Top 5 things to change when you arrive to the US for the first time.
1. A Smile on your Face :
Smile. Doesn’t cost you a paisa/penny/dime. Make you feel better. Makes you more approachable. We are known world over for "Indian Hospitality". Be an example of that. Now, I don't mean that you offer all your meals on the plane to your fellow passengers and go hungry yourself! What I mean is, be cordial and have an open mind about accepting the presence of a person who is of a culture you have not seen before. Would you want to be remembered as a 'Nice Indian dude I met on the plane" or as a "Grumpy Desi I had to sit next to on the plane"? Smiling at a person in the US is a sign of saying a pleasant “Hello” even to a person who just walked passed you in the lobby. It’s a normal gesture. So if you see a nice girl smiling at you, smile back. Don’t hold your heart and break into a song and dance routine by running behind her. Also, please smile at desis too.
2. Confidence :
You might be a student or an SAP-XI professional, the only way you can feel good about yourself in this country is if you are confident about yourself and not just your job skills. The Summary says you have strong leadership skills and are a great team player, but you come out as a naive confused looking country bumpkin, who will believe the rest of your Resume? Many people, who seem to be that charismatic, super-cool crowd in your workplace or college, tend to struggle initially to make an identity for themselves here. Again, it’s not difficult; you just have to accept and adapt. And Confidence in yourself goes a long way in making life easy for you! Obviously you will not know so many things when you come here first; take time to understand, research the internet and ask questions.
3. Self Awareness :
This is not one of those guru-preached-spiritual-awareness kinds of things I am talking about. It is about knowing yourself intellectually, emotionally and physically. Knowing a few things about what you like/dislike, what you believe in, respond well or not-so-well to, how you perceive others and how would others perceive you, how you look, smell[that includes body odor and breath], feel, blend-in/stand out etc. will be beneficial to you to make your place here. Don’t worry about having a negative to this; everyone does. Many characteristics can be easily corrected, others take time. Be one of those people who presence other people feel. And you can only know this ONLY if you are aware of your own presence.
4. Assumptions :
ASSUME makes an ASS out of U and ME. Do not assume that if a co-worker is from Pakistan, he will hate you. Don’t assume if you see an African American dude will rob you at gun point anywhere you are [well .. correction… if in NY/Chicago/Detroit and other such metros, I recommend that you get a list of safe/unsafe places to be walking alone].Many desis will tell you stories of how their pakistani neighbors have helped them when most desis shied away. They will tell you how they have been the best of room-mates and watched the 20-20 world cup finals together with a bottle of beer in their hands. Similarly if you are invited to a spend Christmas or a Christian holiday don't think they will make you convert into a Christian if you are not. Most people here are sensitive to others religion; but don't blame everything you want to avoid on your religion. Desis will say "Hindu religion considers anyone who touched alcohol as a sinner, so I don’t drink". Huh? Where does it say that [no, I am not justifying drinking here]! If you do not want to drink just politely say "Thank you so much for offering me a glass! But I apologize. I don't drink. I'll have a juice or water. Thanks!" There are many such instances but as it is strongly recommended - DO NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS about anyone based on their color, race, gender, creed, nationality or any such distinction. For the rest, common sense is the best tool.
5. Pride in the culture :
Be proud of being an Indian! American are already in awe of the intelligent desis. Show them how a 5000+ years old culture is still flourishing inspite of so many partitions and invasions. There is so much grandeur and richness in the Indian culture that people outside cannot even define its limits! Be an example of that. Again, don’t force it. Advertise it. Show what it is to be a country that never invaded anybody in its history of existence. Giving gifts is a way to do that; non-desis will love it!
If you are one of those desis hate India and its culture with a vengeance [there are many, contrary to popular belief! trust me!], others request you to keep your mouth where a critic would not where a protestor would.
Again a tip, you will get all you need in this country so you don’t have to worry so much so as to get your Maruti 800 here. Yes the dollar rate might pinch you a little bit in the beginning [well… I thinking people coming now should not complain as the dollar is around Rs. 39.68. That’s probably the lowest compared to what 99.99% of desis who came to this country have seen].
I hope this gyaan will help you have a good experience in the US of A. Wish you all the best for your future endeavors and have a happy trip!