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Libya Lifestyle and Culture

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(Bachelor's, Master's & PhD)

The importance of knowing the culture and lifestyle of your desired study abroad country is that you do not have to worry about getting embarrassed once you are there. This is a pivotal part of the process of immersing yourself into a new environment and country! As you should expect, the Libyan culture is diverse and unique in its way to your host family. On this guide, we have set information that will open your mind and widen your appreciation of the Libyan culture and lifestyle compactly!

Culturally, Libya is not leaned towards beach life. Instead, the local population prefers picnics. However, there are spectacular opportunities for a great fun with desert driving and dune surfing. We understand that studying abroad can be a life-changing experience and, should you choose Libya, our RocApply tips and guides will enhance what will already be a wonderful trip by helping you also understand the culture and etiquette in Libya.

Hospitality has a long history of tradition in Libya where the guests are treated with deep courtesy and given the best possible treatment from the host. The people are very modesty and will reserve time to converse with you if you are a foreigner more deeply. The security of the country has been a questionable thing over the years, so it is important to keep good relations with the locals thus avoiding trouble. Libyans are proud of their traditions and pay respect when it comes to sacred days, such as sabbath and the Ramadan period!

Food is a special aspect of the Arabic culture due to restrictions on other food kinds of stuff such as beef and pork. If you are invited to a Libyan's home it is important to take something sweet with you as a present. Men must bring gifts for a woman but must say they are from a female member. Gifts should be given with two hands and they're not generally opened upon receipt, but rather later on in solitude. Being up to thirty minutes late for dinner is not considered rude in the Libyan culture. Remember to remove your shoes at the door and greet the oldest family members first.

Here are some of the Dos and Don’ts

  • Social interactions between non-related members of the opposite sex are not common, so as a result the handshake will usually not be included upon introduction. 
  • Keeping your hands in your pockets while in conversation with someone is perceived as disrespectful.
  • If you admire something, like a work of art at a Libyan home, your host may insist that it be taken as a gift pack. Refusal can be viewed as rude.
  • When eating always use the right hand as the left hand is not used and considered improper.
  • There is no touching allowed between men and women in public places except if they are related and even so it’s kept to a minimum.
  • It is rare for women to gather together at a restaurant or café.  This is not usually the case for international women.

We hope after reading through this guide you will find a pleasant stay in the warm Islamic nation. Remember the application process to any of its universities is all done and facilitated through RocApply for FREE comrades!

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