Intercultural Drop-in

Event open to all the HEC community: students, partners, professors, and staff members.

Once a month, the Language Resource Center invites you to its premises for a time of cultural exchange and discovery.

The concept is simple: take advantage of your lunch break to discuss a cross cultural topic in French or in English with other members of the HEC community and our team.

On the day, all you need to do is come to the LRC (uppermost floor of Building L) from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Coffee/Tea is on us! 😊

Interested? Join us for an intercultural moment at the Language Resource Center:

Date	Theme	Sign up link

Work-Life Balance: Global Perspectives (December 17)

This session highlighted diverse cultural approaches to work-life balance, with a recurring focus on the impact of commuting. A French participant noted that long hours and extensive time spent in transit, especially in larger cities, leave little room for personal activities. Similarly, a Mexican attendee shared that commuting in Mexico City significantly limits time for hobbies or relaxation, despite a cultural emphasis on enjoying work and disconnecting. Stereotypes were also discussed, such as the perception that France shuts down in August. A French participant shared that a Chinese friend in Taiwan places orders from French companies earlier in June and July, fearing that no one will be available during the French peak summer holiday period.

Lunch culture featured prominently, with participants reflecting on its role in fostering social connections. French and Mexican workers often enjoy extended breaks, while Peruvians tend to eat quickly. Ukrainians typically bring homemade meals and are less fond of social interactions during lunch. These contrasts underscored the diverse ways different cultures balance work and personal life.

The Countries With the Worst Work-Life Balance (2020) ; The Countries With the Best Work-Life Balance (2020)

Individualism vs. Collectivism in Different Cultures (November 19)

This session explored how cultural perspectives on individualism and collectivism shape education, family, and professional environments. Participants highlighted differences in educational practices, noting that while France emphasizes individual work in classrooms, China balances group work with a focus on individual success. In contrast, Spain exhibits a more collectivist approach, fostering collaboration. Family dynamics revealed strong collectivist values in Japan, China, and parts of Africa, where support within extended families is deeply ingrained and reflected in cultural practices and language. In professional settings, the conversation emphasized the importance of collective intelligence and aligning teams toward shared goals, while recognizing how economic contexts influence these dynamics. Through personal stories and cross-cultural comparisons, participants reflected on how their backgrounds shape their views on independence, community, and success, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. >> Download supports <<

Concepts of Politeness and Face-Saving Across Cultures (October 15)

Participants from diverse cultural backgrounds shared intriguing insights on politeness and face-saving practices. Discussions highlighted unique perspectives: for example, a French attendee emphasized the ritual of saying “bon appétit” before meals, while a Turkish participant shared that adding “please” can sometimes seem overly insistent in her culture. A Singaporean student explained that “please” is reserved for elders or formal situations, and casual greetings are often silent or a simple smile. In India, “Namaste” is used respectfully for elders. In Japan, politeness is communicated through nods rather than verbal greetings in professional settings.

The group also discussed face-saving approaches, noting that in Turkey and the UK, indirectness is preferred, while in France, direct responses are more common. This exchange deepened participants’ appreciation for global communication nuances, encouraging thoughtful, culturally aware interactions. >> Download supports <<