Study Abroad: When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do

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Social customs vary from culture to culture, so it's virtually impossible for me to construct a list of social guidelines that works all over the globe. You can figure what behavior is and isn't appropriate in your new home by observing local students in your dorm, classes, or other places on campus. If you live with a host family, notice how they dress and interact with one other.

You don't need to change your entire personality and identity to fit in while abroad. In general, if you are friendly, respectful, and courteous, you'll do just fine. Remember you're a sort of guest in your host country, so you should get by if you act as though you're a guest in someone else's home. Host nationals also realize that you're an outsider and grant you some leniency regarding things you don't readily understand.

It's fine to politely ask questions about local customs and ways of behaving. Most people appreciate that you are trying to learn about their culture and lifestyle and are willing to help you adjust.

Talk the talk

You may be afraid to use the native language because you're not completely comfortable with it; maybe you hesitate when putting together sentences, stumble using the correct tense, or often pause to determine the correct vocabulary. Most people are flattered by your attempts to use their native language and may even help you out by correcting your sentences!

Try to avoid using slang expressions you learned before your arrival because slang expressions are unique to a particular culture. You may have learned Spanish that is frequently used in Mexico, but you are now studying in Spain, so the idiomatic expressions you know could be meaningless or inappropriate in Spain. Any slang expressions that you learn in your host country should be okay. Also, know whether you should use the "familiar" or "formal" forms of address. If you are uncertain, err on the side of being too formal.

In case your foreign language teacher has never mentioned this, do not, under any circumstances, attempt to translate American idiomatic expressions into the native language. Most likely the idiom will sound like complete nonsense when translated, but even worse, it could turn into an inappropriate or offensive comment.

Avoid personal questions and politics

Americans have a fairly open and sharing culture. It is not difficult or out of the ordinary for us to talk about ourselves. However, in other countries, talking about oneself may be considered rude, as could asking personal questions. It is best to let your host lead the conversation when engaging in "small talk." On the other hand, don't be offended if natives from your host country ask questions that are considered rude or strange in the U.S. You may be asked how much money your father makes, which president you voted for in the last election, whether you own a gun, or how much your parents paid for their house. These kinds of questions are considered normal in some cultures.

You may be surprised at how well-educated your abroad counterparts are in politics and international relations (some pay more attention to American politics and policy than Americans do!). As the token American in the crowd, you may be unknowingly roped into a political debate. Don't feel as though you need to falsify your own political views, but be aware of your audience " you may want to tone down your statements or make sure you can rationally defend what you say. Try to avoid offending people as much as possible, if only so that you don't get classified as an arrogant American who thinks everyone must agree with the United States or with you personally.