GUIDE TO U.S CULTURE AND CUSTOMS
CONTENTS SOCIAL ETIQUETTE PERSONAL SPACE PUNCTUALITY PUBLIC RESTROOMS CONVERSATION TOPICS 2 3 4 5 6 COMMON TERMS AND PHRASES RESTAURANT ETIQUETTE TIPPING MANNERS FOODS TO TRY 7 8 9 10 11
GUIDE TO U.S CULTURE AND CUSTOMS The best parts about traveling the world are that you get to meet new people, see amazing things, and explore cultures that are different than your own. Every culture around the world has been shaped by its people, history, geography, trade, and a host of other factors. When you travel internationally, you have a great learning opportunity, and the best way to take advantage of that opportunity is to explore the cultures around you. When you travel to the U.S., depending on where you are from, you will see some pretty large differences in the culture and customs of the people. To help prepare you for those differences and to help you avoid offending anyone, here are a few tips that you will want to keep in mind as you travel the U.S.
SOCIAL ETIQUETTE: One of the biggest differences between cultures around the world is social etiquette and acceptable practices. What is appropriate for you to do at home may not be appropriate for you to do in the U.S. Social etiquette is important no matter where you are in the world because doing something the wrong way can lead to offending someone. So, take a look at these important social etiquette tips to help ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible. 2
PERSONAL SPACE: Depending on the country, the culture, and the relationship between people, the size of personal space varies and changes. Friends and strangers may greet each other with a hug or a kiss on the cheek. In the U.S., this is not the case. Only close friends hug when they see each other and very rarely do friends kiss on the cheek. When in doubt, it is best to stay at arm s length from anyone new you meet. 3
PUNCTUALITY: For most Americans, it is extremely important to be on time. When you show up late to a social gathering or to meet someone new, it is considered incredibly rude. Unless you are attending a party, it is best to show up a few minutes early when you are meeting someone. 4
PUBLIC RESTROOMS: The restroom may seem like a place that does not change no matter where you go around the world. However, in some places you can be charged for using a public restroom; this is not the case in the U.S. However, public restrooms are not as widely available in the U.S. as they are in other places. Many stores and restaurants have restrooms that you can use, as long as you are a paying customer. 5
CONVERSATION TOPICS: When you have a conversation with someone you just met, there are certain topics that are more acceptable than others. While many Americans are open to ideas and beliefs from around the world, you never know exactly how a stranger or someone you just met feels about certain things. It is best to avoid these topics when you are talking to someone new: Religion Race Gender Sexuality 6 Politics
COMMON TERMS AND PHRASES: No matter how well you know the formal English language, there is a good chance that you do not know all of the slang and common terms and phrases that are used throughout the U.S. Here are a few that you may come across in your travels: As I see it - This phrase is used when giving or stating your opinion on a particular subject. Beat it - When someone says, beat it! they are simply telling you to leave or get out, not to actually beat something. How s it going? - This phrase is an informal way of saying, how are you?. What s up? - Another phrase which means, how are you doing?. Cool - The word cool is used to describe something someone enjoys, finds interesting, or is impressed by. Hang in there - This phrased is used to comfort someone going through a hard time and means that things will work out in the end. Hold your horses - A phrase that means slow down. It s on me - Usually this phrase is used when you are dining out with someone and they want to pay for you. Oops - This phrase is used when someone makes a mistake. Hang out - Used most often when someone invites you to go do something or come visit 7 them.
RESTAURANT ETIQUTTE: The one thing that every culture has in common is food. Food is the thing that brings people together, no matter where they are from. While you are in the U.S., you will most likely be eating in restaurants. While eating at restaurants may not be something new for you, there are certain manners that may be different than what you are used to. Take a look at these common things and prepare yourself for any differences that your dining experience may have. 8
TIPPING: Tipping a server in a restaurant is different all around the world. In some cultures, it is considered rude to tip a server. In other cultures, it is important to tip your server a certain percentage of your bill. It is common in the U.S. to tip at least 20% in a nicer restaurant. If you have bad service, spend very little, or are at a lesser quality restaurant, it is okay to tip around 15%. 9
MANNERS: Manners are a pretty important aspect of any dining experience, no matter where you are in the world. However, manners are a little different depending on where you are. In the U.S., it is considered rude to pass gas at the table, to put your elbows on the table, and chew with your mouth open. If you are provided a napkin, it goes on your lap, and you should do your best to use the proper eating utensils. When in doubt, pay attention to what those around you are doing and ask questions if you do not understand somthing. 10
FOODS TO TRY: Every country and culture around the world has food unique to it. In the U.S., you can sample different foods from all over the world, but every region in the country also has their own specialties. Many people assume that the cultural melting pot of American cuisine comprises foods that have been stolen from other cultures, but the truth is that American cuisine has been able to wonderfully blend styles and produce food unlike anywhere else in the world. While you are in the U.S., here are some food items you should be on the lookout for: Clam chowder: If you find yourself in the northeastern part of the U.S., this chowder can really warm you up on a cold day. Po boys: If you find yourself lucky enough to make it to Louisiana or anywhere with a Creole/Cajun menu, then be sure to check out the po boy selection. These sandwiches are usually made with crusty French bread and are piled high with meat (check out a crawfish po boy), lettuce, and tomato. Chicago-Style Hot Dog: While you can find a hot dog almost anywhere, the Chicago-style dog is unique to the windy city. A proper Chicago dog is made with a poppy-seed bun, mustard, relish, chopped onion, tomato, pickled peppers, a dash of celery salt, and a pickle spear. Olympia Oysters: If you find yourself in the northwest and you happen to enjoy oysters, then be sure to track down some Olympia oysters. Rattlesnake or alligator: In some parts of the country you may be lucky enough to find fried pieces of rattlesnake or alligator on the menu. While unique in their own way, these two meats are often compared to the dark meat of a chicken. 11
Navigating your way through a new culture can be a pretty overwhelming experience, but it is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life. As travelers to the U.S. and travelers within the U.S., be sure you respect the people and customs around you. If you do not understand something or if you are just curious about how something is done, then ask questions. It is far better to ask and know, than to offend someone.