Gary Althen

During my 35-year career in international education, I spoke with thousands of people from countries all over the world. I talked with countless Americans who had lived abroad, and lived abroad myself as a participant in America-based programs.

And I read extensively about intercultural communications and the social psychology of intercultural interactions.

One result of all this has been American Ways, now in its third edition. It’s a descriptive, down-to-earth, easy-to-read guide to American culture. While its intended audience is people from other countries, many Americans have told me how revealing and insightful they found it. It’s been used by colleges and universities and educational organizations in the United States and abroad, U.S. government agencies, and of course private individuals.