Choque cultural o cultural shock

Recibí hace dos días un correo desde el Centro de Estudios para Extranjeros de mi universidad, en el que nos mandaban un anexo advirtiéndonos a los que nos vamos a Estados Unidos y Canadá de las diferencias culturales. Que los americanos no se pegan tanto a las personas como nosotros, que se tocan menos, que hay que tener 21 años para beber y cosas del estilo. Lo copio y pego tal cual:

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

• Personal space – people don´t stand so close to each other, less touching
• More hugs, less kisses (people don´t kiss when they first meet each other – they either shake hands or just say “hi, it´s nice to meet you”. People are friendly on campuses – they smile or say hi to others even if they don´t know them…
• Life starts earlier in the morning and ends earlier at night – earlier meals (lunch is usually served in the cafeteria 11:30-1:30pm, dinner is usually served from 4:30-6:30pm)
• Drinking age in the U.S. is 21 – need to carry ID (either a drivers´s license or passport) to buy alcohol or go into a bar. The drinking age in Canada in most provinces is 19 (in several it´s 18).
• Smoking is not permitted in many places – not even in your room if you are in a non-smoking room. In some places you must stand at least 10 feet (about 3 meters) away from the front door of a building to smoke…
• Calendars and appointments – many students carry around a calendar where they write down all their meetings, appointments, exams, parties, etc.
• Thanksgiving – very important holiday in the U.S.in November (keep in touch with International Center to get invited somewhere…)


THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

• Americans usually refer to their 4 years in college as the “best years of their life”- life-long friends, new experiences, etc.
• Most students live on campus (instead of with their families) so much livelier campus, great gym facilities, etc. If you like sports, you can get involved in intramural sports (competitions within the University). There are also many different clubs on campus – get involved! It´s a great way to meet more students.
• Keg party (´barrilada´ but in someone´s apartment– you´re not allowed to drink on the street) - usually off-campus as some campuses are “dry” (no alcohol)
• During their 1st year (freshman), students usually get out of control – first time away from home, access to alcohol (through fake ID´s, etc.). Oftentimes, the object is to get as drunk as possible…
• When you meet another student, the main questions usually are:
“What´s your major?” – especialización, que estudias
“What year are you?” – freshman, sophomore, junior, senior (alumnos de primer año, segundo, tercero, cuarto)
• “Freshman 15”: since in most cafeterias, there is a “meal plan” (es casi como un “bufet libre”) and you can choose the food/amount you want to eat, many 1st year students gain about 15 pounds (7kg) - the freshman 15. It can also happen to some of the Atlanticus students too…
• Informal wear – students dress very informally on campus (especially when they go to class). Sweat shirts and sweat pants are common. As dryers are used, students rarely iron…Unless they are going out somewhere at night or attending a formal event. When attending a job interview, Americans tend to dress up to make the best possible impression.
• Line voltage in both the USA and Canada is 110/120 Volt AC, 60Hz. It´s best not to bring appliances from Spain as you will need an adapter plug and a voltage converter. But if you do bring over a hair dryer, shaver, etc., you can buy a converter at Radio Shack or a similar type store.
• Work study students – those who receive financial aid in the form of a guaranteed job on campus. Non work-study jobs are those available to students without financial aid.


ACADEMIC DIFFERENCES

• Classes have a lot more work during the semester than in Spain – homework assignments, quizzes, tests, mid-terms (exam in the middle of the semester) and finals (final exams). Attendance is mandatory in most classes. The professor usually gives out a syllabus (´programa´) the first day of class so you know which textbooks to buy and what work is expected of you during the semester.
• Professors – usually very open and willing to help, usually always available during their office hours (sometimes have to make an appointment).
• Tutoring Center or Writing Center – to get help with English (especially when writing papers). A good place to go if you need help – it´s free!
• GPA = grade point average


Some advice for your stay: Enjoy the differences, try new things, don´t compare everything to Spain, take advantage of as many opportunities as you can, get to know lots of students (not just the Americans) and have a wonderful time!!