What core American values should I know about before I go abroad to study in the USA?
American culture is described as built on 11 value principles: independence, equality, individualism, democracy, nationalism, meritocracy, directness, innovation, consumerism, informality and effective use of time. Knowing them helps you adjust faster. Treat them as broad generalisations, since campus life differs.
American culture is described as free-flowing and freedom-centric, and it rests on 11 basic value principles. Knowing them before you arrive helps you adjust to an open-minded environment. Treat these as broad generalisations, since experiences differ by campus and city.
The 11 Value Principles
| Principle | Brief description |
|---|---|
| Independence | Freedom in choices, education and living on your own terms |
| Equality | Equality across gender, ethnicity, race, finances and speech |
| Individualism | Individuality matters, and people make their own choices |
| Democracy | A federal government where an elected president forms a government |
| Nationalism | Respect for the country, such as reciting the Pledge of Allegiance or singing the anthem at sports events |
| Meritocracy | Socioeconomic position can change based on merit |
Everyday Principles That Affect You
| Principle | Brief description |
|---|---|
| Directness | Straightforward communication is the ideal in personal and professional settings |
| Innovation | Americans like to stay up to date with technology and welcome innovative change |
| Consumerism | Many brands of phones, clothing and accessories fuel consumer culture |
| Informality | Most communication is informal, with less differential behaviour towards high or low class |
| Effective use of time | Planning and judicious use of time are valued, and being late is considered disrespectful |
My Advice
Practise being on time and speaking plainly, because those two habits show up in classes, jobs and meetings from week one. Be open about asking questions too, since directness and informality are the norm.
Not sure which US universities to apply to?
Courses, costs and career outcomes in one personalised plan.
More Universities & admissions questions
- When are the spring and fall application deadlines for South Korean universities that I should plan for?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
More USA questions
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- How much extra should I keep aside for unexpected costs during my MS in the USA?
- By when do I need to submit my application for most UG and PG courses at UCLA?
- Can you track an Employment Pass application on the MOM portal when your employer files it?
- Can I apply for an education loan up to 30 to 35 lakhs or 30 to 40 lakhs budget?
- What are the visa application chances and procedures for USA compared to Australia?
- Is my daughter planning to settle down abroad with permanent residency or just study in Singapore/USA for a Master's?
- Is the scholarship available for the next intake in USA for a Master's?