Austria

Austrians are generally conservative, mild-mannered people who are very family-oriented. Austrian families are generally close-knit, and the extended family often remains within the same town or village. An Austrian family will generally eat dinner together each night, and weekends are usually devoted to family time.

Austrians take pride in their homes and take care to keep them neat and tidy. Only close friends and family are invited into the home, so it is typically considered a relaxing, informal getaway from the fairly formal way of life in Austria.

Punctuality is considered a sign of respect in Austria, and proper table manners are often followed. Your student may cut most of his/her food with a fork as a compliment to how tender the food is. Dressing well is also important to many Austrians.

Your student may be straightforward almost to the point of bluntness. This is not intended to offend. Rather, it is meant to keep progressing in conversation and to remain honest and sincere.

First impressions are important to many Austrians, and eye contact should be maintained upon meeting.

Fun Fact: There are 560,000 dogs in Austria.