Adjusting to American Culture
It is difficult to provide an accurate guide to American social relations and customs because various situations may require different responses. Americans are encouraged to be involved in the community, to express opinions, and to "question the system." This can make it difficult to understand what social customs are observed and can make it perplexing to find a comfortable way to act and live in the American environment.
Americans place much emphasis on individuality and personal identity. This is expressed by informality in appearance, interpersonal relationships, and methods of communication. Such informality can give the impression that Americans are promiscuous; however, it is not necessarily true. In some situations a behavior or dress of an individual may exhibit poor taste. As long as one does not infringe on the rights of others, he or she is permitted a great deal of flexibility in personal expression.
Life in the United States may at first seem rather rushed. Americans are usually time conscious, thus, punctuality is very important in many situations even among friends. When you make an appointment to see someone, you are expected to arrive at the appointed time. This is especially true with a doctor, professor or your advisor. If you are late, the person you were to see may be unable to meet with you.
The above section excerpted from the Michigan State University Handbook for International Students.
Making Friends
Americans are curious about many things and may ask you many questions. Some of the questions may appear ridiculous, uninformed and elementary, and even rude, but try to be patient in answering them. You may be the first foreign national of a particular country whom they have met and they probably have little understanding of life in your country. Most Americans are sincerely interested in learning more about you and your culture.
It is sometimes difficult for international students to understand how Americans form and maintain friendships. In this fast-passed society, friendships may be transitory and are often established to meet personal needs in a particular situation. The casualness of friendship patterns in the United States allows people to move freely into new social groups. These groups usually form around work, school, shared interests, or places of residence. Most mature Americans readily welcome new people into their social groups. Americans have many interests and engage in a variety of activities so the warmth expressed in one meeting, while genuine and sincere, may be confined to that occasion. Close friendships are the result of repeated interactions between individuals as they identify similarities in a point of view and share a variety of experiences.
It is possible that some American family customs will bother you because they are very different from your own. To help you enjoy your visit more, try to discover what in the two cultures is behind the differences in customs. Look for similarities and enjoy or overlook the differences.
The above section is excerpted from the Michigan State University Handbook for International Students.
Family Customs
It is extremely difficult to be specific about the American family because of the many regional, religious and national backgrounds that are found in the U.S. These ideas about American families are generalizations and may not be true of families that you meet. There are several different combinations of people that may make up a family unit. The family you meet may be composed of a mother, father and children, but other families you meet may be composed of a single parent with children, two or more professional persons who live together, a husband and wife with no children at home or no children at all, or an adult who lives alone and has close friends that share special times and activities. In many families, both the husband and wife are employed away from home. Few American families have servants. At most, they may have someone to stay with children while they are away (a "babysitter") or someone to do weekly cleaning or yard work as it is needed.
Household responsibilities are often shared among family members, including children. One's sex no longer necessarily determines family responsibilities. Jobs that were once performed mainly by women (such as cooking and cleaning) and those once performed mainly by men (such as taking care of the car and yard) are often done by either sex. Traditional patterns are still followed in some families. American families often share more than household duties. For example, husbands and wives may share in making decisions and in taking responsibility for other family members. The opinions of children are often asked for and accepted and children are often included in entertaining.
The individuality and autonomy so valued by Americans has extended into the family setting to the extent that individual rights within the family are enforced by law. It is now illegal, for example, for an individual to use physical force on another even though that person may be his/her spouse or child. What was formerly considered "discipline" or exercise of authority within the family is now a matter for official intervention. Neighbors may report such instances to the police. In addition, professionals such as teachers and doctors are required to report suspected instances of physical abuse to the authorities.
The above section excerpted from the Michigan State University Handbook for International Students.
Quick Adaptation
One of the most distinctive characteristics of Madison is the hospitality of its people. Students at UW-Madison are very friendly and are always open to incorporate new persons to their social groups. Also there are many student organizations and activities created to help new students to adapt to their new home.
Enjoy Your New Environment
- Take a campus tour.
- Go to the Memorial Union .
- Try to find a student to show you around.
- Walk on State Street .
- Participate on the Welcome Week activities.
Meet people
- Attend the games (football, basketball, hockey, etc.).
- Join a student organization.
- Relate with your classmates.
- Go out to the bars.
- Practice some sports.
Maintain Relationships
- Go out with the people you meet.
- Talk to UW employees.
- Chat with everybody (It's very common in the US to talk with people even if you don't know them).
- Visit and call your friends.
Be Informed of Activities on Campus
- Read the campus newspapers.
- Listen to the radio.
- Read the bulletin boards.
Most importantly, relax, rest, keep an open mind, and have fun!!!!