In Europe, the American comfort zone is 17 inches
By Liz O’Neil
Westport News
July 8, 1992
About 30,000 American college students studying abroad received "The Passport," a larger (5x7 inches) and almost-look-alike version of the official passport issued by the U.S. secretary of state. Customs officials need not check out this larger passport, of course -- it’s billed as A Student Traveler’s Best Resource Overseas -- but it’s been checked out by parents and others well beyond college years who get a kick out of reading the slim, 84-page book and find valuable information to boot. (Of special interest to students, the book contains a Eurail Pass order form, an international Student ID card, an AT&T/USA direct service dial access card.)
"The Passport -- A Student Traveler’s Best Resource Overseas" was conceived and edited by Mitch Thrower and Todd Adelman, both Staples ’86, and published by their firm, The College Connection. Though "The Passport" is filled with to-the-point tips from college students who have already traveled, worked or studied abroad, it’s a good read for all ages. As Mitch Thrower says witha grin, "We are all students of the world when we travel abroad, and after all, life is just one big lesson!"
WIth and introduction from Irving Sarnoff, president of The Friends of the United Nations, "The Passport" includes information on safety abroad, health tips, international driver-education, pointers on what foods to try in different countries, plus useful facts that demystify Europe railway practices and a checklist to help travelers organize before departure, all gathered from experienced college-age globe hoppers. In discussing bed and breakfasts, one student cheerfully notes that the prices are often inexpensive but adds, "European breakfasts are actually designed for a munchkin from Oz -- a slice of bread and a piece of cheese with a shot glass of orange juice. In Europe, it’s highly unlikely that you will wake up to a buffet offering bacon, eggs, pancakes, and all you can eat."
Wise words, too, from another chap, on taking a shower abroad: "It can be a new experience. Do not assume which side the hot water may come from, or how long the hot water may last. ... You may want to practice taking a shower with a trickle of water coming out of the shower head before you go to Europe. This can happen in hotels, B&B’s and hostels. Remember you are not traveling abroad to take showers." There is counsel on avoiding terrorism, thievery and handling personal attack. And advice on dealing with jet lag, jet food and on the vagaries of overseas shopping, including bargaining tips to use in outdoor markets.
A paragraph titled Cultural Claustrophobia reads: "As Americans traveling abroad, you will notice different perceptions of space. We all have our own personal zones of privacy -- inviting others or keeping them at arm’s length is monitored by the body language we use. But in different countries the culture’s language of space has different characteristics."
"While abroad, whether you are in a bar of in a car, people may appear too close for American comfort. In the Mediterranean eye contact and smiling is emphasized, along with a distance of approximately one foot. In northern Europe the distance of a simple conversation can range from six inches to about two and a half feet. As an American you should feel comfortable at about 17 inches." (Travelers, did you know that?) Mitch Thrower adds: "Even savvy travelers have picked up tips from some of the information we’ve included from the experiences of others." A list of 30 key phrases is translated "pseudo phonetically" from English to Spanish, French, Italian and German with an important note: "Contrary to popular belief, raising your voice will not help someone understand English."
"The Passport" for student travelers has a dozen advertisements tucked in its informational pages -- AT&T, American Express and other Fortune 500 firms. No ads accepted for cigarettes and alcohol. The 2-year-old college marketing firm has lost substantial revenue by holding to its policy of not accepting any ads that do not meet the young firm’s standards.
The College Connection’s president, Mitch Thrower, and executive VP, Todd Adler, both 24, have other publications on the boards in addition to "The Passport." Using the same format, "The Ameripass" is directed to international students studying in the United States and "Passport to the Real World" will focus on career development.
All this activity, and much more, takes place in a Newton/Westport line. Staff members ranging from four to nine people work there regularly, with approximately 25 Staples students on hand when mailings take place, and adds Mitch Thrower appreciatively, "We have an outside board composed of a lot of Westporters."
Modesty abounds. Unmentioned in conversation, but can’t one guess there’ll be yet another College Connection publication -- "Passport to Success"? Seems justified, seems inevitable.
"The Passport" is published by the College Connection Publishing Division, 19 Newton Turnpike, Westport.
Westport News
July 8, 1992
About 30,000 American college students studying abroad received "The Passport," a larger (5x7 inches) and almost-look-alike version of the official passport issued by the U.S. secretary of state. Customs officials need not check out this larger passport, of course -- it’s billed as A Student Traveler’s Best Resource Overseas -- but it’s been checked out by parents and others well beyond college years who get a kick out of reading the slim, 84-page book and find valuable information to boot. (Of special interest to students, the book contains a Eurail Pass order form, an international Student ID card, an AT&T/USA direct service dial access card.)
"The Passport -- A Student Traveler’s Best Resource Overseas" was conceived and edited by Mitch Thrower and Todd Adelman, both Staples ’86, and published by their firm, The College Connection. Though "The Passport" is filled with to-the-point tips from college students who have already traveled, worked or studied abroad, it’s a good read for all ages. As Mitch Thrower says witha grin, "We are all students of the world when we travel abroad, and after all, life is just one big lesson!"
WIth and introduction from Irving Sarnoff, president of The Friends of the United Nations, "The Passport" includes information on safety abroad, health tips, international driver-education, pointers on what foods to try in different countries, plus useful facts that demystify Europe railway practices and a checklist to help travelers organize before departure, all gathered from experienced college-age globe hoppers. In discussing bed and breakfasts, one student cheerfully notes that the prices are often inexpensive but adds, "European breakfasts are actually designed for a munchkin from Oz -- a slice of bread and a piece of cheese with a shot glass of orange juice. In Europe, it’s highly unlikely that you will wake up to a buffet offering bacon, eggs, pancakes, and all you can eat."
Wise words, too, from another chap, on taking a shower abroad: "It can be a new experience. Do not assume which side the hot water may come from, or how long the hot water may last. ... You may want to practice taking a shower with a trickle of water coming out of the shower head before you go to Europe. This can happen in hotels, B&B’s and hostels. Remember you are not traveling abroad to take showers." There is counsel on avoiding terrorism, thievery and handling personal attack. And advice on dealing with jet lag, jet food and on the vagaries of overseas shopping, including bargaining tips to use in outdoor markets.
A paragraph titled Cultural Claustrophobia reads: "As Americans traveling abroad, you will notice different perceptions of space. We all have our own personal zones of privacy -- inviting others or keeping them at arm’s length is monitored by the body language we use. But in different countries the culture’s language of space has different characteristics."
"While abroad, whether you are in a bar of in a car, people may appear too close for American comfort. In the Mediterranean eye contact and smiling is emphasized, along with a distance of approximately one foot. In northern Europe the distance of a simple conversation can range from six inches to about two and a half feet. As an American you should feel comfortable at about 17 inches." (Travelers, did you know that?) Mitch Thrower adds: "Even savvy travelers have picked up tips from some of the information we’ve included from the experiences of others." A list of 30 key phrases is translated "pseudo phonetically" from English to Spanish, French, Italian and German with an important note: "Contrary to popular belief, raising your voice will not help someone understand English."
"The Passport" for student travelers has a dozen advertisements tucked in its informational pages -- AT&T, American Express and other Fortune 500 firms. No ads accepted for cigarettes and alcohol. The 2-year-old college marketing firm has lost substantial revenue by holding to its policy of not accepting any ads that do not meet the young firm’s standards.
The College Connection’s president, Mitch Thrower, and executive VP, Todd Adler, both 24, have other publications on the boards in addition to "The Passport." Using the same format, "The Ameripass" is directed to international students studying in the United States and "Passport to the Real World" will focus on career development.
All this activity, and much more, takes place in a Newton/Westport line. Staff members ranging from four to nine people work there regularly, with approximately 25 Staples students on hand when mailings take place, and adds Mitch Thrower appreciatively, "We have an outside board composed of a lot of Westporters."
Modesty abounds. Unmentioned in conversation, but can’t one guess there’ll be yet another College Connection publication -- "Passport to Success"? Seems justified, seems inevitable.
"The Passport" is published by the College Connection Publishing Division, 19 Newton Turnpike, Westport.