Social Etiquette Hat

It's just as important to adjust to social norms in other countries as it is to do well in school. You can feel more confident and like you belong if you know how to greet people, make small talk, work with others, and network professionally.

Hey there!

Most of the time, greetings in the U.S. are casual. Most of the time, a simple "Hi" or "Hey" will do.
In business or formal settings, people usually shake hands. In more casual settings, a wave or smile might be enough.


Small Talk

Talking about the weather, sports, or plans for the weekend is a good way to connect with people.
It's more about being friendly and open than what you say.
A cashier asking, "How's your day going?" doesn't want to know all the details; they just want to hear "Good, thanks!" "How about you?" is just right.

Study Group

In group projects, the process is just as important as the end result. People may think you're not interested if you don't say anything.
Give suggestions, offer to help with tasks, and talk to each other often.
I didn't want to share my ideas with the group until a teammate asked me to. The team worked better once I started helping out.

Networking

Networking isn't so much about formal introductions as it is about real conversations.
Begin with a brief "elevator pitch" about yourself, what you study, and what you like. Then ask about the other person.
Send a LinkedIn invite or a short thank-you note after events.
For example, at a career fair, I didn't just give my resume to one recruiter; I also asked her what her favorite part of the job was. That started a real conversation, and she remembered me when I applied later.

Learning these small but powerful social skills can help you avoid misunderstandings, make friends for life, and get ahead in your career.