SOCIAL LIFE
*Eating meals together is a common occurrence in the U.S. When someone invites you to join them for lunch at a restaurant or cafeteria, you will usually need to pay for your own lunch. When eating in a restaurant, it is customary to tip at least 15 percent of the total bill.
*Americans highly value their privacy. If you wish to see someone, it is always best to call ahead or, if the visit is business related, make an appointment.
*Americans are outgoing, but this should not be misinterpreted as a close friendship. It takes time for friendships to build.
*Americans are very informal in dress and speech. If you are unsure of how to dress, ask someone.
SOCIAL LIFE
*Small gifts are sometimes given as expression of thanks or appreciation. Be careful, however, not to overwhelm the recipient with gifts.
*Always honor “non-smoking’ areas. This means that smoking of any kind is not permitted.
*The legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21. You are breaking the law if you are caught drinking and are not of legal age. CWC is a non-alcoholic campus, meaning it is against CWC policy to possess or consume alcohol on campus, regardless of age. Drinking off campus in the home of a college faculty or staff person is strongly discouraged.
*In the U.S., college students are responsible for doing their own cleaning and laundry.