For many people, traveling abroad is one of the most enlightening and maturing experiences: you get to learn about new cultures, become familiar with new locations, and push yourself through difficult situations. You will also find that there are many things that are socially acceptable in other countries that would never happen in the United States. A recent AskReddit post absolutely caused a stir, detailing thousands of cultural norms, and while many Americans may be shocked by them, perhaps we should learn from these diverse books.
While it's not all sunshine, most people see living abroad as a time to get to know themselves, as well as learn about other cultures and lifestyles that are different from what you may be used to. People also see many things that society considers unacceptable or taboo when traveling abroad. While going to another country doesn't mean we have to incorporate all of someone else's traditions or ways of life into actual life back home, treat new or surprising (or heck, even shocking) moments as Experience and experience are always important for learning. The way we grow as individuals. After all, our point of view is not the only one, and although something may be weird to us, that doesn't mean it's weird to someone else. Basically, it's important to remember that while something may be absolutely not allowed in your own country, that doesn't mean there aren't perfectly valid reasons for people to behave differently elsewhere.
It's also important to remember that what we see is part of someone else's country and experience, and it doesn't necessarily represent someone's experience in another city or other part of the country. For example, think about the different impressions one would get from visiting New York City versus visiting Florida—both are in the United States, but each has a very different experience. People also have their own tastes and expectations when it comes to travel, whether on holiday or working abroad for an extended period, so it's important to remember that one person's experience does not represent everyone.
That said, I think this post is very interesting, especially reading the comments from people who live in the country being discussed. You can check out the full post on AskReddit and check out some of my favorite highlights from the post below.
1. Public transportation in Italy can be...unreliable
Well, public transport in Italy does run, but there are a lot of workers going on strike in Italy, affecting the schedules of buses and trains in the public transport system. Generally speaking, Italian media will publish information about when delays (or outright cancellations) are expected, but if you're traveling as a tourist, you may not have gotten the memo.
2. Vietnam’s traffic rules are confusing
As an American, you're probably used to some pretty sweeping driving laws. In other countries, however, it seems all bets are off: People are basically trying to get to their destinations as quickly as possible so that they'll, ahem, creatively design their way to the roads. However, if you get used to the environment, it might not be so overwhelming.
3. Fairy bread isn’t just for kids
Ah yes, fairy bread. I had never heard of this thing until last year when I saw a BuzzFeed video on how to make fairy bread, and since then I feel like I've heard about it everywhere. Basically, it's a sweet treat with butter and powdered sugar that you often see at children's parties. While Americans themselves have a lot of sweets, I have to say that I've never seen anyone eating fairy bread here, but it seems to be quite common abroad.
4. Nicknames are serious business in Brazil
Well, nicknames are a phenomenon in the United States as well, but in Brazilian culture, nicknames can be taken to a whole new level. The point is they never meant it to be offensive, just honest. In America, if you call someone "big head," you're likely to get a not-so-nice response from them. In Brazil, this nickname simply means you have a big head.
5. You can sunbathe naked after get off work in Munich
The United States has fairly strict laws against public nudity; for example, there are very few places where women can go topless, and even fewer places where people can be completely naked. However, in many European countries nudity is generally less sexy, meaning you can go to a nude beach, sunbathe or go to a sauna completely naked without looking weird.
6. In South Korea, drinking can be part of work
It's not uncommon for Americans at home to think about going to happy hour or grabbing a drink with coworkers at the end of the work week. In South Korea, however, the drinking and work culture can feel a little more intense: people often go out with coworkers and drink a lot...and unlike the U.S., if you're hungover, you're not calling in sick and excuses to stay home and not work. In Korea, you also see all your hungover colleagues in the morning.
So there you have it! Be sure to check out the full reply (and rebuttal!) in the original post on AskReddit.
Photo: Dimensions/E+/Getty Images ; Jiffy
