Adapting to America’s Culture for International Students

Life in USA is completely different from that of other native country. America is very large and diverse country where people from all over the world. As a student you should be aware of that nearly all Americans share some traits as a part of general American culture. Following are some of the differences that you will notice after entering into USA which is seems to be different from your native country:

Social Attitudes:
When you first enter in USA, you will find variations in the behavior of the people while comparing with your own country. Some of the common variation in the attitudes of almost all the people of America is as follows:

• Americans have a tendency to be practical and independent in nature. Independency is considered to be popular American culture. They are more work-oriented and materialistic in nature.
• Communication is short and snappy. It would be impolite for one person if he talks for a long time on a particular topic without listening to other person(s). Give and take relationship is very important part not only in communication but almost each fact of life.
• The notion of equality is an important part of USA culture. Man and Woman are considered equal. A few numbers of families in America have maids, servants, cook etc. Every member in American family is expected to do his or her work by their own and including their errands.
• America is not having nationally sponsored religion. Belief of one’s religion is considered as a private matter and the religious beliefs and customs of each and every person is accepted.
• Similar to any other nation, Americans are proud on their country. They also welcome the people of other nations with open hearts and minds and are interested in US culture.

Drinking:
Drinking an alcohol is allowed to everyone who is of 21 years or more. Drinking is considered as illegal if a person below 21 years does so. This rule is strictly followed in all the universities of USA. So do not violate the rule of drinking.

Smoking:
Doing smoke is allowed in America, but it is strictly prohibited in public places in the entire America. Smoking is also prohibited in most of the public places like domestic air flights, theaters and hospitals. Do not do smoking in either car or in any other house without ensuring that whether it is acceptable or not. In some places you have to move outside to smoke.

Immersion in English Language:
Residing in such place where you have to speak English on day to day basis is quite difficult at the early stage. Following things are taken into consideration while speaking English in America:

• You will not be able to understand the language properly. Regional dialect varies on large scale in USA. Sometime English speaking Americans coming from different regions find difficulty in speaking English with each other.
• You have to help yourself in your own accent. If other person finds difficulty in understanding your English language, it is advisable to speak slowly and clearly.
• Some Americans coming from East and West speaks English very quickly. If you do not understand their word properly or find communication gap, do not feel shy or hesitate for asking to repeat their words or speak slowly.
• American use lots of jargon in their speech. So it would be difficult for you to understand them properly.
• Hilarity and Irony is the internal part of English language. This can be translated as the sign of friendliness and not disregard.
• Use of abbreviations like TA for Teacher Assistant, Poli Sci for Political Science etc. is very common here. Simply ask the meaning of them if you cannot able to understand them properly.

The most mandatory thing is that not to get afraid from the mistakes done by you. Take some time to get adaptable in the language. The more you listen, the more you can develop your skills of language and able to build the level of confidence. This is also the part of your experience of learning.

Homesickness:
During your first year of university, sometimes you will find that you are lagging behind to your native country and you are attracted more towards your family and friends. Have some patience and try to immerse yourself in the university life. Appose from constantly calling to the home or locking yourself in the room is the best way to keep your-self away from home sickness quickly. It is better to talk with your friends about your feelings to make you feel better.

Astonishing Culture:
Many people who are living away from their country will became the victim of culture shock. The process of adapting and adjusting in completely new country is a difficult process which is completely different from one’s own country.

Similar to home sickness, culture shock will also reduced with the passage of time. You will be stabilizing after making some friends, concentrating in English language, and by getting familiar with the culture of the country.

You can be more familiarizing with the culture of America by reading books, magazines, newspaper etc.