A trip to America for an educational purpose differs significantly from a tourist visit: a student will have to spend a long time in the country and, in fact, become its real resident. You will have to face something unusual and even shocking. Here are the most popular things that can at least surprise you.
Language
No matter how well you speak English, you will have to face a real language barrier. For example, in Miami they speak so strangely - you are unlikely to quickly figure out what language they speak there. The reason for this was the predominance of Spanish speech in Florida, which led to a noticeable accent.
In the South of the United States, the speech of residents is characterized by a characteristic dialect, despite the fact that their native language is English. It will be difficult to understand the southerners. This is due to the country of origin: for example, it is difficult to understand the speech of people from Jamaica.
Tolerance
America is a country of immigrants. Any city is inhabited by as many foreigners as you will never find anywhere else. Even those who identify themselves as Americans most likely come from some other country. Almost no one is ashamed of this, moreover, people are proud of their own characteristics, often honor their own traditions - they prefer national cuisine, they know their ancestry.
It is not customary to joke about nationalities here. Sometimes it may seem that tolerance is excessive here, but it will not be superfluous to show tolerance to other people so as not to accidentally offend them.
Attitude towards children
There is an opinion that many open, smiling people can be found on the streets of America. The benevolence lasts until you get to know American children better. Do not try to communicate with them so that their parents do not suddenly call the police. It is also not customary to comment on a child whose behavior is out of control. Usually everyone pretends that everything is fine.
They do not leave children at home alone until they reach the age of 14 or 18 (depending on the specific state). Neighbors can easily denounce minors. However, upon reaching the age of 18, the child is considered completely free and independent. Continuing to live with your parents as an adult is considered unacceptable.
Appearance
Having arrived here, you will most likely be shocked by the appearance of some people. People in America, as a rule, do not bother too much about how they look. Shops are often visited by people in home clothes, old torn things. Girls with very curvaceous forms calmly wear tight-fitting tops, and the guys walk in jeans that hang down to their knees. Here it does not bother anyone, it would not occur to anyone to condemn someone's appearance. However, some establishments have a number of rules that require at least the presence of a shirt and shoes.
There are a lot of overweight people among the residents of the United States, while the field of sports and fitness is well developed here. Even in the very early morning, you can see those exercising on the jogging track.
Food
Everyone knows very well that many people in America eat fast food. However, there are other interesting observations in this regard.
For example, ice cream is divided into several types here. No, it's not about tastes, but about varieties. In addition to the ice cream we know, there is gelato - a dish of Italian origin, prepared on the basis of milk and cream with added sugar. It melts more slowly and is served slightly melted. There are bizzard , frosty and others. Many people like to dip french fries in frosty, but use a different kind of ice cream for this - mauvais ton. There are also different types of frozen drinks.
Although many Americans are allergic to peanuts, peanut butter is a very popular staple here. By the way, if you didn't know: it is not sweet, but salty.
Traditions
Some local customs may confuse you. For example, when people do not take off their shoes when entering a house. This is especially common in the south because the streets are clean there. It is quite normal for America to be at home in street shoes.
Americans are also unfamiliar with the rules regarding the number of flowers for a bouquet, so don't be upset if you are handed a bouquet with an even number. Moreover, they rarely give each other something for the holidays. Guests can also look into your refrigerator and take food from there without asking.
Prices
When shopping, remember that the number shown on the price tag is a subtotal, as it is shown excluding tax. Once at the checkout, you will hear the full cost of your purchases. The tax varies by state and city. Some residents even travel to another state for large purchases due to lower taxes.
Do not convert dollars to rubles, otherwise prices may look huge and you will be frustrated. The income level of each country is very different.
In America, you can walk without cash. Get a bank account and a card in order to receive a salary, a scholarship, and pay for housing and communal services. Each institution has a special device that debits funds from the card.
Promotions, discounts, coupons are very common there. Some people willingly collect them in piles. You should not queue up at the checkout for such people: you will wait a long time until each coupon is scanned.
Tipping system
Tipping is required in the United States. If for us this is a kind of gratitude to the staff for quality service, then there it is an integral part of the salary. The official waiter's wage is well below the federal minimum wage, so tip is the lion's share of income. The average tip is 20%.
Measuring system
Many people find it hard to get used to the fact that Americans measure distance in miles, weight in ounces and pounds, and temperature in Fahrenheit. New residents suffer from a misunderstanding of this system. It's good that there is a phone that will quickly convert parameters.
Everything for man
Yes, America is really meant for people: public places are equipped with trash cans, benches, comfortable free toilets. Upon arrival in any city, you will receive a map and information about the location and its attractions for free. The infrastructure is organized so that everything is close and convenient, and you get used to such comfort quickly.
