My American Story
Here are some examples of the experiences that others have had during their time in the USA.
Lars S. - New York City
Before coming to the USA, I felt the nervous excitement of not knowing what lies ahead.
When I started living with a host family, they took care of all of my uncertainties and showed me around. We had good food and a lot fun. After four weeks I changed places and moved to Manhattan into an affordable apartment which I am still calling my home. It is only 25 minutes from work to Midtown and I enjoy the subway rides in the mornings and evenings with New York’s vast variety of people from all backgrounds…
As for the job itself, I had a very warm welcoming on my first day in the office. The work environment is very relaxed yet competitive and challenging. I was given a lot of responsibility from my very first day but never felt alone in case I had questions. Work never gets boring due to new projects which always come in.
The Americans are loveable. I always met new people and was encouraged to participate in society despite my foreign background. All in all, I enjoyed my first year and I am lucky to have another 6 months.
Best of luck on your trip to America folks,
Lars
Zana I. - Kent, Ohio
I came to visit USA few months ago. To tell the truth, this is my first time out of my home country of Kosovo. The USA is the best country in the world, I always have had a dream to come to visit USA, and I am so glad to do so now. I am so impressed by the things that I experience here (the people, culture, etc.). Also, I am in awe of the city of Chicago.
I’m now in Kent, Ohio, which is cool place although it’s ice cold in the winter. This trip will forever change my view of life. I have understood that without hard work you will not have a good life. There are millions and millions of words that I would like to write about United States, and all of them good words, but I will like to end this letter....
God bless USA...
I have to go back in my country to finish the studies. Then, I hope that I will come back to USA once more.
Thank you for this opportunity...
Best Regards,
Zana
Ellen N. - Maryland
My name is Ellen,
As I came to US on J-1 Visa I worked in the reception area of a restaurant.
…I once took a trip to L.A, Grand Canyon, San Francisco and Las Vegas. I took a flight to L.A and rented a car. My friend I had a nice trip through the Route 66 to Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. (California, Arizona, Nevada) After we drove back to California to the City of San Francisco. We turned back to L.A through the route 101 along the Pacific Ocean. It was wonderful! The nature and landscapes are completely unique, and I just love landscapes in such big Countries like the USA.
Everyone needs to see such countries, even if its one time in their whole life. The life experience is valuable.
Andreza G.
Hello! I’m Andreza
Well, I had a really nice experience in USA.
Well, 2006 was such a good year! I had never been in another country, and never had the chance to get to know another culture, another language, another point of view was just a blessing! I think God has been really faithful and loveable with me at that time (and now and forever). I made a lot of friends, improved my English, I had a great work experience, and a fantastic life experience.
I guess, that can give you only an idea of what was my cross-cultural experience!!!
Andreza
Pia S. - Arizona
Hello,
I’m Pia and I come from Austria and spent 10 months in Arizona to do practical training. While was there I had an amazing time and met fantastic people. It was fantastic to learn in a completely different environment than I have at home. I had one of the best experiences of my life in the US.
Sabine W. - New York City
Despite the fact that I had difficulties in the beginning, my experience in New York was wonderful. It was hard leaving friends and family to go to a place so far away and different. Initially, I found it difficult to find an proper apartment. It was a challenge to stay determined, but after a hard beginning everything fell neatly into place. The experience made me very proud of my determination.
My internship experience was fantastic. I worked for a small marketing company specializing in: special events, PR- and marketing. Through the company I was invited to go to really interesting events. I attended a Mercedes-Benz fashion show, a store opening, and even a photo shoot for a famous designer. Everyone was very friendly and young which made the atmosphere very special for me. Working with so many young people was a new and great experience for me.
All my journeys in NY where accompanied by new discoveries, I met wonderful people, and found true friends. All in all, I can say that it was an unforgettable experience.
Conny S. - Tampa, Florida
Hi I’m Conny,
I have done my internship in marketing in Tampa, Florida and I have had so many experiences that have changed my point opinion about life, the United States, and my own country. The many daily challenges of living in a foreign country has really helped me to learn, grow, and become more independent. I really feel much more confident with my use of English especially in the office. Also, I believe that I have a much better understanding of the culture than I could have otherwise received.
At my internship everyone that works in my office is very supportive and helpful when I need help. I am constantly impressed by how up-beat everyone remains at work and elsewhere.
Lastly, I love the Tampa area because of its diverse people, beautiful landscape, wonderful weather, and fantastic sights. There is so much here to experience and see and I’m glad that I have had the chance to do so. I am thankful to the GACC CA for their help, support and assistance. It was a big relief to know that someone is on my side to get through the bureaucratic paper work and that there is someone reliable and trustworthy who is really interested in helping and supporting me as well as trying hard to enable me to take the chance of my life.
