In September 2000, I boarded an airplane with two suitcases, destination Graz, Austria, where I remained for a year. While being in Europe gave me a unique opportunity to travel, the most exciting thing I experienced was Austrian culture. What better way to learn a foreign language than in the country itself! Austria has its own set of dialectics that are funny to listen to but even funnier to try to speak. No, I did not return speaking dialect, but I do have an accent. I have a friend at home who is from Germany. She told me it was funny to hear an American with Austrian accent.<\/p>\n
Then there is food. Excellent stuff. They have many dishes similar to ours, but a few specialties. There is Wiener Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarren, Strudel of many varieties, and Temmel ice cream (only available in Los Angeles and Graz).
\nAustrian holidays are quite different from American holidays. First of all, there are a lot of them and school is closed for quite a few. I spent Christmas with a friend of mine who lives very close to the Slovenian border. I really enjoyed celebrating a real Austrian Christmas and New Year’s.<\/p>\n
While language, food and holidays are important aspects of culture, the heart if the Austrian culture lies in the Austrian people. I began to understand Austrians and their world view. I made some friends and continue to maintain these relationships. I’ve gotten attached and biased. I’ve found myself, on a number of occasions, defending the Austrians, mostly to other Europeans. I’ve learned many Austrian quirks and can’t stand many of them, but it’s all in the personality and culture of the country. And now I have friends across the ocean. It truly was the most incredible experience of my life so far, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.<\/p>\n
In closing, I’d like to encourage you to explore the idea of studying abroad. You can go almost anywhere. This kind of experience will change your life. So go ahead, learn a language, treat your taste buds, make a lifetime friend, discover a new culture! It will become part of you, as you become a part of it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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