Dancers at the Pase de Niños parade in Cuenca on Christmas Eve.

IMG_4419

Technical Details

  • Camera: Canon PowerShot SD750
  • Taken: December 24, 2013
  • Focal length: 17mm
  • Aperture: f/4
  • Exposure: 1/250 second
  • ISO: 80
by Missy Gluckmann

Missy Gluckmann has administered Study Abroad at institutions such as New York University, Marymount College (Fordham University), the State University of NY and Western Connecticut State University. As founder of the Global Education Initiative, she led Cartus Corporation’s international employees into local primary and secondary school classrooms to share their cultures with youth and educators. This unique program won the State of Connecticut Gold Prize for Innovation. Having traveled extensively and lived abroad twice, Missy enjoys sharing her love for educational travel. As a strong believer in giving back to the field of international education and has presented/trained for NAFSA: Association of International Educators and serves on committees for the Forum on Education Abroad. She received her MA in International Administration, with a concentration in International Education, from the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont and a BA in Political Science from Binghamton University in New York State.

  • Great article, Kyle. Based on my experiences living in Italy, I’d say the same tips can be applied there as well!

  • Gblico

    Having lived in Paris for the past 10 years, I generally agree with Mr. Rausch, except that I’d say to also stay away from discussions about religion. Also, while it’s never advisable to dress like a slob, Parisians are now more relaxed in their manner of dress. No need to look like a ‘fashion plate’ anymore. Years ago one could spot Americans a mile away because of their attire. Nowadays that look appears to have been co-opted everywhere. Even many Parisians look as if they rolled out of P J Clarke’s!

    • Hi Gblico, so true! It’s certainly not a haute couture fashion show everywhere you go on the streets of Paris, but compared to what you see here in the states, it’s a much more polished and classic look overall. I still find it incredibly easy to pinpoint the American versus the Parisians when I’m visiting.

  • Carol

    Bravo, Kyle! You hit on several strategies that can be effective, not just in meeting locals, but also in feeling more comfortable in your surroundings and blending in more easily with the local population. Making a place your own, by exploring your neighborhood or adopting your own café for example, makes a tremendous difference.