Life at SHU

Living in a foreign country is a great learning experience, but it can also be incredibly challenging. While you are in the United States, consider cross-cultural learning an important aspect of your experience at Sacred Heart University.

If you come from a cultural background that differs from that of the United States, you might find some American behaviors strange or even upsetting to you at first. Understanding the cultural adjustment process and the culture shock stages can help you cope with intense feelings that you may experience as you begin your life in the United States.

• Honeymoon: you feel fascinated and excited by everything new around you. You are positive, curious, and expect exciting experiences in the host culture.
• Culture Shock/Hostility: you face new day to day challenges with housing, transportation, shopping, and language, etc. and start noticing that things are different than back home. You might find the new culture confusing and frustrating. Being away from family and friends for a prolonged period makes you feel lonely resulting in frustration or even depression.
• Adjustment: when everyday activities become less of a challenge. You may feel more relaxed and develop a more balanced, objective view of your experiences.
• Integration: you have adjusted to and are no longer bothered by the new habits, and characteristics of the people in the new culture. You feel comfortable and find a new sense of belonging in the host country.

Culture shock symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

• Feeling bored, sad, isolated, frustrated, and or irritated
• Feeling withdrawn (e.g., spending excessive amounts of time reading; avoiding contact with host nationals)
• Sleeping a lot and/or getting tired easily
• Experiencing body pains and aches
• Longing to be back home with the family
• Unduly criticizing local customs or ways of doing things

• Do not stay in your room alone. Go out and explore the university and the area. By getting out and into social settings, you will begin to feel more comfortable with new customs much quicker.
• Exercise reduces stress and fights depression. Find other students who want to get active.
• Branch out and try to become friends with American and international students. International students will relate to your feelings and may be able to offer advice and support. American friends can help you understand nuances about life in the US.
• Try to learn more about the new culture.
• If you cannot seem to adjust to the new culture, make an appointment to speak with one of the staff in the Office of International & Immigration Services or the Counseling Center on campus.
• Focus on the positive experiences and try to view negative experiences as learning opportunities.

The following will provide insight on American cultural traits to help you better navigate some of your initial interactions in the United States.

Informality

Foreigners to the U.S. are usually surprised by the informality of Americans. People dress very casually, call superiors by their first names and eat just about anywhere. With that, professors might ask you to call them by their first names rather than by official titles.

Valuing Time

Time is valued in the American culture and Americans tend to dislike the idea of wasting time. Being on time or slightly before your scheduled appointment is important. Being late for an appointment with an American can be taken as a personal offense.

Being Independent

Independence is a strong cultural value. Young people look forward to moving out of their parents’ home so they can be independent from them. Parents believe teaching their child independence is an important part of their upbringing.

Equality

It is widely believed that each person should have the same opportunities regardless of race, gender, or religion. The notion of equality extends to Americans’ general disregard for social or economic status. Being wealthy or having connections to powerful people does not automatically command respect from Americans.

Asking for Help

Being self-sufficient is an important aspect of American culture. Yet, you will also experience that Americans are very willing to help someone in need—they will expect you to ask for help before they do so. If you need any help, please ask.

Being Direct

Americans are very direct, even if the information is unpleasant. In some cultures, this is considered rude. Americans may find it confusing when visitors from other cultures do not say exactly what they want, think or need.

Minding Personal Space

Americans covet their own personal space. It makes them feel uncomfortable when others stand too close, and they unconsciously move away.

Privacy

Americans have a keen sense of privacy and believe everyone is entitled to that. Avoid asking about someone’s age, weight, taxes, earnings, personal family matters, political views or religion when you do not know them very well.

When Meeting People

• Shake hands firmly and shake hands with people of the opposite gender unless advised otherwise, make eye contact when shaking hands
• Make sure that you are free of any body odor and use a deodorant. Strong body odor might get interpreted as a lack of proper personal hygiene
• When meeting people, keep a good amount of space between you and the person you are meeting

In Public Spaces

• Hold the door open for people walking behind you
• Wait in line patiently
• Treat people in service positions with respect
• Tipping in the service industry is expected, tips in restaurants, hotels, hair salons, taxi cabs, and to anyone who helps you carry your luggage

When Dining Out

• Put your napkin in your lap
• Do not eat too fast—show you enjoy the food and take time to make conversation
• When you need a server, raise your hand, and say, “Excuse me, please!”
• Learn which foods are “finger foods” (to be eaten with your fingers) and which require silverware
• When eating out with friends, always assume you will pay for yourself
• When you have a sit-down meal at a restaurant, it is customary to leave at least a 15 % tip to show gratitude

When Driving a Car

• Follow the traffic regulations and make full stops at red lights and stop signs
• Allow pedestrians to have the right of way
• Give a little wave if someone lets you merge
• Use the right lane when driving at a slower speed