Traveling to a country for the first time can be an exciting adventure! But it can also be nerve-wracking to experience a culture for the first time. Here is a list to help anyone coming to the United States for the first time to know what to expect!
1. Be On Time
In some countries, it is typical and even acceptable to be late. However, in the US that is not the case. In professional and casual settings it is considered rude and unacceptable to show up late. But, in casual settings, if you let the person you are meeting know you are running late you'll be fine. In a professional setting or when it comes to appointments though, always be on time.
2. Greetings
In the US people usually greet each other by shaking hands. This is especially common in professional settings. If you know someone very well it is common that they will greet you with a hug. If you are unsure how someone will greet you, follow what the other person does and you will avoid an awkward moment!
3. Don't talk about politics or religion with people you just met
When talking with people you don't know very well, avoid talking about politics or religion. People from the US are very passionate when it comes to these two topics and if you are unsure of someone's beliefs, it is better to avoid the topics altogether. This is because you don't want to risk getting into an argument or offending someone. If you know someone very well then it is likely you can talk about these two topics without getting your companion fired up.
4. People from the US can be very loud and sometimes talk over each other
In the United States, plenty of us talk very loudly when we get excited or are talking to a large group of people. It is also common for us to chime in and respond when you are talking to us. This shows you we are engaged and listening. In the US if you are not showing you are actively listening by either chiming in or nodding every now and then it might seem like you're not listening.
5. Make Eye Contact
While this can be super awkward to get used to at first, it is very common for people to make eye contact with you while you are talking. In return, you should also make eye contact so people know you are listening and not trying to get out of the conversation.
6. Tip Your Waiters
In the US, waiters and waitresses are paid below minimum wage and survive off their tips. It is seen as rude to not tip. It is common to tip between 15-20%.
7. Public Transportation
Public transportation is usually only available in larger cities. In smaller cities, it is necessary to have a car or bike to get around. Make sure to research the city or cities you are going to so you know which forms of transportation will be available to you.
8. We appreciate efficiency and hard work
In the US efficiency and working hard are a big deal. In professional and educational settings you will be judged on how much effort you put into your work and how efficiently it is done. This is why in the US you'll find quicker service in places like restaurants than you might see in other countries.
9. Invitations
If someone invites you over to their house or invites you to an event and you say yes, it is expected that you are going unless you tell the person who invited you otherwise. It is considered rude to say you are going and then not show up without letting the other person know before hand. If you don't want to go somewhere it is better to just say no thank you than to say yes and not go. If you are unsure if you are able to go somewhere a maybe will do but you will have to give a yes or no answer eventually!
10. People in the US are direct
In the US people are typically very direct and speak what is on their mind. This can make some people come off as rude and or sassy when that is not their intention.
With these tips, you should be able to feel prepared and less nervous about coming to the US for the first time!
