The United States has a unique “melting pot” culture that combines customs from people from all over the world. As an InterExchange program participant, you’ll have one of the best opportunities to experience American culture by living and working in the U.S. and interacting with many different types of people. Many U.S. customs may seem odd or uncomfortably different from those of your home country. Being in a new and unfamiliar place can be challenging even for the experienced traveler, and feelings of isolation and frustration can occur. This is totally normal and is often described as culture shock.