Below we'll present you some
"typical American" aspects:
INDIVIDUALITY
Probably the most important trait of Americans is the way they perceive every person as an independent individual, with their qualities and flaws, and are not hasty in drawing conclusions based on race, social status, or family. They very much insist on equality between people, and their opinions strictly refer to the individual and what he is capable of. Children from an early age are taught to "stand on their own two feet", to be independent. Perhaps you will be surprised, but most American students choose their courses, leaders, and careers, without regard to parents' opinion. They are independent people, capable of making their own decisions..
Americans, in general, are very informal and direct in personal relations, even if there is a social difference or age gap. For example, students and teachers sometimes call each other by their first names. For a Romanian this might indicate a lack of respect, whereas it only has to do with the American culture..
COMPETITION
One of the most important values for an American is the sense of competition and the desire to constantly compete with someone. You will find competition everywhere, whether friendly or not so friendly. Americans can sometimes be obsessed with records and achievements in sports, business, or anything else. Books and movies, for example, are not always judged on quality, but rather on the number of copies sold.
Even if they have a well- developed sense of competition, Americans know how to work in a team and how to pursue a common goal..
CULTURE SHOCK
Culture shock is the process of adjusting to a new country and a new culture, very different from yours. The climate, food, landscapes, and people are all different, and it might seem strange at first.
If you have culture shock, do not panic; it is normal. Once you have gotten used to your new life, you will know your way around and begin to understand the U.S. mentality, so the shock will disappear.
At the beginning you might get slightly irritated or homesick. In some cases this can decrease your self- confidence and make you more dependent upon your peers, without whom you think you'll not be able to pull it off. There are all kinds of situations, but it's best not to panic.
Some tips on how to overcome culture shock:
- • Always find something to do. Watch a movie, go to a concert, take a walk. Avoid getting bored by just sitting around
- • Focus on the present and put aside memories of home. You will always find good things to do around you and things that you like.
- • Talk to the people around you. Socialize, tell them about you, make friends whom you can spend time with
- • Participate in community activities; be it sports competitions, volunteering, or social events. Don't just sit there!
- • Get out, walk, and explore the city around you. You will not solve anything if you stay in the house and send e-mails to those at home.
Perhaps the above mentioned things helped you to get an idea of what you're going to experience at first in the States. This is just some brief information; for more details about living and working in the United States, please attend one of our information sessions.
