Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

First of all this is the meaning or definition the of the "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" . When visiting a foreign land, follow the customs of those who live in it. It can also mean that when you are in an unfamiliar situation, you should follow the lead of those who know the ropes.

Please, see the attached links regarding "aspects of internationalization of Universities":

http://www.theguardian.com/education/2011/jun/07/universities-global-ambitions-internationalising

http://chronicle.com/blogs/worldwise/internationalization-of-higher-education-the-good-the-bad-and-the-unexpected/27512

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/aglobaluniversity/internationalisationstrategy/index.aspx

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/17561391111105990?mobileUi=0&

Dear Antonio,

Imitation is the oldest or most traditional – and very successful - mechanism to adapt to the – new or altered – environment. Adaptation may be outer and inner, often superficially the outer adaptation is sufficient. Regarding   internationalization of Universities, this adaptation has been implemented. Some change like the BSc formation seems to be a not fortunate adaptation option. By the way, the proverb “When in Rome… is widely used here on RG. This is the cause of the many commonplace threads.   

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

First of all this is the meaning or definition the of the "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" . When visiting a foreign land, follow the customs of those who live in it. It can also mean that when you are in an unfamiliar situation, you should follow the lead of those who know the ropes.

Please, see the attached links regarding "aspects of internationalization of Universities":

http://www.theguardian.com/education/2011/jun/07/universities-global-ambitions-internationalising

http://chronicle.com/blogs/worldwise/internationalization-of-higher-education-the-good-the-bad-and-the-unexpected/27512

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/aglobaluniversity/internationalisationstrategy/index.aspx

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/17561391111105990?mobileUi=0&

Dear @Hazim

Good definition with these interesting liks.

Regards

Bom dia, António.

Yes. I believe that we should follow that proverb, whenever visiting a foreign country. Eating local food is more apropriate for the climate in which we visit. Local manners are usuallky better adapted to the local society in which we move.

Interenationalization is the goal of the modern students' globalization movements. But the aim is to provide submergion into different cultures. And the foreign students should adapt. The aim is cultural. If we only eat McDonalds' and Pizza Hut, while abroad, what's the use of travelling.???

Of course local Universities should adapt to receiving foreign students with the globalization of curricula. But the students must adpat to local habits, otherwise there is no use in travelling abroad.

This is my personal view. Hope it was useful.

Best regards, fro sunny Lisbon ! 

This idiom means that --- when you are visiting a different place or culture, you should try to follow their customs and practices.

When visiting a foreign land, follow the customs of those who live in it. It can also mean that when you are in an unfamiliar situation, you should follow the lead of those who know the ropes.

Globalization is the context of economic and academic trends that are part of the reality of the 21st century. Internationalization includes the policies and practices undertaken by academic systems and institutions—and even individuals—to cope with the global academic environment. The motivations for internationalization include commercial advantage, knowledge and language acquisition, enhancing the curriculum with international content, and many others. Specific initiatives such as branch campuses, cross-border collaborative arrangements, programs for international students, establishing English-medium programs and degrees, and others have been put into place as part of internationalization. Efforts to monitor international initiatives and ensure quality are integral to the international higher education environment.

http://jsi.sagepub.com/content/11/3-4/290.abstract

http://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=8&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CE4QFjAHahUKEwi11uX5s7fHAhWKnZQKHbpLBZk&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eaie.org%2Fdms%2Fpdf%2Fin-the-field%2Fpolicy-and-advocacy%2FIAU-Call-for-Action%2FAffirming%2520Academic%2520Values%2520in%2520Internationalization%2520of%2520Higher%2520Education.pdf&ei=rKXVVbXQFoq70gS6l5XICQ&usg=AFQjCNEDrcIEZdmJrlJc2oo3fNLcPFLWeQ

http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=2013052818005080

views differ widely on the forces that drive internationalization, the activities that constitute it,the competencies it promotes, the values it creates, the processes that sustain it, the respective roles of key constituencies within and outside the universities, and its effects on the core functions of the higher education enterprise, namely, teaching, scholarship, and service.

http://www.sarua.org/files/Internationalization%20of%20Higher%20Education%20Final%20Paper%20-%20Prof%20Paul%20Tiyambe%20Zeleza.pdf

A university or higher education institute's tradition was formed in the long history of its development, and is highly reflective of its ideals, practices, values, etc. these should be preserved, at the same time, facing with greater internalization these days, universities can make minor adjustments of curriculum, teaching methodes, etc. actually, these practices are desirable for better accommodating international students, and are facilitative for their academic performance. 

here's a good example (from 1971), of how similar things can be quite different, from country to country in Europe:

https://youtu.be/3IWqrwC8Ntk

Dear András: Thanks for your good answer. In fact the proverb is normally associated to good practices. I agree that the implementation of the Bologna Process was not always perfect. In our Faculty of Science and Technology (FCTUC) we accepted the challenge of doing better in less time and increasing as much as possible the student’s participation in research activities. According to the European University Association link about “what is the Bologna Process”:   

“The Bologna Process does not aim to harmonise national educational systems but rather to provide tools to connect them. The intention is to allow the diversity of national systems and universities to be maintained while the European Higher Education Area improves transparency between higher education systems, as well as implements tools to facilitate recognition of degrees and academic qualifications, mobility, and exchanges between institutions. The reforms are based on ten simple objectives which governments and institutions are currently implementing. Most importantly, all participating countries have agreed on a comparable three cycle degree system for undergraduates (Bachelor degrees) and graduates (Master and PhD degrees).”

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/when+in+rome,+do+as+the+romans+do

http://www.eua.be/eua-work-and-policy-area/building-the-european-higher-education-area/bologna-basics.aspx

Internationalization of university education is quite important. However, use of local features is also important in choosing research topics, because such a choice is economically advantageous and has higher possibility of getting successful results. In this latter sense, "When in Rome do as the Romans do” is a good proverb.

I majored in experimental nuclear physics and first got a job, in 1960, at Radiation Center of Osaka Prefecture, where they bought a 15-MeV electron linear accelerator for multipurpose radiation studies. My boss recommended me to use, for my study, just electrons, not photons or neutrons indirectly available from that machine, because electrons were available most abundantly. At first, I was a little unwilling to follow his advice, because we were unable to do nuclear physics experiment with electrons of that energy. However, I started the work of electron-beam physics and was able to publish many papers in this field. So, I'm grateful to my boss's advice. This experience might be a little, good example of what the above proverb teaches us.

Dear Maria: Thanks for underline the important Universalist/Humanist component of the question (feminine instinct, or mere intelligence?). In fact, in the decade of 90 I was in Exeter and I was very well impressed with the local police for the way how do they interacted with the citizens. Also I observed a great evolution in our police in the last decades. In my humble opinion, integration and respect for local cultures and traditions must be some of the keywords.

Dear Matthew: I agree with your intelligent answer. Changes should be always very prudent, performed continuously step by step through small adjustments, in order to avoid loss of quality instead of the desired real improvement. A School of Excellency needs time to be constructed and is the visible result of the work of many competent people in present and in the past that cannot be forgotten.

Thanks Dear Ivo for highlighting the relevance of the question. I agree with you. The symbolism of the sentence that you mention looks already an indication of your good integration in an Oriental culture?

Dear Doko,

Last year I have started a thread on the failure of the Bologna system in Central-Europe.

https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_your_experiences_with_the_introduced_BSc_training

Antonio:

Universities accepting international students should aim for balance in accommodating both the local/international perspectives and cultures. From my own experience, when there is unbalance the international students suffer the most to include intellectual/cultural bondage (from host country) as discussed in my recent journal article:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263045894_Generation_I_International_and_invisible_in_a_workforce_education_and_development_graduate_programme_content

Best regards,

Debra

Data Generation I: International and invisible in a workforce edu...

Dear @Antonio, mobility of students as well as teachers mobility is the presumption of global education such as defined by Bologna process. You are aware that many EU funds exist in order to support such mobility programmes. Of course, there are always pro at cons! Of course, mobile students and mobile professors should adapt to local culture and habits. Curricula is supposed to be adapted. 

Thanks very much Dear Ahmed and Dear Napoleon for a different perspective of this issue. In fact internationalization may ultimately mean universal standardization that (like globalization) may have positive and negative effects as mentioned clearly by Napoleon. Currently in Europe (as far as I suppose) the internationalization of Universities still allows/maintains "the diversity of the national systems and universities" (in my opinion correctly), following particularly the baselines of the relatively recent process of Bologna.

Dear All,

The proverb signifies that new comers should act according to the system they are going in to. They have to change themselves, instead of expecting the system to change in order they live, and that is natural in some ways, unless it is a tornado or some natural disaster which changes the status quo of structures. 

Regarding higher learning and research, usually universities use few common recognized languages of science and the new comers are obliged to know the language the university is using,  the language of the host university enforces the language to be used which new comers have to learn to use it and gain from the programs.   

We have to consider the span of time, since the beginning,  and the expanse of languages and cultures science came across in order to develop and to become what it is today. Therefore the languages that are used today may be taken as common results. Besides, it will be difficult to find direct and equivalent scientific words in every language of humans, for scientific expressions and terminologies with the same meaning that they have now. Therefore I am not in distaste with the existing and functioning status quo. At the same time it is worth trying for countries to make their languages to be that of science and technology, if it enables them  to be more creative in their own languages.   

In 387 A.D, when St. Augustine arrived in Milan to assume his role as Professor of Rhetoric for the Imperial Court, he observed that the Church did not fast on Saturdays as it did in Rome. Confused, Augustine consulted with an  older man Ambrogio (Ambrose), then the Bishop of Milan, who replied: “When I am at Rome, I fast on Saturday; when I am at Milan I do not. Follow the custom of the Church where you are.

From this story, the saying "When in Rome do as the Romans do" was formulated to call for adaptation. However, this adaptation usually comes in negative context . I have heard it in England as such from older guys: Do not study too much. Go to the disco and pick up lasses. When in Rome do as…

A man of principles will stay honest in research even if all those around are dishonest & forging out publications. I can understand reasoning before going global in an academic setting. It is neither Rome nor the Romans that causes progress in universities. To advance academia , we simply need: good teaching, honest research, competent administration, farewell to politics, and proper environment. Internationalization has been done to some organizations but they have not succeeded (Please follow up the UNRWA case, to see my point).

This is one of my pet topics, since I believe that you choose a certain institution for further education based on its quality. In South Africa, English speaking people are now allowed to enter Afrikaans universities, because they want to be there - but, as soon as they are allowed, they want it to change to an English university. In the process the character of the university crumbles. So, yes, I believe when in Rom,an, do what the Romans do - that is why you have applied to study there in the first place.

“When in Rome do as the Romans do” refers to adaptability of local circumstances. While doing international business, MNCs address local needs, preferences, and culture.

Thanks Nizar for another perspective of the question. Of course that, as you correctly pointed, integrity and honesty are fundamental. Also if I am in a place of bad practices, my duty is to fight, as much as I can, for changing such practices. In my opinion, many people still do incredibly stupid things or idiots without knowing or realizing what they are really doing. Universities are (should be) centers of excellence and not of mediocrity.

I agree with you, Dear Christa. With internationalization, students may choose whenever possible the University for their Studies based not only on criteria of proximity but also on criteria of quality. I have already some experience with international students (from Africa, South America and Europe) and with success. Until now, all students were considered exactly equal in everything including in the teaching language (no distinction, special attention or privilege). The level of requirement is exactly the same for all. In the top 3 of the best classifications I ever gave in more than 30 years of teaching, with hundreds of students each year, is an Italian student from a European Mobility Program.

In Mexico we have a similar expresion: al pueblo que fueres haz lo que vieres. This is particularly not in the sense in which Rome is the world, in every country or every city or including small towns which it means: we have to adopt the customs and values and laws which are observed in the country and be a common citizen of that country. In a university where there are many differences of all kinds depending on the visitors from the whole planet, then we should all be equal and behave according to the standards of the country and the university.

Dear Antonio and RG Fellows,

All forms of biodiversity lead to a general improvement. Most likely this holds also for cultural and scientific biodiversity. Differences of methodology and approach and also differences in the basic knowledge are fundamental for a faster and more creative development of the culture and science and even for the very technology.

The risk of flattening the global university system is that only the common kernels of knowledge are preserved, just as it happens in the creation of “lingua franca”, where surviving of local expression usually is not enough for allowing a sound structure and further developments.

On behalf also of my colleague Prof. L.C. Piccinini.

Best regards

Ting Fa Marg

International students undertaking higher education in foreign countries bring with them some perceived beliefs about academic conduct. These beliefs are often in contrast with the host countries’ academic practices, which may generate confusion and frustration among international students, affecting their learning behaviours. As a consequence of intercultural interactions in a foreign country, international students’ beliefs and behaviours may change.

The results reveal that students adjusting to the local academic norms demonstrate significant positive commitments to host country’s academic norms concerning research, exam and assignments.

http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/253/art%253A10.1007%252Fs10734-015-9928-0.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs10734-015-9928-0&token2=exp=1440222215~acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F253%2Fart%25253A10.1007%25252Fs10734-015-9928-0.pdf%3ForiginUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Farticle%252F10.1007%252Fs10734-015-9928-0*~hmac=655f01094ed580e043336949f3ab635a130d3d777f43b08abecba0fa907c1a81

An old man's advice:

When in Rome, do what is right as implied by common sense & ethical code. Take a person as an example but never take a group of persons as such since they may contain the good, the bad, and the ugly. Do not talk or act like a parrot and use critical thinking before adopting & implementing an idea. An academic institution is not guaranteed to progress by imitation of another one but it can move upward through hard honest sincere work carried out by competent qualified persons while learning from the ups & downs of others. Look at the UN Security Council (an international organization) & see for yourself that it has FAILED in its written mission for more than half a century; in fact, the world has become less secure in many places since its formation.

Dear Subhash: Thanks for bringing to us an excerpt of the abstract published online in Higher Education of an article from August 2015 entitled “ ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’ Do international students’ acculturation attitudes impact their ethical academic conduct?” by Azadeh Shafaei, Mehran Nejati, Ali Quazi, Tania von der Heidt. Curious coincidence on the use of the expression in another context, showing how the world is small. In fact I did not know this pertinent abstract and article that may enrich this discussion.

I do not believe that the “ethical academic conduct” can depend from the countries or regions. I agree with Nizar. In my opinion, at least in a scientific and academic context, it is necessary to use always critical thinking.

Dear @Antonio, as I have mentioned in my previous answer, one of many EU funds for mobility is ERASMUS programme. 

Dear @Dana had a grant - Erasmus teaching mobility in Portugal - ISMT. She was in your beautiful country.

http://ec.europa.eu/education/opportunities/higher-education/study-mobility_en.htm

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dana_V_Balas-Timar2

Dear Ljubomir: Thanks for your serene answers. “Presumption of global education” sounds pretty good and fully applicable. In fact, my Department receive many European students through ERASMUS Program.

Dear Victor: I agree with your excellent answer. I always understood the proverb in a positive way. I do not think that there are superior and inferior cultures, or superior and inferior people. My duty is to respect and love all equally, as much as I can. Real people are genuine and good by nature everywhere, and will have always my fraternity. I cannot accept racism of any type, explicitly or implicitly, and apartheids.

Dear Ting,

What are cultural and scientific biodiversity?

It is polite, and possibly also advantageous, to abide by the customs of a society when one is a visitor.

So, while entering into international business, MNCs behave according to host countries' culture.

Dear Subhash: “It is polite, intelligent and possibly also advantageous …”

Dear András: Your question is suitable, as always. Perhaps Ting tried to extend metaphorically the concept of biodiversity to a cultural and scientific context, I suppose, evidencing the beauty of the differences. But of course that is merely how do I understood.

Dear António Manuel Abreu Freire Diogo, 

Ethics is not following culturally accepted norms. Some cultures are quite ethical,

but others become corrupt—or blind to certain ethical concerns (as the United

States was to slavery before the Civil War). “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” is

not a satisfactory ethical standard.

http://2012books.lardbucket.org/pdfs/challenges-and-opportunities-in-international-business.pdf

This statement  -- “When in Rome do as the Romans do” -- shows the respect to and accept the cultural variations.

Dear Shafagat,

Dear All,

What do you mean when indicating that „Some cultures are quite ethical,

but others become corrupt—or blind to certain ethical concerns (as the United

States was to slavery before the Civil War). “

I think there are no pure cultures, only mixed cultures. Mixed with good and bad qualities. Cultures are determined by their history, history by people, people by their interests.  Interests are mostly egoistic in their realisation despite the existing general ethical rules. People in the US – in that time – followed their interests and slavery as a production practice was profitable for some. By the way, in some African countries slavery is an operating tradition and also very similar treatments are tolerated in highly developed countries in case of prostitution.    

Dear Shafagat Mahmudova: Thanks for sharing your interesting perspective of the issue and keeping the discussion alive (“devil advocate”?). As I wrote before, I always understood the proverb in a positive way. As student, I visited many countries of Europe, and I was very happy with the fact that in every place I was, nobody believed that I was not from the corresponding place (speaking and/or understanding several languages also helps?). I was very surprised when In England an English police women from another region asked me information about the city. In fact, in my opinion, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” is not and does not intend to be an ethical standard or an ethical commitment. It is merely a matter of humility, intelligence and respect (wisdom?). I believe that real centenary cultures and genuine traditions are pure, otherwise they would not survive. I saw incredible examples of dignity and verticality in very poor African countries. I saw incredible examples of education in the South of England, very similar to those that it is possible to find in very littles communities in the North of my country. I do not know what your experience is, Dear Shafagat Mahmudova. But it is well known that “a tree does not make a forest” and that humility is the opposite of arrogance.

Where did this saying come from?

Well, the expression was found in a letter from Saint Augustine from 390AD. In that letter, there is a sentence which says:

“When I go to Rome, I fast on Saturday, but here [in Milan] I do not. Do you also follow the custom of whatever church you attend, if you do not want to give or receive scandal”. 

Basically, we use this expression when we want to recommend to someone that they behave appropriately. Then they will be respectful and respected.

http://www.abaenglish.com/blog/english-expression-when-in-rome-do-as-the-romans-do/

I agree with you, Dear Markovic: We should be always ourselves, respect always the laws and agreements, preserve our friendships, and answer openly and directly to the questions (?), as much as possible.

Good papers! Dear  Martina Gaisch.

Dear Martina: Thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge and work developed in the teaching management of a non-native language (English medium) in a population/classroom of students with other native languages and diverse cultures. In fact, at a first glance, the problem of diversity seems to pose difficulties extremely increased in this case. From my experience in another context, it looks obvious the real relevance and importance of such subject/study.

In India, MBA and engineering students are, in addition to English, taught one more foreign language like French, German, etc.

Thanks Dear Subhash for exemplifying the correct importance given to the knowledge of several languages in your country. However, is quite different, kind, level of knowledge, and use of a language merely for communicating (understand and be understood), particularly in Engineering that uses universal mathematical notations, and the detailed study of a specific language itself. Frequently the students of Engineering study deeply in the Universities any non-mathematical language?

Dear António, thanks for your interest in my opinion about this subject. But I do not have a consolidated one. I am thinking that when we decide to study in another country, sometimes or always we want to do "as the Romans do". We (me) want to learn and explore the knowledge and the culture of that country. Not for forget our traditions and our culture, whatever we are looking for another point of view that would enrich our perspective. Internalization of universities is a great opportunity to create to create and build bridges between countries and cultures. But this requires creating support structures abroad student and teacher. Many universities have exchange programs that include this aspect.

And at this point I doubt: special programs (separated) or programs that allow them to enter the classroom with a common curriculum (do as the Romans do) but having extraclase supports tailored to the needs of each student. I think it's weird they reach college students who do not have a command of the language of the country they visit. But if that happens, we must find a way to provide access. We must also deal with their social life, their integration in the peer group. That seems to me capital. Anyway, you will notice that my reality leads me to think of a student who chooses to study almost privileged conditions in another country. As the university is not mandatory, it always merely a personal choice.

Rafaela at the headquarters of my university, we have not cases of foreign students or teachers. In Buenos Aires, there are other cases. And programs "host" or exchange vary depending on whether career or graduate degree.

Sorry if I've been confused or misunderstood your question.

Thank you for opening the intercultural exchange on issues regarding our practices of teaching and learning in college.

Best regards from Argentina !!!

Dear Silvana: Thanks for the simplicity, intelligence and good level of your answer. In fact, many of our International Students of Engineering learn Portuguese in parallel courses available in other Faculties of our University. Engineering Students have a lot of potential and are intelligent. They are able to manage frequently the language adaptation by themselves.

Joint Brazilian-Swedish / Japan-Sweden / Korea-Sweden Research Collaboration

The aim of the Joint Research Collaboration programmes is to strengthen Swedish research and higher education by developing and establishing international partnerships. The programme supports projects of high scientific quality which are clearly contributing to the activities of participating educational establishments

https://intra.kth.se/en/kth-informerar/internationalisering/program/stint-1.470913

Dear Krishnan: “Research Collaboration” between “International Partnerships” of “Higher Education”, including Universities and Research Institutes is in fact a good challenge for all the institutions and countries involved in the “high scientific quality” programs. This may help, for example, the eradication of serious diseases and poverty around the world, which is a task of all humankind.

See ...

Dear Antonio,

Thanks for your interesting questions and attached resources. There are many aspects to the internationalization of universities (e.g., international students, the language of the teaching medium, cultural aspects, host universities, etc.). I'll comment on only a couple of these aspects.

“When in Rome do as the Romans do” applies depending on the contexts. For instance, an international student in a foreign country would be respectful to apply the proverb in learning to speak the local language and practice the cultural customs of the host country. On the other hand, the host university would be hospitable in helping the student to adjust to the university in order to learn. In the States, many universities have programs and personnel (e.g., International Student Advisor, writing center, etc.) to help international students to adapt.

When providing instruction especially in human and social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology) in a foreign country, I'd suggest that the instructor consider the local language and cultures in his/her instruction. For example, when I teach Chinese clinical practice in Hong Kong to an international student body (e.g., from Hong Kong, Taiwan, UK, the U.S., Australia, etc.) I adapt my therapy content and teaching methods to meet the needs of my international students there. This is my two cents.

Warm regards,

Stephen

Thanks Dear Stephen for your good contribution that includes another additional perspective based on your expertise and own experience, according to your words: “when providing instruction especially in human and social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology)”. Even if it is not my area, the adaption of your programmatic contents and pedagogic activities, according to the local needs, seems to make all sense. I return also warmly your regards.

Relativistic positions may specifically see moral values as applicable only within certain cultural boundaries (Cultural Relativism) or in the context of individual preferences (Ethical Subjectivism). A related but slightly different concept is that of Moral Pluralism (or Value Pluralism), the idea that there are several values which may be equally correct and fundamental, and yet in conflict with each other (e.g. the moral life of a nun is incompatible with that of a mother, yet there is no purely rational measure of which is preferable).

http://www.philosophybasics.com/branch_moral_relativism.html

Dear Antonio,

Thanks for your response. Yes, human scientists (e.g., clinical psychologists) would consider diversity in working with people (via multicultural psychotherapy) because psychotherapy is culturally bound; clinical psychologist will be intentional in managing diversity in the classroom so as to promote learning for all.

I appreciated Subhash's input into moral relativism, ethical subjectivism, and moral pluralism. Clinical psychologists take these concepts into consideration when providing clinical services, but they would use different terminology. For example, multicultural psychology can encompass all the concepts above, and will affirm individual differences and diverse worldviews and cultural/moral values, etc. in one's clients.

Dear Antônio,

Here are my two cents contribution:

'I support the internationalization of culture, but not ending with local and national peculiarities.' (Ariano Suassuna)

And

'A little away from the internationalization of the country, very takes us back to it.'  (Auguste-Marie-Joseph Jean Jaurès)

Best Regards,

Andréa

Thanks for your input, Andrea. I wonder if we've touched on some discipline-specific emphases and differences.

In my humble opinion, compared to human/social sciences, or humanities, wherein cultures/worldviews/values (e.g., individualism and collectivism, etc.) are salient, mathematical/physical/biological/medical/engineering sciences and business are more universal in their applications and don't involve specific cultures/values as much.

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

Please, See ....

Diversity in the workplace is important to running a successful business -- heterogeneous groups deliver better solutions and critical analysis, so you must structure and run your company in a way that promotes diversity. By adopting the attitude of "not seeing color," you run the risk of treating people insensitively. Barriers exist -- it is up to you to deal with them appropriately.

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/5-strategies-dealing-diversity-workplace-18106.html

Thanks Dear Stephen, Dear Andréa and remaining friends for your correct reading and interpretation of what the aim of this question is, according to the text that follows after the question and for your positive attitude in the intercultural dialogue (as our friend Hanno said once, it looks that sometimes is not easy to be understood). Warm regards for Stephen and a great kiss for Andréa.

Dear António,

Dear All,

This saying „When in Rome…” is an enormous challenge for the migrants of these days. What is really important is the understanding and the fulfilment in practice. Who knows the future?

The present status quo is that troubles, interests of member states meet with difficulties and their points do not approach each other. This is not accidental the EU rules were tailored according to the interests and power of some leading states and the ability of making quick and really common decisions has been an illusion. Without reforming the basis of EU it is not possible to solve the present migration crisis at least in the territory of Europe.

In a union where living standards are so different, the positions of countries are almost programmed and some countries robbed and control even now the economy of East-central European countries, it is practically impossible to find the right way. EU was not able to solve the crisis in Bosnia and the troubles with Greece and other Mediterranean countries do still maintain.

.Dear András: I agree principally with the first paragraph of your answer. There are diseases that fortunately have cure. I suppose that we both know what the origin of the civilizational problem is. Palliative cares do not cure the diseases, and we cannot guilt the Medical Doctors for not solving the problems, just because perhaps they could give more palliative medicines. I am a mere Professor of Engineering, but I am very sensible to so great injustices and human suffering. In my humble opinion, any political leader is not more important that any child.

Thanks for sharing the importance of diversity in the workforce, Subhash.

I agree with you on the challenges of intercultural dialogue, Antonio, but we are learning to overcome them in the age of globalization.

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

"There are four very important words in life. Real Love, honesty, truth and respect. Without these in your life you have nothing."

                                                               -------  Unknown

Dear Hazim: Some want to have power or to be kings, others want be rich, some want to be the wiser, while others have the ambition to be Saints? Nobody wants to be unknown or irrelevant, or merely a simple, humble, and good worker? With respect to different cultures and values, absolute and relative morality, I heard that in a small rural village, very dispersed, of my country, many, many years ago, the biggest offense that you could say to someone was that he/she is poor.

the touristic : when we are visiting a different place or culture, we should try to follow their customs and practices, is useful as a short time habit. Internationalization of Universities is a more complex question, and a longer time contextual class of questions. We need to initiate a new R&D forming a language starting from part's own native languages. This new language acquisition device will form and make the interface for all parts. Enriching internal capacity for best traditions we may acquire the language interface. This maybe a new language device that can be functional, if we enrich the usual major functional correspondence according to the traditional linguistics subfields : Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics. This way both Universities and Students will speak the (same) language.

Education is one of the most potential weapons to fight against socio-economic maladies like poverty and inequality. Education is equally key to enhance India’s competitiveness in the global economy especially in view of interdependence and integration of Indian economy with world economy posing many challenges like maintaining international quality in higher education and acceptability and sustainability of skilled manpower.

http://www.theindiaeconomyreview.org/Article.aspx?aid=68&mid=4

How do we handle that some Muslim men don't want to shake hands with women.

Dear Rita De Vuyst,

as Krishnan Umachandran, more education.

Thanks for your challenge Dear Rita. Perhaps we should accept the differences and have an open mind. Probably they may have their reasons that must be respected. Unfortunately, extremisms are not specific only of specific religions. With our example of fraternity, equality and tolerance we may contribute for the improvement our societies, but that may require time and much patience. See for instance some bad examples of unacceptable arrogance even on environments that have all conditions of to be of Excellency. In deep, we all share the same universal values and that are clearly expressed in the systems of Education all over the world.

Education breaks barriers and clears thinking.  Education creates the urge for more - in knowing about people, culture, best practices, and many....Societies which had a delayed start towards education have inhibitions.