Language:

English is the predominant language in the U.S., though due to the diversity of citizens, many other languages from around the world can also be heard.  One of the most common languages heard in the U.S., aside from English, is Spanish.  Currently, it is not unusual to find information in both English and Spanish due to the large and constantly growing Latino/a population in the country.

Cost of Living:

The cost of living varies across the U.S. In larger cities, such as New York, Chicago, or Los Angles, expect a much higher living cost than smaller towns and cities. To find more information about the cost of living in various cities around the U.S. please go to this site:
 http://swz.salary.com/CostOfLivingWizard/layoutscripts/coll_start.asp . 
To see examples of costs of daily necessities please refer to this site:
http://www.studygroup.com/embassyces/english/
centres/cost_of_living_usa.asp .
To find out more about various cities around the U.S. please visit: http://www.bestplaces.net/ .

Visa and Work Permits:

In order to work in the U.S., you do need to obtain a work permit which is applied for and submitted by a university if you are a student or a willing employer. There are various types of temporary work visas that can be acquired in the U.S., depending on your qualifications and situations.  For more information please refer to these two websites for more information: http://travel.state.gov/index.html and http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/tempbenefits/TempWorker.htm .
Also International students with an F-1 visa in the U.S. have two options for them, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) & Optional Practical Training (OPT) for work eligibility in the U.S. For more information please refer to your local university’s international center.

Job Searching:  

The job search in the U.S. is very similar to Canada.  There are various ways to obtain a job, which can be through networking, internet job boards, and submitting resumes through company websites. It is highly encouraged that job seekers utilize all these methods in finding work in the U.S. You can also obtain seasonal work and visas through programs such as BUNAC. For more information on job searching in the U.S. for internationals, please refer to MU’s International Students’ Career Services at http://career.missouri.edu/ISCS
or contact the MU Career Center at http://career.missouri.edu.

Cultural Differences in Workplace:

Work culture in the U.S. can be very different than in other parts of the world.  They emphasize individualism and the “Protestant work ethic”.  Full time work is considered 40 hours/week, though it is not unusual for many to work 50 to 60 hours a week.  They usually operate on a five-day work week, and it is normal to see less emphasis on a vertical hierarchy within the company.  U.S. workers typically have two weeks of paid vacation (as well as major national holidays off) and some companies offer retirement, childcare, and healthcare benefits.   Also, for some internationals, they need to pay careful attention to the nonverbal behavior and expectations that they have when joining a U.S. company, such the expectations for both males and females to shake hands and have direct eye contact during interactions with others. For more information please contact International Students’ Career Services or the MU Career Center at the University of Missouri—Columbia

Money and Banking:  

The U.S. currency is the dollar (USD or $) and uses both metal coins and paper bills.  In terms of banking, you will need identification (such as passport or social security number) to open a bank account and some banks will require other things, such as a minimum amount deposited for a savings or checking account.  Some larger banks in the U.S. are: Bank of America, Chase Manhattan Bank, and BankOne.  For more information about various banks please use this link:
http://www.quazell.com/bank/bank_usa.html.

Safety and Security:  

As with any country, please be aware that in certain areas of the US there are higher crime rates than others, so always be aware of your safety and surroundings.