Of the many challenges that an expat partner faces through the course of relocation, there is no one clear champion. Different individuals react differently when they are confronted by the myriad move-related tasks and circumstances that are not just bothersome and uncomfortable, but often painful. Yet when the relocation dust settles and the partner has […]
The 4th of July in the United States is the day that marks the birth of the nation. It is celebrated throughout the country, and is celebrated in a similar manner in most places. Most businesses are closed on the 4th of July. Communities and neighborhoods are a big part of the Independence Day traditions and […]
#8. They always insist on treating everyone alike Americans do this because of our cultural roots as a free nation (e.g., “All men are created equal”). Americans have a deep cultural instinct toward social equality and not having a class system. This is a reaction to the European class system as well as the feudal system that existed […]
#5. We see things as we are I know it’ sounds counter intuitive, but the real priority is not to understand your new host culture, but your own. We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are – through our own perspective. According to cultural anthropologists and millions of expats worldwide, it’s very likely […]
#1. Culture shock happens While riding the waves of culture, you will follow a natural pattern of highs and lows. The high points of excitement and interest are usually be followed by depression, disorientation, and frustration. Everyone goes through these ups and downs at different times, in different degrees, and for different lengths of time, but it’s […]
Americans are always in such a hurry Americans often seem this way because of their tendency to use achievements and accomplishments to measure your worth. They’re in a hurry to get things done because it’s only then that they feel they have proven their worth to other people. The more Americans accomplish, the more they […]
You can’t make the most of your relocation to the United States if you don’t know the road rules; but doing so is tricky, because the invisible hand of culture drives behavior in ways you never imagined. When a culture clash occurs, it’s probably because you judged someone’s tendencies based on your expectations. Misunderstandings can […]
Age and gender play key roles in many societies and cannot be dismissed regardless of your disposition. This does not mean, however, that you need to succumb to harassment if you’re a woman. It does mean, though, that you need to be aware of the issues and respectfully address them, as needed. Ageism is a […]
We see things as we are I know it sounds counter intuitive, but the real priority is not to understand your new host culture, but your own. We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are – through our own perspective. According to cultural anthropologists and millions of expats worldwide, it’s […]
Americans have a national character that’s grounded in “effort-optimism” that allows them to “roll up your sleeves” and get to work. Americans welcome new challenges and situations, especially when dealing with the newness of strangers. Business is merit-based and employees are rewarded for initiative and self-reliance with positive reinforcement of advancement and salary increases. According […]
While you may have some ideas about how things get done in the USA, culture is dynamic and we are seeing it change in real time along with workplace norms as a result of globalization. Workplace norms changed at the end of the 20th century more than any time since the Industrial Revolution. As an […]
