Profile and Geography
United States of America
Population: 285 millions
Area: 9.826.630 km?
Capital: Washington, DC
The United States of America were founded in 1776 with the Declaration of Independence. The population has roots in many different nations. Since the first Europeans landed on this continent in 1492, millions of people from the most differing countries immigrated to the USA and made this country their home. The USA gained influence quickly through immigration, mainly from Europe, and heavy industrialization. After World War 2 and the breakdown of Communism (during the Cold War) the States remained the only superpower worldwide. The USA consists of 40% of the area of North America. They are the third largest country in the world. The United States consist of 50 states. In the north they are bordering Canada, in the south Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico. In the east they are adjoined by the Atlantic and in the west by the Pacific.
The economy of the USA is the largest and one of the technologically most developed ones worldwide. It reached a gross national product of 13,5 trillion US-Dollars in 2006. As it is a market economy, by far the biggest part of the domestic production is generated by private enterprises. The economy is comparatively little regulated by the government. However, there is government or communal control in some economic sectors. More then 25 percent of the global economic output is produced in the US. The longest continuous economic growth in US American history was achieved in the 1990s.
The USA is subdivided into six different regions that are differing through their economical and cultural development. Each region distinguishes itself through its singularity and specific characteristics. Even the language is full of local accents with partially distinct dialects.
Read More...
New England was colonized by English Protestants, who settled down in the quest for religious freedom. For a long time it was the economical and cultural heart of the USA. Above all a decisive role is played by the educational system. The most important universities, such as Yale, Harvard and many others are located in this area. In business, the New Englanders are known for their determination, their diligence, their cunningness and canniness.
The Middle Atlantic States - with diverse European population groups. The heavy industries settled down here; the most important centres are in New York and Delaware. The rivers Hudson and Delaware have been fully developed to enable marine transport. New York still is the biggest city, the financial centre and the cultural hub of the country. It is one of the most active areas within the USA. However, nature is not coming off badly - the surrounding areas are very green and forested.
The South had to cope with a difficult history, resulting from the American Civil War (1861-1865), the separation of the North from the South because of slavery. It took a long time until racial segregation was abolished. Yet this southern region has not eluded from modern industrialisation. As this area has a warm climate and abundant rainfall, a flourishing agriculture was established here. The agreeable climate attracts a good number of tourists each year.
The Mid West, also called the "Corn Belt", is the most significant area for US American agriculture. It is the "breadbasket" of the USA. Above all, corn is cultivated. The individual big farms are most of the times very isolated, scattered amidst their fields. Neighbouring towns are visited every now and then to refresh stores or to take part in the social life. The people of the Middle West is appreciated for their friendliness and openness.
The South West is a region of superlatives with a fascinating landscape - the overwhelming Grand Canyon, desert areas, the Monument Valley in the Navajo Reserve and various other reserves for American Indian tribes, such as the Hopi and Apache. It also is a centre of attraction for several artists. The population is characterised by Indian influence and fundamentally by Hidivo-American influence, with cities such as New Mexico, Albuquerque, Arizona, etc.
The West partly is relatively scarcely populated. The landscape is of breathtaking beauty and generally there is a warm climate. Big areas of undeveloped countryside make an ideal recreation area for camping, hiking, fishing and many more activities. Los Angeles and Southern California are heavily shaped by their Mexican-American population. The movie industry is located in Los Angeles. California became the most densely populated state of the USA through the growth of Los Angeles and Silicon Valley. The inhabitants of the cities in the West are described as very tolerant.
The landscape of the USA is very multifaceted: Forest areas, low mountain ranges on the East Coast, Mangrove forests in subtropical Florida, river regions of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, expansive areas in the centre of the country, the big mountain range of the Rocky Mountains, dry deserts in the South West, temperate rainforests in the North West and the coastal mountains on the West Coast of the USA.
The climatic conditions of the USA are very differing also: From tropical climate in Hawaii and Florida to arctic climate in Alaska. On the Coasts of California there is a Mediterranean climate with periodical heavy and exceeding rainfalls from October until April. The areas in the South West are desert like and arid. The West Coast is warm in summer, but at times very cold and with a lot of snowfall during winter. The Pacific North West is rainy most of the time. The climate of the USA comprises of almost all possible variations of the world climate.
Business Culture
We are now going to put some light on the American mentality to attain a better understanding of the "American Way of Life", both in the private and business sense.
The culture of the USA is the essence of western culture. There are influences of European and Afro-American origins, as well as influences of the indigenous population and of immigrants from all over the world. The USA have a multicultural society. Yet, the biggest cultural influence was North-European, above all German, English and Irish.
Read More...
The Americans perceive themselves as pioneers of democracy and promoting a set of values with an exemplary function for the rest of the world. This has its roots largely from the freedom movement over centuries and a population that is composed of a potpourri of multicultural nations and ethnic groups.
America has one of the highest standards of living and plays a dominant role in world affairs. Among others, democracy is a synonym for free market economy and unlimited opportunities. Competition is perceived as the basis for personal progress and development. Everybody shall be given the same opportunities in order to become successful.
Privacy is holy for the Americans, as well as freedom of speech and individual freedom. Independent thinking and acting is fostered in the childhood already. That is why it is common that adolescents are starting to lead their own life relatively early, reasons for that are among others to escape from the expectations and demands of their families. On average, US Americans have a high degree of self-responsibility. An improvement of one's life situation which also includes the necessity to change is well accepted and usually regarded as a challenge.
Preparation & Visa
Once the overall aim of getting a position in the USA has been achieved, one can start the travelling arrangements.
In order to work in the USA it is necessary to apply for a valid visa. The conditions for these visas differ according to your home country. The following section is valid for most European countries. In any case, please confirm the visa issue with your local US consulate.
Read More...
Internships: You should initially secure your internship and then apply for the visa (J-1). Without the internship confirmation you will not get a visa. To apply for the J-1 visa it is necessary to have the pre-document DS-2019. Only a few authorised organisations can issue this document and there is a fee required. These organisations often also assist with additional services, such as insurances, contacts to employers in the USA, intercultural preparations, etc.
The J-1 visa allows for internships in the USA for a duration of 4 weeks up to a maximum of 18 months. One of the most important criteria for obtaining the visa is that there is a direct relation/relevance of the prospective internship to your studies. Please consider that internship programs in the USA have to be in accord with all immigration regulations and that new US laws can cause further changes.
The application for a J-1 visa (and the document DS-2019) should be filed at least three weeks before the scheduled departure. The processing period of the consulate takes on average about one to two weeks and furthermore includes a short interview with a consular officer. To receive the visa, one also has to prove sufficient personal protection through health insurances, indemnity insurances and accident insurances.
Usually the intern will have to arrange for health insurance himself. There are several providers which cover temporary stays abroad. It is advisable to finalize insurance cover prior to departure as this will mostly be cheaper.
