1. Choose a specific norm or value (e.g., greeting customs, family structures, work-life balance)

2. Select two different countries to compare

3. Research how this norm/value is expressed differently in each country

4. Create your post explaining the comparison

5. Attach an infographic, chart, or visual that illustrates the differences

1. In Lebanon, the minimum wage is very low compared to the rising cost of living, creating inequality and pushing many workers into poverty.

2. In Qatar, the minimum wage is higher and supported by strict labor laws, which helps workers meet their basic needs more effectively.

3. This contrast shows how social and economic systems influence class differences, workers’ rights, and overall quality of life in each country.

• 1)In Japan, greetings are usually formal people bow to show respect and avoid too much physical contact.

• In France, greetings are warmer and more physical people often greet with a handshake or cheek kisses

• Greetings in Japan reflect respec,, and personal space, while in France greetings highlight warmth, friendliness, and social connection. This shows how greetings represent deeper cultural values.

1. Choose a specific norm or value

Work-life balance.

2. Select two different countries to compare

Sweden and the United States.

3. Research how this norm/value is expressed differently in each country

• Sweden: Shorter working hours, about 5 weeks paid vacation, flexible schedules, family and leisure time are highly prioritized, lower stress.

• United States: Longer working hours, fewer vacation days, less flexibility, work often comes before family time, higher stress.

4. Create your post explaining the comparison

Work-life balance is approached very differently in Sweden and the United States. In Sweden, people typically work shorter hours, take long paid vacations, and value time with family. Flexibility at work is common, which helps reduce stress. In contrast, the United States has a culture of long working hours, fewer vacation days, and less emphasis on family time. Work is often prioritized over rest, leading to higher stress levels. Overall, Sweden focuses on balance and well-being, while the U.S. emphasizes career and productivity.

5. Attach an infographic, chart, or visual that illustrates the differences

2.The two countries are India and the United States

3.

• In India:

Greetings in India often reflect respect, tradition, and spirituality. A common way of greeting is “Namaste”, where a person joins their palms together near the chest and slightly bows their head. This gesture shows respect and humility. In some regions, people also touch the feet of elders as a sign of respect. While handshakes are becoming more common in business or among younger people, traditional greetings are still widely used, especially in family or cultural settings.

• In the United States:

Greetings in the U.S. are usually casual and straightforward. The most common greeting is a handshake, especially in formal or professional situations. Among friends, greetings may include a hug, a high-five, or even just a simple “Hey” or “What’s up?” Americans value friendliness and informality, so greetings often feel relaxed and less ritualized compared to India.

In Saudi Arabia: thobe (long-sleeved robe) and ghutra (head covering) for men, and the abaya (long robe) and sometimes hijab (headscarf) for women

2) Qatar and Lebanon

3) In Qatar, it is unusual and rarely seen to eat raw meat whereas in Lebanon it is one of the most popular dishes.

In Japan, people usually bow when greeting one another as a sign of respect.

Greetings in Lebanon are considered loving and gentle, however in Japan, bowing is considered respectful and it shows obedience. This shows how different cultural backgrounds influence how people greet eachother.

In Sweden, the focus is on balancing work with life outside the office. The workweek is shorter, flexible hours are normal, and people take their vacation days seriously. Parental leave is generous and shared, supporting family life and personal well-being.This shows how culture shapes daily life: Japan’s intense work ethic contrasts with Sweden’s emphasis on personal time and family.

Habit in

Qatar

(not common in Lebanon)

☕ Serving Arabic coffee to guests – In Qatar, offering small cups of Arabic coffee with dates is a sign of hospitality and respect when welcoming visitors.

Habit in

Lebanon

(not common in Qatar)

🥗 Sharing mezze at meals – In Lebanon, meals often start with many small dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves, all shared at the table. It’s a big part of family and social gatherings.

in Mexico, people do that regularly on birthdays, while in other countries like Lebanon, it’s a weird thing to do.

. In Qatar the way they great is by touching noses or kiss the shoulder or kissing the hand

. The greeting in Lebanon is more friendly and warm full while I’m Qatar the greeting are more respectful and more sober

2. I selected Turkey and the United States.

3.

• Turkey: Hospitality is a deeply rooted tradition. Guests are treated with great warmth and generosity, often offered tea, coffee, or a meal regardless of the time of day. Refusing such offers may be seen as impolite. Hosts often go out of their way to ensure guests feel cared for, even if it means stretching their resources.

• United States: Hospitality is friendly but less formalized. Guests are often made to feel welcome, but expectations are more relaxed. Visitors may serve themselves at gatherings, and casualness is common. Inviting someone over does not always include elaborate meals; instead, emphasis is on comfort and informality.

4. Hospitality looks very different in Turkey and the United States. In Turkey, guests are honored and cared for with food, drink, and attention, offering tea or coffee is nearly automatic, and refusing it might feel rude. In the U.S., hospitality is more casual and relaxed. Guests are welcomed warmly, but the atmosphere is often informal, with self-service and less ritual involved. Both cultures value kindness to visitors, but Turkey emphasizes formality and generosity, while the U.S. focuses on friendliness and comfort.

In Lebanon, greetings are warmer and people often greet with a handshake or cheek kisses

Greetings in Japan show obedience and respect, while in Lebanon greetings are friendly and warm. This shows how greetings represent deeper cultural values.

• Japan: Greetings are formal and respectful. Bowing is standard, physical contact is rare, eye contact is subtle, personal space is valued, and honorifics (“-san”) are essential.

• United States: Greetings are more casual and direct. Handshakes, hugs, and first-name use are common, eye contact shows confidence, and people are comfortable with less personal space.

Main contrast: Japan emphasizes formality, distance, and respect, while the U.S. values informality, friendliness, and openness.

2. Countries: Japan and Brazil.

3. Research: In Japan, greetings are formal—people bow and avoid physical contact. In Brazil, greetings are informal—people often hug or kiss on the cheek.

4. Explanation: Japan values respect and personal space, while Brazil values warmth and closeness. This is clear in how people greet each other.

5:

2- Qatar and Japan

3&4- Qatar: People in Qatar greet eachother by touching noses, which shows a sign of respect and admiration towards one another.

Japan: People in Japan greet eachother by bowing, the lower the bow, the greater respect they have for one another.

5-