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AUTHOR Robert Gillespie
September 16, 2013

Are Expats And Travellers Ambassadors For Peace Between Nations?

International Peace Day takes place later this month on September 21st, with numerous events scheduled to promote peace all across the globe. Learning of this event for the first time got me thinking about peace and international relations in regards to the expat and travelling communities, are expats responsible for promoting peace and goodwill between nations? Do they take on the role of foreign ambassadors in their new home country, breaking down stereotypes and bringing the world closer to true intercontinental understanding?

This might seem like a pretty big responsibility for a group of people who, for the most part, have moved away from their home country in search of a bit of sunshine and a less stressful way of life. These definitely aren’t people who have intentionally sought out the additional responsibility of an international relations role, not by any means, and they almost defiantly weren’t looking for responsibility over something as important as world peace.

Here, in the spirit of world peace day, we take a quick look at some of the arguments for and against viewing those who live and travel abroad as mini ambassadors, and the important role they play in the international community.

Breaking down stereotypes
People find it much easier to shake off a stereotype when they have been involved in interactions with someone from within the group being stereotyped, who goes against this perception. How many times have you heard somebody disprove a stereotype by providing an example of a person who goes against the perceived mould?

Therefore it is vital that expats and traveller attempt to integrate themselves into the local community. This will have the dual benefit of improving perceptions in both nations. The expats positive experience will enable them to relay the right information to those back home and destroy their perceptions about that nation and its culture.

This is the best case scenario, however if there is tension between an expat and native citizens then it can have the opposite effect. In fact a dispute between 2 such people could see them use stereotypes as insults between each other, reinforcing divisions.

Tourism
Acting as an ambassador for your home nation whilst living in or visiting another country could have a positive impact on tourism in your homeland. This could then snowball drastically. There are many ways that this can happen, perhaps you offer the opportunity for a native to stay with you back home or simply recommend places for them to visit in your home nation. If this results in a positive experience then that person would recommend it to their native friends and this would lead to the snowball effect mentioned above. This also works in reverse, if your relationships with those in your new home nation are positive then you’ll recommend it to friends back home.

So how exactly can an expat living abroad act as an ambassador for their home nation and prompt peace and positivity towards it? Becoming involved in the local community is an excellent way of doing this and means participating in local events, clubs and aiding local institutions. Doing so makes sure you leave a memorable impression and build relationships with the native citizens.

For those just passing through this might not be possible, but by simply being respectful, polite and observing local traditions and customs you can act as an ambassador for your home nation. This may not leave a lasting impression but inappropriate behaviour certainly will so travellers should keep that in mind.

So next time you head abroad, think about your duty as an ambassador to your home nation and don’t forget to take part in International Peace Day later this month.

Having worked in the car rental industry for over 15 years, he really knows his stuff. Rob heads up our marketing department and as a keen traveller, always has a new location to talk about. Particularly if there is a golf course nearby.

Robert Gillespie

Traveller

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