International Student Handbook Office of Global Strategies and International Affairs
Living in the United States: American Life and Customs
The United States of America is a very large and diverse country with a vast array of cultural differences from coast to coast. If you travel from Frankfort to California, Texas, or Florida you will see huge differences in how people talk, interact, and function. Frankfort may have a slower but friendlier appearance than New York, but California is even annoy a New Yorker. It is also not unusual for someone to be extremely proud to be from his or her home state and continue to have strong ties where they grew up, even if they have not lived there in years.
Americans are generally very proud of being American and like to display the American Flag. Conversely, most Americans are also extremely proud of their heritage. If you ask an American where they are from or where their parents from, you may get an answer like “I’m a 1/4 German, 1/4 Polish, 1/4 English, 1/8 Cherokee and 1/8 French!”
Below are some cultural insights that can help you understand Americans better:
1. Americans value being on time. “Time is money” can be a mantra in most of the United States. Do your best to be at least 5 minutes early or on time. If you will be late, let the person you are meeting know and apologize.
2. Americans like privacy and personal space.
It is rare for Americans to show up unannounced anywhere. It is a sign of respect and courtesy to make sure someone is available before dropping in at their home/room/apartment/office.
Americans need about an arm's length of personal space. Any closer, they interpret your actions as intimidating or challenging and back up or become extremely uncomfortable.
Americans rarely hug or kiss someone when they first meet them. Discuss with your new friends what is appropriate when greeting each other. It will likely be different with each friend.
3. Americans are direct and honest. If you ask an American a question, you will probably get an honest answer, and they will not ask you for your input if they do not want it.
It is important to many Americans to be upfront with problems and not put them off. Americans believe that problems can be solved and will work tirelessly to fix them, if they know about them.