Not Good, Not Bad, Just Different

So today, we had another conference call. But this one is my favorite, because it was Germany specific, and had tons of info about the culture there. Here's some things that we talked about:

• School: German high schools (gymnasiums, at least) are said to be structured like American college. You don't have class if the teacher doesn't show. However, I think there are some major differences as well--an average course load consists of 12 classes (Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, German, Foreign Language, English, Religion, Civics, PE, Art, and Music). Each "state" has its own standards. Classes do not last for the same amount of time each day; there are "main classes" and well...non-main classes. There are also no cafeterias (closest thing is a snack bar), and lunch is always at 12 noon. Most students go home and have lunch with their families, since it is the biggest meal of the day. Oh, and backpacks are getting increasingly popular, but most people have tote bags.

• Clothes: Europeans are as a whole more formal than Americans when it comes to dress. Formal as in   you can't wear sweatpants or hoodies to class. But other than that, the style isn't drastically different. We were told to take a look around H&M , since it is an European store and thus is a good representation of current trends in Europe. Germans also don't wear sneakers as much as Americans do; they wear them mostly for hiking or in walking intensive circumstances. Many German girls wear scarves. Additionally, clothes may be worn multiple days in a row, as long as it is not dirty or has a smell. 

• Personal Space/ Home: Germans will stand closer to you when talking--don't mistake that for "getting into your face." Nudity, as long as not displayed to have sexual connotations, is fine. We were given examples such as how a host mom may walk around with barely any clothes on, and that breastfeeding is not limited to a personal room. Showers are often done in 5 minutes or less (this was a huge shocker to me), and Germans don't shower everyday. Shaving is becoming more popular in the younger generation, but most people 30+ do not shave. Slippers or house sandals are worn in the house. That, I am extremely happy for. I love my slippers and can't imagine wearing shoes in the house (I mean, what if  they have dirt on them?).

• Concept of Time: Germans are pretty serious about being on time. The "fashionably late" idea is not acceptable. If a bus is said to show at 11:00, it won't be there at 11:01. It is not a good idea to show up too early, either.