17 Helpful Cultural and General Tips

Hey team,

I know we have covered some cultural training, but here are a few more pointers that you have to be very aware of during our time away.  There are some general pointers in here as well, so please make sure to take the time to read this!

1. Be careful not to point.  Pointing at people in Australia can be taken as rude, but ramp that up a bit and it is considered quite rude in Fiji, so be sure to keep pointing to a minimum.  Here is a good opportunity to use your ability to describe things!
2. Don't initiate shaking hands, especially with women.  Fijians will have a wide variety of ways of welcoming you, from just saying 'Bula' to giving you a hug to shaking your hand.  Whatever the case, let the locals initiate.
3. The cultural tensions between Indo-Fijians and native Fijians should not be brought up for discussion.  If the locals bring it up, then listen, but don't give opinions.
4. Hospitality is part of the Fijian culture. If we say no then we may offend.  Fijians are very friendly and will often invite us into their homes.  We need to accept their offers graciously, however we need to be careful of health things and that we are keeping our safety a priority (i.e. don't follow a local down a dark alley - remember your pointers about safety in Information Pack 3!  [that you will get shortly])
5. Make sure you carry fresh, clean water at all times!  Remember to bring your drink bottles!
6. Remember Fiji time.  Slow down, make relationships rather than schedules the priority and take it at their pace.  For instance, when you are visiting houses during Local Church Missions, don't make it a priority to get to every house, make it a priority to relate well with whoever you're with.  Be aware that our rushing can be an offensive vibe that locals can pick up on.
7. Just like the cultural tensions between Indo-Fijians and native Fijians, be certain not to bring up discussions regarding politics!  It's not up for discussion!  Don't bring it up, don't offer an opinion, just listen.
8. The best frame of mind to have is to relate and learn what you can about people - what they do, why they are on this bus and where they are going, their family's etc.
9. Listen to locals and then they are more likely to listen back.
10. Feel free to take photographs.  We will generally let you know if it's not appropriate.  However don't be a tourist and take a moment to ask if people mind if you take a photo.
11. Don't wear hats into Fijian villages.  This will offend locals.
12. Be aware that in the past white people would come and give money and goods.  This can still be expected today due to low incomes and how rich we are in comparison.  There is an under-riding expectation that they will be able to gain things from us.  Be aware and remind yourself of those helpful hints in Information Pack 3 that you can say to help disarm the situation.
13. In particular, the Indo-Fijians want to move to Australia.  Be careful that you don't inadvertently promise anything that you can't deliver on.
14. If you are asked for your name, address and phone number, feel free to give them the postal address of Year 13 if you are uncomfortable giving them your home address.  In fact, I would suggest giving them this PO Box address - PO Box 256, SUTHERLAND  NSW  1499.  But if they give you their details, be aware that they will expect you to write to them or to email.
15. The best way, if you need to refuse someone is to give an honest answer.  And if that means that you need to send them to chat to a leader, then do that.
16. There will be a number of times when we will be catching local taxi's.  It is important to agree on a price BEFORE you hop into a taxi and stick to that price.  However, while we are in Suva and Lautoka, taxi's have fare-metres and that's how you know how much to pay.  Be aware though, that you may need to remind the taxi driver to turn on the metre at the start of the trip.  If you don't he'll deliver you and then expect an outrageous amount for the trip.
17. Every time you go inside, you must take your shoes off.  This is where sandals or thongs become easy to wear.  However, remember that keeping your feet safe from cuts and grazes is important, so if you need to take an extra moment to take your shoes off or put them on because you're wearing sneakers or the like, then do so.

Please keep reminding each other of the different cultural expectations that we need to keep.  And keep reminding each other that here is a perfect opportunity to die to self and your own comforts for the sake of Jesus, His gospel and the Fijians.

Love youse.