Prague Orientations
I find it really amusing that NYU has to spend thousands of dollars in employing people and setting up websites for study abroad orientation, when the most profound things they can advise you are to not complain if you can't have your favorite coffee and understand that if Czechs aren't too outgoing it's because they're still undergoing the lingering effects of Communist Surveilence. This is fucking ridiculous. And their list of "Cultural Differences" between Czechs and Americans is ludicrous and just speaks badly of American Culture, because if you don't know these things by now then you're just a disrespectful fuckhead with no common sense. Here's a small example:
1. On a tram or metro, Czechs will almost always give up their seats for an older person, a person with disabilities, or a pregnant woman. In a tram, the front three seats are reserved for these people, but this rule holds throughout the tram if it is full. If you do not give up your seat, you will get many dirty looks - as well as appear to be very rude!
2. In a social context, Czechs tend to be very respectful of people who are older, e.g. a teacher or an older friend. For example, if there is a buffet they will let that person go first in line, or they will let them walk through a door or into a building first.
4. If Czechs are invited to someone's house, they will almost always bring a small present - e.g. flowers, wine, coffee, tea, chocolates, etc.
9. Czechs tend not to be as loud as other people from other cultures- if you speak loudly on a crowded tram, for example, you might find everyone in the tram watching you and following your conversation. This is also a red flag for any pickpockets!
10. Throughout Europe, binge drinking is not a common practice. While alcohol (especially beer) is certainly a part of Czech culture, it is seen more as being something that goes with having a good time; the aim of the evening is not to get plastered.
13. Czechs will almost always knock before opening a closed bathroom door - this often has practical reasons, as locks are often broken!
You would think that because you were accepted to NYU, the school authorities wouldn't underestimate your brain so much. I guess we're all still imbecils. I would LOVE to meet someone who finds these principles and the airport instructions ("When you arrive at the airport you will go through customs, and then to baggage claim, after which you will be directed to the exit.") a revelation.
1. On a tram or metro, Czechs will almost always give up their seats for an older person, a person with disabilities, or a pregnant woman. In a tram, the front three seats are reserved for these people, but this rule holds throughout the tram if it is full. If you do not give up your seat, you will get many dirty looks - as well as appear to be very rude!
2. In a social context, Czechs tend to be very respectful of people who are older, e.g. a teacher or an older friend. For example, if there is a buffet they will let that person go first in line, or they will let them walk through a door or into a building first.
4. If Czechs are invited to someone's house, they will almost always bring a small present - e.g. flowers, wine, coffee, tea, chocolates, etc.
9. Czechs tend not to be as loud as other people from other cultures- if you speak loudly on a crowded tram, for example, you might find everyone in the tram watching you and following your conversation. This is also a red flag for any pickpockets!
10. Throughout Europe, binge drinking is not a common practice. While alcohol (especially beer) is certainly a part of Czech culture, it is seen more as being something that goes with having a good time; the aim of the evening is not to get plastered.
13. Czechs will almost always knock before opening a closed bathroom door - this often has practical reasons, as locks are often broken!
You would think that because you were accepted to NYU, the school authorities wouldn't underestimate your brain so much. I guess we're all still imbecils. I would LOVE to meet someone who finds these principles and the airport instructions ("When you arrive at the airport you will go through customs, and then to baggage claim, after which you will be directed to the exit.") a revelation.