WIESBADEN, Germany - How do I take the train from Wiesbaden to Frankfurt? Where can I find a veterinarian off-post? Why is the service at restaurants so slow?
Find the answers to these questions and many more at Army Community Service's Culture College, held every month for new Soldiers, Family members and civilians. The two-day course covers German culture, history and basic facts about Wiesbaden and Germany, an orientation of garrison programs and services and even a walking tour of downtown Wiesbaden.
The course was adapted from the previous Headstart Program two years ago. Before that, Irmgard Goebel, a native German, taught the Newcomer Orientation briefing for spouses for 11 years. She has lived in the Wiesbaden area for more than 40 years and developed Culture College to "put people at ease."
"I want people to feel comfortable going out in the community and make new friends," she said.
On the first day of the February class, Cultural Orientation Day, Goebel discusses cultural peculiarities and customs, such as Germans' tendency to take words at face values. She told a story about a German woman who knitted her American neighbor a sweater. The American remarked that she wished she could knit like her, so the next day the German came over with needles and yarn.
"We take things literally," said Goebel. "We are not very polite, but we are honest. We don't compliment a lot, but when we do, we mean it."
On the second day, Goebel leads class members on a walking tour through downtown Wiesbaden to become oriented with the city. Lessons include how to buy a train ticket, where to recycle bottles and cans in the grocery store, and where to find the Kurhaus casino, Market Square, cafes and restaurants and other notable sites.
On the third day, the Wiesbaden Entertainment Center hosts a garrison-wide orientation day. Representatives from ACS; the Garrison Public Affairs Office; Directorate of Emergency Services; Transformation Stationing Management Office; Dental and Health Clinic; Department of Defense Dependents Schools-Europe; Civilian Personnel Advisory Center; Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention; and Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation gave information on their respective programs. The WEC hosts a free, sponsored lunch, and other programs and services set up booths.
Garrison Commander Col. David Carstens spoke last, welcoming all to "Wiesbaden, your home in Germany."
More than 30 people attended the February course, including single Soldiers, accompanied Soldiers, children, spouses and civilians. Some attendees had been in Wiesbaden for a few years; some had been stationed in Germany before; some, only a few weeks. All learned something new.
"The concept of being in Germany is great, but it can be a little intimidating to go and figure everything out," Sgt. 1st Class Michael Gieracz, a senior technical engineer with U.S. Army Europe, who arrived in early January with his wife, Laura, and their 2-year-old daughter Summer. "This course gives you the comfort to go out and do all the things you would do at home in the States."
"When I see people downtown, I know I did it right because they are not afraid to go downtown and experience the culture," Goebel said. "I really like what I'm doing."
A "Wiesbaden Welcome Guide" that includes information ranging from Wiesbaden history to garbage sorting tips to German language basics is provided to all Culture College attendees.
The next Culture College will be held March 10-12. Contact ACS at DSN 335-5234 or civ 0611-4080-234 to sign up or visit http://www.wiesbaden.army.mil/sites/mwr/CultureCollege.asp.
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