Gary Althen, in his book “American Ways” describes “Americans [as] depend[ing] more on spoken words than on nonverbal behavior to convey their messages, and generally pay more attention to the factual than to the emotional content of messages ... Americans often seem to fear close involvement with other people, and are cautious when they meet a new person ... Americans often have difficulty becoming close with each other, not just foreigners.”

In “The Art of Crossing Culture,” the author relates it isn’t culture itself that one must adapt to but to the culture encountered in the behavior of individuals. It isn’t even the actions that usually annoy one but the fact that we aren’t anticipating certain behavior in certain circumstances, and as a result, we don’t know how to respond. It is natural to expect everyone behaves more or less as we do, and when they don’t, especially in a foreign culture, it is surprising and often threatening. It’s important to try to step back, analyze the situation and talk about it with someone you feel you can confide in and trust.

Americans generally like to talk about their children, family activities, politics, religion, local and international events and hobbies; but they are often reluctant to discuss family problems, why they don’t have children and financial matters such as income and cost of possessions.

Although it might really be an effort to try to meet people in the beginning, if you persevere and not stay just with your own ethnic group or friends from your home country, you will be rewarded. It’s very easy to stay with students of your own origins and find everything that is wrong with your new culture. But it takes a lot of courage to go to places to meet Americans. You are making yourself vulnerable and opening yourself to possibly be hurt. But, hopefully, you will find that, as at home, there will be things about people you will like, things about people you won’t like and certain people who will become life-long friends.

There is a lot that is unique to life in the US that you can only learn by living here. The International Student Services Office will help introduce you to some of the more important issues that you may face only a regular basis.

Greetings

In America, we typically say “Hi” or “Hello.” Often you will hear the phrase “How are you?” when someone greets you. Usually we answer “Fine, thank you, how are you?” Many times, unless it is a close friend, we don’t expect the person to answer more than “I’m good.” It can be confusing for an International Student when someone asks “How are you” because in America we don’t really expect to hear any more than a short answer to this question. It’s really a rhetorical greeting. When you are introduced to someone, it is appropriate to shake hands with both men and women. You can say “I am happy to meet you.” Some people in America greet each other with a hug. If you don’t wish to be hugged, extend your hand quickly for a handshake.

Stereotypes

Don't believe all of the stereotypes you may have heard about Americans. Even the ones that are true in general may not be true about specific individuals or a large segment of the population. Americans do tend to be more informal than people from other countries. It is not unusual for Americans to wear casual clothing to school and to greet professors by first name. However good manners and politeness are always appropriate. If you are courteous and polite, and dress a little more formally than your American friends, it will only reflect well on you. Rid yourself of any preconceived notions of American behavior before you arrive.

Waiting in Line

Many times there will be situations where you will see a line of people, for example in the Bookstore, Registrar’s Office, Post Office, etc. This can be difficult for those from cultures where one must go to the front immediately if one wishes service. However, in general, in the US, if you wait your turn in line, you will eventually be served as politely and efficiently as possible.

Appointments

Most Americans are conscious of time and value punctuality. People from other cultures often comment Americans seem to always be in a hurry. It is true we could all probably benefit from a slower pace; however when schedules and deadlines are involved, it is best to make an appointment to meet with a member of the college staff, faculty or International Student Office. You can call or stop in to reserve that time for yourself, and in that way, you will be insuring your arrival is expected, and the person you wish to see will have adequate time for you and your concerns. If you find you will not be able to be on time for the appointment, a phone call to cancel and reschedule the time is always appreciated.

Hygiene

Most Americans are also extremely conscious of personal hygiene and cleanliness, as you can see from the proliferation of personal care products on the shelves in the stores. You will see not only basics to keep clean such as soap, deodorant and toothpaste but many brands of perfumes and colognes to mask any odor of the body. Americans are very quick to turn away from any smell associated with perspiration, and will usually take steps to remove any scent of sweating immediately, for example, showering after exercise.

Work etiquette

Most international students seek and find on-campus employment while they are in school. You need to understand the expected work etiquette. First, if you take a job, be prompt. Tardiness will not be tolerated. Second, if you take a job and decide to quit, give the employer ample notice so that they may replace you. Employers schedule for the semester and rely on workers for the entire semester. Quitting in the middle of the semester because you may have received a job more to your liking, makes employers cautious about the future hiring of international students. Third, be honest and give a good day’s work for your pay.

Climate

Here in the Philadelphia area, we have the Appalachian Mountains to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east; they have a moderating effect on our weather. It’s rare for the temperature to go below 0 Fahrenheit or above 100 Fahrenheit. Here in Pennsylvania you will experience four different seasons. In the fall (autumn) the weather grows cooler. The temperature ranges between 68.2 F and 45.8 F (20 C and 7.7 C). Winter is our coldest season, 35.5 F to 33.1 F (1.9 C and 0.6 C) with an average snowfall of 21.9 inches (7.3 cm). Temperatures will vary between 41.8 F and 62.8 F (5.5 C and 17 C) in the spring. The summer is our warmest season, with temperatures ranging from 71.6 F to 75.3 F (22C and 24 C). On the average it rains 117 days each year, dropping 41.42 inches (13.8 cm) of rain on this area. Most precipitation in the form of rain falls in the months of May, June, July and August. The average annual temperature is 54.3F (12.4 C). In this area of the United States there are no earthquakes (of significant size), no volcanoes, no tidal waves and very few hurricanes. Floods or tornadoes are rare; high winds can occur, especially in the summer with thunderstorms. The average temperatures for each month are as follows:

Month Temperature Month Temperature January 27F July 86F February 35F August 74F March 44F September 69F April 55F October 59F May 64F November 51F June 68F December 24F

Safety

There is an expression in America “It is better to be safe than sorry.” It’s always best to be very conscious of your own personal safety by not displaying large amounts of money when paying for purchases, not leaving your wallet or handbag in a public place such as the library or cafeteria, not carrying large amounts of money on your person and not leaving doors unlocked when you sleep.

Religion

Villanova University is a Roman Catholic Institution. Check with the Campus Ministry Department for a schedule of Masses. There are other religious organizations in the area. Villanova's Campus Ministry maintains a comprehensive listing of local area houses of worship - link to http://www.campusministry.villanova.edu/worship.htm .

American Holidays

Holiday Date New Year's Day January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Third Monday in January President's Day Third Monday in February Good Friday Friday before Easter Sunday Memorial Day Last Monday in May Independence Day July 4 Labor Day First Monday in September Election Day Tuesday after the first Monday in November Federal holiday in years divisible by 4 Veterans Day November 11 Thanksgiving Last Thursday in November Christmas Day December 25

Electronic Equipment

Most electrical outlets in the United States operate with a voltage of 110-120 volts, 60 cycles. If your equipment requires 220 volts, bring a transformer and plug adapter.

Videotapes and DVDs recorded on foreign VCRs and DVD recorders will not necessarily play correctly on American VCRs and DVD players.

If you're thinking of buying a computer to bring with you, you may wish to wait until after you arrive in the U.S. to get a computer. Computer and software prices are often less expensive in the US, and getting cheaper every day.

Police and Legal Action

If you violate a law that results in a citation or other legal action, the University will only be able to act in an advisory or referral capacity. The University cannot provide legal representation to you in any capacity. Villanova does, however have a Legal Information Center in the basement of Sheehan Hall. Its phone number is 610-519-4379. If you are taken into custody by the police, please contact the Director of International Student Office through the Campus Safety Office.

Food and Liquor

Philadelphia and its suburbs host many international restaurants. Names and addresses can be found in the yellow pages of your telephone book under Restaurants. The Villanova Blue Book is an extensive guide to every Villanova student’s academic, social and cultural life, and also includes a sampling of places to eat on the Main Line. Favorites among students include Campus Corner, Totino’s Pizza and Domino’s Pizza. On campus, the Connelly Center provides students with the Belle Air Cafeteria, an ice cream shop, cookie stand, expresso bar and a candy and newspaper counter (as well as a movie theater, study lounges, art gallery, game room and a travel agency).

In the city of Philadelphia, the Italian and Chinese communities are well established. Chinatown is on Race Street between 8th and 11th Streets. Located on 9th Street between Washington and Christian Streets is the Italian market. There are also specialty shops located between Baltimore Avenue and Chestnut Street from 42nd Street upwards. You may find the necessary ingredients to prepare your native dishes in these stores. The Reading Terminal Market on 12th and Arch Streets sells international foods also.

The legal drinking age in Pennsylvania is 21 years. Refer to the Villanova Blue Book for specific Villanova regulations about drinking on campus. Liquor is sold in special stores known as “State Stores.” Beer is sold at distributors, bars and some delicatessens. Bars generally close at 2:00 AM.

Foreign Media

Foreign newspapers, books and magazines can often be found at:

Please call first to insure they have the publication you want, or determine if they can order it.
The Falvey Library subscribes to a wide selection of international newspapers which are stored with its current periodicals. They may be enjoyed at the library and may not be removed from the library.
Radio programming in foreign languages is carried by: WTEL AM (860); Phone 664-8686; Polish, German, Spanish. Please call the radio station directly for their programming schedules. For information on foreign media, please refer to the LIFESTYLES - Media section.

Coping with a New Culture:

“Culture shock” is a term used to describe the loss of emotional balance when a person moves to an unfamiliar environment. Virtually every traveler experiences the symptoms to some degree. The most common symptoms include excessive reactions to minor frustrations, sleeplessness, physical discomforts such as headaches, annoyance with those not from one’s own country, and a great yearning to be back in one’s familiar setting.

What can you do when you might be feeling very alone, and distant from all that was familiar to you? Some suggestions:

1. If it happens to you, don’t think you are unusual. If you have lived in another country and culture for most of your life, and have been relatively content, why shouldn’t you miss it?
2. Talk about your feelings with someone - your family, trusted friend, chaplain, Foreign Student Advisor - someone whom you feel will listen and understand. Even though it does not change the fact that you are many miles from home, “getting your feelings off your chest” is very important for your emotional health.
3. Try to keep busy, not only with your studies, but with other activities you can enjoy. If you’re not sure what’s available, check the Foreign Student Bulletin Board (Corr Hall), campus and community newspapers and the International Student’s Office.
4. Try to look for the best and most positive aspects of your situation. Make a written list of all advantages and happy experiences in your new culture, and keep it handy to pull out to read when you need to lift your spirits.
5. Remember others have come and survived! Seek out those international students who have been in the US and at Villanova for their survival tips.
6. Although it might not be easy to look at it in this way, the intense pain of culture shock can lead you to discover things about yourself that you never knew before. You can become a much stronger person with deeper insight into yourself, and a better understanding of others.

The most commonly recognized stages of cultural adjustment are:

1. The Honeymoon Stage - characterized by exhilaration, excitement and fascination with all that is in the new environment. Often lasts for first six weeks after arrival.
2. The Stress & Hostility Stage - everything is wrong! There is much frustration and anger as initial novelty becomes day-to-day weariness of speaking in English, academics intensify and minor frustrations can seem unbearable. This can last approximately 6-12 weeks after arrival.
3. The Adjustment Stage - where hopefully all students arrive eventually. This stage is characterized by relaxation and laughter, which can help the student through almost any situation. The student now begins to feel “at home” after establishing a support system and friends, is managing the bureaucracies of the University and is understanding/ passing his courses.

Tourism

When you find yourself with some free time, consider visiting some of the many sights in our area. It was on July 4, 1776 in Independence Hall in Philadelphia that the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Eleven years later, in 1787, the Constitution was adopted there.

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Tourist Center has an official Visitor’s Guide to Philadelphia. The Visitor’s Guide includes a map of the city, restaurants and information on many cultural points in the city, including the Academy of Natural Sciences, Franklin Institute (museum of science and technology), Philadelphia Art Museum, the Free Library of Philadelphia and Independence Hall, site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A Visitor’s Guide can be obtained from Philadelphia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Tourist Center, 16th and JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106; Phone 215-636-1666 or 1-800-537-7676. You can stop by or call and request it to be mailed to you.

International House (Philadelphia)

The International House is located at 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Programs are offered for all international students attending universities in the Philadelphia area and their families. The programs cover topics of English language proficiency, family hospitality, orientation to the US and the Philadelphia area, support groups, cultural exchanges and a variety of interest and social activities. For complete information, call 215-387-5125.

Transportation

The Villanova area is serviced by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) which offers many trains and busses with stops available on and near campus.

For trips further away, AMTRAK offers rails service between Philadelphia and most other U.S. cities. Philadelphia International Airport is located approximately 15 miles from campus.

Taxi and car rental service is available in the local community, but is a more expensive proposition.

Money

The U.S. Monetary System is a decimal system, with one dollar equal to one hundred cents. below is a table of the most common denominations. Although the dollar is available by coin, this is not common. No denomination above one dollar is available in coin.

Denomination Value (Dollars) Color Penny (coin) 0.01 dollars Copper Nickel (coin) 0.05 dollars Silver Dime (coin) 0.10 dollars Silver Quarter (coin) 0.25 dollars Silver Half Dollar 0.50 dollars Silver $1.00 (paper) 1.00 dollar Green $5.00 (paper) 5.00 dollars Green $10.00 (paper) 10.00 dollars Green $20.00 (paper) 20.00 dollars Green $50.00 (paper) 50.00 dollars Green $100.00 (paper) 100.00 dollars Green

Mailing and Shipping

Letters and packages can be mailed using the U.S. Postal Service or one of several private delivery services, such as FedEX or UPS. As the weight and size of a package increase, so does the price.

There is a post office on campus located in Kennedy Hall that can help you with all of your mailing needs.