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Guide for International Students: Life in the United States

Information on culture, customs, and more to help our International Students transition to Missouri and the United States

Life in the US

Shared Values and Characteristics

  • Equality: The founding document of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, states that "all men are created equal".  Equality is a foundational belief in American culture where individuals strive to treat one another the same regardless of race, social status, creed, national origin, or gender.  
  • Individualism: Most people in the United States believe in self-sufficiency and self-reliance.  They pride themselves on being "self-made".  Life centers around the small, nuclear family with emphasis placed on the individual household before the larger extended family or community.
  • Informality: Americans treat one another very informally.  It is typical to use first names with colleagues and supervisors both.  It is not a sign of a lack of respect, but a cultural norm.  And you may find that some faculty even ask to be referred to by their first name.
  • Punctuality: Most people living in the US are very schedule driven and arrive on time for activities so they can move on to the next task in a timely manner.  Being late is considered rude, and it is important to let the people know who are waiting for you if and how late you will be.  For most appointments, it is a good idea to arrive a few minutes early.
  • Materialism: The culture in the United States often measures success in money.  Material possessions are a demonstration of success for many people here.  To learn more about managing materialism and finances in the United States, see the Money tab. 

Common Misconceptions

  • Some people coming from other cultures may perceive people in the United States as shallow or incapable of deep conversation.  This is untrue though.  However, deep conversation is reserved for people Americans know well.
  • A relaxed posture is not indication or disrespect.  It is just a reflection of informality that is part of American culture.
  • People are often uncomfortable with silence and will use small talk to fill any voids in conversation.

 

"Small talk" 

Americans are very friendly and tend to engage in small talk with colleagues, neighbors, and even strangers.  Small talk topics often include the weather, sports, work or past experiences like travel.  Small talk does not usually involve personal and private matters as these topics are reserved for closer relationships such as family and close friends.  Sex is considered a taboo subject in American culture and not openly discussed.  Many Americans also avoid discussing politics, religion, and money.

Most Americans will ask you "How are you?" or "How is it going?".  These are considered greetings in American culture, and most people will just say they are "well" or "doing fine".  A closer more intimate relationship would need to be developed before someone tells you about how their life is going.

Loud conversation is reserved for very exciting exchanges or angry conversations.  Avoiding speaking in a loud volume.  Also, many Americans do not engage in a lot of hand gestures when speaking, but this can vary greatly depending on the customs and culture in which an American is raised.

Body language

  • Eye contact: Typically, Americans look each other in the eye briefly and then away during conversation. 
  • Touching: Aside from shaking hands, Americans do not like to touch or be touched by people they do not have a close relationship.  Men especially do not like to be touched by other men. 
  • Space: Americans like to maintain their personal space or "bubble".  Most people like to be about an arm's length away.  If someone is backing away or turning away from you, it is a good indication they are uncomfortable and need more space.

Remember this is just general information and there may be exceptions.  Just try to stay aware of the person you are talking with to make sure they seem comfortable.

For more information on non-verbal communication in the USA, check out the University of Arkansas's guide on American Non-Verbal Communication.

Equal Rights

Everyone in the United States has the same rights to equal treatment in work, education, housing and healthcare.

Discrimination is illegal under federal law. People are protected from being discriminated against based on age, disability, national origin, race and color, religion or faith, and gender identity or sexual orientation.

Immigration Status

There are several ways to immigrate to the United States, and each method requires strict adherence to the laws governing your visa.  To learn more about student status and your responsibilities while studying on a visa, see this guide by the Department of Homeland Security: Study in the States

Personal Rights and Responsibilities

  • Freedom of Speech and Assembly: The U.S. places a high value on individual rights, including freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. However, there are limits, such as incitement to violence or threats.
  • Search and Seizure: Law enforcement generally needs a warrant to search your property.
  • Alcohol and Drug Laws: The legal drinking age is 21 in the U.S., and  providing minors with alcohol is a crime.  Possessing or using illegal drugs can have serious consequences, including criminal charges and deportation.

Religion

  • Religion is an extremely complicated topic in American culture.  Religion does not play as large of a role in American society as some countries, but for some Americans it is a central part of their personal lives.  There is no government-supported religion or state church and people in the United States tend to be private about their views.
  • The majority of Americans identify as some type of Christian, but there are very diverse faiths within Christianity.  The second most common faith in the United States is "none".  This means that people do not identify with any organized religious practice.  You can read more about American religion from Pew Research here.
  • Interfaith friendship and dialogue are a part of American culture.  People create relationships with others regardless of religious affiliation.
  • Anyone in America is free to practice religion as they see fit.  You will find many diverse places of worship in Rolla and in Missouri.