Understanding Basic
American Culture
No rule book exists that covers all aspects on how to act
around:
Different cultures
Country to country
Even person to person
However, if you are:
 Well mannered
 Tolerant
 Respectful
You are likely to feel comfortable in any company or
situation.
Most people will accept you into their circle
The United States of America is very diverse. Many key
traits and customs are shared by nearly all Americans
If you follow the following tips, you will be better
prepared to understand Americans and enjoy your stay
in America
American Friendliness
 Americans tend to be friendly, it can be genuine and
meaningful or it can be something less than friendly,
superficial
 Most people are very nice particularly on a
university campus
 Most people are willing to assist and help you make
your stay in this country enjoyable
 Most people will make you feel welcome
However:
Many Americans think if you are studying in this country
then you are wealthy and some will see you as
vulnerable and naive
Helpful Tips
Saying Hello
 Returning a greeting doesn’t usually mean anything. It
is simply a way for Americans to be polite. It is
considered rude if you do not return someone’s
greeting
 Americans often greet others, even people they don’t
know.
 If someone says “hello” or “hi” you are expected to
return the greeting
Formal Greeting
 If your culture allows, extend your hand for a
handshake
 Do not kiss people’s cheeks or touch cheek to cheek
 Maintain reasonable personal space and shake hands
only!
Greeting Friends
 If appropriate, you may hug friends. If you’re not sure
don’t hug!
 With new friends, handshakes are best
Kissing Friends
 If appropriate, you may kiss female friends on the
cheek
 If you are a man though, DO NOT attempt to kiss a
man’s cheek as most consider this inappropriate.
Holding Hands
 If appropriate you may hold hands with female friends
 Americans NEVER hold hands with another man
unless they are romantically involved.
Personal Space
 Americans are not comfortable if someone else is too
close to them
 Imagine 1-1 ½ meter circle drawn around you that
follows you where ever you go
 Only close friends and family members are allowed to
get closer
 Do not touch people when you talk to them and only
get close to them when you are invited
Conversation
 Americans love to talk
 Be Polite
 Avoid conversation about:
 Racism
 Foreign Policies
 Gun Control
 Religion
These subjects are best discussed among friends
Conversation with Strangers
 Say nice things
 Avoid being critical or rude
 Be tactful
 If someone is courteous and kind say “thank you”
 If you bump into someone or when moving into
someone’s personal space say “excuse me”
Waiting in Line
 Be patient
 Wait your turn
 Never cut in line
 Never push or jostle people
Tips for Women
 Learn to say “NO”
 Be polite but be FIRM if necessary
 Try not to show you are frightened or intimidated if
someone shows an interest in you
 NEVER let someone make you feel guilty if you are not
interested in them
 If you are frightened by someone, REPORT this to a
teacher, a friend, a counselor, or to the police. We will
make this person follow the rules
Tips for Men
 Be polite
 Be respectful of others particularly to ALL women
 If you are interested in a woman and, if appropriate,
kindly ask if she would be interested in meeting in a
safe and public place
 If she is not interested, move on! Leave her alone!
Tips for Couples in a Relationship
 Never touch the other in a rude or an inconsiderate
way . No matter how slight, it could result in being
arrested and going to jail
 There is much attention given in this country to cases
that involve couples’ fighting
 Penalties are serious
Remember
Be Respectful!
Be kind!
Be Polite!