As I prepare to leave for Germany, I experience many emotions- excited for a new adventure, nervous for the challenge of academics in a foreign language, sad to leave behind family and friends, but happy to venture out and experience what the world has to offer. Before leaving, I have reflected back on my own American culture and it’s different values and aspects. One of the main cultural values I have experienced in America is the friendliness of its people. Small talk, smiling at others, and compliments on outfits are just a few examples of the ways in which Americans are friendly.
I do really enjoy this social aspect of American culture, the fact that it is so easy to meet and interact with others. However the con of this is the constant positive reinforcement we give and receive; once you don’t have it you feel like you may feel like you are doing things wrong or people are judging you. When I first lived in Germany during my gap year, this was a tough adjustment for me. People came across as very cold and appeared as if they were judging every move I made. While these are two very different aspects of US and German social cultures, it is something that can be over time understood and adapted too. In the international business world, it is very imperative that one understands cultural differences: the do’s and don’ts, what is considered offensive or the right thing to do.
For the most part, I do believe that people from other cultures enjoy the friendliness and easy-going aspects of American culture. However, I also believe it can go both ways. Some may interpret this as comforting and a positive thing, while others may view this as over the top or in-genuine. From what I have heard from students studying abroad in America, they love meeting new friends but struggle actually growing those friendships. The classic example: when you run into someone you know and the conversation goes something like this.. ‘Hey, how are you?’ ‘Good and you?’ ‘Also good, let’s get lunch and catch up sometime!’ but you never do end up getting lunch or staying in touch other than running into each other on occasion. This experience can be very hard for some and they may feel as though they were misled. However, this tends to be the way Americans communicate, even if they have no intentions of doing what they say.
This writing has helps me prepare for my time abroad because it has given me the opportunity to sit down and really reflect on what I am about to take part in. I have been able to reflect on past experiences, both at home and abroad. I have also been able to think of the differences that I will experience when I return to Germany. While reflecting on my experience, I have been able to see the ways in which I see through lenses- meaning, that depending on how you view something that is how you will experience it. It is important to be able to take these metaphorical lenses off, and to see and experience things with an open mind.