You have made significant milestones to get your teen to the United States of America. So what now?
Fitting in American society can be a challenging process, especially for a teen. Now that you have gotten them here, you need to be careful to ensure that your teen fits in well. But where do you start?
Well, you have made a significant move by coming to this website. So, what does it take to fit in America? Keep reading to learn about essential tips to help your teen fit into American society.
How to Fit in the American Society
1. Let them Learn the Language
One of the best tips for integrating successfully into a foreign country is to learn the country’s language. Your teen might find themselves in uncomfortable and awkward situations if they misinterpret words or meanings.
Speaking the language is one thing; understanding the usage is a different skill. So, you should master ways to get them ready to learn. For instance, context clues and learning American English for newcomers can help your teen understand words they are not familiar with.
Also, let them learn about slang phrases and words. It is important to note that different states in the US have their way of saying things. So, being acquainted with slang words and phrases from other cities will help your teen fit in well.
2. Encourage Them To Meet The Locals
When in a new country, you will be tempted to look for people from your mother country and live with them.
Staying with a community comprising people from your country will help your teen ease any shock and social anxiety they might experience. However, it makes it even hard for them to integrate well into American society.
Encourage your teen to meet and know the locals. If they are students, motivate them to join various activities and clubs in their school. Taking part in a team will give them a new sense of belonging.
3. Acquaint them with the Culture
Culture is a critical aspect when living in a foreign country. Getting acquainted with American Culture will make it easy for your teen to fit in the society seamlessly.
The teen can learn a lot about the American Culture from simple things like watching their favorite American shows on TV. A mix of the nightly news, reality shows, and sitcoms will provide them with crucial information about the American Culture.
4. Encourage them to Get a Job
Your teen can be a significant contributor to American society if they have a paycheck. Besides, at the workplace, the teen will interact with the locals.
Getting hired to work in any American workplace is a great way for the teen to learn from diverse people. In addition, it gives them a rare opportunity to learn the language and culture and meet locals at the same time.
5. Being Sociable
The United States of America has people from all walks of life. How your teen interacts with the people they meet is crucial in their stay in the country.
One way to fit in fast in a new culture is to be social. Other people will be more willing to engage you in talks if they see that you are ready to engage them. So, they should learn to make other people like them.
Final Thoughts
No doubt, being new to America can be challenging for your teen. However, how fast they learn the new language, culture, and how they interact with the locals can ease or harden their stay here. Follow the above teens to help your keen feet in American society.
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This article is written by a contributing author.
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