“When in Rome. Do as the Romans do.”
By: Hannah Austin
On May 16, 2013, approximately 40 Milligan College Students will embark on a journey to Europe to complete the quest of the “Humanities Tour.” Students attending the trip may not know what to expect in the many European countries they will be traveling to, so David Nydegger, Adjunct Instructor of Humanities and one of the 2013 humanities tour directors, held a discussion session to share thoughts and advice for those students traveling on the 2013 tour.
Milligan College students who went on past tours joined Nydegger. These students were Thaddeus Higgins, a junior who went on the 2012 tour and Nathan Rodda, a senior who went on the 2011 tour.
Nydegger will be taking students to Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and the world’s smallest country, The Vatican City. Milligan students should be familiar with the foreign languages enough to smile and greet others in the countries. Students will not need to be incredibly fluent to survive.
“We will be traveling with a tour director, so we will always have a mediator,” said Nydegger regarding a way for a translator on the tour.
Students should be aware of the different cultural norms as they travel through Europe. Nydegger mentioned that tipping in restaurants is done differently in most of the countries as compared to the United States.
Students are expected to not only conform somewhat to new cultures, but to behave according to Milligan College standards.
“We want them to behave like good Milligan students,” said Nydegger.
Student tourists are supposed to bring a minimum amount of money for shopping and eating. Nydegger has established a rule of thumb regarding the approximate amount to bring.
“We have given them [students] a baseline of twenty dollars a day,” said Nydegger.
Nydegger has advised students to eat meals at grocery stores and road-side stands.
Higgins has also brought some insight into what students should expect in Europe. As far as cultural differences go, Higgins warned that many restaurants do not offer free refills with drinks unlike American restaurants, so students will probably stay thirsty. Higgins advises students to research cities before visiting. His most important advice to students is that students should bring a cell phone even though it is expensive. He stresses that cell phones help keep groups together and tourists safe at night in the European cities.
“Make sure you have a cell phone,” said Higgins. “It is totally worth it.”
Rodda explained from his experience that the best way to deal with the cultural differences is to branch out and keep an open mind. He encourages students to do things like trying new foods and conversing with some of the European people.
“In order to get along with the European culture you should respect their ways of life. Remember the phrase, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’,” said Rodda.
On managing time, Rodda advises students to finish assignments early so more evening time can be spent exploring the cities. Students should allot at least 30 minutes of time for getting back to the hotel after an evening on the town.
The 2013 Humanities Tour will begin May, 16 and end on June 11.
milliganstampede
