Most students leave their home country with a lot of different stereotypes about American culture - some of them true and others not.

When you think of America, what comes to mind?

You probably think of huge portion sizes, massive supermarkets, fast food drive-thrus, overly friendly people, and a weird obsession with ice.

Even in America, we have different stereotypes of other states and their culture. If you want to know some stereotypes of Californias from a Texan's perspective, check out this video!

​

​When students first move to America they begin to realize that cultural differences go beyond some funny stereotypes.

This is why coming to America as a humble learner is so important. The external behaviors point to deeper cultural values and traditions that can only be learned over time. The problem is that most students and professionals come to America expecting that everything will go the way it does back home.

• They never learn to have friendly small talk with strangers.
• They criticize things like tipping culture and never take a moment to understand why it’s in place.
• They ignore the need to be on time for things and live with a more relaxed schedule.

These are just a few examples of how many people miss the opportunity to understand American culture and in turn, grow in their careers. Not every Texan carries a gun and wears a cowboy hat with boots. While it’s easy to think that way because of the movies and TV shows, as an outsider, it’s your responsibility to understand why things are the way they are.

It’s your responsibility to adapt to the different cultures, have an open mind, and not believe every generalization.

As frustrating and different as America can be, when you take the time to learn and understand these things, you’ll find that America is…

• Culturally Diverse: a melting pot of cultures, with a rich mix of ethnicities, languages, and traditions
• Full of Opportunity: the American Dream and success is available to anyone who works hard
• A Place of Freedom and Democracy: the concepts of individual freedom, democratic governance, and freedom of speech which are often suppressed in other countries are what make America unique
• Beautiful: with diverse landscapes, ranging from bustling cities like New York and Los Angeles to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, there is every type of place you could imagine

America is by no means perfect as no single viewpoint can fully capture the complexity and diversity of American society and culture. The same could be said of every country and culture. The reality of America is multifaceted, and individuals who come to the country often find that their perceptions evolve as they experience its various facets firsthand.

If you never move past the negative or oversimplified stereotypes of American culture, you’re cutting yourself short from having an incredible learning and growing experience.

How can you break past the cultural barriers that are holding you back?

1. Take the initiative to learn more about American culture, history, and society.
2. Reading books, articles, and watching documentaries can provide a more nuanced understanding beyond stereotypes.
3. Actively seek out opportunities to interact with Americans and people from different backgrounds. Join clubs, participate in cultural exchange events, and strike up conversations to broaden your perspectives.
4. Whenever you encounter a stereotype, question its validity. Ask yourself if your experiences align with the stereotype, and be open to the possibility that there might be exceptions.
5. Instead of judging differences, embrace them as opportunities for personal growth. Understand that cultural variations are natural and enriching.
6. Instead of relying solely on media portrayals, create your own experiences. Travel, explore different parts of the country, and immerse yourself in local communities.
7. Forming friendships with Americans and other international students can help break down stereotypes. Personal connections often lead to a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.
8. Just as you seek to understand American culture, take time to reflect on your own cultural biases and stereotypes. This self-awareness can foster empathy and mutual understanding.
9. Recognize that media often exaggerates and simplifies cultural representations. Be critical of media portrayals and seek to uncover the complexities beneath the surface.
10. Cultural adaptation takes time. Be patient with yourself as you navigate a new cultural landscape.

I hope that you’ll continue to embrace the journey of living in America. If you have any questions or have wondered why Americans do certain things, I’d love to hear your experiences.

Everyone has a different experience when they come to America. And it's the same for when people from America travel to India! My friend, Saiman, interviewed me about my time working in India. You'll find it valuable to hear from my perspective what it means to be a cross-cultural learner!

​

Cheers ☕