<p>Not sure why “brainiacs” are targeted, seems all college grads could use some lessons.</p>
<p>[At</a> MIT, Charm School prepares brainiacs for business - latimes.com](<a href=“http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-charm-school-20130305,0,1910998.story]At”>Add charm to the equation)</p>
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<p>At the Air Force Academy they have etiquette classes for incoming freshmen as part of basic training. Since the students come from all 50 states and a number of different countries it’s a way to give everyone a basic understanding of manners at meals, etc.</p>
<p>Do the etiquette classes include instruction on etiquette in other parts of the world (where future Air Force officers may go)?</p>
<p>For example, in some places, showing the bottom of your shoe to someone is considered a big insult.</p>
<p>Manners have definitely fallen by the wayside.</p>
<p>MIT & Caltech, lol!</p>
<p>There are also cultural differences in whether noisily slurping soup is considered complimentary or boorish.</p>
<p>I agree with aquam, manners are a thing of the past. I feel like an old fuddyduddy when I become annoyed at others lack of such.</p>
<p>Actually, the career services office on many campuses presents etiquette workshops, including basic dinner table manners. We saw this on tours of several universities ranging from ivy calibre to relatively unknown LACs to state schools.</p>
<p>My son attends an all boys leadership academy and they are very big are imparting proper etiquette…the main focus in business etiquette - but also being constantly aware of how you present yourself in social situations.</p>
<p>UCBalumnus, they don’t teach etiquette for foreign locations at that time. They would do that as part of base in-processing or through the military member’s sponsor when a service member moves to one of those locales.</p>
<p>Well, having had the opportunity to each meals with a number of young people over the past years…I certainly hope table manners are a big part of this program. They can use the video of our First Lady with her elbow on the table using the spoon as a shovel during the inauguration dinner as an example of a no-no. :eek:</p>
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<p>Actually, I think most noisy soup slurping is considered boorish by the upper middle and upper class, at least in Asia. It has been misreported for years by travel writers who thought manners exhibited by the locals who frequented flea market type food stalls are the norm. </p>
<p>Think of the rest of the world who watch “Honey Boo-boo” and conclude they are standard American behavior.</p>
<p>A great idea for all schools.
My S attended a “Professional Studies” magnet high school for a semester. The first things they learned were how to shake hands, how to do introductions, and how to dress.
I think it helped S feel more comfortable and confident in any situation. And adults started to remark on his “maturity.” 
RE: AF Academy–my friend’s son attended. I’ve never seen better manners on a young man in my life. Very impressive.</p>