Who On Earth Are You? A Handbook for Thriving in a Mixed-Up World

This book explores the fundamental cultural values that define who we are. It asks, where do these core beliefs come from? And how do we hold our norms in balance with others in such a diverse world? If you are always on time, follow the rules and queue politely, how do you understand the free-wheeling, queue-jumper who parks in your spot? If you are a quiet, reserved individual, who secretly dreams of owning a Ferrari, how do you make sense of loud, gregarious folks, who give all their money away?

We are living in an extraordinary time of both cultural convergence and divergence. An unprecedented movement of people and ideas has brought many opportunities, yet multiculturalism has brought with it tremendous challenges, too. Making the case for cross-cultural learning and living as a global citizen is now more urgent than ever.

In a light-hearted and conversational manner, this book examines different beliefs about human equality, our concept of self and others, how language defines us, the importance of time, our norms for personal space, and coping with uncertainty. These ideas are illustrated with personal anecdotes from a lifetime spent living all over the world. Readers will gain new perspectives and insights into their own cultural wiring and practical advice to help them thrive in our mixed-up world.

Peter Welch has had a most international life and career. Growing up in England, he studied history at Cambridge University, before becoming a voluntary English teacher in Lesotho. After training in London, he taught in Ghana as a volunteer. He then worked in very different schools in the UK, Singapore, Italy, and Canada. His first headship was in Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand. Subsequently, he has led international schools in Turkey, Finland and Romania. Peter is regularly invited to speak on the subject of cultural competency at educational conferences. He has originated research on how culture impacts student learning and communication. This research was adopted by the Council of International Schools and is now a global project.