The Seahawk

Issue date: 1/17/08 Section: Spring Break

If you're going to Europe on one of the many class trips offered by the Foreign Language Department, you'll tour some of the most beautiful countries in the world with a huge group of friends. If it's your first time to Europe, there are a couple rules you should try to remember. Even in English-speaking countries, there are many different cultures and customs, and respecting them will make your trip much easier (and maybe even save you from a bar fight or two!)

Big group, loud Americans
When Americans travel with big groups, they tend to walk in a long line, including everyone in conversation and eye's-view. In the pubs, sure, sing along to the drinking songs with the rest of them. But in cute bistros, or on small, cobblestone sidewalks, watch the density and the decibel. Try not to be the loudest group in the restaurant, or the longest group trampling over other pedestrians. It's not only more respectful, but also safer-thieves can spot a big group of American's pretty quickly.

I'm German-Irish-Italian, on my Mother's side…
If you're spending your spring break in Dublin… try to resist telling your new pub-buddy Patty O'Shea that your family is mostly Irish and that potatoes are totally your favorite food. Unless you can sing the Irish national anthem, don't bother trying to convince Patty that St. Patrick's Day has always been your favorite holiday. You're American, and, in the end, trying to convince him that your mother's great-great-grandmother is enough to link your nationalities, you could really end up offending him. Same for the "Italian-Americans" who swear they're mother makes picture-perfect lasagna. Almost all Americans came from somewhere else but unless you still have relatives in a foreign country, spare the Ellis Island legend for another time.

Check, s'il vous plait
Customs for tipping waiters, bartenders and cab drivers vary from country to country. In general, it is not customary to tip as much in Europe as it is in America. In Europe, service industry employees do not secure their wages from tips, like in America, and they may even be required to give all tips to the manager. Tipping 20 percent can offend a proud European bartender, especially in smaller cities. Ten percent is considered very generous, so start there. Also-if you're with a big group, in Europe it's not customary to ask for "separate checks." If you ask your waiter to bring 15 separate checks for 15 American Express or Master Cards he might not just grumble about it-he might hike your bill up a ton. Pay together, and settle the individual tabs later.

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