Where is your daughter going? In coastal areas they are used to foreigners but if she is in a more rural area she should be aware that what to her is normal friendly behaviour towards the opposite *** could be misinterpreted by others as something more like flirting. In these areas it is very rare that men and woman are friends and unfortunatley foreign women have a reputation of being 'easy' in comparison with Tunisian woman. As a single woman it is better to avoid physical contact with males and stay polite but slightly reserved and she will never have any problems. On the contrary the people are fabulously welcoming. Again, this is not less the case in Tunis, Hammamet or Sousse as the people are less traditional and more modern in their thinking. I live here and have never in 12 years have a single unpleasant encounter with men - taxi drivers, colleagues whatever. But I am much less forthcoming with men here than I would be in the UK. Tunisia is wonderful and the people are extremely kind but you have to respect the way other culture's see the world.
Quote:
Originally Posted by helenduyvestyn
My daughter is going on a student exchange to Tunisia next year for a whole year. I'm a little nervous about her going, and have lots of questions regarding what things will make her life easier once she is there. We do not know what area she is going to yet. She has blonde hair - and it has been suggested that she is likely to be 'hassled' because of that. We would also like to know what phone company to go with (do we use a 'sim' card phone?), what other things does she need to learn about the culture (do's & don'ts), and is it worth her bringing a laptop? What will be the best way for us to communicate to each other? Any advice would be really really appreciated!!!
|