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Understanding USA: Home

This guide provides useful information and links to resources on USA.

At A Glance

WELCOME!

The following information have been carefully selected for your reference. Some resources may have bias perspectives. Please approach the SMU Libraries (library@smu.edu.sg ) should you have any doubts or need clarifications.

This video gives a brief introduction and the top things to do while you are in U.S.A.

  • Flag of U.S.A
    Find out more about the history of the United States of America flag.
  • National Anthem
    Find out about the United States of America national anthem.

  • Total Population
    Find out more about the United States of America population size.
  • Demographic Trends
    Learn more about the population distribution density of United States of America.
  • Timeline of U.S.A
    Understand the chronology of United States of America key events.

 

Learn more about U.S.A states and capitals through this educational video.

This video is a summary of the history of the United States of America, since the arrival of the first colonists in North America until today.

  • U.S.A States
    Learn more about the various states in United States of America.

 

 

These videos introduce places and food you should explore when in New York City, U.S.A.

Need To Know

This section helps prepare an individual before visiting U.S.A, such as learning the cultural etiquette, basic conversational phrases, and even some useful local contact numbers.

Cultural Dos and Don’ts

U.S.A has its own customs, traditions, and rules for manners. Observe the following etiquette for a great experience:

  • DO Tip for Good Service
  • DO Be on Time
  • DO Obey Traffic Signs and Laws
  • DO Be Kind, Smile, and Enjoy Yourself
  • DON'T Use American Slang
  • DON'T Use The Metric System, use Fahrenheit, miles, and pounds instead

Basic Conversational Language

Some phrases in English that are handy to know when visiting U.S.A.

  • Hello
  • Goodbye
  • How are you doing?
  • Thank you
  • Where is…?
  • Please to meet you
  • How much is this?

Phone Apps

  • DUOLINGO
    Lessons are broken down into bite-sized chunks and it feels like you’re playing a game. Duolingo is a great introduction, but it can feel like you’re learning a random mix of information, often through repetition. The more you do, the more robust your vocabulary will be.
       
     
  • TANDEM
    The only way to become fluent in a new language is to speak it. Tandem is geared toward conversations with native speakers. The idea is that you can help one another learn new languages via text, audio, and video chat. The app vets you and then helps you to find a partner who shares your interests. They teach you and you teach them.
       

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

More details on the exchange rate.

Dialing Code

+1

Useful Numbers

  • Nationwide Emergency Number (medical, fire or crime related emergencies): 911
  • Non-emergencies: 311
  • Poison control center: 1-800-222-1222
  • Singapore Embassy in the United States of America (San Francisco): +1-415-543-4775
    • Emergency Tel (after hours): +1 628 233 9053
  • Singapore Embassy in the United States of America (Washington DC): +1-202-537-3100
    • Emergency Tel (after hours): +1-202-537-3100 Ext 140
  • Singapore Embassy in the United States of America (Miami): +1-305-858-4225
    • Emergency Tel (after hours): +65-6379-8000
  • Singapore Embassy in the United States of America (New York): +1-212-223-3331
    • Emergency Tel (after hours): +1-917-293-4540

Local Media Source

This section links to the various local news media in U.S.A.

RSS News Feed

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What To Look Out

This section informs the common scams and crimes to look out for when visiting U.S.A.


Scams

  • Common Tourist Scams
    Learn how to protect yourself from these common scams and crimes when visiting U.S.A..

Crime & Security

  • Alerts and Travel Advisories
    Find out more information on the common crime threats, areas of concerns, transportation-road safety, and even terrorism threat.

Books

This section lists some recommended readings about U.S.A.

Databases

Useful Links

This section provides useful links to the U.S.A social media.


Social Media

Visit The USA

   

Acceptable Use Policy

Electronic resources (e.g., databases, datasets, e-journals, e-books and streaming audio/video) provided by the SMU Libraries are governed by license agreements that restrict use to current students, faculty and staff of SMU and the Singapore Copyright Act.

The use of electronic resources must comply with the Appropriate Use of Electronic Resources Policy and Singapore Management University Acceptable Use Policy