Adapting to North American culture for international students

Life in North America will almost certainly be different from what you are used to. The United States and Canada are large and diverse countries with people from across the world living in every imaginable geographic location and climate, but nearly all North Americans share some traits as part of a general culture that you should be aware of.

Social attitudes and customs

When you first arrive in North America, you may notice differences in the way people behave compared to your own country. Below are some general hints as to how Americans and Canadians behave with others and what you should expect while in the US or Canada:

American behavior

• Americans tend to be independent and practical. They are work-oriented and may appear materialistic to others.
• Communication is concise. It is not considered polite for one person to talk a long time on a topic without listening to others. Give and take is an important part of American conversation.
• The concept of equality is an essential part of United States culture. Men are not considered superior to women. Very few American families have maids, cooks or servants. Everyone in an American family is expected to do their own work and help with chores.
• America does not have a nationally sponsored religion. Religious beliefs are considered a private matter and your religious beliefs and customs will be tolerated.
• Americans are proud of their country like everyone around the world, and they welcome people from other cultures who come to the United States with an open mind and an interest in American culture.

Canadian behavior

• Canadians tend to be friendly, peaceful and have a sense of individualism. They speak their minds and voice opinions, though remain open to ideas from others. 
• When confronted with a problem, many Canadians directly approach the cause of it with the hope of resolving it to the mutual satisfaction of all parties involved. Outside Canada, the same approach might be considered too blunt and even rude.
• Individual rights and freedoms are highly treasured values for Canadians, have shaped their culture and are enshrined in a Charter to protect those values from violation.
• Canadians respect differences in gender, race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, physical or mental abilities, and sexual orientation.
• Canadians take the obligations and responsibilities of citizenship seriously, but don't take themselves too seriously.
• You are likely to find Canadians to be open and interested in you and your country. If you return this friendliness with interest in North America and Canadians you will quickly make friends.

Greetings

Upon meeting each other for the first time, men always shake hands, firmly. Women often shake hands with people they meet, but it is not universal. Good friends, family members, or people in a romantic relationship might give each other a hug or even kiss upon meeting one another.

First names are more readily used in United States and Canada than in other countries.

Making friends

Meeting people and making friends is an important part of your university experience. Be friendly, but be yourself and be polite. Saying, "please" and "thank you," are important North American customs, and your personal friendships will improve if you express your gratitude and appreciation to those around you. Remember, too, that you are an ambassador of sorts and your attitudes and behavior will influence people's opinion of your home country.

Drinking

Alcohol is available to anyone age 21 or older in America, or 19 and over in most of Canada. It is against the law for anyone under the legal drinking age to consume alcohol regardless of the laws in your home country. This is strictly enforced on all university campuses. Remember you are expected to abide US and Canadian laws.

Smoking

Many people do smoke, but laws governing smoking in public places vary widely throughout North America. Smoking is not permitted on domestic air flights, in theatres, or in most public spaces like hospitals. Do not light a cigarette in someone's home or car without first asking if it is acceptable. In many cases, you will be required to smoke outside.

Typical problems and concerns

Immersion in English language

Living in a society where you have to use English on a daily basis can be challenging at first:

• You may not understand the local accent right away. Regional accents vary greatly in the US and Canada. Even English-speaking residents from different regions sometimes have difficulty communicating with each other, so don't worry if you don't understand the local accent right away.
• North Americans might not understand you right away.You will also have your own accent. If people are having difficulty understanding you, try speaking slowly.
• Some North Americans speak quickly. Don't be shy about asking others to repeat themselves or speak slowly if you are having a hard time understanding.
• Americans and Canadians use a lot of slang in their speech and it might take you some time before you understand all of it.
• Humor and sarcasm are an integral part of North American English. This should be interpreted as a sign of friendliness, not disrespect.
• Use of abbreviation in speech is common (for example, TA for Teachers Assistant or Poli Sci for Political Science). If you don't understand something, simply ask the meaning of it.

Most importantly don't be afraid to make mistakes. Give yourself time to adapt to the language. As you hear more people speaking English and you use it in your own conversations, you will develop your language skills and build confidence. This is all part of your learning experience.

Homesickness

At some point during your first year at university, you are likely to find yourself longing to go back to your home country where you have your family and friends and familiar things around you. Be patient and don't worry. Homesickness is very normal, and the feeling will pass. Immersing yourself into university life - as opposed to locking yourself in your room and constantly calling home - is the best way to make homesickness pass more quickly. It is very helpful to be able to talk to someone about what you are feeling.

Culture Shock

Most people traveling outside of their own countries experience a level of culture shock - the process of adjusting to a new country and new culture that might be dramatically different from their own.

Like homesickness, culture shock will lessen over time. The way you feel will stabilize and settle as you make friends, improve your English and begin to understand the culture more fully.

It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with Canadian or American culture, values, and traditions by reading books, magazines, and newspapers about North America. Our Useful Resources page contains helpful information to prepare you for traveling to, living in, and attending university in the USA or Canada.