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Visa Application to Germany
kysse
#11 Posted : Sunday, March 16, 2014 11:20:34 PM
Rank: Elder

Joined: 1/17/2013
Posts: 4,693
Location: Earth
@ Ash, I went through that site today and I think there's need to start practicing early. smile Europe is kinda strict and formal than the US where anything goes.
They didn't talk much about language -just the fact that they speak german,so what % of austrians speak English? I trust that it's a commonly spoken language in public otherwise I may have to learn the ABCD's.

Cultural taboos

There are no real taboos in Austria that do not apply in other Western countries. However, there are a number of taboos and issues that are considered inappropriate when dealing with your Austrian counterparts and you should observe these so as to avoid any inference of disrespect to views and ideals. Being aware of these will make your business dealings more pleasant and will assist you in building strong relationships with Austrian business people.

Do not discuss World War II or criticise Austria in general

Austrians are not Germans, even if they speak the same language! This is very important. Austria and Germany have very different customs.

The Austrians value their privacy and personal space immensely. Do not ask personal questions related to occupation, age, family or children if your relationship is in its infancy. Once you have a well-established relationship, those topics are okay. However, never speak about salary. Salary is an absolute taboo topic for Austrians.smile

Austrians are more formal and punctual than most of the rest of the world. They have prescribed roles and seldom step out of line.

Compliment carefully and sparingly – Austrians may find personal compliments embarrassing.

You should not lose your temper publicly. This is viewed as uncouth and a sign of weakness.

Stand up when an elder or higher ranked person enters the room.
Do not shout or be loud; do not put your feet on furniture

When making or answering a phone call, first introduce yourself by saying your name (most people use their last name, but you can also use your first name if you prefer). It is considered impolite if you don’t say your name even when you use other polite greetings such as “hello” or “good morning”.

It is impolite to cross your arm over people who are shaking hands.

It is rude to chew gum in public.

Talking while your hands are in your pockets is also considered impolite.


Ash Ock
#12 Posted : Monday, March 17, 2014 4:46:51 PM
Rank: Member

Joined: 8/27/2010
Posts: 495
Location: Nairobi
@Kysse

Take the advice from the site with a pinch of salt as it only gives the worst case scenarios. Austrians are really not that uptight at all. Most will struggle to speak English for example shop attendants and they are generally open.

Yes, the northern Europeans are quite strict. As an example, if you drop in on an Austrian’s house without an invitation during meal times, most will politely invite you to sit at the table and talk with you while they finish eating without offering you anything. As an African, I find it absolutely mind-boggling rude not to offer an uninvited guest something to eat, even from my own plate, but the Austrians find it completely normal and don’t expect to be offered anything.

Generally speaking, you’ll love Austria, especially in the summer. Beautiful efficient country, good roads, interesting museums, and lots to see. Just relax and enjoy as they are also quite forgiving when dealing with foreigners.

Tip: try an Apfelstrudel with vanilla ice-cream or whipped cream or, like me, both Drool
Sent from my Black Nokia 3310
incognito
#13 Posted : Monday, April 07, 2014 5:12:41 PM
Rank: Member

Joined: 6/29/2011
Posts: 233
What are the do's and dont's when you go for a Visa interview?
Excelsior
wanyee
#14 Posted : Monday, April 07, 2014 6:09:56 PM
Rank: Member

Joined: 7/17/2011
Posts: 627
Location: Mbui-Nzau, Kikumbulyu
incognito wrote:
What are the do's and dont's when you go for a Visa interview?

you will see a very tall bald headed Kenya lady . '''don't smile at herLaughing out loudly and a fat dreadlocked Kenyan guy who is okey if he handles your papers
bird_man
#15 Posted : Monday, April 07, 2014 8:05:33 PM
Rank: Veteran

Joined: 11/2/2006
Posts: 1,206
Location: Nairobi
kysse wrote:
@ Ash, I went through that site today and I think there's need to start practicing early. smile Europe is kinda strict and formal than the US where anything goes.
They didn't talk much about language -just the fact that they speak german,so what % of austrians speak English? I trust that it's a commonly spoken language in public otherwise I may have to learn the ABCD's.

Cultural taboos

There are no real taboos in Austria that do not apply in other Western countries. However, there are a number of taboos and issues that are considered inappropriate when dealing with your Austrian counterparts and you should observe these so as to avoid any inference of disrespect to views and ideals. Being aware of these will make your business dealings more pleasant and will assist you in building strong relationships with Austrian business people.

Do not discuss World War II or criticise Austria in general

Austrians are not Germans, even if they speak the same language! This is very important. Austria and Germany have very different customs.

The Austrians value their privacy and personal space immensely. Do not ask personal questions related to occupation, age, family or children if your relationship is in its infancy. Once you have a well-established relationship, those topics are okay. However, never speak about salary. Salary is an absolute taboo topic for Austrians.smile

Austrians are more formal and punctual than most of the rest of the world. They have prescribed roles and seldom step out of line.

Compliment carefully and sparingly – Austrians may find personal compliments embarrassing.

You should not lose your temper publicly. This is viewed as uncouth and a sign of weakness.

Stand up when an elder or higher ranked person enters the room.
Do not shout or be loud; do not put your feet on furniture

When making or answering a phone call, first introduce yourself by saying your name (most people use their last name, but you can also use your first name if you prefer). It is considered impolite if you don’t say your name even when you use other polite greetings such as “hello” or “good morning”.

It is impolite to cross your arm over people who are shaking hands.

It is rude to chew gum in public.

Talking while your hands are in your pockets is also considered impolite.



Damn!Kumbe Kenya is such a nice place to live in!?The above sounds like an exam every minute of your life.
Formally employed people often live their employers' dream & forget about their own.
kysse
#16 Posted : Tuesday, April 08, 2014 10:34:01 PM
Rank: Elder

Joined: 1/17/2013
Posts: 4,693
Location: Earth
Ash Ock wrote:
@Kysse

Take the advice from the site with a pinch of salt as it only gives the worst case scenarios. Austrians are really not that uptight at all. Most will struggle to speak English for example shop attendants and they are generally open.

Yes, the northern Europeans are quite strict. As an example, if you drop in on an Austrian’s house without an invitation during meal times, most will politely invite you to sit at the table and talk with you while they finish eating without offering you anything. As an African, I find it absolutely mind-boggling rude not to offer an uninvited guest something to eat, even from my own plate, but the Austrians find it completely normal and don’t expect to be offered anything.

Generally speaking, you’ll love Austria, especially in the summer. Beautiful efficient country, good roads, interesting museums, and lots to see. Just relax and enjoy as they are also quite forgiving when dealing with foreigners.

Tip: try an Apfelstrudel with vanilla ice-cream or whipped cream or, like me, both Drool



That sounds like a very bitter green tablet! As long as it's non-alcoholic whatever that is,I am good to try.

kysse
#17 Posted : Tuesday, April 08, 2014 10:42:48 PM
Rank: Elder

Joined: 1/17/2013
Posts: 4,693
Location: Earth
wanyee wrote:
incognito wrote:
What are the do's and dont's when you go for a Visa interview?

you will see a very tall bald headed Kenya lady . '''don't smile at herLaughing out loudly and a fat dreadlocked Kenyan guy who is okey if he handles your papers

hee what a description lol!

incognito
#18 Posted: : Wednesday, April 23, 2014 11:53:57 AM
Rank: Member

Joined: 6/29/2011
Posts: 233
This Visa online appointment ni shida tupu! I attended an interview two weeks ago and was sent back to get some paper. Since then i can't book another online appointment because the system says i still have a live appointment (One tha expired two weeks ago!)
Anyone experience this?
Excelsior
butterflyke
#19 Posted : Thursday, April 24, 2014 10:03:18 AM
Rank: Elder

Joined: 5/1/2010
Posts: 3,024
Location: Hapa
Ash Ock wrote:
@Kysse

Take the advice from the site with a pinch of salt as it only gives the worst case scenarios. Austrians are really not that uptight at all. Most will struggle to speak English for example shop attendants and they are generally open.

Yes, the northern Europeans are quite strict. As an example, if you drop in on an Austrian’s house without an invitation during meal times, most will politely invite you to sit at the table and talk with you while they finish eating without offering you anything. As an African, I find it absolutely mind-boggling rude not to offer an uninvited guest something to eat, even from my own plate, but the Austrians find it completely normal and don’t expect to be offered anything.

Generally speaking, you’ll love Austria, especially in the summer. Beautiful efficient country, good roads, interesting museums, and lots to see. Just relax and enjoy as they are also quite forgiving when dealing with foreigners.

Tip: try an Apfelstrudel with vanilla ice-cream or whipped cream or, like me, both Drool


meaning?

i think it depends with the Austrian.....my visa process and country experience were not that great but may be they are 'evolving' with time...
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. - Muhammad Ali🐝
kysse
#20 Posted : Friday, May 16, 2014 7:10:12 AM
Rank: Elder

Joined: 1/17/2013
Posts: 4,693
Location: Earth
butterflyke wrote:

I think it depends with the Austrian.....my visa process and country experience were not that great but may be they are 'evolving' with time...


I don't think mine will be cumbersome. Everything has been done from Austria and all I need is to present the ID allocated to me at the embassy plus the invitation letter.
Where is the embassy located? To be there on Mon.


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