Amy Hill—one of the many international students on The Potter’s School—has lived in Bratislava, Slovakia for a little over seven years. When asked about the difference between American culture and Slovakian culture, Amy mentioned several differences.

One of the most obvious differences is that people speak Slovak, not English, in Slovakia. Another difference is the food. There are a lot less fast-food restaurants in Slovakia than in America. In fact, up until right before the Hills moved to Slovakia, there were none at all. Two Slovakian specialties Amy mentioned were Ciganska Pecienka and Bryndzove Halusky. A major culture difference for food is that, in Slovakia, nobody puts ice in their drinks—the reason being that ice causes sore throats and sickness.

Other cultural differences have to do with visiting public places or other people’s homes. For example, in Slovakia, you have to pay to use restrooms in a public place and are only given a certain amount of toilet paper! When entering someone else’s home, you always take off your shoes, as well as bring some sort of gift. Another food-related difference is that you always eat soup before every main meal, no matter what time of year.

Amy has been to at least ten different countries, and has also been to three other continents. She says, “The European countries that I have been to are rather similar to Slovakia, but, at the same time, going into Austria (which is fifteen minutes away) or Hungary (25 minutes away) is totally different because there is such a difference in languages.” She also recalls the major difference from Slovakia to Venezuela. “Venezuela was really different…and not nearly as modernized as European countries. I can’t say that I have any favorites though, because they are all so different!”

One thing Amy likes about the Slovakian cultures is the custom of taking your shoes off when you enter a house, and she also enjoys soup before every meal. “Fact is, I can’t think of anything I dislike about my culture except for issues of hygiene,” Amy says.

As far as traditions in the Hill family, they have already been mentioned. Everyone always takes their shoes off when they enter, and they don’t put ice in their drinks. Besides that, the only thing Amy has to say about Slovakia is that she loves living there!

Print       E-mail      

Student Spotlight - Rebecca Corrin Information on MKs and TCKs MK Article - Melinda Pritchard International Article - Amy Hill