“When the forecast is snowing, they are buying food”: Ukrainian spoke about the mentality of Americans
'16.04.2021'
Source: Gazeta.ua
Americans are trusting and polite. They will thank and smile, even if the situation is unpleasant for them. They have been taught this since childhood. However, if they really do not like something, they will call the services and leave complaints. Even if you have to wait a long time for the response of the operator.
About this edition Gazeta.ua said 22-year-old Olga Hamchuk from Ternopol. 14 years ago, with her parents, she moved to the United States and now lives with her husband in New Jersey.
“My mother won the green card, and six months later my family left for the USA. We are worn out with documents. It was necessary to issue a police clearance certificate for everyone, undergo a medical examination in Kiev, get all vaccinations and much more, - Olga recalls. - After moving, it was difficult for the first time to learn the language. In Ukraine, I studied English at school, so I had some kind of base. I remember how I played with American girls, spoke with a jumble of English and Ukrainian words. The most interesting thing is that the children did not laugh at me. Most Americans are generally patient with foreigners. Even if you don't know the language, they will try to help you ”.
In the movies, America is different from real life. Olga notes that people there are friendly only at first glance. Americans smile because they are used to it. They are taught from childhood that you need to be polite and smile at everyone, even if you don't want to. People always give thanks, it even happens automatically. For example, at the end of the working day, Olga heard from the boss “thank you” instead of “goodbye”.
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“At first, their constant“ politeness ”just infuriated, but now I’ve got used to it. But at the same time, people are gullible, so there are many scammers here, - Olga recalls. - Much differs from Ukraine. Houses are built of wood, and if you live in an apartment, you will hear absolutely everything that happens at your neighbors. And if you don't like something, they will definitely complain to some service. In many cases, you will need to listen to the robot, press different buttons a hundred times and then talk to the person who will direct you to another person, and so on in a circle! ”
The girl believes that in the country it is difficult to do without your own car. Because the bus system is not very developed.
“Without a car, you can only come to a store, but they will look at you like an alien,” says Olga.
“There are a lot of roe deer, hares and squirrels on the street and in parks, they run quietly,” the girl says. - Roe deer usually eat flowers, and if you calmly approach them, you can even take a picture up close. Recently, my husband and dad saw a bear crossing the road, and I noticed a turkey walking in the yard. Ducks can safely walk here, and no one has the right to kill these animals. ”
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Ukrainians are paid the same way as others. Salary depends on education, experience and language skills. At a clothing store, sellers receive $ 10-12 per hour. More often Ukrainians go to work as cleaners if they do not know the language. They pay for cleaning a separate apartment $ 80-150. Men work on construction for $ 11-13 per hour.
“Life in New Jersey is pretty boring and monotonous. Therefore, I love to travel to New York, for me this city is like a breath of fresh air. Everyone there is in a hurry, cars honk, someone plays the guitar or drinks coffee, - Olga shares. - I love to travel around the States, but it takes a lot of time, and the weekend is not enough. At work 5-10 days of vacation per year, excluding holidays. "
Olga says that a person with a small salary can easily buy everything he needs from products. For a month for two you need about $ 500. However, one salary is not enough to rent an apartment in a good area, which starts from $ 1300. Approximately $ 1000 will cost a room rental.
“Here women don't stand for hours at the stove. Americans are used to eating in restaurants. The prices in restaurants and cafes are quite symbolic, so they often eat here at home. We cook our own national Ukrainian cuisine, - says Olga. - I also like that here they do not take into account the opinions of other people regarding appearance and clothing. Do you want to leave the house in curlers? Nothing wrong! Do you want to go to the grocery store or movie in your pajamas? Forward! Women here do not look after: they don’t put on makeup, don’t wear heels, don’t bother about the wardrobe. ”
Olga noticed that among Americans, panic begins when the news reports of impending snowfalls. People go to grocery stores in bulk, buy water and various supplies. And all day you can hear only reports and talk about snow.
“In general, the USA is not a country for everyone. It's not like it is shown in the movies. Therefore, some are disappointed, earn money and return, - says Olga. “Others, on the contrary, having worn out in Ukraine, find in the States the life they dreamed of.”
Olga maintains her blog - @olya_in_usa, where he shares his thoughts about life in the United States.
