4) Language Issues
Before I began my study abroad experience I knew that language barriers would be a challenge. However, I was under the impression that most people in the Czech Republic spoke some English. Looking back, I realize how naive of an assumption that was. I am embarrassed to even admit that I believed everyone spoke a bit of English. Nevertheless, the language barrier has allowed me to be more empathetic of a person as well as acquire some new skills that I would not have otherwise learned.
Before I began my study abroad experience I knew that language barriers would be a challenge. However, I was under the impression that most people in the Czech Republic spoke some English. Looking back, I realize how naive of an assumption that was. I am embarrassed to even admit that I believed everyone spoke a bit of English. Nevertheless, the language barrier has allowed me to be more empathetic of a person as well as acquire some new skills that I would not have otherwise learned.
At restaurants the language barrier is very evident. Although some restaurants have English translation,
many are only in Czech. On the bright
side, many have pictures so it is easy to point at the picture of the food you
would like to order. As many of the
waiters and waitresses only speak Czech it is difficult to try and order a meal
without a particular item, such no sauce.
Only receiving food with all of the original ingredients on it has
helped me become less picky. My trip to Europe
has helped me become more adventurous in my food choice. I have even learned to enjoy some spicy food
since I have been overseas.
Another area of my life that becomes more difficult when
living in a country that speaks another language is getting directions. It is nearly impossible to ask anyone here
for directions. Even if someone could
understand me and was willing to help, I probably could not understand their
response. At first, this was incredibly
inconvenient. However, I have gotten a
lot better at reading maps. I can go to
public transportation centers and understand what trams go to what stops. This trip has allowed me to feel comfortable navigating
throughout Europe. I hope that this
knowledge can help me navigate throughout larger cities within the United
States as well.
The other students that live in our dorm thankfully speak
very good English. This has allowed me
to meet students from a variety of different countries and be able to
communicate with them. Overall, the
language barrier is difficult, but it has helped me grow as a person.
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