Culture Shock - Alumni Experiences

Most people have an enjoyable time while living in the U.S., however - here are some examples of what past participants have felt like when they have gone through their adjustment to life in the U.S.

• A new arrival in a large American city is initially exhilarated by the fast-paced bustle of the city, and enjoys the feeling of being in the midst of so much activity. However, the feeling eventually can give way to stress - people are always in a hurry, the streets are always crowded and noisy, and no one ever looks you in the eye. Those interesting-looking characters now seem like silly poseurs with nothing better to do.
• A student in a small community may find the American custom of saying "thank you," "you're welcome," "have a nice day," and smiling at strangers rather silly. This seems insincere, and the student scorns this superficial behavior, preferring a more formal relationship with strangers. The student refuses to be friendly to people who aren't actual friends.
• An adventurous student seeks out an isolated, rural area for work. The place can only be reached by car or on foot; public transportation is non-existent. While the student likes the peace and beauty of the area, she also feels trapped and frustrated by her inability to leave and explore other regions nearby. America's "car culture" strikes her as a ridiculous self-indulgence, and she concludes that Americans are selfish, lazy people.

You will probably begin to recognize that some behaviors are neither "good" nor "bad," but simply a function of culture. Even those behaviors that seem negative may be understood better in a cultural context. For example, while Americans' dependence on cars contributes to environmental problems and is inconvenient for those who can't afford a car, this phenomenon can be explained by such things as the size of the country, the low cost of gasoline, and the national emphasis on individualism and self-reliance.