An aspect of my host culture where I was confused and had to adapt was the traditional values and ancient technology throughout the city of Rome. Unlike America Italy and Europe in general can be more behind in certain areas of technology. When moving into my apartment in Rome it was confusing and difficult to adapt to certain things like having no dryer, dishwasher, lack of air conditioning and heat, as well as some in efficient transportation throughout the city. In Italy the time is more suggested compared to America where you must arrive early when given a time. This meant that in Italy often times buses, trains and even class times would start late which for me could be frustrating but for the Italians was some thing they were used to. I felt as though this traditional outlook on their culture had its advantages and disadvantage is. It helped me appreciate the useful technology and household items I take for granted at home that make my life a little easier and more comfortable. But it also allowed me to admire the simplicity of Roman lifestyle.
People from the host culture of Rome would view my experience as strange because that is just the lifestyle they are used to. From their perspective their value of time and behavior is based off of their rooted traditions and slower paced lifestyle that does not feel the need to be as progressive and up-to-date as a lot of American lifestyle which can be very fast pace. Italians may seem lazy to Americans, but to Italians Americans seem to be overworked and have a lack of appreciation for life and their own history and family. This is also because the Italians have a more cohesive identity where in the US values, behaviors, and attitudes may all differ based on the region or personal opinion. This is a big difference in the main cultures between America and Italy where Italy has a very strong identity that they bring in to all aspects of their life and may feel threatened or become offended for those who enter their country and do not follow along with their values. It can create a rift between the people from America because we are used to people being more open and accepting to all different cultures and many different people acting and valuing different things. It is more acceptable to have your own personal identity or culture identity and less unwritten rules like Italy has.
For future cultural misunderstandings and conflicts these reflections prepare me with how to respond. It has helped me gain experience with being in uncomfortable or new situations dealing with all different kinds of people. Because of my time abroad I feel better prepared with being in uncomfortable positions more often and working my way out of them. It has provided me with better people skills that I can use in the work place as well as at school. I learned a lot about the importance of respecting others beliefs and not becoming frustrated but rather trying to understand that not all people may understand American culture or know the unwritten rules of our own culture like I did not know those of Italys.