How to Fit in at America if You're a Foreigner

Most Americans have not traveled extensively outside of North America and are unfamiliar with the more detailed existences of foreigners., Don't say "I'm from .", Be wary of not smiling., Cars are the primary transportation means in America...

18 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Most Americans have not traveled extensively outside of North America and are unfamiliar with the more detailed existences of foreigners.

    It is not uncommon to be stereo-typed by Americans based on what they've seen on television or heard through the grape-vine about a particular nationality.
  2. Step 2: Don't say "I'm from ."

    This, for some reason, has a negative feel.

    Say you're either Italian, French, or whatever. , You don't have to smile if you don't want to, but you'll be asked is there something wrong. , It's not practical to walk or ride public transportation in many locales. ,,, This makes working with other people harder.

    Try to be patient and relax. , is a common introductory phrase in American English. "Excellent" or "Very well" are good responses in general
    - unless person is a close friend, answering in a negative way may stifle your conversation. ,, We're rather mischievous. , This is really helpful in making friends.

    One person may have ten acquaintances. , Try to have a neat appearance.

    This will make you more confident, which, in turn, attracts people. , We use a lot more idioms than even we realize.

    Awesome means not "awe some" but something that looks cool.
  3. Step 3: Be wary of not smiling.

  4. Step 4: Cars are the primary transportation means in America.

  5. Step 5: Portion sizes in the United States tend to be generous in size

  6. Step 6: loaded with calories and fat

  7. Step 7: so be cognizant of any dietary restrictions you may be breaking when eating in the States.

  8. Step 8: Americans are sensitive

  9. Step 9: so be wary of declaring your opinions.

  10. Step 10: America is very fast-paced and rushed.

  11. Step 11: "How are you?"

  12. Step 12: Gear your speech patterns to your audience - reserve your knowledge of third-order polynomials for mathematics professionals

  13. Step 13: and be prepared to engage your sports expertise when at a bar.

  14. Step 14: Think carefully about any dares you want to do.

  15. Step 15: Center conversations on the other person.

  16. Step 16: Try to be happy and nice.

  17. Step 17: Lastly

  18. Step 18: know American idioms.

Detailed Guide

It is not uncommon to be stereo-typed by Americans based on what they've seen on television or heard through the grape-vine about a particular nationality.

This, for some reason, has a negative feel.

Say you're either Italian, French, or whatever. , You don't have to smile if you don't want to, but you'll be asked is there something wrong. , It's not practical to walk or ride public transportation in many locales. ,,, This makes working with other people harder.

Try to be patient and relax. , is a common introductory phrase in American English. "Excellent" or "Very well" are good responses in general
- unless person is a close friend, answering in a negative way may stifle your conversation. ,, We're rather mischievous. , This is really helpful in making friends.

One person may have ten acquaintances. , Try to have a neat appearance.

This will make you more confident, which, in turn, attracts people. , We use a lot more idioms than even we realize.

Awesome means not "awe some" but something that looks cool.

About the Author

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Alexis Evans

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