Cultural Differences

There are some things here in Canada that I never thought about before August 16, the day I landed in Vancouver.

Of course, I knew that Canadians use celsius, something I have been using for about two years now, as well as the metric system. I knew they said "sore-y", "eh", and "aboot". I also knew that they are still loyal to the English Monarchy. Yet, there are some things that one does not realize before arriving in a foreign country and living there for a while.

I would have to say the most prevalent difference is the difference in cultural ... assumptions? No, I guess just cultural differences. Coming from the United States, being the only country that matters in the world, I have grown used to certain examples being used, certain 'constants' per se. I started noticing the difference in my economics 101 class, but it has been getting more and more obvious. Back in the States, to give an example, the professor would use New York, Massachusetts, the FDA, and Chipotle. Here, though, they use Québec, Saskatchewan, the Crown, and Tim Horton's. "Let's say the Crown has developed a new law that sets a price ceiling on apartments," or "Nous avons pris un train au Saskatchewan."  It is not confusing at all, it is just different and very new.

Well, actually, it can be confusing. For example, in my Arts One class, one of my classmates used a law put into motion by the Crown (I cannot quite remember what law it was now). Immediately, everyone began discussing it as I sat there looking clueless. Of course, I might not have even known its equivalent in the States because, granted, I did not pay much attention in US History, but there are certain assumptions professors make that their students know Canadian history that tends to throw me a little.

None of this is saying that I hate being here, god no, nor is this a complaint that I am confused and ill-equipped to be in another country. I absolutely love being here (yes, I am saying it even though I still love Columbia University, I think I will stay here at the top 22nd university in the world!). Canada is almost not as distinct and different as I would have hoped, but it is certainly great.

Now that I got that off my mind, I must get working on a history paper that I have been putting off...