- If you are an American, you may be called upon to justify American military action, or even to explain some obscure regulation such as our terribly high tariffs on Danish ham. Don’t argue with people who treat you as if you make American foreign policy.

- Wherever you hail from, you are, whether you like it or not, a representative of your country when you are abroad. Treat the people you meet with respect and sensitivity, don’t condescend, and you will be fine.

m Far more important than any language skill or knowledge of local customs is a positive, friendly attitude, and, especially, a smile. In every culture on earth a smile means the same thing, and cannot be taken for anything but an expression of friendship. In every culture I’ve been exposed to, it has worked wonders.