Culture shock is going to happen no matter where you go in the world. Whether you are in an English-speaking country or not, words transfer and have different meanings. Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture. Culture shock does not have to be as extreme as a new language but as small as learning a new public transportation system. Through my two weeks of exploring Prague, I have found some ways to beat the culture shock that leaves people anxious to explore the areas they are in.
1.It is important that you accept at the start of your trip you are not a local. You are not going to know everything. Ask questions, ask for help, and push your limits. If you get lost in the center of the city, it is okay to use your phone to pull up a map. Something that my classmates were faced with was avoiding using their phone because that makes you stand out. The look on a lost face stands out more than someone scrolling on your phone. Eventually you will learn your way around and build your personal route, but at the start confusion is okay.
2. Do not be scared to look like an American. Obviously, do not try to stand out and go against the culture, but with that being said by speaking fluently a language other than Czech, you are going to be looked at differently. Take this barrier and embrace it. The best way to break the American clique is start learning the language that surrounds you. Learn a new word each day and your horizon will grow with a whole new vocabulary!
3.Prague Specific: Try the beer if you are of age (18). The Czech Republic consumes the most beer out of every other country in the world. In most places, beer is cheaper than ordering a water at dinner. Even if you do not like beer, try it. It is different than American beer. Walking around Prague, most people will notice that Czech people drink at every meal. The drinking is casual and light, but definitely drinking. Some restaurants will actually look at you weird if you do not order a Pilsner (Beer).
4.In European (especially Eastern European) countries, smoking is a very common thing. When eating at restaurants its is very normal for the people next to you to light a cigarette. Coming from an area in America where smoking is not as prevalent it was an adjustment to get use to the smoke again. Try to accept that there is a chance that smoke will be around you, and do not make a big deal about it.
5.Smiling is not normal in the Czech Republic. As my teacher said, “Czech people are more conservative than Americans, as in they do not want to talk about their days to random people.” They are not angry, and this can be overwhelming, but it is better to start resting your face and not smiling at every person you see. When you pass people in the street they are usually going somewhere or on mission. The last thing that want is someone smiling in their face. Some people think this is unsettling, but it is a very different culture. People are friendly once they build a relationship with other.
Jenna in the Czech Republic 