An Adventure in American Culture & Values
Studying in the United States of America can be a wonderful
learning experience. Both in and out of the classroom you
will learn and practice the English language. You will also
learn much about American life and its sometimes confusing
culture.
As you prepare to come to the U.S., it may help to know
something about the values that shape U.S. Americans'
attitudes and behaviors. As you consider these values it is
important to remember that:
- U.S. society is made up of a diversity of ethnic groups and cultures that have helped shape American values;
- Some individuals and groups have a set of respected values that are quite different from those of mainstream America;
- People's attitudes and behavior are based on their values.
Some Major U.S. American Values
Individuality:
U.S. Americans are encouraged at an early age to be
independent and to develop their own goals in life. They are
encouraged to not depend (too much) on others including
their friends, teachers and parents. They are rewarded when
they try harder to reach their goals.
Privacy:
U.S. Americans like their privacy and enjoy
spending time alone. Foreign visitors will find U.S. American
homes and offices open, but what is inside the American
mind is considered to be private. To ask the question "What
is on your mind?" may be considered by some to be intrusive.
Equality:
U.S. Americans uphold the ideal that everyone "is created
equal" and has the same rights. This includes women as well
as men of all ethnic and cultural groups living in the U.S.
There are even laws that protect this "right to equality" in its
various forms.
The general lack of deference to people in authority is one
example of equality. Titles, such as "sir" and "madam" are
seldom used. Managers, directors, presidents and even
university instructors are often addressed by their first or
given name.
Time:
U.S. Americans take pride in making the best use of their
time. In the business world, "time is money". Being "on time"
for class, an appointment, or for dinner with your host
family
is important. U.S. Americans apologize if they are late. Some
instructors give demerits to students who are late to class,
and students at most universities have institutional
permission to leave the classroom if their instructor is 10 or
15 minutes late.
Informality:
The U.S. American lifestyle is generally casual. You will see
students going to class in shorts and t-shirts. Male instructors
seldom wear a tie and some may even wear blue jeans
. Female instructors often wear slacks along with comfortable
walking shoes.
Greetings and farewells are usually short, informal and
friendly. Students may greet each other with "hi", "how are
you"? and "what's up"? The farewell can be as brief as: "See
you", "take it easy", or, "come by some time" (although they
generally don't really mean it). Friendships are also casual, as
Americans seem to easily develop and end friendships.
Achievement & Hard Work/Play:
The foreign visitor is often impressed at how achievement
oriented Americans are and how hard they both work and
play. A competitive spirit is often the motivating factor to
work harder. Americans often compete with themselves as
well as others. They feel good when they "beat their own
record" in an athletic event or other types of competition.
Americans seem to always be "on the go", because sitting
quietly doing nothing seems like a waste of time.
Direct & Assertive:
U.S. Americans try to work out their differences face-to-face
and without a mediator. They are encouraged to speak up
and give their opinions. Students are often invited to
challenge or disagree with certain points in the lecture. This
manner of direct speaking is often interpreted by foreign
visitors as rude.
Looking to the Future and to Change:
Children are often asked what they want to be "when they
grow up"; college students are asked what they will do when
they graduate; and professors plan what they will do when
they retire.
Change is often equated with progress and holding on to
traditions seems to imply old and outdated ways. Even
though Americans are recycling more than before many
purchased products are designed to have a short life and
then be thrown away.
Adjustment & Culture "Shock"
You may notice that these American values are, in some
instances, quite different from your own. When you come to
the U.S. the reality of these differences will be more evident.
You will likely experience culture "shock" as you learn to
adjust to the new culture and way of living. This is very
normal and requires both time and patience.
Good Wishes for a New Cultural Experience
Your decision to study in the United States will provide you
with endless opportunities to learn about a new culture and
about yourself as well. You will also have a chance to
"educate" U.S. Americans about your own country and
cultural values.
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