In the words of Bruce Lee, "Be water, my friend" Observe before you contribute. In a foreign country, you have to reshape your values, beliefs, assumptions, etc. Reshape them to what? That's what you uncover when you notice the little things :)

Working in a new country can be exciting and scary at the same time. Building trust with your new work friends makes things easier and more fun. How can you do that? Start by saying hello and smiling. Small actions show you are friendly and kind. Try to learn a few simple words like "thank you" or "good morning" in their language. This makes people happy and shows respect for their culture. Watch how your coworkers do their work. Ask questions if you are unsure. It shows you care and want to learn. Think about joining in meals or breaks together. Sharing lunch or snacks helps people get to know you better.

I have worked in many countries and what works is the following: 1. Develop cultural awareness and recognize that norms will differ from yours. Learn about the social and business etiquette of the host country. 2. Respect diversity and value different perspectives. Be inclusive to create a positive environment for building trust. 3. Adapt your communication style, and either learn the local language or at least some basic phrases. 4. Use respectful and inclusive language, avoiding cultural assumptions. 5. Build personal relationships by engaging in social activities with colleagues to foster connections. 7. Most importantly, embrace the new environment with curiosity and openness to learning about local culture and customs.