American Ways ─ A Cultural Guide to the United States

Whether you're a businessperson beginning to work in the United States or a foreign student visiting for a semester, this new edition of American Ways will help you navigate America's diverse and changing culture. From the deep-seated attitudes that mark the American character to customs and everyday activities, American Ways explores the tapestry of the country's life, providing invaluable information on cultural values, politics, education, religion, and relationships.

In this revised edition, Gary Althen and Janet Bennett have added material that reflects some of the important changes that have occurred over the last decade. This edition features new material on American politics, reflecting the impact of the Bush administration as well as the election of the nation's first black president, and an updated chapter on the effects of social networking sites on meeting people and creating friendships.

Gary Althen served for 30 years as a foreign student adviser at the University of Iowa, as well as director of the Office of International Students and Scholars. He has been president of NAFSA: Association of International Educators and received its Marita Houlihan Award for his contributions to the field of international educational exchange. He has lived and worked in Peru and Malaysia.
Janet Bennett, PHD, is the executive director and cofounder of the Intercultural Communication Institute (I0). She is the director of the ICI/University of the Pacific Master of Arts in Intercultural Relations, a nonresidential graduate program for professionals and other nontraditional students. Dr. Bennett also teaches training and organizational development as an adjunct faculty member of the Portland State University Department of Education.