Similarly, it is an adjustment for many international students to live in the dorm or apartment setting and share living space with two or three other people. Instead of viewing this as an invasion of privacy, consider it an opportunity to learn about other people and their culture. Americans react strongly when strangers or government pry into one's private business without cause. In the United States, for example, the police cannot search an automobile or a home without a search warrant issued by a court of law. Overt Patriotism One trait of Americans that surprises many international students is an overt and serious sense of patriotism in Americans, regardless of their political views, ethnic background, or age.
American patriotism is neither threatening nor directed against outsiders.
Americans commonly fly the flag, which can be found in classrooms, churches, public halls, and many homes. This is very uncommon in many, even most countries. Indeed, proper respect for the flag has even been a national political issue, something unlikely elsewhere. Northwood's international students seem fascinated by ethnic Americans and the ties maintained to the lands of their ancestors. In reading this list of the top ten national origins of Americans, remember that many Americans trace their ancestry to more than one country.