My baby's going to Germany on Wednesday - input needed

[eileen from OH]

Okay, my "baby" is 22, but HE'S STILL MY BABY, DAMMIT SO DON'T MESS WITH ME. (ahem, sorry. too much caffeine.)

He's going to be in Dresden for a practicum (teaching English as a foreign language) for a month. I'm wondering if anyone has been to Germany recently and if the mood is hostile towards Americans or if he should pretend to be Canadian (which I'm told some Americans in Europe do) or whatever other helpful hints you may have. He'll be with a group of students and living in some kind of dorm arrangement, but obviously also on his own, too. If anyone can offer tips, would gratefully appreciate it.

eileen from OH

[Kali]

1. get the T shirt

I am sorry my president is an idiot I did not vote for him - I ordered two but don't remember the link. Anybody?

Also remember, unlike a lot of folks in this country, most of the rest of the world knows the difference between individual citizens and their f*cked up so-called leaders.

[eileen from OH]

2. Yep, I know that. But there's assholes everywhere.

Too late to get a t-shirt. Hmm, maybe he should brush up on Canadian-speak.

eileen from OH

[Kali]

6. really, stop worrying

I have quite a few german friends, nobody is going to do anything, excersize normal common sense. I assume he speaks German? Not that that really matters, and does he have contacts? Germans can be a bit aloof until you get to know somebody, I reccommend joinding some sort of hobby club - what ever he is interested in, Germans love that stuff, and if he has any interest in Native Americans or the old west I know there is at least one club in the Dresden area - I could try to contact some friends if you like, they live in a rural area near there - but don't speak much English, they are potters - teach ceramics etc, and are quite interested in Apache culture, much more than just a hobby.

[gula]

7. Canadian, eh?

I am not sure that one still works. it has been used for decades.

Only suggestion I can make is this: a lot of Americans speak in a louder voice than the average European. So it that is the case he may want to tone it down a notch.

Although I've never been, from all the pictures I've seen Dresden is a real jewel of a city. I wish him a good trip and that he takes advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

[Kellanved]

3. OK

Personally I can't give you any good directions for Dresden specifically- never spend more than a few hours there.

As for Dangers: . He should just behave like he would in any city: there are places best avoided, but not that many – probably safer than many US cities.

Other than that, it is most likely is that he will be asked a lot of questions, and he might be expected to defend "his" President - he should not play along in games like that. Once the ice is broken he will be accepted quickly.


I wish him a great time- I'm sure he'll have one. :hi:
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?channel_id=2&story_id=7336




One small advice: If he has contacts in Germany, it might be a good idea to arrange a pre-paid cell-phone contract. Also, some banks allow customers of American partner banks to use the ATMs without an extra charge.

You might want to PM Intelsucks.


Edit: rewrote the post - sorry
And tell him not to sleep until nightfall; the Jet Lag will go away faster that way.

[LynzM]

4. I lived there for 9 months...

What I found was that most germans (especially the students I knew) were well-informed and willing to listen to your side of the story. Just because you're american, doesn't mean most will assume you to be responsible for everything going on. However, that was a little bit ago. I do still think that he'd be as safe as anywhere he, provided he doesn't go around screaming how great the US is :D Seriously, I really wouldn't worry. Germany is terrific and it will be a wonderful experience for him to see and experience another culture, and other points of worldview! Wish him viel Spass und alles gute from me!

[PragMantisT]

5. Don't be worried! Fear is the other side's tool!

There are plenty of civilized countries out there. I was in Europe last year and no one cared. They have other things to think about. Kali is right; they're smart enough to know who * is and who isn't him.

Incidentally, of all the foreign nationals I met in Europe, the Canadians were the most anti-American. Not every Canadian was angry; most were really cool. But some were downright illogically anti-American. Most of the Europeans I met had been to America and plan to come again.

Tell him to smile and say Guten Tag and Tchuss and all will be well.

[rucky]

8. He'll be in a civilized country n/t

[supernova]

9. He'll be fine

Dresden is lovely.

Please tell him to mind his manners. It doesn't matter so much around other students, but it does matter to the older folks. "Yes, sir" and "No ma'am," and "please" and "thank you," get you a long way. Europe in general is a bit more formal, at least initially, than we are here.

Gutte Reise! (did I do that right?)