"I went to work in Nicaragua and was fortunate to work with an economist there who quickly became my mentor and cultural compass. By working [with my mentor], I gained a deeper understanding of the culture and tools for navigating the cultural challenges of being a woman." -- Cathy F., on her experiences with a cultural mentor

Sharyn felt comfortable about accepting an offer to work in the Dominican Republic. She had lived there briefly for one summer and felt at home with the culture and people. But when she was finally able to spend a great deal of time with her new supervisor, she realized she had much more to learn.

"He showed me a new side of the Dominican Republic I had never seen before and allowed me to begin to develop a holistic understanding of the culture," Sharyn explains.

For Sharyn, her supervisor became a cultural mentor -- an individual with a deep understanding of the local way of life -- who taught her how to better navigate her environment's unspoken cues. She was then able to adapt more quickly, work more effectively and, as she notes, "have a broader perspective of the country. I learned to look beyond the typical understanding of what it meant to be Dominican."

It is common to seek advice from those who have walked before you, but many expatriates don't take the opportunity to learn from the pros. Either they are too busy, feel uncomfortable asking for help or are unsure of how to find individuals to assist them in adapting to their new environments. Taking time to understand cultural mentoring and finding someone to fulfill this role can greatly ease your transition abroad.

What Is a Cultural Mentor?

A cultural mentor is someone who can teach you about local customs and norms. He can provide tips on doing business more effectively and advise you when you stumble. A cultural mentor can either be another expatriate who is familiar with both your culture and the local country, or a local who is very perceptive about where you are coming from. Many cross-cultural counselors advocate having both: Someone who can help you through the trials of culture shock since they have experienced it themselves and someone from the native culture for whom everyday practices are so natural they are easy to explain.

Cultural mentors are not only helpful during the initial stages of adjustment to a new country, but they can also be invaluable throughout the entire assignment. For example, an employee may experience a change in his new country's business or political climate that raises cultural or protocol questions. A cultural mentor can provide some answers. When it comes time for repatriation back home, another type of cultural mentor -- someone who has gone through the repatriation experience -- can help explain and support the reverse culture shock.

How Do You Find a Cultural Mentor?

There may be someone in your own office who can serve as a cultural mentor, like Sharyn's supervisor did for her. However, if this is not the case, you will need to network through expatriate clubs and communities to find someone appropriate. Traits to look for include: significant experience in the particular country or region, ease and familiarity with local culture, success in a business environment (i.e., proven track record), strong interpersonal skills, a willingness to listen, and an interest in your personal and professional success. If you can find someone in your particular profession or industry, that's a plus, but it's not critical to successful mentoring.

Establishing the Relationship

As in any mentoring relationship, you should approach developing this relationship with subtlety, professionalism and care. Asking your potential mentor to lunch, or for coffee or tea can be a good, informal way to establish a rapport. Keep the conversation professional and don't jump right into grilling questions or explaining your problems.

"I noticed that you seem so comfortable here, and I still feel like I have a lot to learn," is a good way to begin. Asking what his greatest challenges were and how they were dealt with can be informative. Again, be careful not to dive right into a heavy conversation. Follow your colleague's cues and respond accordingly. You can learn a lot just by observing and listening. Finally, be sure to show your appreciation, either by sending an article of interest or a simple thank-you note.

Whether you are an expatriate living in Beijing or Bamako, Rome or Rio, you will experience many new and baffling cultural encounters. Rather than stumbling blindly through the country you are in, get a guide; you will be amazed at how much better you will see the people and the work culture.

Talk about this article and get expert advice on the International Jobs Message Board.