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INTRODUCTION TO LIFE IN THE U.S.
• Expectations vs. Reality• Diversity• Concept of time• Communication styles• Rule of law• Making friends
TV AND FILM…NOT REALITY
DIVERSITY
• No single national behavior, lifestyle, behavior• Individual differences, ethnic customs, and
regional traditions• “everyone is created equal”• equal treatment regardless of race, gender,
ethnicity, national origin, or sexual orientation
Tip: Americans pride themselves on their individuality. Try not to stereotype or “put labels” on people, get to know them as individuals.
TIME: AN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE
You can:•Save it•Spend it•Use it wisely•Waste it
What time is it?
Am I late?
What is the deadline?
How much time is left?
When is
the project
due?
How long do we have?
Time is money!
Americans think of time as a valuable and limited resource.
IN THE U.S.
Being on time = respect Being late = rude, not polite
Tip: arrive about 5 minutes early for most professional/academic thingsSocially, it is ok to arrive a little “late” for parties.CALL/TEXT if you are running late for meeting a friend etc.
COMMUNICATION
• Americans ask a lot of direct questions and want information…This may seem abrupt
• Direct, clear, simple, factual• Often informal and casual • “There are no stupid questions.”• Be aware of body language
“Get to the
point.”“Just say what you mean.”
TIP: Be aware of body language (ex: winking)
TIP: Ask questions in class or when meeting new people, it shows that you are interested.
IN THE U.S.
Eye contact = showing respect
No eye contact = disinterest, lack of respect
THE LAW
16 =
18 =
21 =
Some examples of crimes
• Driving drunk or high • Driving without a license• Physical assault like pushing or
hitting (including of spouse/partner)
• Excessive physical punishment of children
• Sexual harassment
TIP: See EdCC Catalog for Student Code of Conduct
MEETING NEW PEOPLE Safe conversation
topics• The weather• Transportation
(busses, cars, traffic)• Classes and jobs• Sports• Music, movies• Fashion, shopping,
clothes
Not great conversation topics
• Money (especially how much one earns)• Family• Religion• Politics• “personal info”
MAKING FRIENDS
• gym ‘• classroom• residence halls • student clubs• volunteering• study group
Good Places to Meet People
MAKING FRIENDS
• Have coffee or tea
• Go to the mall
• Brier Hall or other study area
Common things to do with “new friends”
TIP: Be friendly and “approachable”, smile, be brave
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