cultureXchange

July 24, 2026

#43 CultureXchange on Tour - Understanding Vietnamese Culture Beyond the Tourist Experience with Hana Bui

This is the first-ever cultureXchange On Tour. Every now and then, one of us will pack a suitcase, travels to a destination and take cultureXchange on the road. We begin in Vietnam. In this first On Tour episode, Frauke joins from the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, where Vietnam is commemorating 50 years since reunification, while Marie-Christine joins from Germany. Together, they explore what happens when cultural theory meets lived experience. Their guide is Hana Bui, an intercultural trainer, bestselling author, and one of Vietnam's leading voices on cross-cultural communication. After helping thousands of professionals navigate Myanmar, Hana now helps expats and international teams understand what really matters when working and living in Vietnam. Together, they unpack the unwritten rules behind Vietnamese communication, relationships, and workplace culture, and why what looks familiar on the surface often isn't. In this episode, you'll discover: - Why a warm welcome in Vietnam doesn't automatically mean you've built a relationship - How Hana's journey from Myanmar expert to Vietnam specialist shaped her intercultural work - The three cultural dimensions many foreigners underestimate: relationships, hierarchy, and saving face - How age, gender, and status influence communication in business and everyday life - Why saying Xin chào is only the beginning—and how greetings change depending on who you're talking to - The reverse culture shock: what Vietnamese professionals expect from international colleagues and experts About Hana Bui: Hana Bui is an intercultural trainer and bestselling author who helps expats and international professionals thrive in Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. She is the author of When Global Meets Local – How to Succeed in Myanmar and When Local Meets Global - How to Work Well with Foreigners. With a business background and an MA in Globalization and Communications from the University of Leicester, Hana has spent more than 15 years helping bridge the gap between local cultures and global workplaces. Hana's Book: Hana Bui (2019): When Global Meets Local - How Expatriates Can Succeed In Myanmar: First-Time Guidebook. Connect with Hana: linkedin.com/in/hana-bui Connect with cultureXchange: Instagram: @culture_x_change Website: https://www.culturexchangepodcast.com/ YouTube: @culturexchange.podcast LinkedIn: The cultureXchange Podcast Email: connectculturexchange@gmail.com Listen & Subscribe Tune in to this episode of the cultureXchange Podcast

June 26, 2026

#42 Cognitive Surrender? When AI Starts Thinking for you with Stephan Ruppert

April 24, 2026

#41 Intercultural Learning - Developing the Human Superpower We All Need with Tara Harvey

Intercultural learning can be seen as the development of a kind of human superpower: the ability to navigate differences in perspective, culture, and experience with awareness, empathy, and skill. In an increasingly interconnected world, this “superpower” is no longer optional; it is essential for meaningful communication, collaboration, and leadership across diverse contexts. *Culture Chat* In this episode, Frauke and Marie-Christine speak with Tara Harvey, founder of True North Intercultural, about why intercultural learning matters more than ever today. Key Topics Covered: - What intercultural learning really means - Intercultural competence as a life and leadership skill - Why schools should teach these skills early - Diversity vs. intentional intercultural development - Emotional intelligence and reflection in learning - Balancing comfort and challenge for growth - Reasons for optimism in intercultural education Key Takeaway: Exposure to diversity is not enough. Meaningful intercultural learning requires intentional design, reflection, and support. About Tara Harvey: Tara Harvey is the founder of True North Intercultural and a recognized leader in intercultural teaching and learning. Her work focuses on helping educators and institutions intentionally develop intercultural competence in students, staff, and leaders. Connect with Tara: Email: tara@truenorthintercultural.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taraaharvey/ https://www.truenorthintercultural.com/ Connect with cultureXchange: Instagram: @culture_x_change Website: https://www.culturexchangepodcast.com/ YouTube: @culturexchange.podcast LinkedIn: The cultureXchange Podcast Email: connectculturexchange@gmail.com Listen & Subscribe Tune in to this episode of the cultureXchange Podcast for practical insights and inspiration on preparing learners to thrive across differences.