American life overview for international student orientation

2. INTRODUCTION TO LIFE IN THE U.S.
• Expectations vs. Reality
• Diversity
• Concept of time
• Communication styles
• Rule of law
• Making friends

3. TV AND FILM…
NOT REALITY

4. 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.

5. TIME: AN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE
You can:
• Save it
• Spend it
• Use it wisely
• Waste it

6. Time is
money!
Americans think of time as a valuable and limited
resource.

7. IN THE U.S.
Being on time = respect Being late = rude, not polite
Tip: arrive about 5 minutes early for most professional/academic things
Socially, it is ok to arrive a little “late” for parties.
CALL/TEXT if you are running late for meeting a friend etc.

8. 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
TIP: Be aware of body language (ex: winking)
TIP: Ask questions in class or when meeting new
people, it shows that you are interested.

9. IN THE U.S.
Eye contact = showing
respect
No eye contact = disinterest,
lack of respect

10. 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

11. 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”

12. MAKING FRIENDS
• gym ‘
• classroom
• residence halls
• student clubs
• volunteering
• study group
Good Places to Meet People

13. 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