Quest Family Enjoys American Traditions!

Quest International is made up of a very special group of people from around the world. Among us, we represent language and culture from the United States, Asia, Scandinavia, Africa, Europe, and South America. While all of us have a passion for many traditions around the world different from our own, we also enjoy American customs and food as well! Recently, the Quest team spent an afternoon together roasting marshmallows, probably one of the most American pastimes you can find! The activity consists of gathering around a bonfire and skewering marshmallows on sticks to roast over a fire. Often, the marshmallows are put between graham crackers and chocolate bars to make what, in the US, we call "s'mores". If you haven't tried this tasty snack, ask an American friend to share this experience with you, because it is a fun part of American culture that you must try!

The Quest team! 

Viggo, our trusted office assistant.

Katie enjoying a marshmallow!

Rolo, second assistant, although he obviously does not work so hard... 

Perfecting our roasting skills.

Taking a little rest after a marshmallow coma.

"What's up...?"

A common thing that many foreigners in the United States are puzzled by is the phrase "What's up?" People from other countries may live in the US for years and not really understand what the proper answer to this question is because of the confusion of asking someone how they are doing without really wanting an answer, but that is how the phrase works! "What's up?" is a common greeting in the US used to say, "How are you?" or "What's going on?" The puzzling part is the answer. This phrase is used more as a hello than an inquiry as to how you are doing. When someone asks "What's up?" they usually are not looking for a detailed explanation of what's actually going on in your life. Someone would be pretty surprised if you told them everything that was up with you. You can respond by simply saying "What's up" in return, smiling, giving a little wave, or saying "Hey". While the phrase is stated as a question, it is not usually intended to have an answer, but merely as a way of saying "Hello".

KEEPING UP WITH QUEST STUDENTS: NAK JUNG SUN AT LINFIELD CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL...

Located in Temecula, California, Linfield Christian High School is an academically rigorous school where Quest student Nak Jun Sung, from Korea, is currently studying. Not only is he getting a great education here in the US, he has also become actively involved with the Linfield High School basketball team. For a glimpse into the busy (yet fun!) life of an exchange student, check out these great shots from his wonderful host parents, Tiffany and Broussard.

NAK JUN WITH HIS HOST FAMILY.

SCORING!

SUPPORTING TEAMMATES.

FUN WITH CLASSMATES AT SCHOOL.

GOING OUT FOR PIZZA WITH NEW FRIENDS!

ENJOYING SOME TIME IN HIS NEW HOME.

WHAT DID YOU DO THIS WEEKEND?

The employees at Quest are full of energy and exploration. When we are not busy at the office, we like to get out in the world to adventure just like you do! Here is our Tunisian marketing expert, Ty - he went on a flight excursion from San Francisco to Los Angeles and back in just a weekend!

TOP 10 AMERICAN FOODS

Coming to the US to study, you'll be exposed to new and unique foods that you will most likely only be able to find in America. Each region of the country has different things to offer - the Northwest is known for fresh seafood, the Midwest for barbecue, the South for soul and comfort food, the Northeast for lobster and crab, and the West coast for many Latin and Asian-inspired dishes. While you may not like everything you try, give these 10 very American things a shot and see for yourself the US really tastes like!

1. Barbecue
2. Fried chicken
3. Apple pie
4. Clam chowder
5. S'mores
6. Buffalo wings
7. Sourdough bread
8. Philly cheesesteak
9. Cheesecake
10. Cookie dough ice cream

APPLE PIE

BARBECUE

S'mores

QUEST FAMILY GROWS!

Quest is a company made up of personalities from around the world. In the office, we have speakers of English, Spanish, Chinese, Danish, Arabic, French, and Lithuanian. We recently welcomed our newest Quest family member, Eric. He brings an expertise of the Asian world, and we are all pleased to have him.

WORRIED ABOUT CULTURE SHOCK?

When you're away from the people, traditions, foods, language and environment that you are used to, it's natural that you will feel a little overwhelmed - we call this culture shock, and culture shock can be rough! Here are a few tips for how adjust to your new surroundings:

1. Be aware that culture shock is bound to happen! You may hit a time where you just aren't feeling like yourself, and this is probably it.

2. Be curious about your new location. The best way to feel less shocked it by exploring your new world.

3. Make a friend. Sometimes it takes just one person to make you feel just a little bit at home. Having someone to talk to takes away a surprising amount of the stress of moving to a new country.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for help! People can often surprise you - if you ask for help, they will probably be curious about you, your country, and where you are from, in addition to telling you about themselves.

5. Keep up with your friends and family at home with a quick email or Skype conversation.

6. Realize that some things about your new life are just different, and maybe even hard. Try to embrace them!

7. Try new foods. One of the most fun things about being in a different countries is the food that you would never have seen at home.

8. And finally, learn patience. Be patient with yourself and also with the new things around you. Before long, your new country will feel like home.