How to Survive in the U.S.

Presenters:
Gordon Decker

Simon Zeigler

What we will consider:

Understanding cross-cultural dynamics Preparing for my cross-cultural experience Surviving Culture Shock Making the most of my cross-cultural experience Practical considerations in going to America
Every country has its own way of saying things. The important point is that which lies behind peoples words. Freya Stark (The Journeys Echo)

What is culture?
Culture:
An integrated system of learned behavior patterns that are characteristic of the members of a society language, manners, values, beliefs, morals, customs, religion, art, humor. Culture is the way of life that is shared by the members of a society.

Cultural Differences
Following charts adapted from Figuring Foreigners Out A Practical Guide , by Craig Storti.

Concept of Self

Individualist

Collectivist

Codes: A-Africa, C-China F-France, G-Germany, I-India, J-Japan, M-Mexico, ME-Middle East R-Russia, S-Spain, SEA-Southeast Asia, UK-United Kingdom, US-United States

Cultural Differences
Personal Responsibility

Universalist

Particularist

Codes: A-Africa, C-China F-France, G-Germany, I-India, J-Japan, M-Mexico, ME-Middle East R-Russia, S-Spain, SEA-Southeast Asia, UK-United Kingdom, US-United States

Cultural Differences
Objective/Subjective

Head Logic

Heart Logic

Codes: A-Africa, C-China F-France, G-Germany, I-India, J-Japan, M-Mexico, ME-Middle East R-Russia, S-Spain, SEA-Southeast Asia, UK-United Kingdom, US-United States

Cultural Differences
Degree of Directness

Direct

Indirect

Codes: A-Africa, C-China F-France, G-Germany, I-India, J-Japan, M-Mexico, ME-Middle East R-Russia, S-Spain, SEA-Southeast Asia, UK-United Kingdom, US-United States

Cultural Differences
Importance of Saving Face

Less important

More important

Codes: A-Africa, C-China F-France, G-Germany, I-India, J-Japan, M-Mexico, ME-Middle East R-Russia, S-Spain, SEA-Southeast Asia, UK-United Kingdom, US-United States

Cultural Differences
Role of Context

High context

Low context

Codes: A-Africa, C-China F-France, G-Germany, I-India, J-Japan, M-Mexico, ME-Middle East R-Russia, S-Spain, SEA-Southeast Asia, UK-United Kingdom, US-United States

Preparing to cross cultures:

Your best defense is a strong offense. Anticipate:
What do I expect to learn from this experience? What will I miss most about home? What values will be most different? What might be my biggest challenges?

To gain a friend, you must be a friend. Participate:

How will you need to step out of your comfort zone? Dont wait initiate. Dont assume ask. Focus on the positives, minimize the negatives.

Understanding the differences:

American Values: Nuclear family Individualism Written language Mobility (options) Materialism Progress and change Time orientation Romantic love Egalitarian structures Non-Western Values: Extended family Collectivism (group) Legends and stories Permanence (security) Relationships Stability, gradual change Event orientation Arranged marriages Hierarchical structures

Understanding the differences:

American Values: Free market Youth and strength Directness Achievement Competition Sacred-secular divide Hypothetical reasoning Distrust of authority Privacy Personal control of future Non-Western Values: Strategic alliances Age and wisdom Indirectness Relationships Equality Sacred-secular integration Concrete reasoning Submission to authority Socialization Fate predetermination

Surviving Culture Shock

Culture Shock:
The negative feelings experienced while adjusting to life in a culture different from ones own. The shock can also refer to the accumulation of these feelings so that one feels overwhelmed. Initially: new culture seems the same Later: new culture feels totally different

Culture Shock:
5 Stages of Culture Shock:
The The The The The adventure stage disappointment stage adjustment stage identity stage integration stage

Stages of Culture Shock

Adventure stage (0-3mo)

Emotional State

Normal range
Identity stage

Integration stage

Adjustment stage

Disappointment stage (3-6mo)

Time

Symptoms of culture shock:

Homesickness Withdrawal Apathy Frustration Grief Confusion Sleep disorders Eating disorders Rejection Powerlessness Depression Critical attitude Indignation Hostility Physical illness

Causes of culture shock:

Lack of familiar culture cues Ambiguous living or working situations Different or clashing cultural values New rules and expectations Lack of supportive relationships Inability to communicate in the language of the heart

Treatment for culture shock:

Stay flexible give it time! Be an explorer (learn about your new environment) Look for logical reasons Dont become critical/negative Find a culture guide Have confidence in yourself

New culture entry needs

Physical needs:
Sense of security Physical well-being (exercise and activity) Health care:
Basic health needs (drinking water, etc.) Medical treatment needs

A taste of home!

New culture entry needs

Academic needs:
Knowing how to navigate the campus Knowing how the system works Knowing where to find resources Knowing where to get help Maintaining balanced priorities

New culture entry needs

Emotional needs:
New friendships Help in coping with the new culture Experiencing belonging (family) Being able to trust someone A secure environment to share struggles

New culture entry needs

Practical needs:
Orientation to the area Transportation options Living options (leases, utilities, etc.) Where/how to shop Public services (restrooms, etc.) Food, water, etc. Personal banking

Practical Considerations in coming to the U.S.

Adjusting to the climate:

Where to live?
On Campus: Dormitory
Advantages Close to or on campus No need to buy food or cook meals No need to buy furniture or appliances Disadvantages Potential for major conflicts with roommates Noisy Most food served is American food Students must move out between semesters

Where to live?
Off Campus: Apartment
Advantages Live with roommates you like Dont have to move out between semesters Can use a kitchen to cook your own food Usually quieter than dorms Disadvantages Must sign a lease agreement (usually for one year) Might be far from campus Probably will have to get some furniture Have to spend more time shopping, cooking, washing dishes and cleaning the apartment

Health Care:
Health Care in America is Expensive
So
Try to avoid seeing doctors in America Dont go to an American hospital If possible, get medical care before you leave home Take extra eyeglasses with you Take medicines with you

Buy Health Insurance

Health insurance is available from your university Compare policies: low cost = high deductible = high risk

Health Insurance Cards:

Transportation:
Buying a Car
Advantages Live anywhere you like No need to depend on public transportation Travel around America during holidays Disadvantages Must have a drivers license Need to find a parking space Owning a car is expensive (> US$300/month) Initial cost of buying the car Pay for liability insurance Pay for gasoline, oil changes and other maintenance Pay state license fees Have to sell it when you leave

Transportation:
Public Transportation
Advantages Saves a lot of time and money No need to get a drivers license Disadvantages Must live near bus routes or other transit lines Makes shopping difficult Bus schedules may not match your schedule Not practical in most American cities Note: Use the bus. American taxis are expensive! Conclusion: Whether you need a car or not depends on your location.

Do I need to drive?
Need to Drive:
1. International Drivers License 2. Apply for Social Security Card 3. Buy a Car 4. Apply for Liability Insurance (depends on which state you are in) 5. Take Driving Lessons 6. Apply for Drivers License - Take Written Test - Take Driving Test

Dont need to drive:

1. Apply for Social Security Card 2. Apply for Photo I.D. Card

Identity Cards:
Drivers License
Required before you can: Drive or buy a car Write checks in a retail store Use a credit card in a retail store Apply at the State Department of Motor Vehicles Apply for Learners Permit or use your international drivers license Take driving lessons from a driving school Apply for car insurance Alternative: Photo ID Card

International Passport:

Social Security Card:

Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN)

Telephone:
Home Phone:
Features call waiting, Caller ID, call forwarding, voice mail, and many other features International Calls phone cards, internet phone, special longdistance services

Cell Phone:
More expensive (est. US$40/mo for a basic plan) Phone system only tri-band GSM phones will work in USA Usage free minutes include calls you make and calls you receive Know the plan how many free minutes a month, when does night and weekend begin and end?

Utilities:
Electric Heat electric, gas or oil Garbage Water & Sewer Telephone Internet

Internet access:
Most schools and public libraries have internet service At Home Dial-up option High speed options will depend on where you live.

Money & Banking

American Money Coins:

Penny 1

Nickel 5

Dime 10

Quarter 25

Dollar coins $ 1.00

1 cent = 1 = $0.01 1 dollar = $1.00 = 100 = 100 cents

American Money Currency:

$1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills ($2 rare)

Banking:
Savings Account for saving money and earning interest
Most savings accounts are statement (not passbook) accounts

Checking Account for writing checks

Banking terms:
Deposit add money to an account Withdraw take money out of an account ATM card, Debit Card or Check Card used to get money from an account via an ATM PIN Personal Identification Number Minimum Balance the smallest amount of money that you need to keep in an account to avoid service fees

Banking terms cont.:

Bounced Check a check returned due to insufficient funds Service fees money a bank charges for certain transactions or services performed Statement a report the bank sends regularly giving information regarding transactions

Check components:
Check Number This is a sequential number that identifies which check it is Payee the name of the person that you are writing the check out to. Note the name needs to be correct so you might want to ask, Who do I make the check out to? Date It is important that you use todays date. If you postdate it (use a future date), the person cannot cash the check until that date Amount The amount is written both in numbers and in words. The numbers go in the box and the words go on the line Memo This is a line that you can use to make a note so you can remember what the check was for in the future Signature line This is where you sign your name just like you signed it at the bank when you opened the account Account Routing Numbers At the bottom of the check there are numbers that are routing numbers for the bank and the account number. You will not need to use these numbers

Writing a check:

In America checks are not post dated make it for todays date.

Shopping & Eating Out

Where to shop:
Supermarkets Grocery stores Discount Stores (Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart) Department Stores Specialty Stores Online

Eating Out:
Americans typically dont share their meal unless its with family (or girlfriend) It is expected to tip the waiter/waitress 15-20% of the cost of the meal (also called gratuity) What is going Dutch?

Making friends with Americans

American values:
Independence, self-reliance and individualism Privacy Extreme diversity Unconcern about other peoples opinions Grown children live separately from parents Competition in all parts of society High value placed on individual achievement Direct communication and honesty valued over harmony Emphasis on talking over non-verbal communication Respect for science and numbers (facts) Most are interested in sports and entertainment

American culture givens:

Often greet each other with: Hows it going? Pretty good, thanks. How about you? Usually dont ask personal questions when they first meet someone: Avoid: age, income, marriage, health, politics Safe topics: work, school, sports, weather, hobbies, entertainment (music, movies, etc.) Usually avoid direct Why do you? questions Usually dont touch people when talking to them

American culture givens:

Do not cut in line when there is a cue (offensive) Value being on time for appointments (not more than 10 minutes late) Typically dont call (families or elders) after 9:30 pm Smoking in buildings is typically not permitted (designated smoking areas outdoors) Wear shoes indoors when visiting homes Normally go Dutch (pay for your own) at restaurants

Making friends with Americans:

Making friends on campus:
Try to make friends with American students who have lived in other countriesthey will understand your situation better Get involved in team sports Live in the international or graduate student dormitory

Making friends off campus:

Some organizations offer friendship opportunities with American families in the community (such as ISI)

Success in the Classroom

Tips for success:

Read assignments before class Try to understand the subject matter before going to class Check your notes with other students notes after class Class participation (often part of the grade) Ask questions in class Participate in small group discussions Turn in assignments on time

Expressing your opinion in class:

I believe I think I feel I assume I suppose I suggest It seems to me that In my opinion

Disagreeing in class:
Yes, but I agree, but That may be, but You may be right, but I see your point, but I dont quite agree. What about ? You have a point, but

Where to buy textbooks:

On-campus bookstore Off-campus bookstore http://www.directtextbook.com/ http://www.campusbooks.com/ http://www.classbook.com/ http://www.half.co used textbooks

American Festivals & Holidays

Independence Day
Also known as the 4th of July, celebrates when the thirteen American colonies declared their independence from England on July 4, 1776.

Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is the oldest traditional American holiday. It was originally established to reflect on and thank God for his blessings. Although it started as a religious holiday, many Americans know little about the beginning of Thanksgiving.

Christmas
Christmas became a national holiday in the U.S. in 1890. It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. As in many parts of the world, a very important part of the American Christmas tradition is giving gifts to each other.

New Years Day

In American culture, New Years Day is observed on the first day of the Roman calendar year (January 1). This celebration generally includes:
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) New Years Eve parties Shooting off fireworks American football bowl games New Years Day parades New Years resolutions

Valentines Day
Valentines Day always falls on February 14. It is a festival celebrating romance and love, which was adopted by the Christian church from ancient Greek and Roman culture.

Easter
Easter is the Christian holiday that celebrates Jesus Christ coming back to life after he was crucified. Today, the traditional Easter vacation (time off from school) has been replaced by Spring Break.

April Fools Day

April Fools Day is observed every year on April 1, and is not an official holiday or festival. It is traditional to play tricks or pranks on ones family and friends on this day. After playing a prank on someone it is customary to follow it up with the statement April Fools!

Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a patriotic holiday that occurs on May 30th, but is observed on the last Monday of May each year. It is a special day to remember and honor all those who have or are serving in the United States armed forces. Memorial Day celebrations often include parades and fireworks.

Labor Day
Labor Day was established in the 1700s to give factory workers a break from their hard labor. Today it is observed on the first Monday of September, with schools taking the day off and many families traveling to visit friends or relatives, or to picnic at their favorite park.

Birthdays
As in many parts of the world, birthdays are a great time of celebration among Americans. Some birthday celebrations only include family. Others are more elaborate and invitations are sent out to many friends. Usually everyone who comes to a birthday party brings a gift and a birthday card for the birthday person.

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