Lisa O
Living in a new country is both exciting and a challenge. You might find yourself wondering, “What does this phrase mean?” or “Why do Americans do that?” when you encounter American customs. To help you get ready—here are 15 interesting facts about American culture that you should know before you get here.
Americans Love to Go Big
While other countries might focus on being practical and compact, Americans often go for big and luxurious. So, don’t be shocked by the enormous trucks and giant SUVs taking up space in parking lots—Americans like their room. To them, bigger can be more practical. This “thinking big” also shows up in American food: restaurants usually serve very large portions.
Hollywood: The Movie Capital
Hollywood is pretty much the go-to name for movies. It’s not just a location but a whole brand that defines the global film scene. Every year, the U.S. drops hundreds of movies that get watched all over the globe. With its big-name studios and iconic actors, Hollywood has set the standard for how movies are created and enjoyed everywhere.
A World of Flavors in Every City
Americans eat out not just for convenience but because it’s fun! The U.S. is a big melting pot of cultures, so there are many tasty food options. Eating out allows people to try new dishes and flavors. Even in smaller towns, you’ll often find pizza, Japanese, Chinese, or Mexican food. In bigger cities, you can check out places serving Brazilian, Ethiopian, or Afghan cuisine. Just remember, everyone’s eating habits can vary a bit.
Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving is a big deal in America, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It’s a nod to the Pilgrims’ feast with Native Americans back in 1621—symbolizing cooperation and thankfulness. Nowadays, it’s all about families coming together, enjoying a huge meal of turkey and stuffing, and thinking about what they’re grateful for.
Sweet American Bread: It’s a Thing
Bread in the U.S. tends to be sweeter and more sugary than in other places. That’s because mass-produced bread is made fast, so it doesn’t get a chance to fully ferment and develop flavor. Manufacturers add extra sugar and salt to cover up the lack of taste. In fact, an Irish judge even said that Subway bread isn’t technically bread because of its high sugar content.
Pets Are Part of the Family
Americans are really into their pets and treat them like family. They’ll dress them up for Halloween (or just for kicks), take them out with them, and even include them in work calls. If you’re new to the U.S.—getting a pet is a cool way to meet people. Take your dog to the local dog park and start chatting about the best grain-free kibble.
Flags Everywhere: It’s a U.S. Thing
In many countries, seeing flags can be a bit unsettling because strong national pride—what people in the U.S. often call patriotism—is sometimes linked to troubling histories, like fascism. But in the U.S., flags are everywhere. You might spot them on homes, city buildings, at all sorts of public events, or in front of restaurants. So, if you see a flag outside a building, don’t assume it’s a big government building—it could just be a diner.
Sports Are a Big Deal Here
A lot of Americans are really into sports, especially football, baseball, and basketball. You’ll probably notice that soccer isn’t as popular in America compared to other countries. Sports can be a big deal here, and they can both bring people together and spark some friendly rivalry. During football and basketball season—don’t be surprised if your coworkers debate which team is the best.
Competition Runs Deep
Like in many other places, Americans are all about competition. Kids are encouraged to work hard and do their best from a young age, whether it’s in school, sports, or other activities. Getting into colleges can be super competitive, so parents usually start prepping their kids early. Even high schools and preschools can have tough admissions.
Mind Your Words: Political Correctness Matters
In the U.S., which is super diverse, it’s important to respect different cultures and people’s differences, especially when chatting and sharing your thoughts. A big rule is to avoid saying things that could be taken as offensive—no matter who you’re with. Your coworkers might be from different ages, genders, and races, so being mindful of political correctness helps everyone feel at ease and part of the group.
Vacation Time? Not So Much
Other countries really value taking time off to rest and spend time with friends and family. But in the U.S., it’s a different story. Besides sick days and paid holidays, people in private-sector jobs usually get just 10 paid vacation days after a year of work. In 2017, 52% of Americans didn’t even use up all their vacation days.
American Drink Preferences
In many countries, cold drinks don’t come loaded with ice. But in the United States, it’s a different game. If you don’t want ice in your drink, you’ll usually need to ask the server to leave it out. On the flip side, if you love your drinks full of ice, you’ll be in heaven—no one even has to ask. They just fill your drink with ice automatically.
Finding Late-Night Eats in the U.S.
You might not find a spot for pancakes at 3:00 am everywhere in the U.S., but in many cities, it’s pretty easy to find a restaurant that’s open all night. You could come across a 24-hour diner with a huge menu or be in New York City, where bars seem to stay open forever. You might even find a food truck serving late-night snacks to club-goers.
Cars Over Trains: U.S. Transit Trends
The U.S. is heavily reliant on cars, and driving is often seen as the most convenient way to get around, especially in suburban and rural areas. Even in cities like New York, which has one of the largest metro systems, public transit can feel less efficient compared to systems in countries like Japan or Germany. Many cities lack comprehensive train or bus networks, making commuting by car a necessity for many.
Punctuality is Key
While there are always exceptions, Americans generally take punctuality very seriously. Showing up late to a meeting—whether it’s formal or casual—can be seen as rude or at least annoying. The reason might be linked to the work culture in the U.S. Since people spend so much time at work, there’s not much left for leisure, so wasting time can come across as disrespectful.