sociology

Human beings can be a rather complicated species. They are the conglomeration of experience, instinct, conscience, learning, culture and much much more.

However, it doesn’t take a $3,000 college course to tell you people are different. All it takes is a free stare down from Europe’s most elite and fashionable ten-year-old population to tell you there are drastic differences between cultures across the globe.

I know this blog has previously been about my expertise and you’re lack thereof. However, I would like to take this opportunity to provide a short anecdote explaining exactly how I became so knowledged in my cross-culture interactions.

If you do not know much about the European natives, here are two main tidbits for you. First, they are extremely thin without ever lifting a weight, going on a run or entering a gym. It’s quite sickening actually. Secondly, they all have a keen eye for fashion. When I say all, I mean ALL. From the elderly woman carrying her groceries to the little boy walking his dog down the cobblestone roads, they all look and appear their absolute best no matter the occasion. Nike shorts and oversized t-shirts are not an option in this part of the world. I know this may come as a major disappointment to you college ladies, but it will greatly behoove you to take my advice. Leave the sorority shirts at home.

Here is why...

It was the first sunny afternoon in Florence after a month of the worst rain the city had seen in years. Taking advantage of this beautiful day, I decided

to go for a run in a local park in order to

escape the confines of my tiny loft, which was located directly across from Michelangelo's David statue. Not to brag or anything. I put on my running pants and sweatshirt, laced up my tennis shoes and headed out the door. The second I walked out of my apartment, however, I began to notice the many stares looking me over and following my purple-lined nikes down the street. I could feel people contemplating my apparently preposterous look the entire time I was walking through the center of town. Even the large group of touring Asians stopped taking pictures of the Duomo to see what all the locals were staring at. If I counted correctly, I believe I received at least 247 up-downs, 43 smirks, 15 "I love you's" and was successfully in the background of at least 361 pictures, which will surely be seen on numerous home computers world wide and innumerable social media posts throughout the globe. Say cheese!

Therefore, to avoid my pure embarrassment and shame, take the time to understand your new culture before prancing through its streets like a soliciting prostitute. You will receive some greatly unwanted attention from the man cleaning the streets, the man swavely shooting his cappuccino at the bar or from any man in general for that matter. Not only will the men notice you, but the women will pierce you with their condemning eyes. I don’t know if judgement stares can kill, but I don’t want you to be the one to find out.

I have featured a video called, "Getting to Know the Local Culture When Studying Abroad." However, here is my advice...buy the right clothes and learn from the locals you meet, and you’ll be a sociology expert by the end of your study abroad experience. Who knows, you may just learn to appreciate them for who they are in their own non-t-shirt-wearing way. But don't worry, you'll always be American.

Class dismissed.