Growing up in the United States during the digital age, we have all become accustomed to the little things in life. These little things can include being able to drive to your local Starbucks for a cafe latte, or listening to a favorite CD on an iPod. We all believe these to be the contents of an everyday life. But what if a student from a European country came to the United States and was put face to face with our “common” technology? Is the adaptation process to new technology as easy as a student in the United States may believe? The answer to that question is no, and there is proof.

Currently, there are roughly 120 American students studying in Paderno del Grappa, Italy. As one of those students, I can tell you that culture shock has been experienced, but not in the way that most may imagine. Some may say that the landscape may stun them as they wake up, or the difference in bar etiquette. My culture shock involves an invention that has been used throughout history: the telephone. Paderno has been my home for three weeks, and I have not yet been able to decipher the Italian telephone. Sorry mom, calls to home must wait because a few new buttons are more perplexing to me than rocket science. The mind has been boggled, and the mystery of the Italian telephone may never be cracked by this American college student.

Erin Fuller, Valparaiso, Ind.

Purdue University junior