The Transition Guide 2010 Edition The Duke mbaa

SECTION 11 – HOW TO INTERACT WITH POLICE OFFICERS

• 
  Safety section from International House provides useful information http://ihouse.studentaffairs.duke.edu/resources/handouts/Safety.html
  

Please read carefully the following paragraphs extracted from a document prepared by the Fuqua International Center in 2001.

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  When speaking with a law enforcement officer, it is polite to address him/her with "Sir" or "Ma'am" or "Officer." If a law enforcement officer asks you a question, it is polite to answer with "Yes, Sir," "No, Sir," or "Yes, Ma'am," "No, Ma'am." Also, if you are stopped for a traffic violation, do not argue or negotiate with the officer.
  
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  Absolutely never offer a member of law enforcement money. This is considered a bribe and a serious legal offense. You could go to prison for trying to bribe an officer. If you should get a traffic penalty ticket, you do not pay the officer. Penalty tickets can be paid by mail or directly at the court office.
  
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  If an officer in a marked law enforcement car is following you with its blue light on, you should slow down and stop your car on the shoulder of the road as soon as it is safe to do so (see below).
  
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  If you are stopped by the police, DO NOT get out of your car!!! If you get out of your car, the officer may think you are trying to run away or to attack, and he may pull out his gun for protection.
  
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  Stay in your seat, keep your door closed, but roll down your window, and keep your hands on the steering wheel where the officer can see them. The officer will walk up to your car, identify himself or herself, and ask for your driver's license and car registration. Do not make any sudden moves.
  
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  Be sure to tell the officer from where you will get your license and registration (glove compartment, purse, etc.) and do so calmly. Follow the officer's instructions.
  
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  If an officer in an unmarked (unidentified) law enforcement car is following you with its blue light on, you should slow down and indicate that you will stop. You should stop in a populated place and remain in your car (see above).
  
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  If a car flashing a blue light is following you at night on a lonely road, do not stop, but continue to drive slowly and put on your emergency flashing lights. Particularly, if you are a woman driving alone, you should continue to drive slowly to a well-lit, populated area such as a store or gas station. When you come to a stop, stay in your car and roll down your window just enough to give the officer your driver's license and car registration. If the officer asks you why you did not stop immediately, apologize and explain that in the dark you could not see if he was really an officer. In order to be safe, you waited until you came to a well-lit, populated area before stopping.
  

SECTION 12 - U.S. CULTURE

(Section 12 is extracted from a document prepared by the Fuqua International Center in 2001.)
Introduction to U.S. Culture
Adapting to totally new surroundings can be quite challenging. Knowledge about U.S. culture can make this challenge a little easier. The most important thing to remember is that being different is not being wrong, it is only being different. Also, people are sometimes intimidated by difference and therefore may react to difference in an unexpected manner.
All our lives we have been conditioned and socialized by our culture, and we make automatic judgments about people and situations based on this socialization. Often we are not even aware of this process, because it is so much a part of who we are. Part of the pain of culture shock is when we are forced to experience and realize that our cultural socialization may no longer serve our purposes well in a new culture. This realization can be the turning point toward a positive experience, by embracing new ideas and new ways of doing things, by accepting that different ways are not wrong, they are just different.
Also, you should realize that during your time in the U. S., you are playing an important role in intercultural understanding. Just as you may tend to think that the Americans you meet are representative of all Americans, many Americans and other internationals may tend to think that you are representative of the people of your culture. In some small way, you and your family are ambassadors for your country. We sincerely hope that the following pages will help to explain some of the strangeness or difference you may experience, and that this information will help make your transition into U.S. culture a little easier.
Independence and Self-Reliance
Two important U.S. American values are independence and self-reliance. These values are identified with strength. People in the U.S. may prefer to do something themselves rather than ask for help, as they do not want to impose on another person. They do not like being dependent on others, or having others dependent on them. Also, U.S. Americans sometimes feel uncomfortable if someone seems too needy, calls too often, or wants to get together every day. They may wish to spend less time with their friends or extended families than is usual in other cultures. This can create a misunderstanding with people from cultures with more interdependent relationships, who assume more obligations from friends. It is good to keep in mind that in the U.S. the individual is often more important than the group or family.
Informality
American culture may be much less formal than your culture in regard to clothing, relationships between people, and methods of communication. If you come from a more formal culture you may initially think this is a lack of respect or lack of concern for rules of society. However, the rules of American society permit this informality. One sign of this informality is that Americans frequently use first names, even when they are introduced for the first time. If people are approximately your own age, you are expected to address them by first name. For a person who is clearly older than you or for a teacher, professor, or "boss," it is better to use Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., or Professor with their family name when you address them. They will then let you know if and when it is okay to address them by their first name.
Friendliness and Friendship
For people who go to work or study in another culture, especially in a culture that is very different from their own, making friends in the new culture can be very difficult. In the United States, international visitors may have an impression that all U.S. Americans are extremely friendly people; however, they are disappointed and hurt by what seems to be a superficial interest and friendliness by U.S. Americans. There is a big difference between “friendliness” and “friendship.” Although U.S. Americans are warm and approachable at first, it is often hard to get beyond the initial “small talk” and establish a close friendship.
Because of this initial friendliness, many international students may think that the friendliness of U.S. Americans is superficial and that Americans do not know how to be friends. What the international student may not realize is that they have not yet reached the stage of being good friends with the U.S. American. They need to go over some “higher walls” before reaching the center and a good friendship. Alternatively, U.S. Americans living in a country where people are more reserved and not as initially friendly as in the U.S. may sometimes become discouraged about ever making friends in that country. They may feel that people in their host country are very unfriendly.
In the United States, there are no words to differentiate the wide range of "friendly" relationships. The single term “friend” may be used to introduce a classmate, an acquaintance, or a close friend. Americans have different types of friends, friends just to do activities with, close friends, and best friends. In some countries, people reserve the word “friend” for a few people who are very close. Therefore, your understanding of what a “friend” represents may be different from the way the word is used in the U.S. In this country friends are not expected to do everything with one another all the time.
We hope this information does not discourage you from trying to make friends with U.S. Americans, since most are very accepting of new people into their social groups. One of the best ways to meet Americans is by doing something with them. Americans prefer “doing something” as they are getting to know people. Whether you’re eating, dancing, singing, working out, or cooking, doing an activity makes people more comfortable and willing to talk.
Invitations and Visiting
At some point during your time here, you may receive an invitation from a U. S. American either verbally or in writing. You should always answer a written invitation, especially if it says "RSVP" which is French for "please reply." It is not impolite to say no to an invitation if you cannot come or do not want to attend. However, if you say yes, then you are expected to come. Saying yes to an invitation and then not attending is considered very impolite and rude. It is acceptable to ask your host about appropriate clothing to wear (formal or informal) and if there is anything you can bring (for example, food). Also, at the time that you accept the invitation, you should let your host know if you have any dietary restrictions.
For dinners and special parties, it is important that you arrive on time. If you will be late for more than 15 minutes, it is polite to call your host to explain that you will be arriving late. It is not necessary to bring a gift unless it is a special occasion like a birthday or at Christmas. However, it is always a good idea to ask your host if there is anything you can bring. When you are invited to someone's home, you may always ask if there is anything you may do to help in preparing the meal or cleaning up afterwards. If you are invited as a houseguest to stay for several days, it is nice to bring a small gift, such as flowers or wine.
When you visit an American home, especially for dinner or a party, you may be asked what you would like to drink. You do not need to drink an alcoholic beverage if you do not wish. Some homes may not even serve alcoholic beverages.
If you have been invited for dinner, in the U.S. it is polite to leave one or two hours after dinner is over, unless a special party has been planned or you are asked to stay longer. It is very formal and polite to send the host and hostess a thank you card or note saying how much you enjoyed the evening. If the dinner was more informal, it is okay to call or e-mail the host and thank him/her for a wonderful time.
"Potluck" or "covered dish" dinners are very common in the U.S. These terms usually mean that each guest or family member brings part of the meal. The person organizing the dinner will tell you what part of the meal (salad, vegetable, meat, or dessert) you are expected to bring. It is a great idea to bring a typical dish (food) from your country.
For American students, parties (not dinner parties) usually begin later in the evening, sometimes after 8 or 9 pm and last for several hours. These types of parties are usually very informal and it is not so important to be on time or to dress appropriately. At student parties, most people wear jeans or shorts and T-shirts. It is a good idea to ask the person having the party if there is anything you can bring. American students generally like to drink beer and eat "munchies," which are potato chips, corn chips, pretzels, etc. Sometimes you may be asked to "pitch in when the hat goes around," which means that your host expects the guests to contribute a few dollars to help pay for the refreshments.
Giving and Receiving Gifts
Americans generally give gifts only to family members and close friends. Although it is acceptable to give a gift to a host or hostess or to someone who is a casual friend, it is not required or usual to do so. Also, it is not common to give gifts to people in official positions. Such gifts may be misunderstood as a way to gain favor or special treatment, which is considered inappropriate. It is more common to send and receive cards, especially thank you cards.
In the U.S., special occasions for gift giving are Christmas, birthdays, weddings, graduations, and the birth of a child. Wedding showers (a party before the wedding to give gifts) and baby showers (a party before the birth of the child to give gifts) are quite common. Gifts are also sometimes given to someone who has moved into a new house or is moving away. Gifts are not expected to be very expensive. Usually people give something that the recipient needs, wants, or would enjoy. Greeting cards are more appropriate for someone who is not a close friend.
In the U.S., people usually open gifts in the presence of the giver. After opening the gift, it is appropriate to say thank you. If you have opened the gift in the absence of the giver, you should send a thank you note specifically mentioning the gift. Sending thank you notes is very important and lets the giver know that you liked the gift.
Time and Schedules
In the U.S. it is usually acceptable for you to call someone at home between 9 am and 9 pm. Most U.S. American families do not like to be called during the evening dinnertime, which can be any time from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Most businesses have office hours from 8 am to 5 pm, and many stores are open until 9 pm at night. Many larger stores are open on Sunday, but usually only from about 1 pm to 6 pm.
Tipping
The question of whom to tip and how much can be confusing since custom may be quite different in your country. As a rule, you should always remember to give a tip to

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  Waiters/waitresses* (15-20 percent of the total amount of the bill)
  
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  Bartenders and cocktail waitresses (10 percent of the bill)
  
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  Parking valets (one or two dollars for bringing your car)
  
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  Hairdressers and barbers (10 to 15 percent)
  
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  Shampoo person (one dollar)
  
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  Taxi drivers (10 to 15 percent)
  
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  Coat room attendants in restaurants and theaters (a dollar)
  
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  Bellboys in hotels (a dollar per piece of luggage carried)
  
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  Luggage carriers in airports and train stations (a dollar per piece of luggage carried in addition to any fees already charged by the airline)
  
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  People in large cities (such as NYC and LA) tend to expect larger tips as the cost of living is higher
  

Although the tip is not added to your bill in the restaurant, a tip is expected and needed by employees who rely on them for a large part of their income. Wait staff is usually not paid minimum wage. If the restaurant service has been satisfactory, you should leave a tip in cash on the table before you leave or add it onto the credit card bill. Tips are generally 15%, but may even be 20% in larger cities or more expensive restaurants, or for exceptionally good service. Tips are not expected in "fast food" restaurants or cafeterias.

Sports Terms Used in Everyday Language

(The sports section provided courtesy of Dr. John B. Jensen and the American Translators Association)

Sports play an important role in U.S. culture. This importance is reflected in the frequency that sports terms are used idiomatically in both business and social settings. If you are working or studying on a team with U.S. Americans, you may find the following tables helpful in understanding your team members.





Holidays
Holidays are very important in the U.S. They reflect the mixture of the many cultures that contribute to this country. In order to be as comprehensive as possible and to promote ethnic and cultural awareness, we have included national, popular, and ethnic and religious holidays in Table 1. On observed holidays, government offices, post offices, public schools, and most banks are closed. Company and university observance policies may be different from those of the government. Refer to Fuqua 2010-2011 Academic Calendar for holidays observed by Fuqua: http://www.fuqua.duke.edu/student_resources/academics/academic_calendars/day_academic_calendar2011/

APPENDIX I – CONVERSIONS

Liquid Measure Conversions

1 Gallon = 2 Half Gallons, 4 Quarts, 8 Pints, 16 Cups

Cups x 0.237 = Liters

Ounces x 0.0296 = Liters

Liters x 4.23 = Cups
Weight Conversions (Goods)

When shopping, here are a few basic weight relationships to keep in mind.

454 U.S. Grams (gm.) = 1 U.S. Pound (lb.) = 16 ounces (oz) ~ 1/2 Kilogram (Kg)

Conversion Formula: Ounces (oz) x 28.349 = Grams (g)

Grams (g) x 0.0353 = Ounces (oz)
Temperature Conversions - Celsius (C) to Fahrenheit (F)

Formula: Fahrenheit = Celsius x 9 ÷ 5 + 32

Celsius = Fahrenheit – 32 x 5 ÷9
Distance Conversions

Conversion Formula: Miles = (Kilometers ÷ 8) x 5

1 Mile = 1.61 Kilometers

1 Kilometer = 0.62 Miles

Weight Conversions (People)

Formula: Kilograms (kg) x 2.2 = U.S. Pounds (lbs.)

U.S. Pounds (lbs.) x 0.45 = Kilograms (kg)
Height/Length Conversions

12 inches (in.) = 1 foot (ft.) = 2.54 cm 3 feet (ft.) = 1 yard (yd.) = 30.48 cm

Often symbols are used to express feet and inches. For example, if you are five feet and eight inches tall

(68 inches), it could be written as: 5 ' 8 "

U.S. Time Zones

These time zones are given from West to East. Please note that Durham is in the Eastern Standard Time

Zone (EST) and participates in Daylight Savings Time, a system of time keeping where clocks are set ahead one hour in the spring and set back again one hour in the fall.

APPENDIX II - Map of Duke Campus

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