I never knew the trial and tribulations I would face as an international student living in America. Fitting into American culture is still something I feel like I struggle with as I’m halfway through my senior year. Ranging from the language barrier within the English language itself (because “hella” isn’t a word, it’s a feeling), the financial aspects (from paying 150 rupees to 2 dollars, converting currencies and mental math became a quick integration into life, even though my math skills in general… well, let’s just not talk about that) and the “American Dream” if you will, that every international kid waits for with bated breath, only to find out that it’s a big fat lie. There are no professors who double as defense attorneys that happen to be accidentally involved in a murder trial, like How to Get Away with Murder, and no idyllic Rory Gilmore-esque moments, where the love of your life is just the rich snob who lives above you. Instead, I’ve got a noisy neighbor with an active love life and another with a dog so loud I actually bought earplugs.
By far the biggest shock to me came from the grocery stores. America has some sort of a strange obsession with making everything frozen. I understand quick and easy, but at what point do you draw the line? From PF Chang’s to Panda Express, almost every store sells frozen versions of their foods. You can buy spaghetti carbonara, frozen. Make it make sense. Also, everything can be a drive-thru and every order can be a pickup order. So much can be done just by just sitting in your car, it’s ridiculous. And yes, I have in fact done my fair share of this by placing a pickup order for toothpaste, toilet paper, and laundry detergent at my local Target, thank you very much.
Toilet paper reminds me of the ridiculous bulk buying culture in America. People buy such large, absurd quantities of things that it has made me question my own choices. Toilet paper itself can come in packs of up to 120?! Who would ever need that much toilet paper and why are they purchasing it all at the same time? (Yes, I understand that people are buying things for different needs, but seriously, it’s insane). You can also get wine out of cardboard boxes, and it’s ridiculously cheap. The whole idea in itself sounds wrong and somehow unhygienic, but it’s a little tap that you twist and turn, so easy even a child could work it. There are also, like, 35 different flavors of soda, and each type has a subtype. I remember asking for a ginger ale once and I was asked if I’d like it sparkling, raspberry, peach, or lime. The “regular” option wasn’t even offered. It was overall such a confusing and overwhelming experience that I stuck with plain water. That actually brought an issue in itself because water can never be room temperature. I don’t think I’ve ever had water at any restaurant in America that hasn’t been chilled, even when I’ve asked for it without ice. I don’t understand the obsession and truly, I don’t think I ever will.
Another fun tidbit I learned is about the deplorable healthcare system in America. In one of those, “What would you do if I got run over by a bus” conversations with my roommates, (you know, the usual), I learned never to call an ambulance for them because they would have to ultimately be the ones to pay for it. And not just $50, it ranges from $400 to $2000. For an ambulance ride. That’s the most appalling thing I think I’ve ever learned. You also have to provide insurance information before they treat you. WHAT?! Speaking of hospitals, prescription drugs are advertised. On TV. I’ve heard children humming to a Zoloft commercial, which if you’re not familiar with, is an anti-depressant. I thought medication was just something your doctor handed to you, or you called your Mom for. Here, it seems more like a “Which jingle am I feeling today?” roulette sort of thing.
Americans also look absolutely stunned when you talk about kilometers, meters, or degrees celsius. It’s like speaking a whole different language to them. It’s almost fun. The whole shebang around sporting events is pretty intense too. Football, soccer, rugby, American football; they’re all different. Sports are weird.
Every day here has been an adventure. I’ve either learned something new or wished that I could unlearn whatever it is I learned that day, but I’ve made some crazy memories here in the little town of Davis, and I’m sure going to miss it when I leave.