Adjusting to a New Culture
Culture Shock top>>
When people move into a different setting, they must make certain adjustments or adaptations to their usual behavior and attitudes. Because of this, some students experience what is known as culture shock after they arrive.
Culture shock is the name given to the feeling of disorientation and confusion that often occurs when a person moves from a familiar setting into an unfamiliar one. The climate and terrain, the language, customs, food, and the culture are different. It is harder to convey your feelings and personality in a language that is different from your native one. You may feel lonely and may doubt your decision to come here. Some symptoms of culture shock include: homesickness, avoidance of social settings, depression, or sleep disturbance.
It is normal to experience some signs of culture shock. We at the UFIC hope you will adjust to life in Gainesville and enjoy your experience as an exchange student. If you feel you are experiencing culture shock:
- Maintain perspective: Remember that thousands of new students from around
the world have come to Gainesville and UF. You are not alone in adjusting
to a new setting.
- Evaluate expectations: Your reactions to the United States and Gainesville
are the result of the way things are here and the way you expected them
to be. You should examine whether or not these expectations were reasonable.
- Keep an open mind
- Learn from your experiences
- Visit UFIC: A discussion with one of the advisors at UFIC can help you get a useful perspective on culture shock and its learning and personal growth possibilities.
Notable Characteristics of Americans top>>
American society is very diverse. Even with this diversity, it is possible to generally describe some attitudes and practices that are common among Americans. The following remarks are only generalizations. Individuals who are exceptions to any and all of the following exist.
- Individualism: Most Americans see themselves as separate individuals
and only secondarily as representatives of a family, community, or other
group. They dislike being dependent on other people or having others depend
on them. Some people from other countries may view this attitude as selfish
or self-centered. Others may view it as a healthy freedom from the constraints
of ties to family or social class.
- Limited Friendships: Because Americans are taught to be self-reliant
and live in a highly mobile society, they tend to avoid deep involvement
with many other individuals. Americans tend to compartmentalize their friendships
by having their "friends at work", "friends at school", a "tennis friend," and
so on. People from other cultures sometimes interpret this as an inability
to be friends with Americans. Here it is seen as a normal way to retain
personal happiness in a mobile, ever-changing society. In spite of this
generalization, it is still possible to cultivate meaningful friendships
with Americans.
- Time consciousness: Most Americans place considerable value on
punctuality. They tend to organize their activities by means of schedules.
As a result, they may seem to be in a hurry and not able to relax and enjoy
themselves. Foreign observers sometimes see this as being "ruled by the
clock." In this country, it is a way of assuring that things get done.
- Materialism: "Success" in American society is often measured by the amount of money or the quantity of goods a person is able to accumulate. Some cultures see this as a lack of appreciation for the spiritual or human things in life.
Interacting with Americans top>>
Names - How to address people
Address people of your approximate age and status by first name. This would apply to fellow students and neighbors.
If the other person is clearly older than you, you should use Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms. and the last name of that person. If the older person asks you to use his or her first name, do so. The older person will likely address you by your first name. Ms. (pronounced "Mizz") is used for both unmarried and married females. If you are not sure whether a woman is married, then use Ms.
If a person has a title such as Doctor or Dean, use that title and the last name.
Americans' ready use of first names to address one another may make it appear that they are oblivious to differences in age and status. They are not. There are subtle differences in vocabulary and manner, depending upon the relationship between the people involved. For example, an American is less likely to use slang or obscenities when speaking to a person who is older and/or whom he or she does not know well.
Ritual Greetings
When two people are first introduced, the dialogue normally goes something like, "It's nice to meet you." "Nice to meet you, too." After the first meeting, there are generally two kinds of greetings. The more formal is "Good morning," "Good afternoon," or "Good evening." The less formal way is to simply say "Hello," "Hi" or less formally, "Hey." Any of these greetings may be followed by "How are you?," to which people usually answer "Fine, thank you." - whether they are fine or not!!
These ritual greetings are much shorter than those of other countries. People from countries where greetings are more elaborate may have a negative reaction to the American custom, thinking it reflects lack of concern for other people. This is not the case!
The American casual parting remark "see you later" means "goodbye" and does not mean that the person saying it has a specific intention to see you later.
Tipping
Tips, or gratuity, are not added to the bill in U.S. restaurants. Nevertheless, tips are often expected and needed by service workers. It is customary to tip the waiter or waitress at least 15 percent from the amount of the bill not including tax. A 20 percent tip is given for very good service. For large groups (usually 6 or more), a 15% tip is often added on the bill.
You do not tip in fast food restaurants. You are not expected to tip in self-service cafeterias, but it is customary to leave a small tip if a server assists you.
Taxi drivers expect a tip of 10 to 15 percent of the fare. Hairdressers customarily get a tip of 10 to 15 percent of the total bill. You are NOT expected to tip grocery store baggers.
Quote
What I most enjoyed during my stay at UF is without a doubt interacting
with Americans. To be exact, however, it is not with Americans, but it
is with the people themselves.
As I spend time with them, talk with them, and interact with them,
I came to get confused what, or who "Americans" are... One of them would
just love soda, pizza, or so-called American food. Another one wore a turban
on campus because of his Islamic background. You can also meet someone who
is absolutely more informed than you are about the country where you are
from.
All of these people are Americans as well individuals. They have their
own originality, but are also united in some way. I don't think I need to
explain further, you just see it yourself. A word to describe interacting
with Americans it's FUN!
--Emi Sakamoto, Kansai Gaidai University, Japan
Academic Year student