Well, I lived in Europe for a year, though it was a little different I think since I was on my own. My 2p is don't fly with a budget airline; my best friend is a pilot and advocates this one for reasons of their shady business practises, whereas I just find the customer service and the whole experience of the flight is dire. BA for the win. Also on the topic of general living-abroad stuff, gen up on stuff in advance: what your immigration status will be, what if any bureaucracy you'll have to go through once you get there in order to get legal, and for the US, when and how much you're expected to tip service staff, which you are. I'd also suggest, since the US doesn't have a public health service, that you sort out exactly how healthcare is going to work - will it be covered by mraltariel's employer or come out of your own pockets?
In terms of culture shock, you will have to explain to everyone you inform where you're from that Cambridge isn't London, it's actually quite a long way away from London, and no you don't know their friend in London. You will also put weight on if you even attempt to finish US portions, especially in the Deep (Fried) South, but apparently most restaurants will happily pack up any leftovers for you to take home.
Hope you enjoy your time abroad more than I did...
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momijizukamori
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Date: 2007-01-06 06:06 pm (UTC)In terms of culture shock, you will have to explain to everyone you inform where you're from that Cambridge isn't London, it's actually quite a long way away from London, and no you don't know their friend in London. You will also put weight on if you even attempt to finish US portions, especially in the Deep (Fried) South, but apparently most restaurants will happily pack up any leftovers for you to take home.
Hope you enjoy your time abroad more than I did...