What are the main Do’s and Don’ts when first arriving in the US?
I almost said “when first arriving in America” but then I remembered I’m an American too!
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JoyfulSilence · 46-50, M
I work in DC and live in a suburb in Maryland.
My advice is to just be yourself! It is a diverse region so people will accept you as you are, for the most part. There is also a sizable population of people of Latin American descent, who maybe you could connect with and who could make the transition easier.
Do not be surprised if, for example, your waitress starts speaking to you in Spanish right away. They never do to me, I must look like a gringo (well, I am). But I see it all the time. They just seem to know based on appearance that a person speaks Spanish, and don't even bother with English!
I hope you can meet some nice young people. DC is a vibrant city. I did not arrive until I was about 24, but had some fun times downtown. But you cannot drink until you turn 21, so you may not be able to get in some places. Nowadays I am too old to want to party. I stay home most days in the suburbs, or else go to the mall. The suburbs are more laid back. But take the metro downtown with friends, and you are set!
Although I live in Maryland, I spent 11 years in Fairfax VA, so if you need advice about the area, or the quirks of Virginia, feel free to ask. Yet I suppose the family you will be with will know all about that.
It sounds exciting, and hope it all goes well and you have a nice time!
My advice is to just be yourself! It is a diverse region so people will accept you as you are, for the most part. There is also a sizable population of people of Latin American descent, who maybe you could connect with and who could make the transition easier.
Do not be surprised if, for example, your waitress starts speaking to you in Spanish right away. They never do to me, I must look like a gringo (well, I am). But I see it all the time. They just seem to know based on appearance that a person speaks Spanish, and don't even bother with English!
I hope you can meet some nice young people. DC is a vibrant city. I did not arrive until I was about 24, but had some fun times downtown. But you cannot drink until you turn 21, so you may not be able to get in some places. Nowadays I am too old to want to party. I stay home most days in the suburbs, or else go to the mall. The suburbs are more laid back. But take the metro downtown with friends, and you are set!
Although I live in Maryland, I spent 11 years in Fairfax VA, so if you need advice about the area, or the quirks of Virginia, feel free to ask. Yet I suppose the family you will be with will know all about that.
It sounds exciting, and hope it all goes well and you have a nice time!