Welcome to the New Student Orientation 1. Cultural Differences Welcome to the New Student Orientation 1. Each culture has different ways of doing and seeing things. This class is about some general differences we can see in cultures. These general differences are not the rule —in other words, every person each country is not the same, but in general, we may find that the majority do act in these ways or have these ideas. So, the following are possible differences you may find when looking at your country and other cultures. The presentation was contributed by Chris Aufdembrink. Text by Debra Basler,Terry Ceballos, and Sally Stevens. Adapted by Pearl Lee

Opinion How do you voice your opinion? You will find that Americans many times are very direct and to the point. Many people find it necessary to lead up to a point in a more indirect way.

Way of Life The American way of life is often very independent. However, many cultures choose the group or community as a way of life.

Punctuality Being on time (or punctual) is extremely important in American society. Going to class, attending a meeting or an appointment, going to someone’s home for dinner, etc., are all times when you are expected to be on time. For other cultures the issue of time is flexible and not as important.

Emotions Americans usually show their feelings. They show when they are happy, sad, upset, or angry. But, many in other cultures hide their feelings—they may be angry with you, but they will not show it.

Queue When Waiting When we wait in line, Americans stand in a single line, one behind the other. That way everyone knows when it is his or her turn. However, for many cultures, forming a single line is not necessary.

In Restaurants and Public Buildings Public spaces in the USA are generally quiet. Adults and children speak quietly in libraries, buildings, and malls. Conversations at the same table are conducted in an “indoor voice” which is softer—because we do not want to disturb the people at the next table. However, sports bars and sporting events can be loud.

Handling of Problems Americans feel that you need to handle problems directly. If, for example, you are having a problem with your teacher, you should speak directly to the teacher about the issue. In many other cultures, the preferred behavior is to go around the problem and try to take care of it indirectly or avoid it.

The Authority Figure The authority figure may be your boss at work or your teacher in class. In American classrooms, teaching and learning is more of a shared experience. Although the teacher still has the authority, the classroom may feel more informal.

University Politeness When you are at a university, there are classes at many different times. If you are not in class, you should not be loud in the hallways or in the breezeway because other students are still in class. Also, you should not interrupt a class to talk to a friend or teacher (unless it is an emergency).

Personal Hygiene Staying clean and smelling fresh is expected in American culture. Strong body order can be offensive. Most people (men and women) take showers everyday, use deodorant, and sometimes cologne/perfume. But be careful—too much cologne/perfume can also be offensive.

Keep the Environment Clean In some instances, you will be charged a fine for not putting your trash in a trashcan. Make sure you throw trash in trash cans. There are also places in Arlington that do not allow smoking, like restaurants and malls. We want to keep our environment clean of trash and dangerous smoke. Also mention bathrooms

Culture Shock “a feeling of disorientation or confusion that often occurs when a person leaves a familiar place and moves to an unfamiliar one” How do I know if I have culture shock? Some signs: Feeling helpless and nervous Angry towards Americans Tired, lonely, isolated Stress, sleeplessness You only want to spend time with people from your own country. Lack of confidence using English

Good News: This is totally normal!!! Adapting and adjusting to a new culture takes time and patience.

Four stages of culture shock (adjustment): You are excited and optimistic about America. (You love America!) You experience some difficulties and disappointments in America. (You hate America!) Acceptance of your new culture. (You like some things; you don’t like some things about America.) Decision to return home or stay. (Some people are excited to return home. Some people may be nervous about returning home.)

What are some things you can do to adjust to life in America?

A few practical suggestions: Realize that regular life in America is different from American TV shows and movies. Try to use English as much as possible. Get involved in ELI activities. Spend time with other students who have adjusted to life in America (positive attitude). Realize that you may be the first person from your country many Americans have ever met. Do not allow one bad situation to affect your attitude.

This semester, if you have any questions of what you hear, see, or experience, just ask one of your teachers to explain.