Visual Comprehension

Exporting American Culture

In its February/March 1986 issue, the American magazine Public Opinion dealt with "Exporting American Culture." Have a look at the collage shown on the front page and identify as many facets of American culture as possible.

Interviewing

Many of the cultural influences mentioned in the introduction to Public Opinion are rather accidental. A more comprehensive impression of American culture is left on foreigners who have actually been to the United States. Among the numerous exchange programs for young people, American Field Service International (AFS) and Youth for Understanding (YFU) are especially well known. AFS was founded in 1947 and organized 10,000 student exchanges among 70 countries in 1985. YFU, founded in 1951, hosted 4,000 foreign high school students in America and sent 2,500 American high school students abroad in 1986/7.

Try and find somebody who has taken part in a student exchange with the United States or has lived there for some time. Ask him/her about the aspect of American culture that he/she found and still finds most striking.

Discussion

Which aspects of American culture can you find in your own city or country?

What do your friends think about the American cultural influence in your country?

How do you personally feel about it?

и Education

PART A Background Information

SCHOOL Every American is entitled to an education. School attendance is compulsory

ATTENDANCE for all children. Students attend school five to seven hours a day, five days a

week for nine months each year, from September to June. Public education

from kindergarten through grade 12 is tax-supported; no tuition is required.

The System of Education in the U.S.A.

HIGHER EDUCATION