If you were to compare Russian and American culture, what are some of the broad distinctions you might draw?

 Russian culture belongs to the eastern type and American to the western type.

 Americans are more matter-of-fact and business-like; they are more active; they are not afraid of making severe life changes.

Can you describe some situations/incidents in which cultural expectations caused a misunderstanding?

 When you are in Russia, invited to someone’s home, you are asked to have tea or some food. In America this does not happen in every house.

What things stood out the most or what things did you most notice about Russia when you returned home?

 The one thing that pleased me is that my family was so glad to see me.

 People not smiling. Not helpful.

 Gloomy people on the streets; no adaptation of public places for disabled.

 People are less polite; there is garbage everywhere; there are no non-smoking areas.

By visiting the USA, have you learned anything new about yourself and your native culture?

 Russians are hospitable, collective. They discuss things in groups before making decisions. They are always ready to share.

 Russians are more family oriented.

 I learned that I should not feel inferior to other people because of being physically disabled.

 Being in the US I am conscious of being Russian and proud of it. I don’t mean that I stand out in American culture and most Americans can’t say I am from a different country unless I tell them, but somehow I always “feel” Russian and tell people I am from Russia with a sense of pride.

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