CultureShock! United Arab Emirates orientates you into a country that is moving forward at a breathtaking pace unlike any other. The thriving economy attracts a large and diverse expatriate workforce, while luxurious hotels, spectacular skyscrapers and top-class shopping places continue to draw tourists from all corners of the globe. Learn more about the Emiratis’ lifestyles, mentalities and religious practices, and pick up vital tips on how to behave, act and speak in a manner that will help you settle down into your new environment more comfortably.
Gina Crocetti Benesh, an American, was born to a military family who frequently moved and often lived in foreign countries. Her early adaptation to other cultures fostered a deep curiosity about other people and perspectives. She earned her masters degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Portland State University in 1992 and accepted her first teaching position at the United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain. Through the generosity of the Emirati administrators at the UAE University, Mrs. Benesh also earned the widely respected Royal Society of Arts degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language to Adults (RSA TEFLA) from Cambridge University while teaching full time. Mrs. Benesh returned to the US in 1999 and transitioned into the non-profit arena in the area of development. She works in the field of philanthropy today. A fan of education, Mrs Benesh continues to study and pursue a variety of interests from marketing to real estate development..
