| The open borders, once seen as a hallmark of true | | | | being promoted like never before, thanks to grants |
| freedom and democracy (and the almost exclusive | | | | from the EU Union. Most schools offer bilingual |
| domain of the United States), has become almost | | | | programs, and English is the language of business, |
| commonplace, as millions of Europeans travel freely | | | | science and technology. |
| between countries to work, vacation or study every | | | | There are some differences still, however. European |
| day. | | | | workers receive longer vacations and shorter |
| It has simplified traveling in Europe for businesspeople | | | | workweeks than their counterparts in America and |
| from around the world, as well. If you're planning a | | | | Asia. In many cultures, businesses close their doors |
| trip in the near future, you should know that the | | | | between 12 and 2 or 12 and 4, and business is |
| Euro is used by 12 of the 25 countries in the EU, | | | | conducted until 7 or 8 at night. |
| which means the expensive and time-consuming | | | | In many countries, formality is considered the norm, |
| business of changing money at borders has become | | | | and business acquaintances don't call each other by |
| a thing of the past. Banks within the EU no longer | | | | first names, and some subjects are considered rude |
| charge fees for cash withdrawals at ATM machines | | | | -- such as discussing money at the beginning of |
| outside of the user's country of residence. (Of | | | | business. Be aware that if you're invited to lunch or |
| course, your bank may still tack on fees for | | | | dinner, business is not usually discussed until after the |
| international transactions). | | | | meal, which can take two hours or longer. |
| Economically, the common market and deregulation | | | | Be sure to take the usual precautions when traveling, |
| of state monopolies has brought costs down for | | | | whether for business or pleasure. Keep your |
| things like telephone service and utilities. Business | | | | passport, money and other valuables in a safe place. |
| travelers can now find low-cost direct flights | | | | And pay attention to what is going on around you at |
| between cities and countries that were once | | | | all times. Pack an extra set of clothing and any |
| expensive and required travelers to change planes or | | | | business materials you're going to need for meetings |
| airlines. Mobile phone users can use a single service | | | | in your carry-on luggage, just in case your suitcases |
| from Portugal to the Polish/Ukrainian border, with no | | | | end up visiting Rome while you're in Switzerland -- |
| additional charges or fees. | | | | because as much as some things have changed, |
| Cross-cultural activities, events and exhibitions are | | | | some things remain the same! |