Part of your education in the U.S. involves interactions with Americans both inside and outside of the classroom. Studying in the U.S. is a valuable opportunity for you to learn about American behavior instead of relying on stereotypes from television and movies. Although the following statements are generalizations that do not apply to all Americans, there are some traits that distinguish Americans from other cultures. 

Clothing

Americans are less formal than some cultures in terms of appearance. Students will typically wear jeans, sweatshirts, T-shirts, shorts, and other casual clothing to class. There are occasions such as job interviews, weddings, graduations, and religious ceremonies that require more formal attire, which is a suit or coat and tie for men, and dresses or a blouse and a skirt for women.

Greetings

Americans are also less formal in the way they address people socially. Students may address faculty or staff by their first name with the person's permission. If the person has a high-ranking position, such as President, Provost, or Dean, it is better to use formal address (title and last name, e.g. President Jones) than informal address (first name, e.g. Bob). If you are not sure how to address someone, it is always better to use formal address than informal address. If the person would like you to call them by their first name, they will ask you to do so.

When greeting each other, Americans do not always shake hands unless they are making introductions. If they are close friends or family members, they may give each other a hug. In general, Americans require more personal space and distance while conversing with each other. It is best to avoid physical contact, such as holding the person's hand or touching them, although it is considered rude to avoid eye contact.

Social Invitations

Americans often plan informal social activities on short notice, and formal social activities far in advance. Invitations may be given verbally over the telephone or in person, or through printed materials or email. Most invitations will ask you to "rsvp," or respond to the organizer that you will attend. This is a way for the organizer to estimate how much food, drink, or entertainment they will need to provide for their guests. If you do rsvp to an event, it is important that you attend. If your plans change and you cannot attend, it is important to inform the organizer.

Meals

Many social invitations involve eating meals together. Most Americans eat three meals per day -- breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast usually starts between 7 and 8 a.m., lunch between noon and 1 p.m., and dinner between 6 and 7 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, many restaurants serve "brunch," a combination of breakfast and lunch, which begins around 11 a.m. Dinner is the main meal of the day. 

Tipping at restaurants that offer table service is expected, and 15% of the food total is standard. If the service was poor, you can tip 10%; if the service was excellent, you can tip 20%. Bills will not include the tip, so you must add it yourself. Some restaurants will automatically add a tip for large parties of 6 people or more, so you should check the bill to see if the tip was included.

Holidays 

The following is a list of the most well-known American holidays. Holidays in italics are important holidays when government offices, banks, and some businesses are closed.

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