Learn More About the USA
General Information
- Country Name: United States of America (USA)
- Continent: North America
- Capital: Washington D.C.
- Population: more than 340,000,000
- Area: more than 9,000,000 km²
- Language: no official national language, but English is the most spoken language
- Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Landscape
Beaches, Deserts, Forests, and Flatlands: The Many Sides of the US
The US has a very diverse landscape, varying from snow-capped mountains to deserts and sandy beaches. One of the most popular mountain ranges is the Rocky Mountains, stretching from Canada down to New Mexico. You can find beautiful national parks to visit, like Yellowstone or Glacier National Park. However, you can also find some stunning deserts in the southwest of the US, like the Grand Canyon or Mojave Desert. A must-see is the sunny sandy beaches in states like Florida or California, whereas, for example, New England offers a beautiful rocky coastline.
In the central part of the US, you can find a region called the Great Plains, characterized by lots of flatlands and farmland. You can see for miles and miles, and the sky feels endless. Besides the mountains, deserts, and flatlands, the US also has lots of forested areas. Especially in the Northwest, in states like Washington or Oregon, you can find big, green rainforests. Another stunning miracle of nature is the gigantic ancient trees in Northern California, the Redwoods. Some of the trees are over 2,000 years old, 115 meters high, and have a trunk diameter of 7 meters.
Culture & Traditions
Sports, Holidays, and Small Talk: American Everyday Culture
When you ask someone what comes to their mind when thinking about the US, the answer is oftentimes "Everything is bigger." Even though this sounds like such a cliché, it is somewhat true. Cars, grocery stores, streets—everything is bigger compared to most European standards.
Especially sports play a big part in American culture. Whether it is American football, baseball, or basketball, people love talking about sports, especially during game season. Another big role in American culture is the celebration of major holidays, such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. Americans like to go all out for holidays with lots of decorations.
And of course, the US is also known for its food. Burgers, pizza, and hot dogs are widely eaten, but Mexican food is also very popular in the US. Of course, you can also find local specialties like a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich or New England clam chowder.
People in the US are generally very friendly and social. That is also why small talk is such a big part of American culture. So don't be surprised if a stranger randomly starts talking to you about a recent sports game or just tells you that they like your shirt. This is totally normal. However, when you enter a store and the cashier says, "Hi, how are you?", it is most likely only a set phrase and not a real question waiting for a meaningful answer. Just say "Good, how are you?" and you're all set.
Another big role in the US is religion. Many people are Christian and go to church every Sunday. Church services are oftentimes more modern and interactive, with lots of singing and dancing. Plus, it is a great way to meet new people because not only older people go to church in the US but also teenagers and children.
Education System
What High School in the US Is Like: Classes, Schedules & Clubs
In the US, schools are divided into elementary school (grades 1–4), middle school (grades 5–8), and high school (grades 9–12). However, the different grades can vary a bit depending on your location. A school year usually consists of two semesters, a fall semester and a spring semester.
It is very common for students to take a school bus to school. They are bright yellow and stop at different places around the neighborhood to pick up students for school. For older students who already have a driver’s license, it is normal to go to school by car. A regular high school day starts around 8 a.m. and lasts until 3 p.m. However, some schools are on a different time schedule.
In the US, there is usually a wide range of classes to choose from. Besides mandatory classes like English, math, or history, many schools also offer a lot of fun classes such as acting, ceramics, yearbook, early childhood education, team sports, business, etc. Oftentimes, you are assigned a guidance counselor who can help you with choosing your classes and creating your schedule. Some high schools in the US follow an A- and B-day schedule, switching daily, so you only have one half of your classes on A-days and the other half on B-days.
After school, many students take part in sports teams, such as cheerleading, football, tennis, cross-country, and track and field, or after-school clubs, like cooking, debating, drama, chess, creative writing, or volunteering. People in the US take their after-school activities very seriously and not only as a simple hobby. This is because it is very important for college applications to mention all your extracurriculars to show your interests and involvement. However, as an exchange student, it is a great way to meet new people that you already have an interest or hobby in common with.
Daily Life
After-School Life in the US: Coffee, Friends, and Hobbies
After work or after school, many Americans like to spend their free time with friends and family. Whether it is going to the movies, a sports game, or just grabbing a cup of coffee to chat, people like to hang out with others. Also, outdoor activities like hiking or biking are very popular.
Fun Fact
The Statue of Liberty in New York wears an EU shoe size of 1,200, which is an 876 in the US.
