The rules of communication are not universal--they are specific to particular cultures. This book is packed with tips and suggestions that afford the international student an inside look on how to successfully navigate while pursuing studies and life in the United States. Beyond simply teaching U.S. visitors how to speak English, it delves into manners and the meaning of American English in a variety of situations such as grocery shopping, attending a social gathering, eating at a restaurant, and attending classes. In addition, it explains how intonation patterns and nonverbal cues can change the meaning of the spoken word and demonstrates how to communicate in a way that will ensure speakers are clearly understood. Included are comments from 50 student, s taken from a survey conducted by the author that asked them to compare what they thought studying in the U.S. would be like to what it was actually like.--From publisher description.