Interview Questions

Overview of the country

1.       How would you introduce your country to someone like me who does not know much about it?

I would like to know how the person would identify his country and present it to somebody that really does not know much about the country.

2.       What is the country like in terms of size, population and geography?

I want to know how big the country is, how many people live here and what kind of physical geography (landscape, features, location, climate) the country has.

Culture and Lifestyle

3.       Where did you grow up as a child?

I want to learn more about the background of the interviewee. I would like to know what is the society like, their norms and values.

4.       What kind of family did you live in?

I want to learn more about the family settings in the country (small or joint), and who the head of the family is.

5.       What kind of school did you go to?

I want to know how the schools like in the country are. Are they operated by the government or by private parties? What kind of education system do they use in their schools?

6.       What is the main religion in the country?

I would like to know more about the religion of the country. Do most of the people follow one religion or is it diverse?

7.       What kind of festivals do you celebrate in your country?

I would like to know more about the culture and tradition of the people living in that country and know how culture has shaped their way of life.

8.       What is the food like in your country?

I would like to compare the food they eat with what we have in the US.  Is food more than just a meal and more of a social value and attached more with the culture?

9.       What are the traditional dresses worn by people and what are they like?

I would like to learn more about the clothing of the people. I would also like to know if they wear them in regular basis and not just for special occasions.

10.   What are the main sports played in your country?

I would like to know more about the sports played in the country and what sports is the country famous for.  I would also like to know if there are any games unique to the country itself.

11.   What are some of the usual things that are different in your country that that in the US?

I would like to know if there is something that the people do differently in daily life than the people here.

12.   What do people in your country like to do for fun?

I would like to know even more about the lifestyles of the people living there and find if there is a vast difference between the perceptions of people in terms of having fun.

13.   How old is a person when s/he gets married?

I would like to know more about the custom of marriage in the country. Is love marriage socially acceptable? Do people have live-in relations? Is socio-economic class a factor affecting marriage?

14.   Are there any classes between people in the society?

I would like to know if the society is broken down in terms of economy, class, cast, color… and if it is how that has affected the social well being of the people.

Government and Economy
What form of government does the country have?

I would like to know the type of government ruling the country and compare the governance of the country to that of the US.

16.   What is the economy like in the country? What is the main source of economy?

I would like to know how the country is doing in terms of money!!! Are people able to live a self sustained life and is the government able to provide the needs of the people.
Attractions and Leisure
What are some of the famous destinations in your country?
I would like to know if the country is famous for tourism and what some of its popular places are.
what are some of your hobbies?
I would like to know how his hobbies are linked to his personal growth and how it reflects his country.
What aspect of your country do you like the most?
I would like to know what the interviewee is proud of and what is so unique about the country.
What made you come to the United States?
I would like to give the person the oppurtunity to compare and explore the qualities between the two countries.