Preparing yourself to stay with new people can be a mountain to climb alone. This is why RocApply has made this functional guide to help you with the process of acquiring information on the daily routines to observe in the land of the Sudanese! We are committed to making life easy for you! Apart from this, we can guarantee you that people here are as welcoming as it gets. You will certainly make a few friends with the minimal effort here! Because of Sudan’s great cultural diversity, it is challenging to classify the traditional cultures of the various peoples. The country’s traditional societies have diverse linguistic, ethnic, social, cultural, and religious characteristics. And, although improved communications, increased social and economic mobility, and the spread of a money economy have led to a general loosening of the social ties, customs, relationships, and modes of organization in traditional cultures, much from the past remains in one piece. Do not be fooled by the rough past the Sudanese have gone through, the Sudanese are very simple and well-structured people whose focus is on developing an environment conducive for all. We understand that studying abroad can be a life-changing experience and, should you choose Sudan, our RocApply tips and guides will enhance what will already be a wonderful trip by helping you also understand the culture and etiquette in Sudan. The country's culture is one of the most distinct and unique on the African continent. Expect some greetings to be quite prolonged when you step here. People often shake hands multiple times, ask many questions, and express their gratitude to see you. Some of the questions asked may seem quite personal in texture by Western standards (e.g. Are you married?, How many kids do you have?). The people usually ask about one's family, clan, or tribe to determine their background. This allows them to assess how they should appropriately interact to avoid an offensive conversation. Asking similar questions to a Sudanese living in another country could come across as crude. Basic Etiquette • Use your right hand or both hands to gesture or offer anything. The left hand is used for cleaning and hygiene purposes and must not be used to gesture or touch things here (e.g. food, people, …). • Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees to respect the modesty of your Sudanese counterparts. Women especially are expected to be modest in their behavior and dress when in public. • It is extremely inappropriate to openly flirt with a Sudanese girl or woman if you are a man. • Lateness does not imply rudeness or dishonor and is common among friends. Sudanese people tend to be extremely patient and have a more relaxed approach to timekeeping. • When something does not happen according to plan due to one’s error, one can say “Malesh” meaning “Sorry”. This offers regret whilst saving one’s reputation at the same time. • Always remember not to walk in front of someone or interrupt them whilst they are in prayer.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
