Culture and Social Customs

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Summer Work and Travel Program

Participant Handbook

Apartment TipsSave Money on Utilities

Electricity: Set the thermostat at 72 degrees.

Use window shades to reduce or block sunlight and heat during the summer.

Keep windows closed if you are using the air conditioner to cool your room.

When you leave the room for an extended amount of time, turn the lights off

Turn the heat down during the day, especially if you're not home. What is the sense of heating the apartment if no one is in it? Don't turn it off completely, but just bring it down a few degrees.

Computers and particularly laser printers can really run up your power bills. Keep your printer turned off using the switch on the printer, when not in use.

Refrigerators: Keep the refrigerator section at between 2C and 5C (36 to 42° F,) and the freezer at -18C (0° F). These temperatures help ensure food safety, but lowering the temperatures further only wastes power.

Water: Do not let the water run

Keep the showers short.

Instead of letting the water run while you scrub the dishes, clean them in a sink filled with water.

When using the dishwasher, turn off the drying cycle if you don't need dishes right away.

Scrape dishes before loading them into the dishwasher so you don't have to rinse them. If they need rinsing, use cold water.

Call the Maintenance Office if you see a water leak anywhere.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth, shaving, etc.

Wash your clothes in cold water.

Cleaning:

Keep your bathroom floor dry. Keep bath and shower curtains inside the tub.

Empty your trash regularly.

Clean your dishes daily. Do not leave them dirty in the kitchen sink.

Vacuum your carpets once a week.

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Culture and Social Customs

The following are general American characteristics that can help you while you adjust to living in the United States. Please keep in mind that, just as is the case in any other country, Americans vary from person to person and from one location to another.

Communication: Don't be afraid to make friends or ask questions or ask for help!

Americans tend to be very informal in the way they treat each other, even in the presence of great differences in age or social standing, in the way they often call each other by their first names, rather than use Mr. or Ms. followed by the last name. Do not use a person's first name unless you are invited to do so. Use "Mr.”, "Mrs.”, or "Miss” and the last name.

American culture is verbal. Misunderstandings can occur if one person tries to communicate non-verbally and the other does not understand or misinterprets the message. To avoid misunderstandings, ask for clarification when not sure you understand the speaker. It is common to do so in the United States. You can politely interrupt a conversation when you don’t understand (example: “Can you please repeat”. “Excuse me. I did not understand what you said”).

Time: Respect others-be on time

Americans place considerable value on punctuality. It is impolite to arrive even a few minutes late for appointments. If you are unable to keep an appointment, you are expected to phone the person that you are meeting.

Invitations: Build relationships. Have fun.

Americans don’t usually visit each other unless invited or prearranged. It is always wise to telephone before visiting someone at home. When invited to a party, or diner, make sure you respond quickly to your host or hostess. It is rude to fail to respond. If you accept the invitation, you are expected to attend. If after accepting the invitation you are unable to attend, be sure to inform the person who invited you.

Although it is not necessarily expected that you give a gift to your hosts, it is considered polite to do so, especially when you are invited for a meal. If you wish to bring a gift, flowers, candy, a bottle of wine, or a gift from your country are all appropriate.

Your hosts will expect you to arrive at the time that they suggest that you arrive. Do not arrive more than 15 minutes later. Always call if you are unable to arrive on time.

At informal dinners, most men wear casual slacks and a shirt or sweater. Women usually wear casual dresses or pants outfits. If you have questions as to what you should wear to a dinner of luncheon, it is appropriate to ask your hosts.

If you are invited to a “Pot Luck” dinner party, you are expected to bring some type of food to share with the other guests. Most hosts will ask that you bring a specific type of food such as a salad, or desert. If you are not sure whether to bring a “covered dish” or not, ask the host.

Dining in Restaurants

There are many restaurants in Central Pennsylvania that offer a variety of menus, cuisines and entertainment. The Harrisburg Hello Guide included in your welcome packet is a good source for dining, shopping and entertainment. Also check the internet and local newspapers for local events and specials.

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When you arrive inside a restaurant, you will usually see a sign requesting you to wait to be seated. In most restaurants, customers are not allowed to smoke. Some bars that serve food allow smoking in a designated section. You can request to be seated in the smoking section.

Table manners in the United State may be different from those of your country. Except when cutting something while eating, Americans don't put both hands on the table. The left hand rests on their lap when not in use and the right carries the fork. Americans do not put their elbows on the table while eating.

If you need something while dining at a restaurant, make eye contact with the waiter and raise your index finger. If you cannot get the waiter's attention, say "Excuse me,” when he or she passes by. Do not shout, clap, snap your fingers or call "Waiter”!

Tipping

It is customary when eating in a restaurant to give a gratuity (or “tip”). The tip is not included in the check for your meal. Follow these guidelines for tipping:

People you should tip Amount

Waiters and waitresses 15% to 20%Taxi drivers 15% to 20%Barbers and hair stylists 10% to 15%Coat checkers At least $1 Porters $1 per luggageRoom service 20%

People you should not tip

Airline stewards, train conductors, bus drivers, and ticket agents

Elevator operators

Gas station attendants

Government employees (custom agents, police firefighters)

Hotel receptionists

Store clerks

Theater or cinema ushers

Fast food restaurant staff.

Buying and Drinking Alcohol

Pennsylvania State law prohibits persons under the age of 21 from drinking or buying alcohol. Liquor stores clerks, bar attendants might ask to see proof of age before selling or serving you alcohol.

In the United States, driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is a crime. According to Pennsylvania Law, you are considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol if the level of alcohol in your blood is .08% or higher. Penalties for DUI are strict. You can lose your license for up to one year, as well as spend time in jail and have to pay a fine.

It is illegal to drink alcohol or have an open container of alcohol in your car while driving.

Cigarettes and Smoking

Do not smoke in your apartment. Smoke outside and put cigarette butts in a closed container.

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It can be dangerous to throw cigarette butts outside as it can start fire.

Smoking in public spaces, or privately owned properties is generally prohibited. Public space includes airplanes, public transportation, office buildings, hallways, and lobbies.

Do not smoke in an American home.

It is illegal to sell cigarettes to a person under the age of 18. A cashier can ask you to see proof of age.

Communications

Mail

Your mail is delivered daily except on Sundays and national holidays. If you want to mail letters, you can stamp them and put them in your mailbox for the postman to pick up. You can also take them to the post office or drop them in one of the blue mailboxes located on street corners. To make sure your mail reaches its destination, use the correct postage, and address it properly. The following are mailing standards:

Address form:

Mailing to the U.S. Mailing to another country

The fifty states are identified by the U.S. post office with two-letter abbreviations. The post office will not be able to deliver your mail if it doesn’t specify the State or zip code. A list of two-letter state abbreviations is attached to this document. To search for zip codes, visit: www.usps.com.

Sending Money

• Do not send cash through the mail. You can mail personal checks or money orders. Money orders are available at the post offices and banks. You will be charged a fee for money orders.

• Western Union

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Your Name STAMP318 Chestnut StreetYour Apartment NumberHarrisburg, PA 17101

(Mr., Mrs., Miss)Recipient’s NameCompany (if applicable)Title of the Recipient Street Address or P.O. Box NumberCity, State, Zip Code

Your Name STAMP318 Chestnut StreetYour Apartment NumberHarrisburg, PA 17101USA

(Mr., Mrs., Miss) Recipient’s NameCompany (if applicable)Title of the Recipient Street AddressCity Code, City COUNTRY

Television Cable

If you wish to receive cable service, contact your apartment's office for information. Some apartment complexes have special cable and internet rates and can assist you to set up the service.

Holidays

Offices, shopping malls, liquor stores and grocery stores are closed during some of the following holidays:

New Year’s Day is January 1. The celebration of this holiday begins the evening before, when people gather to wish each other happiness in the coming year.

The Reverend Martin Luther King Day is celebrated on the third Monday in January. This national holiday recognizes Martin Luther King, Jr., who was a major leader of the 1960s non-violent civil rights movement for Black Americans. Presidents’ Day, the third Monday in February, commemorates the service of all U.S. Presidents.

Valentine’s Day, February 14 is an informal, non religious holiday when lovers, husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, and friends exchange small gifts such as flowers, cards, or candy as a sign of affection.

Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, is a high-spirited day on which Irish Americans celebrate all things Irish. There are parades, people dress in green clothes, go to parties, and drink Irish and green colored beer.

Passover is a Jewish holiday celebrated in late March or early April. Passover celebrates the Israelites’ freedom from slavery in Egypt over three thousand years ago.

Easter is celebrated by western Christianity on the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or after March 21, celebrates the Christian belief in the resurrection of Christ. For Christians, Easter is a day of religious services and the family gathering. Many Americans maintain the old traditions of coloring hard-boiled eggs and giving children candy baskets, children hunt for colored eggs that they believe were left by a giant rabbit called Easter Bunny.

Memorial Day, the fourth Monday of May is a holiday that honors deceased war veterans. Although it originated after the US war of Northern aggression, it has become a day on which the dead of all wars and the dead generally are remembered in special services held in cemeteries, churches, and other gathering places.

Independence Day, July 4th, honors the nation’s birthday – the signing of the declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Americans celebrate Independence Day with picnics with friends and family in parks and backyards.

Labor Day, first Monday in September, is a holiday that honors the nation’s working class, typically with parades. For most Americans it marks the end of summer and for many students the beginning of the new school year.

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Columbus Day, October 1492, Italian navigator Christopher Columbus landed in America. Although most other nations of the Americas observe this holiday on October 12, in the United States it takes place on the second Monday in October.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, between mid-September and mid-October, is the New Year according to the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur, ten days later, is known as a “Day of Atonement” when Jews ask for forgiveness and reconciliation.

Halloween, October 31—although this holiday has old religious rituals, it is a fun holiday in the United States when people celebrate by disguising themselves in costumes. Children dress up in funny or scary costumes and go “trick or treating” (knocking on doors in their neighborhood. The neighbors usually respond by giving them candy or money.

Ramadan is a Muslim holiday, the entire ninth month of the Muslim calendar and represents the time when the holy Quran (revelations of God) were sent down from heaven. It is honored by fasting and abstinence during daylight hours and focusing on faith. The 27th night is the Night of Power (celebrating the night Muhammad received the revelations) and at month’s end a three-day Feast of Fast Breaking (El Eid). The fast is observed as a celebration of thanksgiving as well as a way of gaining social empathy and feeling the pain of those less fortunate people who do not have enough food.

Veterans’ Day, November 11, honors veterans of all wars.

Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November, is a non-religious, family holiday that commemorates the first European settlers in the United States. This holiday started in 1621, the year after the Puritans arrived in Massachusetts to practice their dissenting religion without persecution. After a tough winter, in which about half of them died, they turned for help to neighboring American Indians, who taught them how to grow corn and other crops. The next autumn’s bountiful harvest inspired the Pilgrims to give thanks by holding a feast which became a national tradition. To this day, Thanksgiving dinner usually includes some of the foods served at the first feast: turkey, cranberry sauce, potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Before the feast begins, families or friends usually pause to pray and give thanks for their blessings, including the joy of being united for the holiday.

Hanukkah, in November or December, is a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight days. This holiday, the “Festival of Lights”, commemorates the rededication of the great Temple in Jerusalem. Today, Jews celebrate Hanukkah by singing and praying, giving gifts to children, and playing special games.

Christmas, December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 25, is a Christian holiday marking the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is marked by social and family gatherings. Decorating homes and yards with lights, putting up trees, giving presents, and sending cards have become traditions even for many non-Christians. Towns are often decorated with wreaths and lights as well. Most employees and schools provide a break that begins before Christmas and sometimes extends until January 2.

Kwanzaa is a festive, non-religious celebration founded in 1966 as a celebration of black culture with its roots in the harvest festivals of Africa. It lasts December 26 to January 1.Each day focuses on one of the seven principals: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

Pennsylvania Criminal Offenses Awareness

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Committing a crime in Pennsylvania may have a serious impact on your personal freedom & finances, education and employment opportunities. Also, as a guest in the United States, it could lead to deportation. The following criminal offenses are part of the extensive Pennsylvania Crimes Codes.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE

Public Drunkenness: A person is guilty if they appear in a public place under the influence of alcohol that endangers himself or others or annoys other persons in the vicinity.

Underage Drinking: If a person under the age of 21 attempts to purchase possesses, consume or transport any alcoholic beverage.

Selling or Furnishing Alcohol to Minors: A person commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if they sell, purchase or furnish alcohol to persons less than 21 years of age.

Possession of Small Amount of Marijuana: A person is unlawful when they unknowingly, knowingly or intentionally possesses a small amount of marijuana (Hashish), a Schedule 1 substance, and is not authorized by law to possess such substance, and is outline under the Controlled Substances, Drugs, Device and Cosmetic Act of 1972.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: A person is unlawful when they possesses, with the intent to use, drug paraphernalia which is used for packaging, manufacturing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance in violation of the Controlled Substances, Drugs, Device and Cosmetic Act of 1972.

PERSONAL ACTS OF CONDUCT

Criminal Trespass: A person is guilty of Criminal Trespass if they enter or remain in a place knowing that they are not licensed or privileged to be there. Any structure or area that is surrounded by a fence to exclude intruders or is posted with a sign (such as a swimming pool) is considered being off limits. Merely being told by the owner or manager of the property constitutes formal notice. Criminal Trespass can range from a summary offense to a felony if force or intimidation was used to enter the area in question.

Defiant Trespass: If an individual is told by the owner or an authorized person in authority to leave an area and that person refuses.

Disorderly conduct: Causes public inconvenience or alarm. If you engage in fighting, unruly behavior, using obscene language or gestures or making unreasonable noise such as having a loud party that results in neighbor complaints, you are guilty of Disorderly Conduct.

Criminal Mischief: A person is guilty of this offense if they intentionally damage the property of another.

Shoplifting: If you remove items from a store or change price tags to reflect a lower price you are guilty of shoplifting. Depending on the amount of the items taken, this can range from a summary to a felony charge. *Most stores have surveillance cameras and store security watching shoppers.

Terroristic Threats: Any individual who commits any crime of violence with the intent to terrorize another; cause an evacuation of a building or place of assembly; cause serious public inconvenience; or cause terror with reckless disregard.

Identity Theft: Identity theft is a crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal information in some ways that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. This personal data could be a Social Security number, bank account and credit card information.

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Simple Assault: A person is guilty of assault if he recklessly causes bodily injury to another; negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.

The Arrest Process

Each municipality in Pennsylvania has a law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling and responding to calls. They have the power of arrest and to use force if necessary. Law enforcement officers are trained to use physical force, chemical spray, taser guns and weapons in order to protect themselves, others or to make an arrest. It is important to fully cooperate with the police.

Stop: You may be stopped for questioning by the police.

Search: Police officers are permitted to search your body and or clothing for weapons or other contraband when making a valid arrest.

Arrest: The police may arrest you if there is “probable cause”. This means that there must be a reasonable belief that a crime was committed and you committed the crime. An arrest warrant is not necessary.

Booking: After you’re arrested, the police will bring you to the police station for the booking process. You’ll be fingerprinted and asked questions. You’ll also be searched and photographed. Your personal property such as jewelry will be catalogued and stored. Your options for an attorney will be discussed.

Arraignment: Once criminal charges are filed, you’ll make a court appearance known as an “arraignment”. If you are incarcerated, this will usually occur within 72 hours of our arrest. During your arraignment, you’ll be asked to enter a “plea” to the crime you’ve been charged with. Bail/Bond: “Bail” is money or property put forth as security to ensure that you’ll show up for further criminal proceedings.

Resolution: Your case may go to “trial” or be resolved by an agreement with the District Justice.

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PLACES OF INTEREST

FITNESS

Fitness U201 Strawberry Square Harrisburg, PA 17101Phone: (717) 236- 3476

MUSEUMS

The Harsco Science CenterWhitaker Center for the Science and Arts222 Market St. Harrisburg, PA 17101Phone: (717) 221-8201www.whitakercenter.org

State Museum of Pennsylvania 300 North St. Harrisburg, PA 17120Phone: (717) 787-4980www.statemuseumpa.org

PARKS AND OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS

City IslandCity Island includes many great activities including miniature golf, batting cages, an arcade, baseball diamond, volleyball courts, and much more. www.harrisburgevents.com/Common/City_Island.html

Riverfront Park“One of the most scenic inland waterfronts in the United States”. Originating just below Shipoke, south of Center City, and running five miles north to the city line, the park is particularly known for the concrete river steps and walkway that follow the length of the park up to Maclay Street and descend into the river.” The park is also noted for its festivals, monuments and special features including: Sunken Gardens (at Verbeke St.), Par-Course (at Maclay St.), Unified Force” and “Egyptian Gate” Sculptures (at Forster and Strawberry Sts. respectively), Peace Garden (at Emerald St.), Kunkel Plaza (at State St.), and the Holocaust Memorial (at Sayford St.). http://www.harrisburgpa.gov/Visitor/parks-rec/City_Parks.html

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http://www.statemuseumpa.org/

http://www.whitakercenter.org/

Hershey Park100 W. Hersheypark Dr, Hershey PA 17033Phone: 1-800-Hersheywww.hersheypark.com

As a year-round destination, Hershey is home to this world-class amusement park, exclusive resorts, and attractions for the whole family. Hersheypark is located near the Hershey Chocolate Factory and your Hersheypark admission also includes entry into ZOOAMERICA.

For additional parks visit: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks

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http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks

-PENNSYLVANIA BICYCLE LAWS- WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

In Pennsylvania, a bicycle is considered a vehicle and, as such, is governed by a general set of rules (common to all vehicles) and a specific set of rules (designed for bicycles). The following list provides all of the important sections of the Vehicle Code which a Pennsylvania bicyclist should know. Keep in mind that the laws themselves often describe only what a bicyclist is required to do, not how to do it. This manual addresses how to bicycle safely and efficiently by following the rules of the road.

(1) A person may park a bicycle on a sidewalk unless prohibited or restricted by an official traffic-control device.(2) A bicycle parked on a sidewalk shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of pedestrians or other traffic.

A person shall not ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk in a business district unless permitted by official traffic-control devices, nor when a usable bicycle-only lane has been provided adjacent to the sidewalk.

A person riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk or bicycle path used by pedestrians shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.

Every bicycle when in use between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped on the front with a lamp which emits a beam of white light intended to illuminate the bicycle operator's path and visibility from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front, a red reflector facing to the rear which shall be visible at least 500 feet to the rear, and an amber reflector on each side.

No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the driver from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.

A bicycle may be operated on either a shoulder or on the roadway (the travel lanes). The locations will be based upon traffic volume, the physical condition of the travel lanes or the shoulder, traffic speed, the bicyclist's intended direction, and other safety factors.

Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway, which carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.

No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which the bicycle is designed and equipped.

Any person violating the laws listed is guilty of a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine.

Bicycle helmets are 85 to 88 percent effective in preventing or lessening head and brain injuries.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and law enforcement agencies strongly recommend that all bicyclists wear approved helmets whenever they ride.

Bicycles are considered vehicles under Pennsylvania Laws and must obey all the rules of the road which apply to vehicles. These are the "responsibilities" mentioned above. The "rights" refer to the roadway space required to operate the bicycle in a safe, lawful manner.

When you operate a bike, you are a driver...not just a rider.

Remember, Safety First!

Culture and Social Customs

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