【ALT】ブレンダン先生からのメッセージ（３４）

ALTのブレンダン先生から、メッセージをいただきました。

先生は、高高生の英語力の向上のため、定期的にさまざまなテーマを提供してくれています。

Culture Shock in America!?

Hello everyone, long time no see! I hope you all stayed safe during the long, hot summer. I am very happy to be writing another message from the ALT! This time, I am writing about my experience in America during the summer.

In August, I traveled to my hometown to see my family for the first time in a year. I did not tell my brother, sister, and grandmother that I was visiting home, so I surprised them when I arrived in the country! We were all so happy to see each other again.

I have lived in Japan for almost four years. That is a very long time! Because of that, I am very used to life in Japan. When I returned to America, so many things surprised me. Even though I am American, I experienced culture shock in America! I had forgotten many things about life in the USA. Also, many things have changed since I moved to Japan.

One of the most surprising things for me was how talkative Americans are! When I was eating at restaurants, shopping at supermarkets, riding the train, and even walking on the street, people I did not know suddenly talked to me in a friendly way. Because I lived in Japan for such a long time, I had forgotten about this culture and was so surprised! Every day, I had so many quick conversations with people I did not know because they suddenly started talking to me!

I felt the most culture shock at American restaurants. In Japan, you can call any waiter to order your food. In America, you have one designated waiter for your table. Also, in America, you usually should not call a waiter. Periodically, the waiter will come and check your table. They will ask things like “How is everything?” and “Can I get you guys anything else?” This is when you can order more food and drinks! The waiters will often have short conversations with you too. When you want to pay for your food, the waiter will bring the check to your table. Then, you pay at the table! When you pay, you should absolutely leave a tip for your designated waiter. It should be about 20% of the price of the meal.

One good surprise I had was the food! I of course love Japanese food, but after four years in Japan, I was so happy to eat delicious American food. The problem was that it was EXPENSIVE. A hamburger in Chicago, for example, was about $20. Adding a 20% tip, that’s more than 3,500円 for ONE hamburger! I was happy that it was very delicious. I am very happy to be back in Japan, but I am excited to visit America again!

I had many more interesting experiences in America, so please ask me about them any time!