Getting Along in Austria
@
University of Leoben
MUL
International Relations
Max Tendler-Strasse 16
8700 Leoben
Welcome to the University of Leoben
________________________________________________________________
Welcome to the University of Leoben!
We hope that you will have an interesting, profitable and stimulating term, semester or year
at our university. We at the International Office will attempt to make your intercultural
experience in our country and at our university even more pleasant.
"Hard facts", as you will find out, mean very little until you "live" them. Factual information can
never produce an intercultural experience in itself. Experiencing a foreign culture means
engaging oneself in dialogue: a foreign culture does not exist by and for itself but only
becomes "real" once you have committed yourself to interacting with it. In fact, one could say
that cultures only exist as distinct entities because foreigners recognize them as being
different from other cultures. This difference between cultures can cause problems.
However, if you bear in mind that people react differently to specific things concerning all
fields of life due to characteristic habits and customs, and if you are willing to understand and
accept that, nothing can go wrong anymore. This guide, then, is designed to give you a few
"hard facts" for handy reference to help you initiate your integration.
Your advisors and your fellow students will be your primary sources of information. If
problems arise just feel free to contact us.
International Relations
Mag. Cornelia Praschag
Universitaet Leoben
Max Tendler-Straße 16
A-8700 Leoben, Austria
Telephone: +43 (0)3842 402 7230
Fax: +43 (0)3842 402 7202
e-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
http://www.mu-leoben.at
When can you come and see us?
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10am-2pm
At other times you can send us an email: [email protected]
I want to express my gratitude to the International Office at the University of New South
Wales who allowed me to adapt some passages from their brochure for our purposes.
Moving to a new culture is a learning experience
There is valuable learning that comes from experiencing and understanding a way of life
different from your own. It may surprise you to discover that you will learn things about your
own culture that you may not have thought about before. It is a rare opportunity not only to
broaden your viewpoint but also to mature personally and to realize and establish your
values. You will gain an understanding of Western ways, develop competence in German,
appreciation of cultural differences and improve your ability to work and relate to people
from a diverse range of backgrounds. All these add significant benefits to your future career
as professional.
Some hints to help you adjust:
Examine your expectations
If you find yourself confused or disappointed about something, ask yourself, “Why? What
did I expect? Was my expectation reasonable?” If you find that your expectations were
unreasonable, you can do a lot to reduce the dissatisfaction and unhappiness you are
feeling.
Try to become aware that your own ideas and stereotypes (generalizations) of Austrian
culture. With this awareness, think again about people’s behavior from their point of
view. Be willing to test, adapt and change your own stereotypes to fit your new
experience.
Listen and observe
You may be unfamiliar with the social rules in Austria, as well as differences in people’s
attitudes and habits. You may not understand the social signs used by Austrians. Try to
listen carefully to what people are saying and observe their body language closely. In
other words, concentrate on both verbal and non-verbal communication techniques and
try to put them into a total context. If some of those non-verbal signs are insulting your
culture, don’t take it personally. For example smiling when you are introduced to
someone may be a sign of respect in your culture; in Austria, if someone does not smile
in this situation, it does not necessarily mean that he or she is not respectful.
Ask questions, seek clarification
You may not always understand what people are trying to communicate or you may not
understand the significance of what people do. Most Austrians will help you if you need
an explanation. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Keep an open mind
Austrians might say or do things that people at home would not do or say. Try to
understand that they are acting according to their own set of rules. Remember that you
may have misunderstood something because you did not have enough information. Try
not to judge the way other people behave by the standards of your own country. Ask
yourself if the behavior you are seeing makes sense within the Austrian culture, even if it
seems strange or wrong to you. If you have a negative or bad experience don’t assume
that all Austrians will behave in the same way.
Keep your sense of humor
It is very likely that you will make mistakes as you explore a new culture. If you can laugh
at some of these mistakes it will help you to learn. Austrians are more likely to help you if
you show that you have a sense of humor.
Expect anxiety and frustration
Learning to function in a new culture is not easy. Cross-cultural situations are often
ambiguous and result in stress because you are not sure what others expect of you or
what you can expect of them. In these situations it is natural to feel anxious and
frustrated . If you recognize that these are a normal part of the experience you may be
able to deal with them more effectively. Your sense of humor and openness will also
help. As you gain greater understanding of the new culture you can expect the level of
stress to diminish.
Become involved
Remember, the more you put into the experience, the more you will learn from it. Try
to make an effort to meet people, form friendships, get involved in the activities (eg.
sports, music, cinema) and learn about others and their culture.
Talk to someone
Talking to someone about what you are experiencing is usually helpful. Talking to other
new arrivals may reassure you that you are not the only one with these thoughts and
feelings. A discussion with an advisor at the International Office may also help you.
Make sure the International Office always has your correct address, also email address.
Readjusting when you return home
Almost all students who study in foreign countries experience some degree of culture
shock in reverse when they return home after their studies. In the same way that you
have to adjust for life in Austria, you will have to get used to living back home. Not only
you have changed as a result of your experiences in Austria, but the people back home
have also been changing in your absence.
Characteristics of Austrians
Individuality
Many Austrians want to be treated as individuals rather than as representatives of a certain
class, position or group. They dislike being too dependent on others.
Equality
Austrians believe that people should have equal social, legal and political rights. Antidiscrimination laws try to prevent discrimination on the basis of race, gender, marital status,
homosexuality, and physical and mental disabilities.
Austrian women expect and are legally entitled to the same rights, status and opportunities as
men. This may make them seem much more independent than women of some other
countries. It is common for Austrian women to have responsible jobs and to continue
working after they have married. Social relationships between men and women are usually
very informal. Before they get married many people leave their parental home to live on their
own or with friends of either sex. Women have great freedom in the way they dress but this
does not mean that they have loose morals.
Directness
It is considered quite normal to discuss issues, events and ideas openly with other people.
Don’t be offended when issues might be embarrassing to you, just say “I would rather not
talk about that”.
Punctuality
You are expected to be on time in Austria. When your appointment or invitation is at 10.30,
then it is at 10.30, don’t keep people waiting without a very important reason. If you cannot
keep an appointment, it is very important to inform the other person immediately. If you
missed an appointment it is a must to apologize and/or explain.
Humor
Austrians often say things in a humorous way. They like to make fun of people who think that
they are better than anybody else. They also like to tease others, don’t be offended, it is just
another way to show you that you are liked and accepted. If you feel offended tell them and
explain why.
Politeness
When Austrians enter a room or a shop or when they meet someone they know in the street
they greet. They also use polite phrases a lot, like “I’ll call you some time”, or “Let’s meet
some time”. Don’t take this too seriously, it might be only a polite phrase. It is not common
to address tutors, teachers or administrative staff at the University with their first names.
Unless the respective persons offers you to use the first name and to say “du”, you have to
use the last name and “Sie”. Austrians also love titles (even though they joke a lot about it). So
when you know that a person has an academic degree, use it until the person tells you to
omit it.
Austrian German
You will notice at once that the German the Austrians speak is quite different to the German
you may have learned at school. Austrians use regional informal dialects which are not always
easy to understand, it is mainly a change of vowels. They also use different expressions for
things which you will not find in a dictionary. So if you have problems understanding ask
people to talk slowly or to repeat and ask them to use “High-German”: “Bitte sprechen Sie
Hochdeutsch”. Don’t use the dialect when you talk to superiors.
The University offers German courses at beginner’s and intermediate level. Try to talk to
your fellow students as much as possible and don’t stick to people from your home country.
Typical Austrian expressions:
Servus, Servas or Grüß dich Guten Tag when you meet friends or fellow students
Grüß Gott
Guten Tag
Pfiat di or Baba
Auf Wiedersehen when you leave friends or fellow students
Schmäh
ein Witz
Gaudi
ein Spaß
des is a Gaudi
des is wurscht
Gemma
Topfen
Möhren
Karfiol
Kohlsprossen
Erdäpfel
ein Weckerl, eine Semmel
Schlagrahm
Sauerrahm
Fritattensuppe
-erl
a
a bisserl, a weng
Depp
Trottel
bist deppert
na geh, aber geh
a Krügerl
a Achterl
umi
aufi
obi
das ist lustig
das ist egal, das macht nichts
Gehen wir
Quark
Karotten
Blumenkohl
Rosenkohl
Kartoffeln
ein Brötchen
Schlagsahne
saure Sahne
Rindsuppe mit Pfannkuchen, soup with crepes
diminutive, German: –chen
ein
ein bisschen
ein dummer oder ignoranter Mensch
ein dummer oder ignoranter Mensch
spinnst du?
na so was; das gibt es nicht
ein großes Glas Bier
1/8 l Wein
hinüber, gemma umi = gehen wir hinüber
hinauf
hinunter
You will learn all this very fast by doing or rather by listening and experiencing. Just ask for an
explanation.
Body language
Every culture has certain ways of standing, moving, using hands, eyes, arms, nodding the
head, etc. There may be meanings associated with these movements or gestures, and the
meaning may be different in Austria from the meaning in your culture.
In Austria it is usual to look someone in the eye when you are talking with them. Eye contact
means directness, attentiveness and sincerity. Averting the eyes is considered to be impolite.
In some cultures it is an insult if someone gives you something with the left hand – in Austria
it makes no difference. Austrian people also touch others when they are talking to them but
they don’t like it when you stand too close to them. It is also quite common to pat little
children’s heads. After you have spoken to a number of Austrians you will soon notice these
differences.
Social customs
Greetings
People usually shake hands when they meet. “Guten Morgen”, “Mahlzeit” and “Guten
Abend“ are formal greetings in the morning, at noon and in the evening. You can use “Grüß
Gott” at any time, and when you leave say “Auf Wiedersehen”. Students and young people
often just say “Hallo”, “Servus” or “Grüß dich”. The American “Hi” is also quite common.
People also appreciate it if you add their name, eg. “Grüß Gott, Herr Moser”.
Social invitations
Austrians believe that invitations should be answered as soon as possible. On a written formal
invitation “u.A.w.g.” means “um Antwort wird gebeten” (please reply) and you should do this
as soon as you know whether you will accept the invitation or not.
Sometimes a person who invites you to a restaurant will pay for the meal. However, since
students are often short of money, an invitation often means, “We’d like you to come with
us, but we’ll all be paying for ourselves.” If you are in doubt, offer to pay your share. If the
other person intends to pay for you they will refuse your offer.
You may receive an invitation and be asked to bring your own (“Jeder bringt was mit”). This
means that groups are having a potluck dinner where everyone brings some food or drinks
and shares with other people. A special dish from your country would be appreciated. If you
are invited to a meal it is always polite to ask if you should bring something (“Soll ich etwas
mitbringen?”). If your host declines, you may still like to bring a bunch of flowers, a box of
chocolate or a small souvenir from your home country. Students who visit each other don’t
bring anything.
Conversation
You are expected to contribute to the conversation. Your host will understand that your
German might not be so fluent. If they speak too fast, ask them to speak a little more slowly.
Questions about a person’s age, how much someone earns, the cost of a persons house or
the land on which the house is built, and the costs of various things in the home are
considered to be impolite. If you would like to know the cost of something, ask the question
in a non-personal way, eg.: “How much does the average house in Leoben cost?”
Smoking
Smoking in public or on the street is socially not acceptable. In some public areas or
workplaces smoking is prohibited. In some restaurants there are smoke free areas and areas
for smokers. When there is an ashtray on your table then you are allowed to smoke. But
always ask the people sitting at your table if they mind that you smoke.
If you are visiting someone’s home you must ask whether you can smoke.
Smoking is only allowed in certain areas of the University. In Austria the legal age for smoking
and drinking is 16.
Saying thank you
“Thank you” is a phrase which is often said in Austria. It is usual to say thank you for small
favors done by people, even if they are just doing their job. Don’t forget to thank your host
for an invitation.
The use of names
Austrians usually have two or three names. The last name is their family name and the others
are the given names.
On all official documents it is important that you always use your name in the same order.
Many international students underline their family name or write it in capital letters, so
Austrians do not have difficulties in figuring out which is the family name.
Meals and table manners
Austrians eat three meals a day: breakfast, dinner (usually a warm meal at noon) and supper.
You are most likely to be invited to dinner or supper. Austrians eat with their fingers only at
barbecues or picnics outside the home and they sit down for their meals. Just watch your
hosts what they are doing. If you have medical, dietary or religious reasons for not eating
certain foods, you should explain this to your hosts when you accept an invitation.
Spitting is considered to be very rude, even on the streets. Do not use chewing gum when
you meet or talk to others.
Servants
If you are used to having servants to do most of your work, you may find the Austrian way of
life a little difficult at first. In Austria it is not considered shameful to do manual work and
parents and children often share in the housework. People sometimes employ a cleaner to
clean the house but most Austrians do the housework or the gardening themselves.
Borrowing or lending
When you borrow things from others it is expected that you return things undamaged as
soon as possible.. Don’t make the owner ask for them. If you damage things you must replace
them or make up for the damage. The borrowing of money is not very popular in Austria,
only do this in real cases of emergency and return the money as soon as possible. Be careful
when you lend money and always ask the other person for a receipt and a statement when he
will pay you back. It also helps to have his/her address.
Making friends and relationships
Relationships
Sometimes it is not so easy to become good friends with Austrians. They smile a lot, they
joke and are eager to talk, but this does not always mean that they want to be close friends.
They may even be friendly without expecting a friendship to develop. Austrians enjoy their
privacy and may not be comfortable with people coming to their homes uninvited.
Going out together (dating)
Traditionally, men in Australia have been expected to take the initiative in establishing
relationships with women. However, it is now acceptable for women to take a more
assertive role in initiating relationships with men.
Students often have informal ways of dating or going out together. Men and women who
know each other well may meet spontaneously. Some women may call a man and ask him to
go out with her or join in an activity. People often prefer to go out in groups rather than in
pairs. In Austria young couples can go out together without a chaperone or someone
accompanying them. It is not unusual for your companion to invite you into his or her place
for a coffee or a drink at the end of the date. This does not imply anything and is not a sign of
loose morals. Leoben is a very safe place, so don’t be surprised when you see young girls
walking at home alone after cinema or a party in the evening.
Sexual involvement
Most Austrians regard sexual involvement as a matter of personal choice concerning only the
people in the relationship. A sexual relationship before marriage depends on the particular
person’s attitude. It is quite common for two unmarried people to live together. It is also
considered quite normal for a couple to show their affection in public (kissing, hugging only).
When an Austrian man or woman accepts a date, it does not mean they are committing
themselves to sexual involvement. If there is sexual involvement it does not necessarily mean
that emotional involvement will also occur. In Austria, the legal age of sexual consent is 14.
Severe punishment can be imposed if you have sexual involvement with a “minor” under
these ages.
Personal well-being
Food and nutrition
When you come to Austria you will probably be confronted with a large range of new and
unfamiliar foods. A sudden change from your familiar diet and food habits may not be a good
idea. It is important to adjust gradually to the new food environment.
Dietary guidelines for sensible eating
¾ Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods.
¾ Eat plenty of breads and cereals (preferably wholegrain), vegetables and fruits.
¾ Eat diet low in fat, and in particular, low in saturated fat.
¾ Maintain a healthy body weight by balancing physical activity and food intake.
¾ If you drink alcohol, limit your intake.
¾ Eat only a moderate amount of sugars and foods and beverages containing added
sugars.
¾ choose low salt foods and use salt sparingly.
¾ Eat foods containing calcium (eg. dairy products, broccoli, green beans, bananas).
¾ Eat foods containing iron (eg. green vegetables, red meat, soybeans).
¾ Winters are very cold in Austria, so eat foods and fruits containing lots of Vitamin C
(lemons, oranges, tangerines, kiwi fruits) to avoid getting a cold or influenza.
Personal habits and hygiene
In Austria it is against the law to swear or talk indecently, urinate, defecate or to be sexually
indecent in public. If you need to clear your throat or nose, you should use a handkerchief or
tissue.
When using western style toilets you should sit. Do not squat on the seat (it might break) or
stand upright, this might leave the bowl in a condition very offensive to the next user.
Austrians use toilet paper after using the toilet and flush it. They also clean it if necessary.
Paper towels should only be used for drying your hands and should not be placed in the toilet
bowl because they could block the sewage system. Sanitary pads or tampons should also not
be flushed down the toilet. Many public toilets provide a special sanitary disposal unit in which
these can be placed. Alternatively, if there is no disposal unit, wrap the pad or tampon in
toilet paper and place it in a bin.
Contraception
The word contraception refers to protection against pregnancy during sexual intercourse.
Many different methods of contraception for men and women are available in Austria. What
is best for you – in case you need it – should be decided by you and your gynecologist or
medical practitioner. Inform yourself about the side effects.
A condom is the only contraception which offers protection from sexually transmitted
diseases when used properly! Remember, avoiding AIDS is your own responsibility.
Homosexuality
In Austria, homosexuality is not increasing but becoming more visible and tolerated.
Discrimination
Discrimination is when someone treats you unfairly or harasses you because you belong to a
certain group or people. Many people have prejudices against people who are different from
themselves.
The following types of discrimination are against the law in Austria:
¾ race discrimination (because of color, nationality, ethnic or national origin)
¾ sex discrimination
¾ marital status discrimination
¾ physical and intellectual impairment discrimination
¾ gay or lesbian discrimination
¾ religious belief or absence of belief
But these types of discrimination are only against the law if they happen in the following
places or circumstances:
¾ employment – everything to do with work
¾ state education – everything to do with schools, colleges or universities
¾ goods and services – everything to do with buying goods and getting services
¾ accommodation – everything to do with renting, hotels, motels and commercial
premises.
Racism
Racist acts or action which happen in public are also against the law. Unfortunately we cannot
deny that racism still exists in Austria as in other countries.
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is gender discrimination and against the equal treatment law. It includes:
¾ display of offensive or pornographic pictures and publications (also on PC)
¾ pornographic material
¾ unwanted and unnecessary acts such as staring, leering. pinching, patting, touching or
kissing
¾ verbal abuse, sexual comments, offensive jokes, sexual innuendos, interrogation or
remarks about a person’s alleged sexual behavior or activities, personal appearance or
private life
¾ requests for sexual favors, particularly when it implies that work or study rights will be
withheld or given in return
¾ offensive and indecent written or telephone communications (also SMS)
¾ indecent or sexual assault
¾ exhibitionist acts
If you want to make a complaint please contact the “Arbeitskreis für
Gleichbehandlungsfragen” (Committee for Equal Treatment) at the University. Your enquiry
will be dealt with quickly and confidentially, there you can get information, get help or can
just talk about the problem.
Police and the law
In Austria there are state and federal police forces. Police have the duty to enforce law and to
maintain order, to prevent and detect crime and to protect life and property. The Police
Department is part of the Public Service and not part of the Austrian Defense Ministry. In
certain situations the police have the right to arrest people and to take them to a Police
Station.
Laws that may affect you are:
¾ traffic regulations: don’t drink anything when you drive a car or ride a bike, make sure
you don’t break any traffic rules, hit-and-run driving is a crime, watch the traffic signs
¾ gambling: it is against the law to gamble outside official agencies
¾ bribery: it is a serious crime to bribe anyone, especially a policeman or government
official, so don’t offer them money for any of their services.
¾ noise: it is against the law to make loud noise which may annoy your neighbors or
other people between certain hours (eg. 10pm-7am or at noon), consider this when
you are partying. Your neighbors can call the police
¾ alcohol: be careful and don’t consume it in public places
Your legal rights:
¾ Your most basic right is that you must be considered innocent until you are proven
guilty in a court of law
¾ Unless you have been arrested, you do not need to answer police questions, you can
ask for a lawyer or another person who you trust as assistance, but you must prove
your identity and your residence permit or visa. Never insult or shout at a police
officer!
¾ You have the right not to say anything that may incriminate you
¾ The police must not threaten or injure you (if you resist arrest they can use
reasonable force), and you can refuse to go with the police unless they formally arrest
you
Of course there are exemptions to all these rules, so avoid conflict with the police.
If you have been arrested
¾ you have the right to be given details of the charge
¾ you should be allowed to make a telephone call
¾ you have the right to ask for an interpreter or to contact a lawyer or a friend or
relative
¾ you have the right to ask for bail
¾ if you want to make a statement you are entitled to write it yourself or to get an
interpreter to do it for you
Accommodation
In most cases you will have to clean your apartment or room yourself and are also
responsible for the proper disposal of your waste. You will have to obey the rules set up by
your landlord. It is also expected that you pay your rent in time. Some landlords do not allow
pets.
Respect the rights of your neighbors. Partying is fine but loud music or other noise, especially
at night, will not be appreciated.
If you share kitchen and bathroom with others you will have to leave them clean after you
have used them, you can also expect this from others. You will also have to share the cleaning
with others, take turns. Avoid leaving rotten food in the kitchen or refrigerator, this attracts
insects, vermin and bugs. Air the bathroom after taking a shower, especially in winter to avoid
mold and black spots on the wall.
Air your room at least twice a day, especially after cooking. Do not pour hot oil or grease in
the toilet bowl or sink, they might break and it also pollutes the environment.
Waste Management in Austria
This is a very important chapter. Since Austria is very small and densely populated we
separate our waste carefully and recycle it in order to assure a clean environment and good
water quality. This is a legal requirement by the local councils and part of the environmental
protection plan. You are also expected to do this. Austrians do not leave or dispose waste in
public places. Plastics don’t break down or biodegrade. Try to use as little plastic as possible.
We distinguish between the following kinds of waste, there are separate containers for them:
¾ paper – green container with red lid
¾ glass packing – metal container for colored and uncolored glass
¾ plastic packing – green box with yellow lid
¾ metal packing –container with blue lid
¾ organic or biodegradable waste – brown container
¾ residual waste – metal container
¾ batteries – red containers with very small openings
You can find some of the containers near or in the house where you live or in the vicinity.
Ask your landlord where you have to put which kind of waste.
In the beginning this may be quite unusual for you but you will get used to it. To make things
easier for you we have added a list where you can see which things go where.