American Culture

LIVING WITH AN AMERICAN FAMILY

Provided by the Foundation for Worldwide International Student Exchange

American society is made up of immigrants from many different countries. This is the unique aspect of American culture. The Southern California area reflects the rich diversity of our culture. Each American family will have customs and traditions that reflect their family’s individual heritage.

American Customs

Americans speak to one another in a respectful, direct manner.

 Your family will want to know about you, your family, and your home life in your country. They will enjoy seeing photos of your family and friends.

It is considered polite to ask your host parents about their work, their hobbies and their interests, experiences, etc. To make a good impression, talk to our hosts often and inquire about their lives and the American culture.

Your host brothers and sisters will be pleased if you ask them about their friends, and the things that they like to do and where they like to go. Try to join them if possible. It is polite to try and make conversation.

Family members normally greet one another in the morning, and whenever they return home. They will also say “goodnight” when going to bed.

Most American children have “chores.” House work they are responsible for. This teaches the children responsibility and allows the children to feel that they are important and contribute to the “family.” You should be helpful as well.

It is considered polite to offer to help set the table before a meal, and respectful to help clean up after the meal. This is a family activity.

Many American families begin a meal by saying a prayer to bless the food. You will not make a mistake if you wait to begin eating until one of your host parents begins to eat. It is polite to wait until the host parents are finished eating before you leave the table. It is...