The United States of America has long been seen as the land of opportunity.
More than 1 million international students a year choose the USA to start their careers.
Being one of the most popular study destinations, the USA’s education system ranks among the best in the world, with its renowned universities and research excellence.
International students choose to study in the USA due to the top-notch education and a wide range of cultural experiences.
While these cultural differences between India and the USA may be challenging for Indian students, knowing their differences and what to expect in the US culture can drastically improve your study-abroad experience.
If you are an Indian student wanting to study in USA, read more to know the differences between the US and Indian cultures.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The differences between Indian and US cultures
- What can Indian students expect from these differences
- How to adapt to the US culture
Ready to study in the USA and explore the cultural differences between India and the USA? Let's get started.
India culture vs USA culture: Key differences
Cultural differences
- Language
- Food
- Lifestyle
- Family and social life
- Professional life
Adapting to the US culture
- Making new friends
- Dealing with homesickness
- Exploring food options
- Learning the language accent
- Maintaining study-life balance
- Earning while learning
Aspire to study in the USA? Here’s everything you need to know!
Cultural differences
1. Language
India and the USA have many linguistic differences. India has numerous regional languages with different dialects. English is the common language in the USA and tends to be more straightforward. Apart from English, several languages are spoken by immigrants from around the world.
Formality is maintained in Indian communication, especially in academic and professional settings, with titles like “sir” or “madam” often used to show respect.
However, American communication tends to be more informal and direct. While politeness is maintained, Americans address each other by first names, even in professional settings.
2. Food
Indian cuisine has a mixture of flavours and spices. It includes a variety of traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes with many ingredients and spices. The staple foods include rice, lentils, and bread.
While American food is not as spicy as Indian cuisine, it is diverse with dishes like hamburgers, hot dogs, and macaroni and cheese.
In India, meals are mostly shared with families and friends, having an array of dishes. Indian dining is a social event. On the other hand, American dining tends to be more fast-paced and on-the-go.
American cuisine is popular for its grab-and-go options and food trucks, catering to busy schedules and preferences.
3. Lifestyle
Indian and American lifestyles exhibit stark differences in clothing, hobbies, activities, and festivals.
Indian apparel differs across regions, with a mix of colours and designs. Dressing up is often regarded as a way of self-expression and is tied to religious and social customs. On the other hand, American fashion is more casual and functional. While formal attire is worn on special occasions, jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers are used for daily wear.
Indian lifestyle includes a blend of traditional rituals, family gatherings, and social events. In contrast, the American lifestyle has varied hobbies and activities like hiking, camping, gaming, and streaming entertainment.
Indian festivals are accompanied by rituals and traditional performances. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Eid are celebrated for consecutive days. American festivals consist of a wide range of cultural, musical, and culinary celebrations. Festivals like Christmas and Easter are celebrated through social gatherings, feasts, and festive decorations.
4. Family and social life
In India, the practice of extended families and living together or nearby is common. with frequent family gatherings and celebrations. Respect for elders and family traditions is given importance.
American family and social life focus more on individualism and personal preferences. Nuclear families are common, with parents and children being independent. Americans also value friendships and social networks.
Family gatherings and social activities are significant during holidays, but the frequency and scale may differ from the elaborate celebrations in India.
5. Professional life
In India, professional life is often influenced by hierarchy and authority.
Corporate structures are more formal. Employees usually address their colleagues and seniors using titles. Work-life balance can vary, with some sectors prioritising long hours and professional dedication.
Compared to India, hierarchies are often flat in the USA. Colleagues typically address each other by first names regardless of their position.
Work-life balance and personal commitments are strongly emphasised, with flexible working hours and remote work options.
Adapting to the US culture
1. Making new friends
Making new friends with students in the USA is a great way to adapt to their culture! Studying in the USA allows you to meet people from around the globe and opens doors to new experiences.
Friends can make you feel better mentally and even help you with your studies. Moreover, studying with friends is a great way to get work done and socialise.
Also read: How to make new friends when studying abroad
2. Dealing with homesickness
Adapting to US culture not only eases homesickness for Indian students but also enhances personal growth.
Engaging in conversations with a group of people, participating in cultural events like Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and learning about the local lifestyle bring familiarity to their new surroundings.
Connecting with fellow students and engaging in extracurricular activities can help Indian students feel included. This becomes a crucial support system during moments of homesickness.
3. Exploring food options
Adapting to local cuisine helps to get into US social circles. Be it joining students or colleagues for lunch or participating in dining events, Indian students can get to know the US culture better.
Shared meals create a relaxed environment, helping students to initiate conversations and build connections. Exploring markets, trying regional dishes, and engaging in conversations about food become opportunities for cultural exchange.
4. Learning the language accent
Learning the US English accent makes understanding lectures, participating in discussions, and engaging with peers easier.
This could be engaging in casual conversations with students and native people, participating in social events, or networking for future opportunities. Learning the US English accent makes adapting to the culture smoother for Indian students.
5. Maintaining study-life balance
A healthy study-life balance is crucial for Indian students to adapt to the US culture. Spending time with people and engaging in social activities helps Indian students to get along well with the US culture.
Engaging in extracurricular activities or joining university student clubs and sports teams is a great way to adapt to the US culture and have a healthy balance between study and personal life.
Many universities have international student societies and clubs to welcome all students. This balance contributes to a better academic journey for Indian students.
Also read: What’s student life like in the USA?
6. Earning while learning
Engaging in internships or part-time jobs while studying in the USA can be an eye-opening experience for Indian students. By actively participating in internships, Indian students not only gain practical skills and work experience but also become familiar with the US work culture.
Internships and part-time jobs also help in earning money and saving the costs of living, thus reducing financial stress. Part-time jobs and internships also serve as networking platforms, enabling Indian students to interact with professionals and peers. By adapting to the American work culture, Indian students will have a better overall experience in their study abroad journey.
Also read: Your step-by-step guide to finding an internship abroad
Get ready to study in USA
At Edvoy, we pride ourselves on simplifying the study-abroad process for students. With comprehensive guidance, we'll assist with
- Finding the ideal study abroad program in USA
- Selecting universities with connections to global industries
- Navigating the application process for both studies and internships
- Overcoming challenges like visa requirements and language barriers
- Maximising the learning, cultural immersion, and long-term career benefits
Explore the culture and education of the USA with our platform.
Edvoy helps you turn your aspirations into a global education journey, making your decision process seamless. Discover the perfect institution to boost your educational experience.
Start your study abroad journey with Edvoy. Get in touch with a friendly Edvoy Counsellor and download the app today.
India culture vs USA culture: Your questions answered!
We've collated answers to commonly asked questions to assist you in your study abroad journey. Find your answers below!
How is the USA different from India?
The USA differs from India culturally in food, language, lifestyle (clothing, hobbies/activities, festivals), family and social life, and professional life.
How is life in USA for Indians?
The USA offers many benefits in terms of lifestyle for Indians. These include high salaries and employee benefits like paid leave or vacation time, health insurance, and many more. The USA also offers multicultural diversity for Indians in terms of food and language.
Is it worth moving to USA from India?
Yes. The USA is a leading destination for international students seeking high-quality education and diverse cultural experiences.
The country’s education system is ranked among the best in the world, and its universities are renowned for their research excellence. The USA also provides multiple job opportunities for Indian students post-graduation.
Why do most Indians move to USA?
Indian students often prefer studying and moving to USA for several compelling reasons:
- World-class education - The USA is home to many top-ranked universities renowned for their academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and innovative teaching methods.
- Diverse range of programs - US universities offer a wide variety of programs and majors, allowing students to choose fields that align with their interests and career goals.
- International exposure - Living and studying in a culturally diverse environment exposes Indian students to different perspectives, lifestyles, and cultures, fostering personal growth and adaptability.
- Quality of life - The USA offers a high standard of living with modern amenities, healthcare facilities, and a safe environment, making it an attractive destination for Indian students seeking a comfortable and secure lifestyle.
- Career opportunities - A degree from a USA university often opens doors to global career opportunities. Many Indian students aspire to work in multinational companies or pursue further studies or research on an international scale after completing their education in the USA.
- Post-study options - The USA offers post-graduation work opportunities, including Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students, allowing them to gain practical experience in their field of study.
