adoption is a long process anyway, and by this point you are probably used to waiting. Stick it out, and just remember that it is worth the wait. -Don't be surprised when you are stared at. In many parts of China, the only time that Chinese people see Westerners, is in the movies. If you are traveling to underdeveloped areas, you will most likely be stared at. Don't be offended or scared about it. Depending on where you need to go to finish up your Chinese adoption process, this may or may not be an issue. It may be uncomfortable for you, but remember that it is just their curiosity. -It is considered to be extremely rude to take photos of people without their consent in China. In some areas where the locals are used to tourists, it is more accepted, but it is a good rule of thumb to get permission before taking a picture with someone in it. You could gesture with your camera and nod, if you get a positive response, then go ahead. Afterward, you can show them the picture if you have a digital camera. Children will find it exciting to see themselves in your camera, and it might make others want to be in your photos as well. -Chinese people have a great sense of humor. Like most people, they love to laugh. In this stressful time of Chinese adoption, and adapting to a new culture, the art of laughter may serve you well. Keep it light though, and remember that sexual and political subjects are strictly avoided. Chinese International adoption can be challenging in many ways, but in all aspects of life, laughter always makes things a little easier. Be prepared to laugh at yourself. -The concept of "Face" in China is very strong. "Keeping face" is extremely important, and "loosing face" in public is just unacceptable, and can possibly result in a fight. It is important to never shame, embarrass, demean or yell at a Chinese person. Loosing face is unacceptable, and if you cause someone to loose face, you will not get what you want, and you may end up getting something you don't want. Always remember to treat people respectfully. -When greeting a group of people, always greet the oldest member of the group first. A handshake is the most common greeting with foreigners. Don't be surprised if the person you are greeting looks at the ground. This is very common. You will most likely be meeting many new people in the process of your Chinese international adoption. Address the person by an honorific title and their surname. If they want to move to a first-name basis, they will tell you which name to use. -Chinese people rely on their non-verbal skills the majority of the time. They take in facial expressions, tone of voice and posture to tell them what someone is feeling. Frowning while someone is speaking tells that person that you don't agree with them. Keep this in mind while dealing with China adoption. You may have added stress because of the overwhelming nature of adoption. You don't want to portray this when speaking with people in China. They may misinterpret what you are trying to say. Etiquette Tips For Chinese Adoption Travel is a post from: Traveling China from Traveling China http://www.chinaya.org

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