Study abroad students learn a new definition of fresh food and dining during their experiences overseas. Their interactions with locals teach them a different understanding and appreciation of food in general. In Europe especially, meals are treated as a part of a social atmosphere bordering on a rich entertainment experience.
According to Marquette's study abroad Web site, reverse culture shock, or re-entry, is simply "a common reaction to returning home from studying abroad. It is an emotional and psychological stage of re-adjustment, similar to your initial adjustment to living abroad. Symptoms can range from feeling like no one understands you or how you've changed to feeling panicked that you will lose part of your identity if you don't have an outlet to pursue new interests that were sparked abroad."
Jamshid Hosseini, associate professor and director of international business studies, said he noticed returning students having "a sense of nostalgia and reminiscence when they come back to Marquette."
"Students seem to find each other in the same boat while they're overseas," he said. "They have more time to get to know each other and grow closer because they don't have to worry so much about other clubs or classes."
Just because their adventures end, however, does not mean students' new sense of daily life must change back to the traditional American way upon their return to good ol' Milwaukee.
"When they come back, students who studied in Galway (Ireland), for example, get together here to go to an Irish pub to reminisce," Hosseini said.
Milwaukee offers a hidden array of genuine cultural entertainment and social activities in addition to the summer's well-advertised ethnic festivals. So whether you are just back from overseas or thinking of traveling abroad, take some time out of your busy schedules to help ease the transition between cultures:
Italian
Glorioso's Brothers Grocery, 1020 E. Brady St., is an authentic Italian bakery and deli shop still run by the extended Glorioso family. According to one of the owner's nephews, most of the cheese, meat, wine and pastries are imported directly from Italy.
"What I miss most about life in Italy is the easiness of the culture. I think that Italians in particular are very relaxed and easygoing. Also the idea that they let you eat and enjoy your meal rather than rush you by handing you the check right away," College of Communication junior Elizabeth D'Agostino, who studied abroad in Rome last semester, said.
Tenuta's Italian Restaurant, 2995 S. Clement Ave., is a favorite of College of Health Sciences junior Catherine Mueller, who also studied abroad in Rome last semester. "I got used to eating gnocchi in Italy and this is one of the few restaurants in the United States (where) I've seen it on the menu."
French
Trocadero, 1758 N. Water St., is an intimate French restaurant that just remodeled an outdoor patio adorned with a fountain and fresh flowers. It is famous for its weekend brunch menu and has an impressive variety of French wines, cheeses and espresso drinks.
College of Business Administration junior Nora Kaitis plans to study abroad in Paris next semester. She has found plenty of French-focused activities here at Marquette to prepare her for life abroad.
"On Marquette's campus there's the Pause Café where students practice French for an hour with native speakers. There's also French language luncheons, and St. Joan of Arc Chapel often says Mass in French," Kaitis said.
Irish
Regardless of the country, it seldom proves difficult to find a solid Irish pub. Milwaukee is no different – and the pub that stands out downtown is Mo's Irish Pub, 142 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Kaitlyn Darcy, College of Engineering sophomore, studied abroad in Galway last semester. "I miss people being so friendly. People were so nice in restaurants and pubs. You end up knowing everyone by the time you leave the pubs. I miss that atmosphere," she said.
Mo's Irish Pub offers televised sports games, a menu loaded with potatoes and sandwiches named after Irish counties, Guinness and live Irish music every Wednesday through Saturday. Overall, Mo's defines the true Irish attitude of hospitality and entertainment.
Spanish
Rex Lewis Jr., a College of Arts & Sciences senior, studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, last semester. "What I miss is the exciting nightlife as well as the diversity," he said. Spain is notorious for having a vibrant nightlife. If you miss the music and dancing, check out Club Havana, 789 N. Jefferson St. Club Havana is a hotspot for authentic salsa dancing and lively music. It brings a diverse crowd of people together for the dancing, mojitos and energetic atmosphere.
German
Milwaukee's German laden heritage is abound in the Old German Beer Hall, 1009 N. Old World 3rd St. This bar serves beers from Munich in traditional liter, half liter and third liter steins and has weekly specials like free beer from the first keg on Fridays.
"Typically beer halls only serve one type of beer. If you want a different beer in Germany, you have to go to the next town," said bar manager Greg Brumdage.
Brumdage said the Old German Beer Hall serves only Hofbrau beer. It features live music Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
African
The African Hut Restaurant, 1107 N. Old World 3rd St., was started by Yinka and Moji Adedokun, who serve Nigerian specialties such as zanzi (yam) fries and akara.
The sign in front of the restaurant boasts "Authentic African Cuisine." One customer said the restaurant has good food, though, especially the greens.