American Culture
As you may know, one of the hallmarks of U.S. culture is independence. Here is some advice about written by non-U.S. students just like you! In order to make friends, you must take the initiative to meet people. Because of the American value of independence, Americans will not always be looking out for you, or making sure that you are getting acquainted with other people. They assume you are taking care of yourself unless you tell them differently. If you don't ask for help, Americans will assume you don't need anything. So remember—ask for help when you need it!
Another point of advice: In some cultures, it's polite to refuse two or three times if someone offers something to you. But in the U.S., it is polite to answer "Yes, please" if you would like what is being offered. Many interesting situations have come up when a non-U.S. student who was hungry or thirsty refused the offer of food or drink, thinking this was polite behavior. But when no second or third offer was made, there was no chance to say yes.
Contrary to the stereotype of independence and individuality, most Americans are conformists and gain their identity by belonging to groups. You may notice that many students join groups in order to both get acquainted with others and in order to satisfy a need to belong. You may be surprised at how many students look alike on your campus, with similar hairstyles and clothing.

Americans are sometimes difficult to figure out, so keep an open mind and get to know them as individuals.

A Few U.S. Holidays and Customs
One fun way to learn about a culture is to participate in its traditions. Here are a few holidays that Americans celebrate throughout the country:
1 January: New Year's Day. Welcome the new year with parties starting the night before (New Year's Eve on 31 December).
3rd Monday in January: Martin Luther King,Jr. Day. Commemorate the birthday of the African-American civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
14 February: Valentine's Day. Celebrate love and romance by exchanging tokens of love (usually cards, candy or gifts).
3rd Monday of February: President's Day. Honor past American presidents like George Washington (the nation's first leader) and Abraham Lincoln (Civil War hero who helped abolish slavery).
17 March: Saint Patrick's Day. Celebrate the patron saint of Ireland with parades and parties decorated in Irish green.
1 April: April Fool’s Day. Play a clever (but harmless) trick or tell a joke to someone with a good sense of humor.
Last Monday of May: Memorial Day. Remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
4 July: Independence Day. View public displays of fireworks as Americans mark the date when thirteen U.S. states declared their independence from England in 1776.
1st Monday in September: Labor Day. Honor the contributions and efforts of hard workers throughout the country.
2nd Monday in October: Columbus Day. Pay tribute to Christopher Columbus, who is traditionally thought of as the discoverer of the Americas in 1492.
Last Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day. Feast on a traditional meal that commemorates the dinner shared by the Pilgrims (first settlers of the thirteen colonies) and the Native Americans.
25 December: Christmas Day. Celebrate the birth of Christ, leader of the Christian faith, by exchanging gifts with family and friends.

Our professional team provides knowledgeable & customized services to prospects seeking overseas academic advancements, migration, transfers, application of visas, arrangement of accommodation & relocation, pre departure arrangement etc. Seeking consultation, please call : China Customer Service Hotline: 400-7160816 or Singapore Service Hotline：+65 6737-9958

We have established long term strategic partnerships with various well-known portals, one of which will be Agoda, please click: :"http://www.agoda.com.cn/asia/Singapore/Singapore.html?Cid=14459

Below are our affiliates' homepage:

Overseas Educational Services 新加坡留学网www.eistudy.com

Rental of Residential Properties 新加坡公寓网http://www.65house.com

Immigration 新加坡移民网http://www.65pr.com

Singapore Property Investment 新加坡房产网http://house.heysg.com

(Chief Editor:lucya)