Due to its ambiguous nature, culture is one of the most difficult human phenomenons to define. Sociologists and Linguists are continuously expanding the aspects of what constitutes culture in an effort to understand how our individual identities can coexist as simultaneous members of a global community. This paper analysed various theories and literature in relation to the concept of culture in an effort to determine the effect it has on English as a second language (ESL) students. It discovered that although spoken and written discourse is integral to succeeding in a community, there are several non-linguistic methods of communication that can help ESL students to participate and become accepted members of their chosen second language society. This paper also compared the differences between individual and collective cultures and the social and environmental impact they can have on its participants.