This time I’m going to share with you another two values that are very important to Americans. The one value that nearly every American would agree on is individual freedom. U.S. Americans are encouraged at an early age to be independent and to develop their own goals in life; as a result, they are rewarded when they try hard to reach these goals. However, they are encouraged to not depend too much on others including their friends, teachers and parents. Most people in the U.S believe that the ideal person is an independent and self-reliant person. Because of cultural differences I, as well as some other international students, initially saw this attitude as "selfishness".

Privacy is also important to Americans. The idea of individual privacy sometimes makes it difficult for us (international students) to make new friends. Because Americans respect one's privacy, they may not go much beyond a friendly "hello." For example, a very common American greeting is “How are you?” and the only answer that most people really want to hear is “Fine.” When Americans talk, they like to have a lot of space between themselves and their conversation partners. Also, almost everywhere you will hear people say "Excuse me", although they have not actually touched anyone. This is also is kind of privacy. U.S. Americans like their privacy and enjoy spending time alone. Children in most American families often go to their own rooms and close their doors to be alone. However, this is perfectly normal, and demonstrates the American attitude toward privacy.

Hello, it’s me again and I’m here to share with you my new observation about American culture. Now, I’m going to tell you about equality in U.S. U.S. Americans uphold the ideal that everyone "is created equal" and has the same rights. This includes women as well as men of all ethnic and cultural groups living in the U.S. There are even laws that protect this "right to equality" in its various forms. You can see equality in such common practices as "waiting in line". When you go to the bank, to the post office, or to immigration, you will be asked to take a number and wait. In spite of how important or trivial your need is, you will be treated like everyone else; first come, first served. You can also see equality in the classroom. All students are the same in the eyes of teacher, and many teachers view students as their equals. The general lack of deference to people in authority is another example of equality. Managers, directors, presidents and even university instructors are often addressed by their first name. In other words, people treat one another very informally, even in the presence of great differences in age or social status. This is not a "lack of respect," this is the custom in the United States.

This is what I’ve observed about equality of people since January of this year. Hope you enjoyed my post. If you have anything to add or just want to share your opinion, you are welcome to comment.

Hello everybody!!! For eight months I’ve been observing American culture comparing it with my culture, and now it’s time to tell you about my observations. First, I want to start with time management. Americans take pride in making the best use of their time. We can notice that while roaming on streets. Americans are always harrying somewhere. They know value of time better than most of the cultures in the world. That’s why fast food restaurant business is so popular in US. Many people in the US are very punctual and organize their activities in advance. Being on time for class, an appointment, or for dinner with family is important. Being late is rude. If you cannot be on time, notice the people who are waiting for you. There is even policy at most universities that students have permission to leave classroom if professor 10 or 15 minutes late.

In Kazakhstan, as far as I know, all things are vice-versa. Most people don’t put much value upon time. They think that time is infinite. There is no problem with making people wait all day, and then tell them to come back the next day. People are always late for important events. For example, if you invite people for wedding or birthday party, nobody will come on time. They will be late for at least one hour, so considering that guests are invited for earlier time. This became even a custom. Sometimes I can notice that some Kazakhs do are late intentionally rather than accidentally.

That is my first observation about cross-cultural differences. Stay tuned as I will update my blog as soon as I observe something new!!!

Introduction

Welcome!!! This is my first blog I've ever had, so I'm very exited about this. Here I'm going to post my observations, discoveries, and my thoughts about cultural differences between U.S and my home country Kazakhstan. There are really a lot of similarities and dissimilarities between these two cultures, and I'm going to share some of them with you. Hope you will enjoy reading them.