Life in the USA

The United States calls itself "a nation of immigrants." Immigrants (from Europe) founded this country and have been coming in large numbers (from all over the world) ever since. Therefore you will find that all ethnicities and nationalities are represented, although not to the same extent in every city. The country is vast (over 9 million square kilometers) and populous (over 275 million people). In the US, you can encounter and experience almost any climate, landscape, lifestyle, and culture imaginable. By selecting the right location, you will be able to find a living experience that is perfect for you.

Even though there is so much variety in America, there is still an "American culture" that may be quite different from your own. While much of American culture is exported through television, film, and consumer products, there are some aspects that you do not encounter until you live in the US. For a brief description of these aspects, refer to American culture and Customs and habits. To gain a better understanding of what life is like in the different regions in the US, refer to USA regions. Refer to the other pages in this section to find out how to perform common tasks, such as opening a bank account and choosing housing. Read Student profiles to hear the experiences of real students just like you.