Living + Working in the U.S. – Relationships + Communication

Chinese Guest Teacher Summer Institute

Presented by: Deborah Hefferon

July 2012 - UCLA

Topics

American Social Life – do’s + don’ts

Making new friends

Getting along with your

host family

Getting along with your

co-workers

Community resources

Leisure time

American Social Life – do’s + don’ts

Adjust yourself to the new culture

Be active + create your new social circle

Learn to do new things

Keep yourself busy + entertained when you are not working

Don’t spend too much time online

Make yourself visible in the community

Dinner in an American’s home

American Social Life

Casual friendships

Parties

Invitations

When to arrive & leave

Dinner in a home

Taking a gift

Thanking your host

Relationships between men & women

Party Behavior

Building Relationships

Keep an open mind; try not to be judgmental

Be patient

Be yourself

Look and listen

Look for the universal

Beware of stereotypes

Take initiative in meeting others

Have a list of topics you can talk about

Making new friends

List 3 ways you can reach out to other people and make new friends:

1.

2.

3.

Getting along with your host family

Being a guest and part of the family

Be considerate of your host family’s life style.

Communication is the key to a good relationship with your host family.

It’s not easy living in other people’s homes in any culture.

Getting along with your co-workers

Look and listen

The 3 P’s: polite, persistent + patient

Look for the universal

Beware of stereotypes

Take initiative

Ask questions – don’t

make assumptions

Be respectful of your fellow Guest Teachers

What ifs . . .

Case studies (see handout)

Community Resources

Public libraries

Cultural activities

Community centers

Athletic activities

Colleges & universities

Other

Leisure Time

Holidays

School calendars

Vacation possibilities

Volunteering – Community

Service

Joining organizations

Balance work & play

Advice from veteran teachers

Communication is the best and only solution to fix problems.

I am nice to everyone and they respond by being even nicer.

We come to the US for sharing, not comparing.

Accept offers of help.

Say “yes” to invitations. Don’t be afraid.

Be open to everything.

Advice from our group of mentors?