I have survived my first week of classes at Vesalius. Today, I had intercultural communication which looks like it will be fascinating. The course examines the overlaps in cultural communications, and the interactions among different cultures. We have to keep a journal of our own intercultural experiences and turn it in as a creative piece...this will be a fun assignment for me. I have already encountered a number of cultural challenges which have peaked my curiosity and captured my attention.
For instance, I have noticed that customer service is not one of the strong points in Brussels. With a few years of waitressing under my belt, this really stood out to me. I am very accustomed to encountering waitresses and cashiers that have permanent smiles plastered on their faces. Whether fake or sincere, it is customary. When someone receives a handbook on training in customer service, a smile and polites exchanges are at the very top of the list. Now don't get me wrong, there is the occassional grumpy waiter or arrogant saleswoman, but that is more of an exception in the US than it is over here. In Brussels, however, the cashiers typically scowl and mumble, unenthusiastic about "putting the customer first". I have encountered a few who are very pleasant and polite, but those are few and far between. Perhaps it is because I am merely a stupid American, and I am difficult to deal with. But maybe not?
Anyway, my European excursions are in the works! I have plans to go to Paris, Madrid, Venice, and Amsterdam (tentatively) with some of the girls on the trip. It is so bizarre to me that flying from country to country over here is just as easy as going from state to state in the US. It also helps that I have friends in different European countries (Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands) who I can visit. I am determined to take advantage of it while I can!
Oh and just for an update: my roommate Nora successfully survived the "Death Ride" at the Atomium yesterday! She said it was quite the rush. Wish I could have joined, but computer complications sent me on an unanticipated tour of the Brussels metro system. At least I made some computer savvy friends along the way.
For instance, I have noticed that customer service is not one of the strong points in Brussels. With a few years of waitressing under my belt, this really stood out to me. I am very accustomed to encountering waitresses and cashiers that have permanent smiles plastered on their faces. Whether fake or sincere, it is customary. When someone receives a handbook on training in customer service, a smile and polites exchanges are at the very top of the list. Now don't get me wrong, there is the occassional grumpy waiter or arrogant saleswoman, but that is more of an exception in the US than it is over here. In Brussels, however, the cashiers typically scowl and mumble, unenthusiastic about "putting the customer first". I have encountered a few who are very pleasant and polite, but those are few and far between. Perhaps it is because I am merely a stupid American, and I am difficult to deal with. But maybe not?
Anyway, my European excursions are in the works! I have plans to go to Paris, Madrid, Venice, and Amsterdam (tentatively) with some of the girls on the trip. It is so bizarre to me that flying from country to country over here is just as easy as going from state to state in the US. It also helps that I have friends in different European countries (Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands) who I can visit. I am determined to take advantage of it while I can!
Oh and just for an update: my roommate Nora successfully survived the "Death Ride" at the Atomium yesterday! She said it was quite the rush. Wish I could have joined, but computer complications sent me on an unanticipated tour of the Brussels metro system. At least I made some computer savvy friends along the way.
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