Customs

of
American
s
American way of life
 What is Custom?
A custom is an activity, a way of
behaving, or an event which is usual or
traditional in a particular society or in
particular circumstances.
 Social Courtesies
• A handshake is exchanged when meeting
someone formally for the first time
• Hugs are exchanged between relatives and
friends when meeting
• Some people may also choose to kiss (on
the cheeks) hello or goodbye
• You can smile at strangers; it is considered polite
• Use words like ‘sorry,’ ‘excuse me,’ ‘thank you,’
whenever needed
• Make eye contact when someone is speaking to
you

• Maintain physical distance and respect the personal space of the person you are in
conversation with
• Always ask the person if they are comfortable with being hugged or kissed by you before you
decide to do so
 Eating Culture and Etiquette
• In general, Americans eat quietly with their mouths • Generally, Americans have a more casual
closed. form of hospitality.
• Burping is seen as rude, not as a compliment to the • Burgers, sandwiches, and pizza are eaten
cook.
with hands, instead of utensils.
• Americans like sweets!
Etiquette When
Visiting a Home or at
a Party
• Generally, Americans don’t take off their shoes when
entering a home.
• It is appropriate and kind to bring a small gift to the
hostess of the home you’re visiting.
• Americans expect guests to come punctually at the
agreed time.
• In homes, food is usually passed around the table and
each person serves themselves.
 Classroom
Etiquette
• Class discussion and participation are HIGHLY encouraged and may
contribute to the overall grade.
• Students remain seated when the professor arrives or when the
student’s name is called.
• Attendance is expected and critical.
• Understanding, not just memorizing class material is important.
• Some professors allow eating and chewing gum in class.
 Time
Management
• Time is an American value. There is an expression that says,
“Time is money”
• The work/class week in America runs Monday-Friday. Saturdays
and Sundays are both set apart as the "weekend".
• It is important to show up to class, meetings, and social
gatherings on time.
Dressing &
Modesty
• Wear clean and neat clothes
• Dress in casual clothes during school
• Follow your educational institute’s dress code to
avoid getting called out
• Casual wear is acceptable in most places
• Respect the dressing choices others make
• Do not ridicule or make advances toward
someone whose dressing sense you do not
understand
Alcohol/Smoking/Drugs
• Drinking under the age of 21 is illegal.
• It is a crime to serve alcohol to someone under age 21.
• Smoking isn’t allowed in most public places. There are
typically designated “smoking areas”.
• Buying and selling illicit drugs is illegal in the U.S. If you
are found with these drugs, you may be arrested.
 Animals/
Pets
• Americans tend to love their pets and see them as
“part of the family”.
• For the better or for the worse, Americans will
spend a lot of their time and money on pets.
• There are animal protection laws to prevent animal
cruelty.
• The most popular pets in the U.S. are dogs, cats,
hamsters, and fish.
Driving Laws and Etiquette
• Always wear your seat belt when driving and require your passengers to wear
seatbelts, too.
• Honking your horn means a lot in America and can make drivers angry if it
seems unnecessary. Limit how often you honk your horn.
• Texting while driving is illegal.
• It is important to have cash with you when driving to pay for tolls that are
required. Credit cards are not acceptable.
• In the States, you must STOP at least 10 feet away from a school bus when you
see it stopped with its lights on or its sign extended. You must stay at a stop
until the lights are off, the sign is retracted, and the bus begins to move.
 Restaurant Etiquette
• Tipping your server 15%-20% is required.
• No tips are needed at fast food restaurants or
for “carry out”.

• “Doggie bags” are a common way to package

leftovers and take them home.
• Burgers, sandwiches, and pizza are eaten with
hands, instead of utensils.
Dating
Etiquette
• When a person says, “no”, he/she means “no”.
• If a women is dressed immodestly, it is NOT an
invitation for men.
• It is alright for women to ask someone out.
 Money
American appreciate their privacy, especially
when it comes to matters of money. They
would not like to be asked how much things
cost or how much money they make. This is
seen as an invasion of privacy and very rude.