3. Recommendation:

I strongly suggest accepting an invitation from a person with similar cultural background, otherwise it may be considered rude at the early stage of establishing relationships. Nevertheless, providing an excuse (even imaginary) would be better that rejecting invitation straight away, because it provides a confirmation for the offer.

Don’t worry I’ll pay

1. Description:

Going out first time for a date didn’t seem to end up in cultural misunderstanding, although it did. Once I had a chance to invite my classmate (native girl from CZ) out and we were having dinner in of Prague’s local restaurants. At the very end, when it was the time to pay, I asked for the bill and was about to pay it. She was unpleasantly surprised that I decided to pay for the dinner and said the next time I should not do it. I couldn’t understand why she has perceived it this way. It felt wrong and both of us were embarrassed later on because of that misunderstanding.

2. Cross-cultural analysis:

One of the aspects stands upon the concept of masculinity and femininity. Traditionally, in Ukraine, when a male asks out a female, he is expected to cover all expenses, wherever they go. Thus, this is the sign of respect and at the same time a male shows the ability to financially “show off” and prove he is wealthy and solvent. It’s based on the concept of traditional family roles division that is greatly observed even nowadays in Ukraine. Male dominance is accepted and appreciated. On the other side, the girl from Czech Republic grew on the concept of gender equality as it is one of the key features of EU (which CZ is part of). From the future experiences I figured out that it isn’t a common thing do to, unless people agree on it or they’re close enough to do upon their free will.

3. Recommendation:

I’m highly convinced that it would be better to let her pay and share the bill, rather than being intense and trying to expose my financial ability. In my case, I would suggest offering, but not insisting, when visiting Czech Republic or other countries with similar perception of roles division. In case a male travels to Ukraine out (and some eastern European countries) be ready to spend a lot of money. Paying for somebody is considered generous and is respected. In case of a female, I recommend accepting an offer as you may offend a person trying to be nice.

Any Ideas?

1. Description:

During my studies at the University of Economics Prague, I have had several opportunities to work in intensive courses in groups with international students from across the world. My most “memorable” though, had to be the group work with Russian students- specifically: the Russian girls. Normally in all types of group work that I have been in, each member communicates with the other group members and contributes a certain part to the work to be completed. Surprisingly, with the Russian girls it was the total opposite as they have been chosen by the professor to be in my group but didn’t say a word whatsoever during our group work. During meetings or group classwork, they would just sit back and play with their phones, not contributing or helping with the work. They lacked any motivation to do anything and if they really did something, it was written in Russian. Most of the work they have done in my group had to be instructed by me or my German friend and had to be constantly be pushed to do their part of the work.