Welcome! When traveling abroad, an interesting way to experience the culture of a new country is by visiting its people in their homes. It is there, in the exchange of conversation and ideas, that cultural similarities and differences can be appreciated in a personal way, as guests and host open the door to a better understanding of each other. What follows is a "cultural road map" to American hospitality.
Home Hospitality Programs |
At international centers throughout the US, home hospitality
programs which include family and group dinners, offer Americans
and international visitors the opportunity to meet each other.
Often both visitors and hosts are given brief biographical
information about one another before the visit takes place so that
each come to the meeting with a sense of ease and some knowledge of
the others. |
Why Americans offer Home Hospitality |
There are several reasons why people in the US open their doors to international visitors:
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Other kinds of hospitality |
The structured home hospitality program is just one way to meet people. You may also be invited to the homes of American friends and colleagues who wish to become better acquainted with you. Relaxed conversation around the dinner table, away from the work or school setting, offers a chance to learn more about the other. The customs described in this guide apply to both hospitality experiences. |
The Hospitality Invitation |
The point at which a casual comment becomes a firm commitment to visit someone's home varies from culture to culture. In the US, if an American says:
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Who is invited |
Unless the host indicates otherwise, an invitation offered to a
guest is only for that person. Americans usually prepare for a
specific number of guests and often plan to have a similar number
of male and female guests. Therefore for a dinner guest to arrive
with one or two unannounced friends is considered impolite and
embarrassing to the hosts who may not have prepared enough food for
extra people, or who may not have enough room for them at the
table. |
When to Arrive |
In the US, punctuality is one of the most highly valued traits in the American character. To be late for an engagement or an invitation is insulting to the person who is kept waiting. The social error is even greater if a meal is involved or if both parties are expected at another destination, such as a concert or play, at a specific time. Therefore guests invited for dinner at 6.00 pm on Tuesday, for instance, are expected to arrive at 6.00 pm, perhaps at 6.05 pm but not later than 6.15 pm. Guests who are unable to be on time, telephone their hosts at the earliest possible moment both to explain their lateness and to give an estimated arrival time. |
What to Expect when Visiting an American Home |
American behavior in the home reflects belief in equality between the sexes, and the value of informality. SOme of the customs described in this section may be new. Some may be quite familiar. They are presented to inform when necessary and for interest otherwise.
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What to Expect at Dinnertime |
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Spoken Communication |
Visitors to other countries may have questions concerning what is "acceptable" or "unacceptable" conversation in a different culture. In addition, topics of conversation chosen by hosts in a country may seem unusual to an international visitor. Three ways to start a conversation in America, which are commented on by many visitors to the US, are: (1) the weather, (2) questions about a visitor's homeland, and (3) questions regarding a visitor's occupation.
American individualism is often shown in conversation. The
expression of ideas is highly valued, even when those views oppose
opinions held by others who are present. It is no impolite to
disagree with another person if the disagreement is made
respectfully.
Religion and politics are considered to be acceptable topics as long as guest and host alike respect each other's viewpoint. |
Unspoken communication |
Every culture has its own set of rules or guidelines regarding unspoken or non-verbal behavior. Certain hand or body gestures that are rude or insulting by one country's standards may have either no meaning or a different meaning in another country. The following are examples of non-verbal gestures and their American cultural interpretation:
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Bringing the Evening to a Close |
In the US, it is the guest, not the host, who chooses when to end the evening and return home.
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Signing the "Guest Book" |
On occasion host families ask international visitors to sign a special guest book. The address left in the guest book may be the family's only means for maintaining further contact with their foreign guests. |
Expressing Appreciation to the Hosts |
Some expression of thanks is considered appropriate when hospitality has been extended and received. Guests express appreciation in various ways:
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In Conclusion... |
The cornerstone of international communication rests on the efforts of people of many nations to develop greater understanding and appreciation of one another. It is our hope that your experience with the people of US will be a step forward toward that goal, and that you will enjoy being with them as much as they will surely enjoy spending time with you. |