What new graduates need to know 

1. Hold on to your student mindset

You've just spent the last several years of your life thinking like a student, so it's probably the last thing you want to do now that you're free. However, don't drop that mindset; hold on to it.

Curiosity and a desire to learn will be a tremendous asset in a new country. That learner mindset will allow you to more quickly adapt to a new culture, by equipping you to analyze and study your new environment. Your new colleagues, customers and neighbors will appreciate your curiosity about their country and its culture. Asking questions and showing interest in your new surroundings will help bridge cultural differences.

2. Understand the many meanings of culture

The most important thing to study and be curious about is the culture of the country you'll be living and working in. You will encounter cultural differences and different ways of doing things, so the more you can learn about your host culture, the better.

When you do encounter cultural differences, rather than resisting change, find ways to stretch your behavior in business situations. Remember also that there are other types of culture you'll need to navigate, such as your company culture. Don't assume that your company culture will automatically reflect the culture of your host country, or that your company will have a global culture if it’s a multinational.