The campus will remain closed until 12 noon Thursday, 02/13/25. Students should log into Canvas for specific class information from their instructors. Please contact event organizers for information on specific activities. Normal operations will resume at 12pm on Thursday.

Office of International Programs

Resources

LTU works to make your transition as seamless as possible.

Meditation Room

The Maibach Interfaith Lounge is located inside room T223 of the University Technology and Learning Center (UTLC). The lounge is open to all students during regular business hours for quiet reflection, personal meditation and/or prayer.

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interfaith-lounge

American Culture

VALUES

  • Americans are accustomed to having many choices.
  • Competition is common and generally accepted to be a positive thing. Those in competition with each other are often colleagues and even friends, and the competition does not hinder the personal relationship.
  • Americans value their personal space and privacy.
  • Many relationships are casual or informal. Even in academic and business settings, it is customary for everyone to address each other by their first names.
  • It is acceptable to disagree with others, even those who are in a position of authority.
  • People are judged more by what they produce.
  • Social, professional, and religious organizations are common.
  • Americans believe strongly in Individual responsibility. Each person needs to take care of themselves.
  • People are very direct in conversations. It is expected that someone will get right to the point and state their ideas clearly.

 

GREETINGS

  • In the U.S., a standard greeting is a smile, often complimented by a nod, wave, or verbal greeting. A nod “yes” consists of shaking your head vertically in agreement.
  • A handshake is very common in business and social settings for both men and women. Families and very close friends will often hug.
  • A common greeting is, “How are you?” This not an inquiry about your health. This greeting is referring to your general well-being. “Fine, thanks,” is a common response.
  • Maintaining eye contact is important in greetings and during a conversation.
  • In casual situations, a smile and verbal greeting are appropriate.
  • The use of first names may be encouraged, even at executive levels. To show respect, use a title (Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss) and their last name until you are told to do otherwise. If you are not told a last name, use the first name or nickname.
  • Be sure your U.S. acquaintances know what you wish to be called. It is not rude to help someone pronounce your name; it is very much appreciated.

 

BUSINESS PRACTICES

  • Being on time (punctual) is very important in the U.S. You are expected to arrive promptly at meetings. 
  • Scheduling of appointments is expected. It is advisable to arrive at least a 30 minutes prior to the close of the business day if you do not have an appointment in order to assure you can be helped.
  • Business is done quickly in the US.
  • Men and women are considered equals and should be treated as such. Personal equality is guaranteed by law. Whether a colleague is a man or woman is not taken into consideration in business matters.
  • Meetings often begin with introductions and a brief exchange of “small talk” before getting to the purpose of the meeting.
  • Americans see “begging” or “pleading” as a sign of weakness, or a demonstration of lack of trust.
  • The use of cell phones is very common in all aspects of life. You should excuse yourself if you need to take a call during a meeting.

 

DRESS

  • Conservative business attire is appropriate, although some offices use a less formal standard of dress that is know as, “business casual” attire.
  • Clothing is less formal and relaxed in non-business settings. Jeans, short pants and shirts without sleeves are acceptable in most social settings.

 

SOCIAL SETTINGS

  • Common topics of conversation are a person’s job, travel, foods, exercise, sports, music, movies, and books.
  • Avoid discussing politics, religion or finances. These are sensitive subjects, and people often disagree, which could lead to tension. It is even considered rude to discuss these topics with people you don’t know very well.
  • When dining out at a “sit-down” restaurant, you are expected to “tip” your server, or pay a gratuity. This means that you provide your server with extra money, typically 15% of your total bill, or 20% if you had a large group (more than 6 people).

 

COMMUNICATION

Communication is extremely important. We enjoy learning about your culture, as much as we hope you are enjoying learning about American culture. Please feel comfortable sharing your culture with us. In today’s global workplace, flexibility and understanding by ALL is vital!

Michigan Facts

Below are some fun and interesting facts about Michigan and some interesting Michigan Web Sites.

  • Time Zone: All of lower Michigan and most of the Upper Peninsula are in the Eastern Time Zone, and observes Daylight Savings Time
  • The name Michigan is derived from the Indian words, “Michi-gama” meaning large lake.
  • The state is often called the “Great Lakes State,” “Wolverine State,” or the “Water Winter Wonderland.”
  • The capital of Michigan was dedicated at Lansing in 1879.
  • Michigan’s Natural Features: Michigan has 57,022 square miles of land; 1,194 square miles of inland water and 38,575 square miles of Great Lakes water area. The state is 456 miles in length and 386 miles wide. There are 11,037 inland lakes in Michigan.
  • The state of Michigan has five professional sports teams:

 

The Detroit Lions (Football) Ford Field, Detroit

The Detroit Pistons (Men’s Basketball) Little Caesars Arena, Detroit

Detroit Red Wings (Hockey) Little Caesars Arena, Detroit

Detroit Tigers (Baseball) Comerica Park, Detroit

» Contact Us

A. Alfred Taubman Student Services Center
International@ltu.edu
248.204.3160

» Our Team

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Tech Transit

Tech Transit provides transportation for students to destinations around the Lawrence Tech campus and the city of Southfield.

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International Students Inc.

ISI can help you thrive in the US by helping you find a community that will support you as you adjust to a different culture and academic environment.

» Document Viewer

Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom

  • What you will need to have and do
  • Download the mobile Zoom app (either App Store or Google Play)
  • Have your phone plugged in
  • Set up video stand phone holder

From Computer

Log in and start your Zoom session with participants

From Phone

  • Start the Zoom session on your phone app (suggest setting your phone to “Do not disturb” since your phone screen will be seen in Zoom)
  • Type in the Meeting ID and Join
  • Do not use phone audio option to avoid feedback
  • Select “share content” and “screen” to share your cell phone’s screen in your Zoom session
  • Select “start broadcast” from Zoom app. The home screen of your cell phone is now being shared with your participants.

To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera

  • Open (swipe to switch apps) and select the camera app on your phone
  • Start in photo mode and aim the camera at whatever materials you would like to share
  • This is where you will have to position what you want to share to get the best view – but you will see ‘how you are doing’ in the main Zoom session.