1. Learn to navigate public transportation. When we turn 16 in America we usually get a license and a car. But then we go to Europe and suddenly we’re stranded on a tram, gripping our backpack tightly to our chest as we watch out for pickpocketers. Next thing we know we’re lost on the outskirts of the city where no one speaks a word of English. But we pull ourselves together, gather our senses and navigate a transit schedule. With great success we eventually make it back to our home base, where we celebrate because a 25 minute walk took us 2 hours by vehicle, but is successful simply because we made it all by ourselves.
My Experience: I have had many hiccups learning public transportation. Like most lessons, I learned this the hard way. This is the one thing I wish I would have had help learning. I had my first experience with public transportation the minute I got off my flight from American, in Germany. I decided to be brave and try the train from the airport-- in hindsight this was a horrible idea considering I had two huge bags I was carrying around (enough for one year away.) I lugged my bags down cement stairs and up again, only to realize I got off on the wrong stop. I finally gave up, found a nearby park and took a nap on my bags!
I can't even count how many time i've gotten off on the wrong stop on the bus, went the wrong direction on the tram, or missed a train. But each time I do so, I take something away from it and have accumulated many stories. With all of my missteps, the final product of getting somewhere in a foreign country all by myself is invaluable confidence. I have now officially taken public transportation and figured it out in: Poland, The Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, and Austria :)
2. Drink before you turn 21. This is the item on the study abroad to-do list that creates the stereotype of the stupid, loud American. Young adults just a year or two shy of 21 are able to purchase cocktails and six packs without worrying about using a fake ID or sneaking in the back door. Not only that, but some countries even let you drink out in public. Drinking beer while you get lost on public transportation or walk 4 miles to a club, what could be better than that?
My Experience: Europe doesn't recognize the concept of 'carding' like America does. I turned 21 after four months of being here, but it was so exciting be able to drink before that! I appreciate the drinking culture over here. In Denmark (and most of Europe) the drinking age is 16, however the 'bar' age is 18. By having such a low drinking age, there isn't this hype and anticipation about drinking like in the U.S. (leading to our binge drinking tendency.)
Also! Drinking in public is the best. Nothing beats having a Tuborg (Danish beer,) while walking downtown or taking a long bus ride.
3. Smoke pot in Amsterdam. It’s legal and it seems even the most drug resistant of Americans can’t deny the tempting allure of smoking marijuana without restriction inside of a coffee shop. Even non-smokers make Holland a necessary part of their European itinerary.
My Experience: Considering I have been to Amsterdam twice, I have definitely participated in this activity! During my first trip to Amsterdam I went by myself. I had nothing to do for a week and decided to go on an adventure, which turned out to one of my best experiences here. The very first 'coffeeshop' I went to was called "The Greenhouse Effect". I told the barista that this was my first time and was seeking some advice. A girl beside me told me it was her's as well, so we decided to partner up. She was from Berkley, California.. and was the first American I had come across. We ended up having an incredible time! We went to dinner, museums, and spent the entire night together.
My second time in Amsterdam was with my sister Neenah in December. We've decided to keep most of our stories in the sister vault, but needless to say.. smoking while walking down the street and laughing until we can't breath was a daily activity.
4. Sleep in a hostel with strangers. Oftentimes these are people who would probably make you fear for your life if you were in the states. It might be a group of rowdy Australians or a lone stranger who keeps to himself. They might smell like they haven’t showered in 2 months or maybe they are a couple who doesn’t think twice about hooking up in the bunk right above you. Needless to say, no one leaves a hostel without a story to tell.
My Experience: Hostels are the way to stay! $20 a night is perfect for a student budget :) And as the article stated, you never leave a hostel without a story. Here are a few:
The first hostel I stayed in was the worst hostel I have ever stayed in haha. This was on my first Amsterdam trip (solo). Considering this trip was quickly planned, I picked the cheapest hostel I could find-- big mistake. The lesson I quickly learned was decide not only by price, but also by neighborhood. I ended up staying right in the middle of the Red Light District, aka the most concentrated area of prostitutes in the city. In fact, I could see one from my hostel window! By my second time in Amsterdam, I was much more comfortable with the concept of prostitutes.. but considering this was one of my first few days in Europe, I was in shock. Next, there was only ONE key for the entire room. Talk about a coordinating problem. Also I had the top bunk, which didn't have a ladder. Each time I had to get on my bed I had to run and jump.
When my mom came to visit, we went to Austria for a few days. We had an early morning flight out of Copenhagen, so we stayed in a hostel for one night. Instead of going to bed early and getting ready for our trip we ended up being the life of the hostel happy hour. Nothing like mother-daughter fun :)
5. Sign up for a pub crawl. Only 20 Euros and you get the opportunity to bar hop with a tour guide all night long. If you spent a semester studying abroad in Europe, chances are at least once you were talked into one of these by a very friendly spokesperson who preys on American tourists in piazzas and at monuments. They offer you a colorful brochure and the promise that they are the only people who can really show you a good time tonight. The pub crawl is a fantastic chance to meet other English speaking tourists who are interested in blacking out and getting the free souvenir t-shirt.
My Experience: I have yet to experience a proper pub crawl!
6. Fall in love with a foreigner. Whether it be for a night or a semester, chances are some foreigner will catch your eye. Everyone expects you to fall in love or lust during your time abroad. You never know who will catch your eye, it could be a tour guide from down under or a cheesy Italian with a rose.
My Experience: I 100% have done this. I have been dating my current Danish boyfriend since the beginning of February. I never thought that I would connect with someone romantically here, so falling in love was the last thing I expected. I am so grateful for him. It is incredible dating someone from such a different culture than mine. We are always discussing cultural differences and coming from different backgrounds always leaves us something to talk about.
In addition to being my romantic partner, he is also my personal mentor into Danish society-- translating restaurant menus, teaching me Danish, showing me the best spots in the city and explaining Dane's personal tendencies. Also, Rune's family has graciously invited me into their life and I couldn't be more thankful.
My love with my foreigner won't end in Denmark. We are going to stay together while I finish my last year of college and I will return to Aarhus for graduate school. I couldn't be more happy :)
7. Find American food to console you. It could be Starbuck’s in Germany or a McDonald’s in Rome. Perhaps chicken wings at Hooter’s in Switzerland or a cheeseburger at Hard Rock Café. There are just times when a Panini won’t cut it or you would do anything for a scoop of Jif peanut butter. Those are desperate times, thank goodness for globalization.
My Experience: Each time I have an American guest over, I ask them to bring Anne's organic macaroni and cheese. It reminds me of sitting at my fathers house, enjoying some good 'ol American food. Also.. when i'm really homesick i'll eat some toast with peanut butter and honey. I can't shake my important American roots!
8. Experience reverse culture shock. As much as we may be ready to come back home, a part of us will always long for the European lifestyle. We come home and realize, that maybe America isn’t the omnipotent know-it-all trendsetter we thought it was. Maybe we shouldn’t supersize our fries or wear gym clothes to work. There might be something to say about portion control and style. Not to mention a reliance on more traditional ways and the humbling experience of being the minority.
My Experience: I will soon report on my reverse culture shock, when I return to Montana July 10. I am beginning to process and examine my time over here and my life in Montana. More to come on my revelations.
Sending all of my love!
