Have you ever wondered how three simple words— ‘Please,’ ‘Sorry,’ and ‘Thank you’—can shape your interactions and career, especially when you are overseas? I learned a great deal about this during a trip to Australia in 1998, and it’s a memory that has stuck with me ever since.

Picture this: I was at a small local store, eager to buy something. I asked the shopkeeper, “How much?” but he didn’t answer. I repeated my question, “How much do I need to pay?” to which he responded, “Say ‘please’ first.”

At that moment, I was caught off guard. I realised that for many people, these words are more than just polite phrases—they are integral to daily life and communication. In many cultures, such as Australia’s, etiquette isn’t just a social formality; it’s a fundamental element of interaction and respect.

This experience made me rethink how often we overlook the significance of these basic expressions. They might seem like small courtesies, but in different cultures, they are crucial to showing respect and fostering good relationships. So next time you’re in a new place or interacting with someone from a different background, remember that ‘Please,’ ‘Sorry,’ and ‘Thank You’ can make a world of difference. These words not only showcase your sophistication and refinement but also open a world of opportunities for you.

Just like we expect good studying, living, and working conditions overseas, certain things are expected of us as international students. Let’s say, for instance, studying in Canada is not just about receiving an approval letter from a university or college, preparing all the documents required, and fulfilling the financial obligations. It is much more than that, for moving to a new country is like meeting new people and getting acquainted with them. Such considerations play a role both while we are studying and trying to find work in Canada or any other country.

How Simple It Can Be to Find a Job Overseas

Many international students are concerned that they are not able to land part-time jobs overseas. We have always vouched that people should upgrade their skills to progress in their life both personally and professionally, so is it just the skill or do we need something more? It would be wrong to say that there are no jobs in countries like Canada, but the correct view of looking at the current situation is that jobs today have become competitive.

All those who can land a job in Canada are the ones who not only have the desired skills but also have something different, i.e. the right approach to integrate into a new society. While it is easy to acquire skills, we must be familiar with the culture of the local area and the country we are living in. It is important to add here that along with being familiar, we also need to adapt and present ourselves as per the requirements of the local culture.

This rule applies particularly to those who are working in a service industry such as a coffee shop. In a typical scenario, these magic words, ‘sorry’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ make people feel important in English-speaking countries such as Canada and Australia. Many employers in Canada face this problem, where a prospective employee is not polite enough to be suitable for handling customers in a business environment.

Adopting the Culture of Your New Home

Looking at this from another angle, candidates who exhibit politeness in their approach and have the habit of using those three words stand a better chance of being employed. It is easy to train a person on the technical aspects of working in a service industry, but it is much more difficult to ingrain a hospitable attitude in a person. Those candidates who have both the attributes, that is skills and politeness, have a better chance of being accepted for a job

Here it should be noted that all the prospective candidates who come to study or work abroad should read and become familiar with the culture of the country. One major reason that prevents people from landing a job even though they are technically sound, is the lack of awareness of how local people behave and conduct themselves. When we move to Canada or any other country as students or on a work permit, we take our culture and living patterns there. They accept our culture, so our responsibility is to learn and adapt to how they live and conduct themselves. By mixing the two cultures, we will create a much better environment.

Values Commonly Shared by Foreigners

Along with being polite and forming the habit of using polite words, there are other values as well with which we should be familiar. Canadians like freedom and individuality and when it comes to discussing education, career, and social activities, it often circulates personal interests.

As international students or immigrant workers, we should avoid indulging in or discussing social and political issues. Canadians tend to be sensitive to political correctness and since it is a multicultural country with varied beliefs, our views may not match with others around us. Talking of correctness, Canadians do value their personal space and privacy and in a public setting, their conversations tend to be on something light, rather than personal interrogation.

Along with using polite words, if we form a habit of maintaining a certain level of eye contact during conversation, it conveys honesty and sincerity in a Canadian context. Being on time is something that comes with no excuse, and it forms part that you are honest and sincere towards your job. Whether you are attending classes, going to work, or to a scheduled meeting, it is better to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Talk to immigration consultants in Chandigarh if you want to know more about mixing with local people in Canada or any other country.

The Bottom Line

In essence, the simple words ‘Please,’ ‘Sorry,’ and ‘Thank you’ are much more than just polite expressions—they are essential for building positive relationships and showing respect, especially in new cultural settings. My experience in Australia taught me that these words are crucial in daily interactions and can significantly impact your career and personal connections abroad. When studying or working in a new country like Canada, or Australia, it’s important to understand and adapt to the local culture, which includes using these expressions of politeness. By embracing and integrating into the local way of life, you not only enhance your interactions but also improve your chances of success in both personal and professional spheres. So, remember to be polite, adaptable, and respectful, as these qualities will help you thrive in any new environment.