Americans believe that every person should have control over his or her own environment. Thus, problems are not seen as a result of bad luck, but of laziness or incompetence. It is considered normal for everyone to look out for his or her own interests first and foremost.
In the American mind, change is seen as a positive condition. Change is strongly linked to development, improvement, progress, and growth.
For the average American, time is of the utmost importance. Americans may seem to be most concerned with getting things accomplished on time, according to a predetermined schedule. It is considered very rude to be late for an appointment in the US, even by ten minutes. If is absolutely impossible to be on time, you should phone ahead and tell the person that you have been unavoidably detailed.
Equality is one of the most cherished values for Americans. It has even been given a religious basis: that all people have been “created equal." Everyone is seen as having an equal opportunity to succeed in life. Americans have an aversion to treating people of high position in a deferential manner. Newcomers to the U.S. should realize that no insult or personal indignity is intended by this lack of deference to rank or position in society. A foreigner should be prepared to be considered, “just like anybody else” while in the U.S.
In the U.S., every individual is seen as unique and therefore special. Americans resist being thought of as representatives of any homogeneous group. They tend to join many groups but view themselves as unique from the other members of the group. They tend to leave groups as easily as they join them. They tend to have a great variety of opinions. Individualism in the U.S. means that you will find a great variety of opinions along with the absolute freedom to express them anywhere and anytime.
In the U.S., a person can only take credit for what he or she has accomplished by him or herself. Americans take pride in having been born poor and then succeeding through sacrifice and hard work. The American social system has made it relatively easy to move up the social ladder. The “self-made man/woman“ is still very much an ideal in present day American society.
Americans believe that competition brings out the best in any individual. Visitors may see competition being fostered in the American classroom, even at a young age. This may seem disagreeable to people from cultures that promote cooperation rather than competition. The U.S. has devised an economic system to promote competition: free enterprise. Americans feel strongly that a highly competitive economy will bring out the best in its people and ultimately that the society which fosters competition will progress most rapidly.
Americans value the future and the improvements it may bring, which means that they devalue the past and are, to a large extent, unconscious of the present. Much energy is directed toward realizing a better future.
Since Americans have been taught to believe that humans and not Fate can and should be the one who controls the environment, this has made them very good at planning and executing short-term projects. If you come from a culture where talking about or actively planning the future is felt to be futile or even sinful, you may have philosophical problems and even religious objections to this very American characteristic. This is something that you will need to live with because all around you Americans will be looking toward the future and what it will bring.
Americans view any action as superior to inaction. They tend to plan and schedule an extremely active day. Americans believe that leisure activities should make up a relatively small portion of one’s total life. People think it is wasteful to “sit around doing nothing” or to “daydream.” This attitude has created many workaholics. In turn, this causes Americans to identify themselves strongly with their professions. The first question one American will ask another American when meeting for the first time is “What do you do?” or “Where do you work?”
Americans are among the most informal and casual people in the world, even when compared to their near relatives in Western Europe. To people from other cultures, sometimes this can feel disrespectful of those in authority.
Americans value direct communication. They consider anything other than the most direct and open approach to be dishonest. If you come from a culture which uses the indirect manner of conveying bad news or evaluations, you will be shocked at Americans’ bluntness. If you come from a country where saving face is important, be assured that Americans are not trying to make you lose face with their directness; an American would not, in such cases, lose face. There may be no way to soften the blow of such directness and openness if you are not used to it except to tell you that the rules have changed while you are here.
Americans have a reputation for being extremely realistic, practical and efficient people. The practical consideration is likely to be given the highest priority in making any important decision in the US. Americans are likely to ask questions such as, “What can I gain from this activity?” or “Will it pay its own way?” rather than “Is it aesthetically pleasing?” or “Will it be enjoyable?”
Americans think that their material objects are just the natural rewards which result from hard work and serious intent. Since Americans value newness and innovation they sell or throw away their possessions frequently and replace them with newer ones.
US immigration regulations are complex and change frequently. The University strives to maintain a website that is both current and helpful, however, Santa Clara University is not responsible for students maintaining lawful immigration status; this is the responsibility of the student. Further, resources and links do not constitute endorsement by Santa Clara University.