Coming to the US

US Culture Guide For Exchange Students

Is America like what you’ve seen on TV?

No…and, yes.

Many students come to the United States expecting the United States to be like MTV, or Survivor, or another television show that’s been exported to his or her country.

Some of that is what America is like. But, some of it is exaggerated, or only represents one aspect of American life.

Food

As a whole, Americans love food. U.S. consumers spend millions of dollars every year on purchasing food ingredients or prepared foods. Food accompanies the majority of events, gatherings, parties and even meetings in the United States. It often gives people something to do and can help to eliminate awkwardness in social gatherings. From ball games to board meetings, food has a place at them all.

The U.S. has released a Federal Food Guide Pyramid to help Americans make healthy choices when selecting what to eat. However, most Americans do not meet the requirements set forth by these dietary guidelines. The daily intake of fats and sugars often exceed the recommendations while the fruit, vegetable, dairy, whole grain and lean meat intake generally falls below the recommended amount.

Culture Shock

Virtually all international students experience culture shock, some to a greater degree than others. The fast-paced lifestyle in this country may overwhelm your friend. American food and customs may seem very strange. Even getting used to a new climate may be a difficult adjustment.

To add to that frustration, the English the student hears being spoken here may be quite different from the classroom English he or she studied back home, or it may be spoken in an accent difficult for the student to understand.

Loneliness is another common problem, since the student has probably left behind family and friends, perhaps for the first time. (Family ties in other cultures are often much stronger than they are here.) It is also not uncommon to experience homesickness and discouragement.

What To Expect First

Anyone exposed to a new and different culture will experience some degree of culture shock. Upon arriving many international students experience a “honeymoon” period where everything seems new and exciting. Once that passes though, a sense of discomfort and unease can settle in. Some of the common symptoms of this phase include:

• frustration
• irritability
• boredom
• criticism

US Visa Information

All those visiting the U.S., whether for a short amount of time or a long amount of time, must have a proper visa. If you want to study more than 18 hours a week, you need a student visa. If you are coming mostly as a tourist, but want to take a short course of study, you may be able to do so on a visitor visa. You should check for the specific guidelines.

Caution: The Internet can be helpful in finding out information about traveling to the United States. However, you must be careful when looking for information about visas. Many websites are designed so that you pay money for information. Some of these are legitimate, but some are not. Make sure to base your decisions on information you receive from the U.S. government, Department of State, and U.S. Consulates.

Applying For A Visa

Go to United States Consulate or Embassy and apply for a temporary visa (usually F1 or J1 visa) which will allow you to enter the United States.