1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Apply
  • Chat

Introducing Student Blogger, Yoshi: Cultural Differences

Introducing Student Blogger, Yoshi: Cultural Differences

Jan 30, 2020

I am an international student studying at Chemeketa Community College, from Tokyo, Japan. I have noticed a great number of cultural differences between Japan and the United States since I got here. I have also faced many cultural differences I did not expect. My perspective, which makes me feel different, is shaped by the Japanese environment where I had spent most of my life. I would like to compare with my country (Japan), and the United States.

1. Cultural Differences between People.

People here and in Japan are so different. People in the United States are more friendly than in Japan. In my experience, when I walk down the street, people walking toward me smiled at me. I smiled back. In Japan, you will never see people smiling at people they do not know. Americans also talk to people no matter who they are in public places such as buses, restaurants, or schools. To me, they talk to each other, like they already know them. I am so impressed with this situation. You are able to talk no matter where you are. This is a good culture for me because I like to talk to people. Moreover, it is easy to make friends in the United States when I am in school. If I try to talk to them, they are willing to respond and keep having a conversation. Once Americans become friends, their attitude is very positive to invite their friends to hang out together. They try to invite people a lot to hang out to get along with them. I really like such a good culture because I am usually afraid of inviting my friends to ask hanging out. They help me to get close to them and keep a relationship with us.

2. Food.

I will never forget the first food I had on the first day I got here. The staff working at the Chemeketa Community College picked me up at the airport and took me to the Hunsberger shop. I was shocked at how big the hamburger was. I ordered the medium size of it, but it was not medium to me. It was much bigger than I expected. I got used to seeing Japanese size which is smaller than American food. The size of food is beyond my Japanese perspective. I could not even finish it. Since then, I try to be careful when I order food at the restaurant. The thing I am also surprised at was that I could take leftover home. At that time, I refused to receive a box because it is unfamiliar to Japanese culture. However, this culture is very practical and does not waste food people cannot eat. Most of the restaurants have boxes for leftovers and ask me if I need them. Since then, I take extra food to my house, keep them, and eat them as lunch.

3. Jobs in the United States.

I am working on campus as a Japanese Tutor and Student Government. The first surprising thing is the relationship between supervisors and employees. It seems like they are very close, like friends. This is because they talk to each other fairly. In Japan, the workplace is very formal. The employees have to use appropriate language in a very polite way when they have a conversation with their supervisors and customers. Another reason I feel the workplace is that equal fair is the employees’ right to state an opinion or suggest their thinking is protected by their supervisors and workplace. Around them, I feel free to say my opinions or even complain. I really like my current job on campus. I am satisfied with working and contributing to my coworkers and my school.

4. Campus life.

Campus life here has a lot of potentials to have fun. There are more inclusive events than Japanese college as one of the cultural differences. Events here at Chemeketa Community College have a variety of options, such as volunteer for the community, political events, shows, and free food. These events make it possible to enjoy college life. Another thing is the club activities. There are multiple clubs such as chess club, game club, dance club, and student service club. These clubs are open to every student and also to community members. People are able to get opportunities to meet new people and make friends. Especially, for international students, this is a good chance to improve their English and make native friends. The classroom has fewer chances to make friends, but through club or events, they are able to enjoy their college life very well.

Studying abroad in the United States is a very valuable experience for me. I can see cultural differences and get a new point of view. I struggled with cultural differences, and it was hard to adapt to them. However, now I am really enjoying these differences every day. I have shaped my perspectives by facing a new environment.


Yoshinobu 'Yoshi' Enomoto of Tokyo, Japan, is majoring in Political Science at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon.

Follow us:
Written by

Yoshinobu 'Yoshi' Enomoto

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the blog post titled New Year, New Me…not!
New Year, New Me…not!
Main image for the blog post titled An Open Letter to Lycoming College
An Open Letter to Lycoming College
Main image for the blog post titled Learn to Protect Our Environment for a Living
Learn to Protect Our Environment for a Living
Main image for the blog post titled Learn English at Disney
Learn English at Disney
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Snow College

Snow College

$10,000 — $15,000 Year

Bachelor Degree Online Certificate/Short Term
Contact
Baylor University

Baylor University

$50,000—$60,000 Year

Bachelor Degree Masters English Programs
Contact
English Language Institute at Saint Mary of the Woods College

English Language Institute at Saint Mary of the Woods College

$1,000—$5,000 Session

2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Masters English Programs
Contact

Related Stories

How to Become an Active Participant in College Student Life

Main image for the article titled How to Become an Active Participant in College Student Life
Applying to College as an International Student

Main image for the article titled Applying to College as an International Student
An Open Letter to Lycoming College

Main image for the article titled An Open Letter to Lycoming College

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for Renters Insurance

Renters Insurance

SURE offers hassle-free renters insurance that'll protect your clothes, furniture, and even yourself from unexpected damages and injuries. The SURE team will get you set up with a free quote and the correct coverage that you need!

Read more
Partner service logo for Find an Advisor

Find an Advisor

Study in the USA’s advisors can work with you to navigate the requirements to study abroad in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. We help you find the right school and apply.

Read more
Partner service logo for BetterHelp

BetterHelp

BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. You get the same professionalism and quality you expect from in-office therapy, but with access to a huge network of therapists, more scheduling flexibility, and at a more affor...

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

By Using StudyUSA.com, I came to know about various universities in the USA. The website is very informative and has all the details for scholarships. Thank you!

Sai Yaswanth Sai Yaswanth India

I read the information found on StudyUSA.com and it helped me understand the process of applying in the USA. I have also talked to a StudyUSA counselor and she helped me with the things I struggle with like my essay for college application. StudyUSA give me the information I needed.

Anais Gardere Haiti

I applied to UNT (University of North Texas). I got in and I'm set to start my second semester now in January 2019. Thanks for all your help!

Inger Mariama Marong Norway

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    English

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.