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home | life in ann arbor | adjusting to the u.s.
Adjusting to the U.S. Quickly and Comfortably I. Explore - Get familiar with your environment.
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Go on a campus tour.
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Talk to the office staff, faculty and students in your department.
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Ask a student or staff member if they would show you around the department.
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Attend local events and seminars (see Current Magazine, The Record and The Michigan Daily newspapers for listings).
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Enjoy walks or take a shuttle bus around the University.
II. Learn about cultural norms - Pay attention to other people's behavior:
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How do they greet each other?
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How do they line up for a bus? How do people seat themselves on a bus?
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How do people interact in professional settings, like offices? in the classroom? in a store? on the street?
III. Be slow to judge:
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Ask someone who knows the culture about your observations. Be sure to ask "why" people do what they do.
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Compare how things are both similar and different in your country. These comparisons may offer you a new, insightful perspective on your own culture.
* One of your best resources for information is the U-M International Center. They will be glad to answer ANY questions that you may have.
IV. Go to events where you can meet new people:
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U-M International Center programs
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Speakers, workshops, and "brown bag" seminars
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Intramural sports
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Student groups
V. Be open to starting conversations:
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With students and scholars
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With students and people in the community from your own country who have been in the U.S. for awhile.
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U-M staff and faculty
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Other people you meet out in the community (in restaurants and stores, at the library, on public transportation, etc.)
VI. Read:
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Local newspapers (The Michigan Daily, The Ann Arbor News, The Detroit News and Free Press, USA Today)
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Magazines
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Books about American culture and etiquette
Last reviewed: 5/07
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