Cultural Awareness 101 Hat
Knowing about cultural differences and how to avoid them
Moving to another country means entering a culture with rules, ways of talking, and expectations that may be very different from your own. Misunderstandings can happen, but if you're aware of them and open to them, they can be chances to learn instead of problems.
How People Talk to Each Other
People in the U.S. value direct communication, which means they don't have to "read between the lines" to understand what someone is saying. For instance, when a professor says, "Submit by midnight," they mean midnight, not the next morning.
Some cultures, on the other hand, use indirect or polite hints more often. Adapting to this can help you avoid getting confused.
Interactions with Others
People often make small talk with people they don't know. It's just polite for a cashier to ask, "How's your day?" They don't want to hear your life story. People also have different ideas about what is acceptable physical contact. In some cultures, a handshake or light hug is a common way to say hello, while in others, a bow or nod is more common.
Rules for the classroom and the workplace
Professors and managers often want people to ask questions and debate. It shows that they are interested, not rude. A student in one class disagreed with the professor's point of view, and instead of getting angry, the professor praised their ability to think critically. Everyone on a team project is expected to contribute equally. If someone is quiet, they are often seen as not being involved.
Dining and everyday manners
In the U.S., it's expected to tip at restaurants (usually 15–20%), but in some other countries, it's not necessary or not done. I once saw international students leave without tipping on purpose, and the server felt disrespected.
People strictly follow the "first come, first served" rule and wait in line. People think it's rude to cut in line.
How to Avoid Getting Things Wrong
When in doubt, ask. It's always better to say, "Could you clarify what you mean?" than to guess.
Watch and change how your peers act in class, at meetings, or at social events.
Give yourself some time. It takes time to get used to a new culture, and it's okay to mess up. A friend of mine always called a professor "Sir," which was too formal. The professor laughed and said, "Just call me John."
Accepting cultural differences not only helps you avoid misunderstandings, but it also helps you grow as a person, make stronger connections, and feel more at home in a new place.
