So far on this study tour, we have noticed many differences between Canadian norms and Austrian norms. In particular, the restaurant culture is much more relaxed in Vienna than in Canada as the locals seem to typically take their time to eat and drink. This can be compared to Canada where most people, when dining out, are rushed and very concerned with getting their food and drinks in a timely manner. This difference is likely due to the cultural variances in time orientation and social life. Viennese people value close relationships highly and enjoy using their time to build those relationships over a glass of wine or a long three-course meal. Canadians tend to constantly worry about what is to follow the dining experience rather than enjoying the dining experience itself.
Another difference in norms that we have noticed, is that of the behaviour regarding transportation. For example, in Vienna, it is a known behaviour when taking the escalators up or down to the trains that you stand on the right side of the escalator and walk up the left side. In Edmonton, there isn’t really a practice of standing on a certain side of the escalator. People just stand anywhere and those who want to go quicker get upset at the others in their way. In addition to this, there is also a more aggressive culture here regarding entering and exiting the trains. It seems that Viennese locals don’t mind pushing others out of the way to get on or off the train. We think that this is due to the Viennese people being authentic, in the sense that they are willing to do what they need to do, especially when it comes to going places. Whereas, in Edmonton, people are more hesitant to push people. This could be a part of the Canadian culture.
What has everyone else noticed when it comes to differences in norms between Canada and Central Europe?
Below is a photo of the rotating restaurant in the Danube Tower, overlooking Vienna. This is where Katelyn and a few other students enjoyed a three-course meal.
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