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HOLIDAYS
July 4 - Independence Day? The Declaration of Independence of the United States was signed by thirteen colonies on July 4, 1776. The thirteen colonies declared themselves free from British rule and formed the first thirteen states. This day is celebrated with fireworks.
LABOR DAY This day honors are the contributions and efforts of the workers.
is a day of celebration and thanksgiving for everything received. This festival was started by the Pilgrims (members of the first thirteen colonies of the United States) and Native Americans (who already vivan in the country). churchcommemorating the birth of our Jesus Christ is or. As the holidays are widely celebrated of Christianity in the United States, This is a national holiday. Many people exchange gifts with family and friends this year Little of o. Some celebrate the night before.
April 1 - DAY OF THE INNOCENTS traditionally play tricks on those who are unprepared. May (2nd Sunday) - MOTHER'S DAY entertains many people in this day their mothers with cards, gifts, etc.. June (3rd Sunday) - FATHER'S DAY On this day, many people caters to parents with cards, gifts, etc..
October 31 - DAY OF THE WITCHES The vspera of All Saints' day, many people dress up in costumes (often scary ones!) To go to parties. Are distributed sweets to the children
Holidays Good Manners Marriage & Family Business Government SocioEconomic System Typical Meals Means of Transportation Religion
GOOD MANNERS
Good Manners
Eating
Always eat with your mouth closed, and don't take such big bites that you choke. If you're eating with a group of people, wait until everyone has been served
before you begin eating. Don't talk with your mouth full, and excuse yourself if you burp at the table.
Respecting Privacy
Don't intrude on other's telephone conversations, and keep your own telephone conversations private. If you
have to take a call, step outside. Also, avoid taking calls while having a conversation or a meal with another person whenever possible.
Sharing Space
Share your things with others. In a family setting, share things like toys, the television, the bathroom and the telephone. Take turns, and be respectful of the wishes of others. Clean up after yourself.
Good Manners
Visiting Others
If you are a guest in someone's house, be respectful. Don't show up without an invitation, and don't overextend your invitation if you have one. Also, don't
expect to be waited on. Instead, offer to help out with things like clearing the table after a meal.
Good Manners
What do I do when Im stopped by the police? Under no circumstances get out of your car, that can be extremely dangerous. Panicked rummaging in your purse or the glove compartment might make the police officer think you are reaching for a gun. So, best keep your hands on the wheel and dont move until the policeman is at your car window. Can I just sit down at any table in a restaurant? No, in American restaurants guests waits until they are given a table. That is why often a big sign next to the door says wait to be seated! A major faux pas: sitting down at a table with other guests. How much do I tip? Do not just bring the bill up to a round figure in the restaurant or cab. That would make you really unpopular. Wages in those sectors are very low waiters and taxi drivers live off the customers tips. So in a restaurant, 15 to 20 percent is appropriate, for a taxi 10 to 15 percent.
Good Manners
Do Americans shake hands? Usually, Americans only shake hands in a business context, on formal occasions, or when they are first meeting. Conservative men even wait until women shake their hands, or, in business life, their superior. Friends and good acquaintances greet each other with a hug in all other cases a friendly Hi, how are you? is sufficient. How do I politely ask where the toilet is? Better dont use the word toilet, this is usually regarded as a rather vulgar term. In public buildings the correct expression is restroom or even Ladys room or Mens room, in private households, ask for the bathroom. Are Americans really prudes? Yes, that is not a stereotype, it is true. If you dont want any trouble with the police, better not take off your bikini top at a public beach. Even in the changing room Americans do not like to be naked who gets undressed completely chooses a single cubicle. Even little children may not be seen naked in public.
Holidays Good Manners Marriage & Family Business Government SocioEconomic System Typical Meals Means of Transportation Religion
Marriage
Marriage is the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as
husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law. However, marriage can also be the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage. Marriage has traditionally been an important part of American society.
Marriage laws have changed over the course of United States history,
including the removal of bans on interracial marriage. In the twenty first century laws have been passed enabling same-sex marriages in several states. The federal government does not recognize same-sex marriage in the United States, but such marriages are recognized by some individual states. The lack of federal recognition was codified in 1996 by the Defense of Marriage Act, before Massachusetts became the first state to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2004. Such licenses are granted by seven states: Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont, plus Washington, D.C. and Oregon's Coquille and Washington state's Suquamish Indian tribes.
differences range in aspects such as religion, the type of marriage, residential patterns, and reasons for marriages. Reasons for marriage may stem from a desire to have children, love, or economic security. There are individuals who may use marriage as a way to acquire a green card.
civil unions
domestic partnership s
cohabitatio n
Family
Close friends and family members
can embrace when they meet, especially after a long absence. Accidental situations, make signs with your hand instead of shaking her. Most Americans eat three times a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is taken between 7: 00 and 8: 00 AM, the food (which is more a lunch) between 11: 00 AM and noon and dinner from 6: 00 to 8: 00 PM. On Sunday it is usually the "brunch" which is a combination of breakfast and lunch which takes about 11: 00 AM. Students often enjoy a "break" or "snack" (snack) around 10: 00 or 11: 00 AM
way to his host family, it is very common to invite them to some kind of entertainment such as baseball, basketball, hockey, ballet or a good restaurant. If they invite you to a dinner, baby shower, bar mitzvah (Jewish holiday) or other celebration wait that you bring a gift. At least that you know very well, your gift to your host should be modest at one cost not exceeding U$ 25.00 (USD).
same or of different genders which results in, but falls short of, marriage-like rights and obligations.
or employer-recognized status that may be available to same-sex couples and, sometimes, heterosexual couples.
Cohabitation refers to two unmarried people who are in an intimate relationship and live together.
Holidays Good Manners Marriage & Family Business Government SocioEconomic System Typical Meals Means of Transportation Religion
BUSINESS
Business Networks
The American corporate culture is schematic, strict, prescribed, whit complex codes
In the Job
Fluent English. Punctuality. Team work. Meetings should never be interrupted. Mettings are described as aggressive or confrontational. Dress code varies across America. First impression shows your
interest!
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GOVERNMENT
Overview
The government structure of the United States of America is divided in three branches: The Legislative, the Executive and the Judicial branch.
The head of government (the US President) shares his powers with Congress and the Judiciary system which are independent on each other but at the same time depend on each others decisions to function correctly .
Government divisions
Facts
The country is a Federal Constitutional Republic
therefore the constitution is the supreme law of the land. There are many differences between the US Democracy and that of other countries since every state of the Union holds enough power to make their own reforms as long as it does not contradict the Constitutional powers and the country is mainly ruled by two political parties: Democratic & Republican.
Political divisions
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SOCIOECONOMIC SYSTEM
freedom afforded to the private sector by allowing the private sector to make the majority of economic decisions in determining the direction and scale of what the U.S. economy produces. Today, the United States is home to 29.6 million small businesses, 30% of the world's millionaires, 40% of the world's billionaires, as well as 139 of the world's 500 largest companies.
Economy sectors
Holidays Good Manners Marriage & Family Business Government SocioEconomic System Typical Meals Means of Transportation Religion
MEALS
TYPICAL MEALS
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MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION
Airplane
You can cross USA from east to west coast in five hours; 2 hours from north to south.
Taxi
Skateboards & skates Subway
Holidays Good Manners Marriage & Family Business Government SocioEconomic System Typical Meals Means of Transportation Religion
RELIGION
Religion is deeply rooted by the principles of the Anglican (Protestant Christian). However, the diversity of nations and ethnic groups living in the United States practiced almost all world religions.
Baptists, the basis of this religion is to follow faithfully the Bible as the only authority of their beliefs keeping all these truths.
Methodism or the Methodist movement is the name usually given to a large and diverse group of Christian denominations of Protestantism.
Pentecostalism is a Christian movement that makes a great emphasis on the baptism in the Holy Spirit upon their members,
Christianity is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the biblical canon and other New Testament writings.