A drop in the bucket means a small and insignificant amount compared to what is needed or desired. It refers to the idea of adding a drop of water to a bucket that is already full or nearly full, which will not make much of a difference in the overall level of the water.
I know you’re trying to save money, but cutting back on your daily coffee won’t make much of a difference. It’s just a drop in the bucket.
Your $10 donation is appreciated, but it’s just a drop in the bucket compared to the amount we need to raise for this project.
Increasing our advertising budget by $1000 is only a drop in the bucket for our company’s overall marketing efforts.
Although the government has promised to increase funding for education, the amount allocated is only a drop in the bucket compared to what is needed.
2. Shape up or Ship out
Shape up or ship out means that a person needs to improve their behavior or performance, or else they will be removed from their position or situation. The phrase is often used to warn individuals that they need to change their ways or face negative consequences such as losing their job, being removed from a project, or being excluded from an opportunity.
The boss gave the unproductive team member a choice to either shape up or ship out of the company.
The coach gave the struggling player an ultimatum, telling him to shape up or ship out of the team.
The supervisor told the employee, who repeatedly came late to work, that he needed to shape up or ship out.
The director told the actors who were not taking the rehearsal seriously that they needed to shape up or ship out of the production.
Below are some essential things that you need to know that are connected to American culture. These are basic practices that are part of the American culture that you must learn to develop when you plan to study English in the USA. Familiarizing these things will make your interaction more meaningful and can easily communicate with Americans:
A strong sense of gratitude
Americans express appreciation for almost everything. This is one of the essential values in the USA. The sending of famous “Thank you” cards has become a habit for Americans. These cards are sent to thank someone who hosted a party, a dinner or a special meal. Even war veterans are thanked when they return from Iraq, Africa, or wherever they came from.
Respect for the law
Americans have high respect for the law. They are being taught that it is crucial to comply with the rules to live in a harmonious society. With this, try to get to know the legal issues of the state to avoid inconvenience when you wish to study English in the USA. The national flag and symbols are respected, so make sure to keep silent and listen carefully when the national anthem is sung.
Religion is important
Religion is an essential matter in the US, and it is vital to familiarize yourself with religious holidays. Without belonging to any religious group, you can offer assistance to churches that has a feeding program for the poor. You don’t need to be affiliated with religion as long as you can help.
Learn to cook
An invitation to eat is a usual American custom. This is one way of interacting with co-workers, neighbors, etc. It is prevalent in the US to meet for dinner. So preparing a special recipe to surprise your guests is a fantastic way to impress them, but if you do not know how to fry an egg, then you can choose to buy a meal instead. Make sure to learn a recipe and adapt to the local cuisine.
Learn their greeting practices
Hugging and kissing are the most common ways to greet others. When you plan to study English in the USA, make sure to read more about how the locals are greeting each other. Hugs are used to congratulate for the birth of a child, for a graduation or anniversaries, etc. Make sure to inquire very well about that state where you are since it could vary from one place to another.
Know the appropriate visiting hours
Always respect or follow the hours to visit. It is inappropriate to visit a person without prior notice. Every student who wishes to study English in the USA must take time to familiarize this because it can be considered as a lack of respect unless it is an emergency. When you are decided to study English in the USA, you should familiarize yourself the acceptable hours to visit a friend or classmate.
Master the measurement system
You must learn about the measurement system because knowing how to express in inches, feet, yards, and miles, is part of everyday conversations. With this, you should take this issue seriously. Fahrenheit is used instead of Celsius when it comes to temperature. An excellent practice to help you familiarize them is to activate the thermometer in ºF in your car to be related to cold or hot temperatures.
Learn the way to write dates
Educate yourself on the correct way to write dates. In the American system, it is written in this order: Month, Day, and Year. The first three letters of the corresponding month are also accepted, for example, Sep, May, Aug, etc.
California is one of the most famous states in the world with idyllic beaches, beautiful landscapes, and cities that combine the classic with the modern. It is also an excellent location to start or continue your studies. The history of California has Hispanic roots. The city was colonized by Spain, then won by the Mexicans. It was finally granted to the United States at the end of the war. Here is perhaps the explanation of why this is one of the most attractive states for students to study English in the USA and develop their careers.
California’s economy is among the ten most important economic powers in the world. The main economic activities of the state are agriculture, leisure or entertainment, electricity, and tourism. In California, some of the most important economic cities in the world are located, such as Los Angeles (entertainment, leisure), the Central Valley (agriculture), Silicon Valley (technology companies) and the Napa Valley (wine). California has a modern and postmodern cultural heritage that even influences America today: from the creation of Hollywood to the technological impact from Palo Alto, where inventions such as personal computers and Silicon Valley were created, which is the area that brings together companies such as Google, Facebook, etc. This guarantees that your plan to study English in the USA is a wise decision.
The Major Metropolitan Areas
The majority of California’s population is concentrated in three major metropolitan areas: Greater Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay area and the San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area. Other cities of importance are Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, Riverside, Stockton, Modesto, etc. Since California had a Hispanic origin. Spanish is the second language in a number of speakers, with 35.8% of the population. However, English is the official language, so you can study English in California but feel at home. California has a Mediterranean-like climate. The ocean generally moderates extreme temperatures, creating a warmer winter and colder summers, especially along with coastal areas. California has a special destination for every type of tourist, from adventurers to lovers of the tranquility of nature. This state catches your attention for sure. There are a lot of beautiful spots in this state that will want you more to study English in the USA.
Visiting the state of California is an unforgettable experience for many because of the many different destinations it has, from amusement parks to beaches and sanctuaries where whales can be observed. If you travel and study English in California, you cannot miss the opportunity to get to know Yosemite National Park. This natural area of more than 300 thousand hectares has meadows, rock formations, and waterfalls. One of its main tourist attractions in Yosemite is the Glacier Point. It is a viewpoint located on a cliff almost 2,200 meters high where you can get a panoramic view of the park.
If you long to see the whales, Monterey Bay is your ideal destination. Dozens of blue whales, humpbacks and dolphins are seen from April to mid-December in the national marine sanctuary. To see gray whales and dolphins, you must travel between the end of December and the entire month of March. Lovers of emotions and adventure should visit Lake Tahoe, located in the high mountains of Sierra Nevadas. This area has a track for mountain bikers and trails between forests. The second deepest lake in the United States amazes tourists with its blue hues. You can go kayaking and diving during the summer and skiing in winter. While you study English in the USA, it is best that you check this marine sanctuary to enjoy more your stay in the country.
Hollywood is one of the most important sites in California. You should visit the studios where hundreds of films and iconic series of today’s culture have been filmed. This district located in Los Angeles has dozens of hotels and bars to enjoy the nightlife of Hollywood. Downtown LA is a thriving business center and art district. Beverly Hills houses the famous shopping district and full of Hollywood celebrity mansions. Other areas to visit include the Sunset Strip music clubs, the Santa Monica waterfront, and the Venice waterfront. There are many tours that operate to give you a preview of the lives of the rich and famous of Hollywood. In addition, it has the Walk of Fame, where more than 2,000 celebrities have captured the palms of their hands.
Death Valley is the warmest, driest, and lowest place on earth. It is worth visiting during your stay in California. The landscapes are so varied in the Death Valley that you can see snow-capped mountains, dunes, dry salines, and lush forests all on the same day. Some of the most popular places to visit in the valley include Zabriskie Point, Wildrose coal ovens and ghost towns along the way. Use the small community of Death Valley Junction as your base of operations to explore these diverse and inspiring sites.
A few days in San Francisco is a must when you plan to study English in the USA. You can see the steep streets, Victoria architecture, the Pacific coast, and the Golden Gate Bridge. It is famous for its liberal atmosphere, LGBT communities, sourdough bread, seafood, and an occasional earthquake. The most popular areas of the city are Golden Gate Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and Chinatown. It is also worth visiting the peculiar neighborhoods.
Sacramento is the capital of California, but there are more than just government offices in this city of central-northern California. It has become popular as one of the main cities, with museums, architecture, and galleries to satisfy any art lover. Performing arts are also a big profession here, so check out a theater or comedy show during your stay. Be sure to spend some time in Midtown, a trendy neighborhood with modern restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
If you have not traveled a lot in California, you may have felt that California has to do with beaches, surfers and movie stars only. Since California is the most populous state and the most diverse state in the United States, there is more to this state than it seems. With this, your plan to study English in the USA is worth preparing. You can learn more about your student visa application in the United States by browsing our website or contact us below. Let the adventure begin!
When you decide to study at an English School in the USA, it is not always easy to adapt to a new culture, and you may suffer culture shock. However, this phenomenon is not as worst as it may seem. Many measures can help you prevent or overcome it quickly. Climate, language, financial situation, physical or mental health, among other things are factors that can contribute to making this adaptation even more difficult. You must be aware that when you study English in an ESL School in the USA, customs and traditions are very opposite or somewhat contrasting from your own culture. It is expected that this causes a feeling of frustration and depression. If this happens, you must face your goals and purpose as to why you have decided to study abroad and evaluate whether you want to continue.
Studying in an English School in the USA can be a big dream for many people as this is one of the best methods to improve your English communication skills and learn a different culture. But often, in the excitement of traveling to a different location, people end up not getting ready enough for a possible culture shock, or sometimes they don’t even know it exists. But yes, it does exist and is very common to countries that have significant cultural differences compared to your country of origin. So in this post, you are going to know more about the culture shock that you may experience in an ESL School in the USA, how to avoid it, ensuring you are prepared to make a meaningful study.
Culture Shock Defined
Culture shock is a mixture of sensations and feelings that a person can experience when he comes across a different culture that he is used to living with. It becomes noticeable when there are differences in people’s daily routines. This includes the language, traditions and customs and the way of life. This shock can cause surprise and uncertainty, generating some anxiety. It varies significantly in intensity, as some people may find it easier to adapt to new situations or even better prepared for it. It is more common to happen at the beginning of your study in an English School in the USA and, during the stay, the new environment becomes more familiar.
Why does culture shock may happen when you study at an English School in the USA?
Culture shock generally occurs when you lose enthusiasm about staying abroad. However, you can get used to these things to lead a new life in the best possible way as you study in an English School in the USA. The time it takes to overcome a culture shock can be very different. When you already arrived in an English School in the USA, it is common that you can see differences. It takes time to understand the culture and get used to it. And the more different the country’s culture and the less prepared you are, the harder it can be. However, culture shock is not bad. When overcome, it is beneficial in your personal development.
What can be done against a culture shock?
There are some aspects that you can take into account to avoid or minimize culture shock. You don’t need to worry. You will gradually adapt and integrate the culture. This is part of your precious experiences in studying in an ESL School in the USA. Some of the most common recommendations are:
Do research about the country: Knowing where you are going is one of the best ways to minimize culture shock. Reading the country’s history, its politics and language are ways to get tourists closer to the place. It is cool to dream about those beautiful photos and perfect landscapes seen on Instagram. However, be sure to search a little beyond what you see there. Social networks allow you to get closer to the place and will give you ideas or information about the country.
Keep an open mind: Accepting differences or new aspects of culture is the most crucial step. It is not advisable to continually compare how things are in your own country; in fact, this can be one of the big mistakes. Also, a negative attitude can not help at all. When studying in an English School in the USA, make sure to focus on enjoying diversity.
Try new things: Do not intend to continue with the habits you had. Try new flavors, have contact with the culture and local people. Immerse yourself into the culture around you.
Find your hobby: Whether it is a sport, dance or yoga, the important thing is that you like it. This will also help you increase your social network. People who can be your potential friends will open doors for you.
Communicate with your friends and relatives: Something as simple as signing up on Facebook, Twitter, or sending emails. Reading your local newspapers online can help you relax. Also, thanks to Skype, you can talk and even see your friends and relatives. This will allow you to have a quality conversation with your family and friends. Just don’t forget those postcards because they are still useful.
Find joy in small things: Do not only give importance to differences but also look at the details that make a country unique — kindness, hospitality, and how people establish social relationships. If you look at the bright side of things, for sure, this will attract your attention.
The fewer worries you have during your study and stay in an ESL School in the USA, the better. Having a complete preparation and an open mind helps you to manage when you encounter a possible culture shock. Make sure to keep in mind these six points and let yourself enjoy your study in an English School in the USA.