Certain types of information would be more useful for some cultures and nationalities than others for instance

Irelands customs and traditions are almost the same as the rest of the western world. This is not the same case with China, although China is becoming westernised it has a largely diverse culture to that of Ireland. Useful information and advice that would be needed for a family of four moving to Ireland from China is as follows: Services Education Education is compulsory for children in Ireland from the ages of six to sixteen. The Irish education system is made up of primary, second, third-level and further education these are State-funded. Private institutions have fees. It is usual for children to go to school when they are four. Second level consists of two cycles junior cert which lasts three years and leaving cert which lasts two years with an optional year called transition year. Students usually start secondary school at the age of twelve and the junior certificate examination is taken after three years, then the leaving certificate examination follows.

Housing Houses in Ireland are usually detached, terraced or semi-detached. A basic modern Irish house would be a two storied house with two or three bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs, and a sitting room and a kitchen downstairs. Houses are usually bought in Ireland but because of the recession renting has become popular and rented accommodation can be easily found , although it can be expensive.

Shopping Ireland has a range of shops and stores from corner stalls to the multi-national department stores. Most towns have shops that do cater for different nationalities as Ireland has become a multinational country. Food is expensive though and Irish food prices are the second most expensive in the EU, (The Irish Examiner)

Social Socialising In Ireland drinking alcohol is a big part of society. Even if no alcohol is involved people still socialise in the pubs and night clubs. Other ways to socialise are going out for dinner, going for a coffee, going to the park, and going to the cinema or the bowling alley. Another way of socialising is to join a club or society.

Leisure Most sports or hobbies are available in Ireland. Fishing is widely available everywhere and there is great locations around Ireland, sailing and boating is immensely popular in Ireland, horse riding is another as Ireland has excellent racecourse facilities, cycling is a favourite pastime in Ireland and the scenic countryside is breathtaking, walking is an ever popular pursuit and golf is also extremely popular.

Religion The biggest religion in Ireland is Christianity with the largest church being the Roman Catholic Church followed by Presbyterian Church of Ireland. Ireland is a country where religion and religious practice have always been held in high esteem.

Clothing Ireland does not have a standard dress code with exception of school uniforms for students. A large range of clothing options is available to Irish people according to personal taste. The fashion scene is the same as any other western culture, it changes constantly. People wear different clothes depending on what activities will be undertaken or if there is a special event. For example people who work outdoors wear rubber boots and people who work in an office usually wear traditional business suits. Ireland can be very rainy and windy, cool in the winter and mild in the summer so outer layers are often added to accommodate the weather.

Home life In Ireland Family is important. There are many types of family units although the extended family is still very much the dominant structure. Table manners are relaxed and informal. The stable food in Ireland is the potato but many other types of food from different countries are becoming popular.

Street Life Irish people are very friendly and known for their hospitality. The Irish have a reputation for their wit and humour which they call having the craic it is common for the Irish to trade insults and tease one another .

Formality/ Informality Irish people are generally less formal and more outwardly friendly.

Work In general, non-EEA nationals must have a permit to work in Ireland. This must be applied to the Department of jobs, enterprise and innovation. This permit cannot be obtained unless you have a job first. When going for an interview a suit should be worn. The minimum wage is 8.65 an hour and a person can work no more than forty eight hours weekly. The way people dress depends on the job. For example working in an office requires wearing a suit. The boss of a company is usually called by his last name unless you are otherwise stated. Being on time for meetings is polite if you turn up late this gives the wrong impression.

Before visiting another country on a business trip certain topics should be made aware of. For this reason doing business in china will mean that learning about etiquette and customs, food meal times and table manners, religion and its importance, business etiquette and practices, socialising and the political structure is of vital importance. Information for these topics was obtained from two Chinese students called Emily and Amanda both from Hebei province in China, the document provided in class and additional research. Etiquette and Customs When doing business in China knowing about Chinese etiquette and customs is extremely important. Showing knowledge of this will mean that an interest was taken of their culture which in turn will impress. When there is a marriage a fortune teller comes into the future brides house and picks her wedding date based on her date of birth and the Chinese almanac. To get married in china you have to be twenty for a woman and twenty two for a man. There is a one child policy but if you live in the countryside couples may try for a son if the first born is a daughter. Chinese people are required by law to care of their elderly parents. People are called by their second name. Asking about private matters is considered rude. Food Meal Times and importance of meal time This is an important to know about because in china food is a massive part of their culture and if you were to be invited to dinner by a potential business alliance the dining etiquette and importance of food should be known. If you are invited to someones house consider it great honour. Shoes must be removed when entering a house in China. Instructions will be given on where to sit. Not letting the Chinese person pay for the meal is an insult to them. The main staple food is rice. Donkey pies are popular. Some people do eat dog but most think its cruel and would rather a dog as a pet. Religion and its importance A large percentage of the population and especially the young, are atheist and do not believe in god. The biggest religion is Buddhism. They are thought to respect everyone no matter what they believe in. Business etiquette and practices Business relationships are built formally after the Chinese get to know you, this could take some time. The rank of a person is extremely important. Gender bias is nonexistent. In china receiving a business card is very important it should be examined carefully before being put away. Treating a potential business alliance too informally may ruin a potential deal. Chinese people are non confrontational and take their time making decisions.(Kwintessential) Face/reputation is extremely important in Chinese culture.

Socialising This is important to know because if you do become friendly with a potential business alliance you will have to know what they like to do socially. In china they go to shopping centres to socialise. They also go to pubs but rarely drink alcohol. Many go to tea houses or cafes and sometimes the cinema but its expensive. At the weekend most people like going to the countryside because they work in the city and there is lots of air pollution.

Political system This is important because knowing about politics can help you understand the way business is done. China is a communist state. Political power in China now is spread, complex, and at times highly competitive. The police are not feared. The thing they hate about their government is the censored internet access and that the countries leaders dont have to pay taxes. Their government is secretive and they dislike their government.

References (The Irish Examiner,( 2011), Caroline o Doherty ,Irish Food Prices Second Most Expensive In Ireland, [online], available:http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/kfojsnmhmhey/rss2/, accessed 16/03/2012) (Kwintessential,(2011), Doing Business in China, [online] available:http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-china.html, accessed 16/03/2012)