The first thing people ask me when I tell them I lived in France for a year is: How was the wine and cheese? While it's true that France is known for its food, my experience of getting to know and love the culture was so much more than eating. In fact, the second most asked question is: Was it weird coming back to the U.S.? This question echoes the reality of what we call reverse culture shock that most international travelers face when re-entering their host culture after an extended period of time. I know I'm not the only one who is coming off the globe-trotter high just in time to start classes again, so I thought it would be helpful to share my personal list of do's and don'ts for re-entry to Athens. Whether you spent the summer in East Asia or Western Europe, these tips should be helpful for the transition back into America, and more specifically, Ohio University.
Taking pictures ' If you started making the peace sign in pictures with your international friends, stop. We really don't do that here. Trust me, you are going to feel silly when the picture of you and your housemates at Courtside Pizza shows up on Facebook if you are front and center doing the peace sign and open-mouth smile. It's kind of embarrassing.
Time ' I know in many countries around the world, it's cultural to be late. Of course, this varies by culture. I met a Spanish student in France who thought the French were obnoxiously punctual (usually 10 to 30 minutes late for everything). It's all relative, because in Spain, being an hour late is no big deal. However, if you, as an American, have adapted to or even embraced the lateness of your host culture, snap out of it. Quickly. Your professor won't care that you had to have a siesta after lunch and will be angry when you show up halfway though class. -
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Leah Hitchens
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