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!!!