Cultural Shock.

Fortunately, most people in the United States, particularly those living in the metropolitan areas, are used to communicating with people from different ethnic backgrounds. You will find that they are tolerant toward someone who is not a U.S. native.

Although the United States is a blend of multiple cultures, I have found distinct characteristics that clearly define it from other cultures.

People

Americans use plenty of slang, which often does not make sense to foreigners. Some examples are: a) let's play it by ear; b) I attended a party last night. We had a ball!

People here keep things to themselves. They don't gossip as much about how people dress and what they eat.

Americans do not have the kind of pride often found among Asians. American families routinely host garage sales in their front yards to sell items that they no longer use. This practice is generally not acceptable in Asian countries because it could be misinterpreted as a sign of financial distress.

Some people, particularly those from Asia, think that Americans exaggerate their words and actions too much. They use the word, 'love" freely.

Children

Americans are individualistic. Even a young child is entitled to privacy and has his or her own bedroom in most households.

While education is important, children are encouraged in participate in extra-curricular activities such as sports, music, boy or girl scouts or other interests.

Compared with children in Asia, American youngsters have less homework and more freedom.

At early age, they are encouraged to become independent. Even teenagers from well-to-do families baby-sit for neighbors' children. It is not uncommon for college students from upper middle-income families to work as waiters or retail clerks to pay for their tuition.

Do not be surprised if children call their dad by first name. This is common in most families.

Business

Many companies put customers first when running their businesses. For instance, one woman got her money back when she returned an opened watermelon because it was not seedless, as the store had advertised.

Tipping is expected in most service industries. For instance, 15 percent tipping is minimal for satisfactory service in sit-down restaurants and 10 percent for taxi drivers and hairdressers.

Food

Many Americans drink coffee and coke the same way Asians drink regular water.

Raw vegetables, fried foods and dairy products such as cheese, milk and yogurt are staples.

Other

The favorite hobby here is sports, especially American football (different from soccer), basketball, baseball and hockey.

The common topics of non-work related conversations among co-workers are sports, TV-shows and movies. Among women, the favorite TV programs are probably soap operas and talk shows; among men, situation comedies and late-night entertainments are popular.

The best way to assimilate into mainstream society and find common ground with Americans is to watch more TV. Bear in mind that some programs do exaggerate; be selective of what you watch.

These are the things, that were totally new for me, but after I realized and learned them, I could easily understand an American.