Starting a new chapter of your career in the United States is exciting, but it can also come with some cultural surprises. Beyond learning new clinical protocols or adjusting to a different healthcare system, many international healthcare professionals find that understanding social norms is an important part of settling in.
Whether you’re working in a busy hospital or moving into a new neighborhood, knowing what to expect in everyday interactions can help you feel more confident and connected. Here’s a guide to some of the most common social customs you’ll encounter in the U.S. and what they really mean.
Casual Greetings and Small Talk
In many cultures, questions like “How are you?” are reserved for genuine conversations. In the U.S., though, this phrase is often used as a quick, polite greeting rather than a real inquiry into your well-being. A simple response like “Good, thanks. How about you?” is typically expected, even if you’re not feeling your best.
Small talk is another everyday feature of American life. You might find yourself chatting about the weather, weekend plans, or even favorite TV shows with coworkers, neighbors, or strangers in line at the store. These short, casual conversations aren’t meant to be deep; they’re just a friendly way to connect and build rapport.
Smiles, Eye Contact, and Personal Space
In general, Americans tend to smile more frequently than people in some other cultures. A smile can signal friendliness, approachability, or gratitude, even if you don’t know the person well. Making brief eye contact during conversations is also considered polite and shows that you’re paying attention. However, staring for too long may be perceived as uncomfortable or overly intense.
At the same time, Americans typically value personal space. Maintaining a bit of physical distance (usually about an arm’s length) is standard when standing in a line or speaking with someone. This is especially important in professional settings like hospitals or clinics.
The Friendly Wave and Other Subtle Gestures
Waving is a common, nonverbal way to say hello, goodbye, or thank you. Whether it’s a neighbor on their porch, a coworker in the parking lot, or a driver letting you merge into traffic, a quick wave serves as a simple gesture of goodwill.
You might also see people nodding, raising their eyebrows slightly, or offering a quick “Hey” or “Hi there” as they pass by. These brief acknowledgments aren’t invitations to stop and talk; they are simple ways of showing friendliness and social awareness.
Punctuality and Politeness
Being on time is a big deal in the U.S., especially in the workplace. Arriving late to meetings, appointments, or social events without notice is generally considered disrespectful. If you’re running behind, even by a few minutes, a quick text or message is appreciated.
Politeness is also expressed through the frequent use of “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me,” and “sorry.” You will often hear these words in daily interactions, and people expect them in return. For example, if someone holds a door for you, a quick “thank you” is the norm, even if you’re in a hurry.
Asking vs. Offering Help
In some cultures, people automatically offer help if they see someone struggling. In the U.S., however, people may wait until they’re asked, especially in public or professional settings. If you need assistance at work or in the community, it’s perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) to ask directly. On the flip side, if you want to help someone, you might say something like, “Would you like a hand with that?” rather than jumping in.
Talking About Personal Topics
Americans tend to be open and friendly; however, certain topics are typically avoided in casual or professional conversations. These topics include politics, religion, salary, and personal relationships, especially with people you don’t know well. In general, it’s safer to stick with neutral subjects until a stronger relationship has been established.
Adapting Over Time
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about social expectations in a new country. The good news is that most Americans are understanding and appreciative when someone is making an effort to learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, observe how others interact, and give yourself time to adjust.
As a healthcare professional, your ability to connect with people is one of your greatest strengths. By learning a few key social norms, you’ll be even better equipped to build trust with patients, coworkers, and neighbors and feel more at home in your new environment.
Your partners at Global Nurse Partners are here to support you every step of the way, offering relocation and acclimation guidance to help make your transition to life in the U.S. as smooth and successful as possible.