Culture Shock: Morocco Edition

As I've mentioned before, I studied abroad through a program called Semester at Sea, in which we traveled around porting in various countries throughout the summer. It just so happened that our very first port was in Africa! Casablanca, Morocco, to be exact. Talk about culture shock!

Before going abroad, I was prepared to experience some level of culture shock because I had never been to Europe before. However, I don't think I was prepared for the culture shock that I stumbled upon during my time in Morocco. I would have to say, of all the countries we visited, Morocco was the most different, in comparison to anywhere I had been before. First of all, it was blazing hot (I should have expected that since we were in Africa, but I didn't). Not to mention, Morocco is a muslim country so the dress code is very strict. Therefore, I was forced to dress in long pants and long-sleeves everywhere I went. This was definitely a new concept to me and took some getting used to. 

The food was also extremely different than what you would find in the United States and water was hard to come by. My entire stay in Morocco felt like a quest for water because I had to be extremely careful about the water I drank and where it came from. We were instructed to only drink out of bottled water and to even be careful then because the seals are often broken. Brushing my teeth was a struggle as well because I needed to have bottled water on hand every time I wanted to brush my teeth. Culture shock seemed to be setting in fast and let's just say, my time in Morocco wasn't my most hygienic days. 

The culture shock I was experiencing doubled when I decided to take a walk through the local market in Casablanca. It was quite the sight. There were live chickens being beheaded and hung out in the open as I strolled through the market. At that point, I wasn't sure what I had gotten myself into, but I knew I wanted to get out. 

Additionally, I spent a few days in a Berber camp in the Sahara desert. As you can imagine, water was, once again, hard to come by and we were living in the stifling hot Sahara desert. Oh, and did I mention that our only mode of transportation was riding camels? Yeah, that was quite the surprise and only enhanced my culture shock. Although my time spent at the Berber camp was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I was certainly ready to leave by the last day.

Once we arrived back in Marrakech, I was so excited to finally be back in civilization. Our last night in Morocco was looking up as we had planned to stay in a hotel in the city and go out that night. However, like most travel plans, things didn't go according to plan. The first disappointment of the night came as we checked into our hotel and were informed there was no air condition or WiFi. Let me just tell you, those were the two things I was most excited about after spending three days in the Sahara.

Although I knew air conditioning was hard to come by in Europe and certainly Africa, I held hope we would be in for a treat. Unfortunately, we weren't. After accepting the no A/C or WiFi fact, we decided to make the most of the night and visit a local grocery store to pick up some alcohol before going out. And here's where disappointment number two comes in....

Unbeknownst to us, Ramadan was in full swing and there was no alcohol to be found anywhere. It's important to note that the only reason this was such a big deal was because it was our first opportunity to go out since we had been abroad. And there we were again, faced with just another element of culture shock, as it is unheard of for alcohol to be scarce in the United States. 


Looking back on my time abroad, Morocco wouldn't have been so bad if it hadn't been our very first port. If I had previous exposure to different cultures and customs before visiting Morocco, I think I would have experienced a much smaller level of culture shock.



A Guide to Casual European Conversation

Freedom is an American value and stepping stone. We also tend to transfer this value to how we interact with each other. You have the personal freedom to say whatever you want in conversation. People may roll their eyes at you if you are particularly rash but it is not uncommon for people to share too much information. Think of your average plane ride, by the end of the plane ride you could know the life story of the person sitting next to you.

Europe does not play that game. Although it varies from country to country, cultures rooted in tradition or influence from art or enlightenment acknowledge well thought out debates or mere cordiality. Keep your inconsequential feelings to yourself.

We will look at the five top countries to travel according to Euro Monitor 2013 which are England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Great Britain

England has an eclectic mix of cultures beginning from the many takeovers from the Celtics, Romans, Vikings, Normans and finally Anglo-Saxons. Then from the expansion of the British Empire the island has grown into a unique mixture of cultures. Because of the many differing viewpoints, conversations are polite and consist of small talk usually about the weather. Unless you are particularly close with someone do you share private information, so dumping your whole life on a stranger would be out of place.

France

The French culture is influenced by the desire to live well and be seen living well. This is reflected in how they present themselves and their love of language. This also translates to the desire for intellectual debate. Northern Europe’s Logic and Latin culture’s emotion can be seen in French conversation. If you want to begin a lively conversation think out your arguments, do not make rash comments and, as always, begin and end your conversations with “Bonjour” and “Au Revoir”.

Germany

Germany has a long history of many cultures struggling to fit together whether that is from the many states fitting together to create Germany, the wars between Catholics and Protestants and clashes between East and West. Order is created by strict rules, formality and directness. Small talk is fine but look at the social cues around you and be tactful when you talk about history. Private information is not generally shared among strangers. Overall, be observant and respectful.

Hannah and I "in conversation" at the Lourve in an interactive art exhibit!

Hannah and I "in conversation" at the Lourve in an interactive art exhibit!

Italy

As the past epicenter of art and civilization the culture is vivacious.  Passionate debates are encouraged and happen simultaneously in a group of people. Jump in and talk about art, culture and other affairs in your own country! Emphasis is placed on living in the moment and enjoying family, tradition and putting on a good face.

Spain

In Spain social niceties and group approval are important with past utopian ideals. In a private relaxed setting feel free to talk about your travels, country, art, culture and your hosts’ children but avoid touchy historic issues.

When you engage in conversation in another country observe the natives and follow what they do. This information is just a snapshot of what is culturally acceptable in each place. Guide books and other websites are available to peruse.

Feel free to email me at readysetroamcontact@gmail.com or leave a comment if I left something out or if I pointed something out wrongly. Your feedback would be appreciated!

Foster, D. (2000). The global etiquette guide to Europe: everything you need to know for business and travel success. Canada: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Press.

Avoiding a Currency Crisis

Before attempting to understand currency exchange rates, it is important to know what a currency exchange rate really is. The term "currency exchange rate" essentially represents the value of a particular country's money in comparison to another country. A country's monetary value often fluctuates and is heavily dependent upon the strength of their economy at a particular point in time. 

As we all know, communication is a significant barrier when traveling to foreign countries, especially when there is a language barrier preventing you from communicating effectively. However, it is important to be aware that money can also be a significant barrier to traveling. Currency exchange rates can be extremely confusing for individuals traveling in various countries because there are various currencies used around the world. Although the euro is commonly accepted throughout Europe, many countries have other preferred currencies and even the euro can be confusing to work with if you haven't had a lot of practice.

 

Check out the steps we have listed below to avoid a currency crisis while traveling abroad!  

 

 

Step One: Determine the two currencies you will be working with. Select the currency you will convert from and the currency you will convert to.

 Step Two: Research the rate for converting your money in the new currency. Each country’s conversion rate can be found online.

 Step Three: Establish the relationship between the two currencies. Be aware that when you are converting money to a stronger currency, you will lose some purchasing power in that particular country.

 Step Four: Visit your local bank to convert some of your money to the local currency before leaving for your trip. Exchange rates tend to be much higher in airports or hotels, which may be your only option once you have arrived at your destination.

 Step Five: Be aware of surcharges that may be required to convert money. There may be a percentage rate on the transaction or a flat rate to complete the transaction.

 Step Six: Contact your credit card company to inquire about exchange rates and fees when using your card. Exchange rates and fees will vary by company. 

Language Barrier: French Edition

Before entering France most people brace for the worst, hearing that the French are rude or abrasive. When I went to Paris I was prepared to do anything to find the exception to the rule. There had to be something I could do to see the lovely side of the French people.

The stored list of French words I used in my iPhone!

The stored list of French words I used in my iPhone!

There is a solution. Attempting to speak the language amasses brownie points and help from all sorts of people. The words to know are “hello”, “thank you” and “I don’t speak French”. The trick is that you use your French words in all French interactions.  This includes at an attraction, any restaurant form five-star to fast-food and people on the street when you ask for directions. People will appreciate if you make the effort to speak the language that the French value so much.

 Laws are intact to continue the use of French. For example, a quota of 40% of French music must be played on the radio to continue the diversity of music and stop foreign music and language from stifling the French.

Preparing for an evening at the Eiffel Tower!

Preparing for an evening at the Eiffel Tower!

France also has L'Académie Française or the French Academy which was established in 1634 to regulate French grammar, literature, and spelling and to keep the purity of the French language. The Academy is still open today and making recommendations about current issues concerning language.

The French take pride in their history and language, so any effort to brokenly speak French should be taken. By a few small steps you can avoid the “rude French”.

Golden Words:

Hello: Bonjour (bon-joor)

Thank you: Merci (Mer-si)

Sorry: Pardon (Per-dón)

I don’t speak French. English? : Je ne parle pas francais. Anglais? (jay nay par-lay pas fran-ces. Ahn-gleh?)

Do you speak English? : Parlez-vous anglais? (par-lay vou ahn-gleh)

A Smart Traveler is a Happy Traveler

Throughout the entirety of our travel blog, we have emphasized the importance of educating yourself before you depart. Learning the language of your country of travel is no different. Learning a new language is one of the hardest things to conquer. We are not saying that you need to be perfectly fluent in a new language before you leave, but being able to learn and recognize common words, phrases and the lingo can make the transition very smooth.

Depending on the University you attend and the study abroad program you are participating in, there are many different requirements when it comes to classes that must be taken. Certain programs require taking a language class before you leave, others require language and culture classes to be taken once you are already abroad. Classes taken beforehand can be beneficial and very comforting when you arrive in a new country and already understand a lot of their language. Language classes taken while you are abroad can be neat too because the learning and experience are simultaneous. If your program does not require either option, it is important to buy books, a translation dictionary or use internet resources to educate yourself and grasp some basic knowledge of the country's language.

Learning and adapting to a foreign country's language and culture can be a very critical component to your study abroad experience. Not only will it make it easier, but a lot more enjoyable! A smart traveler makes a happy traveler!

Felices viajes! (Happy travels!)