Culture shock happens when you leave your country to another. It is something different from what you have in your place, what ever it would be food, clothes or a shower with one water tab.
I have been familiar with a lot of things in the US before. I had a chance to come here in 2008 for 6 week intensive course under TEA program. Yes, people smile here and say 'hello' even if they don't know you. This emotion shows that Americans are polite and friendly to you. It is good to feel that because you are a stranger in their country and you want to be appreciated. In my country I would not smile to strangers especially to males. I would be considered flirting, which is not good.
During our Summer school we had a lot of conversations about culture differences and watched video which made by the international students here in the Saint Michael's College. One of the idea was that American people are nice and friendly, but are not willing to be friends. Sometimes they say 'hi' and walk right away. You feel that they don't care who you are.
But I think I understand that. A Pakistani girl from the video said that women are free here. They have rights to express their opinions, work etc. But what is like to be free? I believe that means choice and no control. In my country people are very curious about what is happening with you. They always ask personal questions like 'How much do you earn? Are you dating with someone? or Why do you wear such a short skirt?' If you answer them, you are in trouble. They will ask you all the time when they see you and the worse thing they will impose their point of you.
What I am saying is that Americans want to be free and let the other people to be so, that's why they don't ask personal questions when they first see you and later on.You should admit that to acquire friends you should have something in common like share a room, study in one class or to be involved in one activity. Once you become friends with them you will like how they treat you. They allow you to be the way you are with no reproach.
About other little things. There is a lot of food available here in huge supermarkets and grocery stores. You can just can get lost in a variety of products. Yes, fast food is dominant here. Don't try everything at once, your stomach will be upset. The taste of vegetables and fruits might be different from yours, but you can enjoy them. At every university there is a cafeteria where students can eat. It is a buffet, ready made food. You can eat what ever in a quantity you want. Sounds crazy. I don't go there any more, because once you see a lot of food you start eating a lot.
Streets are very clean here. No trash. People love and care the place they live.
Everyone perceives life in their own way, but what I truly believe is in order to get adjusted in a new environment you have to be positive and give time for yourself to understand why things are different.
Please feel free to comment and ask questions. I will try to answer them.
I have been familiar with a lot of things in the US before. I had a chance to come here in 2008 for 6 week intensive course under TEA program. Yes, people smile here and say 'hello' even if they don't know you. This emotion shows that Americans are polite and friendly to you. It is good to feel that because you are a stranger in their country and you want to be appreciated. In my country I would not smile to strangers especially to males. I would be considered flirting, which is not good.
During our Summer school we had a lot of conversations about culture differences and watched video which made by the international students here in the Saint Michael's College. One of the idea was that American people are nice and friendly, but are not willing to be friends. Sometimes they say 'hi' and walk right away. You feel that they don't care who you are.
But I think I understand that. A Pakistani girl from the video said that women are free here. They have rights to express their opinions, work etc. But what is like to be free? I believe that means choice and no control. In my country people are very curious about what is happening with you. They always ask personal questions like 'How much do you earn? Are you dating with someone? or Why do you wear such a short skirt?' If you answer them, you are in trouble. They will ask you all the time when they see you and the worse thing they will impose their point of you.
What I am saying is that Americans want to be free and let the other people to be so, that's why they don't ask personal questions when they first see you and later on.You should admit that to acquire friends you should have something in common like share a room, study in one class or to be involved in one activity. Once you become friends with them you will like how they treat you. They allow you to be the way you are with no reproach.
About other little things. There is a lot of food available here in huge supermarkets and grocery stores. You can just can get lost in a variety of products. Yes, fast food is dominant here. Don't try everything at once, your stomach will be upset. The taste of vegetables and fruits might be different from yours, but you can enjoy them. At every university there is a cafeteria where students can eat. It is a buffet, ready made food. You can eat what ever in a quantity you want. Sounds crazy. I don't go there any more, because once you see a lot of food you start eating a lot.
Streets are very clean here. No trash. People love and care the place they live.
Everyone perceives life in their own way, but what I truly believe is in order to get adjusted in a new environment you have to be positive and give time for yourself to understand why things are different.
Please feel free to comment and ask questions. I will try to answer them.
