What are some of the cultural expectations (positive and negative) about your host site that you are carrying with you?
So I've been living in Germany for about three weeks now. I definitely had some preconceived expectations before I got here - some of which have turned out to be true, and some which have not. First, I kept hearing about how unfriendly the Germans are. I figured I would be snubbed and treated rudely in public. While Germans may not be as openly friendly as Americans are, they are still very friendly. If one has a question or needs help all he or she has to do is ask, and any German is most willing to help. Also, my host family is even more friendly than some American families I know. Second, I thought I would not care for German cuisine because it is typically very heavy. The more traditional German food is heavy, but i have not had too much of it. My host family cooks very international dishes. They are usually different than dishes I would have in America, but they are very good. So I have liked almost all of the food I have eaten in Germany at the present. Lastly, I figured I would be viewed as a wasteful American because Germans are typically very environmentally aware. While no one has said anything to me, I have become aware of every single thing that I use. So Germans may or may not view me as wasteful, but I have at least learned for myself how much I waste.
I have really enjoyed my stay in Germany so far. I discover new things every day and I cannot wait to see what else awaits me!