Be Successful in the United States

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            Millions of people leave their countries every year to come to the United States following the American dream, but not all of them could reach it. The first reason, it is because they do not to set a consistent goal with a strategic plan to follow with specific time and things to do.

           The second reason may be because many immigrants can not overcome the stress of the first times and adapt to the new set of situations leading to a new weather, new language or dialect, and cultural differences.  The shock results more difficult for immigrant people, who have a professional career in their country, and they cannot work in that in the United States at least not at the first moment.

           

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           Even though it is hard to make generalizations about the United States because it is a land of diversity, as The Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement at Nova Southeastern University, says.  There are many characteristics to pay attention when  immigrant people want to insert in the American society successfully. 

           One of the first thing to keep in mind is “the United States is one of the most culturally diverse countries n the world” because  “the flow of immigration from different parts of the world for over 150 years.” Says the International Student Affairs Office Of Nova University.  According 2000 statistic of U.S. Census “11% of the population in U.S. is foreign.” So, all who want to be successful in here have to keep open mind.

When people coming into a foreign country there are many different stages that the International Student Office Leadership and Civic Engagement at Nova Southeastern University presents as number one:  “at first you are excited by the new environment and a few frustrations do not spoil your enthusiasm. When experiencing some difficulties with simple things like, for instance, making telephone calls, or using public transport, you tend to down-play negative emotions.

The second one, a period in which cultural differences in behavior and values become more obvious. What previously seemed exciting, new and challenging is now merely frustrating. You may feel isolated and become withdrawn from life around you. You seek security in the familiar. Food from home, possibly even what you never particularly enjoyed, becomes a focus, maybe an obsession.

            The third one, in the next stage you may reject what is around you, perhaps becoming opinionated and negative. You may feel that everyone is against you and that nobody understands you. Limpet-like you cling to other students from your home country, hoping to have your negative stereotypes of the Americans and life in the U.S. reinforced. However, you are beginning to re-assert yourself.

The forth one, based on your successes in negotiating a variety of social situations and, maybe, increased language skills, your self-esteem grows. You can accept the negative differences and tolerate them. Knowing that you cannot change your surroundings you now enjoy certain aspects of British culture and feel relieved and strengthened from having overcome the difficulties. You may even feel a sense of belonging.”

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A Few Tips

In order to be more confident the International Student Office includes some typical characteristics of the Americans which The Journal of an Immigrant reproduce in here as a simple guideline to keep in mind during the process of encounter and be less afraid:  “Americans tend to value their individuality, to think themselves the equal of any other man or woman, and to believe they are masters of their own destiny. They are direct in their communications; they ask questions when they need information; they say “no” when they mean no. Americans appear open and friendly at first meeting, but this means only that they are pleased to make your acquaintance; it may or may not lead to true friendship.

They are informal; they often introduce themselves by their first names and call others by their first names on very slight acquaintance. Americans tend to stand at least an arm’s length apart when conversing and are not inclined to touch one another, except to shake hands upon greeting one another. They value privacy and rarely visit, even good friends, without telephoning first.

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On appointments and punctuality – it is always appropriate to make an appointment before visiting someone, particularly at an office. It is best to be on time for appointments.

On invitations – if you accept an invitation or make an appointment, it is very important that you appear as promised since your hosts will have taken considerable trouble to prepare for your visit, and professional people will have arranged their schedules to accommodate you. It is perfectly acceptable to decline an invitation if it is not convenient for you, but some response is always called for.

On dietary restrictions – if health or religious beliefs restrict the foods that you can eat, you should feel free to explain this when you accept an invitation to visit.”