One clear and biggest cultural differences in USA is, of course we have a lot of differences but some difference is easy to recognize, regulation on bicycle and dogs or even children. In USA, taking dogs into building is not forbidden. Because of safety, taking bicycle in buildings is not forbidden in US. That was not allowed at least in my previous university. No one attempted to take their dogs into their offices in Japan. No professors took their children in universities in Japan. They asked their children in kindergartens.
I feel that results in the US citizen's attitude for freedom. On the other hand, On the other hand, I feel that people in USA take their responsibility. For example, our department have student seminar. It is admitted as credits. However, no professors check student's attendance. Students basically attend their own seminar subjectively. In addition, they are very positive for discussion or asking questions. That was unthinkable in Japan. In Japan, basically seminar is held by each laboratory. Hence professors of the lab look after the seminar. Most of questions were asked by them not by students. I think the difference results in productivity in US and Japan.
I had another example. I sometimes use skype, an internet phone which we can communicate for free between PC to PC if that is beyond borders. As my father work in a telephone company, he told me that we should not use it in the network of University of Oregon. However, my supervisor told me that it was OK. According to him, if you use it appropriately, it does not matter to use it for private and official use. I also felt American style freedom in this case.
From my point of view, the extent of taking responsibility depends on their educational level. Some undergraduate students are very rude. That represented my image of US. However, one thing I noticed in US was that they also actually notice their arrogance and try not to do so. For example, when I attended an academic meeting, I met a professor who I do not know at all until then. I told him that I intended to USA with my current supervisor. The professor told me that my current supervisor has been collecting excellent data and he hoped my luck on study. He was very polite though he used ordinary vocabularies. Later, I found that he was a professor of Harvard! That is an extreme case, but I feel that people's educational level seem to reflect their attitude to others as a sign of control of American arrogance.
Freedom and responsibility is one thing though the occasions in which they are used are different. I think that is one important thing I have to learn in USA. This writing just wrote brief result of observation and I feel I have to get used to as soon as possible.
