A few tips

• Look for a second job if your first one doesn't give you more than 40 hours a week; you'll be working for yourself and won't have to deny yourself anything;

• Speak English a lot! Run away from your Russian-speaking peers))) Seriously! YES, it's more comfortable with them and you trust them, I know from experience. But if you're worried about your English, you won't improve it if you're shy and stay silent or don't talk much. Talk, talk, and don't stop;

• Rest, but don't be lazy. Use your free time wisely. Get on a bike and explore the local landscapes, head to the beach, or go to the market for fruit, visit a neighboring town, or at least go to the bank to cash a check and buy yourself some sunglasses or an iPhone)

• Arrange weekends with friends, go to neighboring cities, states, concerts, or plan a trip to the ocean to admire the whales

• Learn everything; for example, I learned to dance bachata and to pronounce a few Spanish words;

• Don't get carried away with fast food. Yes, try it, confirm for yourself what you've heard—that our fast food is tastier—and stop eating that junk. It (FF) isn't cheaper; who even said it's cheap? Nothing of the sort. Eat something juicy, rich in vitamins, fresh—something that will give you strength. A burger will just make you want soda, then fries, then to eat again... it's not a solution at all;

• There is crime there too, be careful. If, for example, your money gets stolen, don't get too upset and don't give up!!! An acquaintance of ours had $1000 stolen on the plane. Can you imagine? She arrived in America with no money at all!!! But students helped her, and soon she earned good money. But it's better to watch your things like a child... remember... you are a MULTIFUNCTIONAL ORGANIZER xD;

• Brush up on American slang, it will come in handy; actually, I think that's all I spoke;

• You don't have to plan everything from A to Z; spontaneity is the highlight of travel, but everything should be reasonable. If you don't like extreme travel and feel calmer when you plan everything, that's your right=)

In America, there are many useful and inexpensive things brought from South America, whereas in Russia they cost crazy money (like mango; I just fell in love with it, it's so juicy, soft, and fragrant... and cheap!)

I remembered swimming in the ocean at night with plankton. Yes, that very plankton—it's still looking for the Krabby Patty secret formula. It's like thousands of neon flashes in the water, unforgettable and magical! But there are predators in the ocean at night, watch your feet)

What else should I tell you, future travelers or those who have already been in my shoes? Don't be afraid of anything. It's stress, but it's useful stress)) Traveling is so great. When you live in one city, in one country, and all the days blur into a gray mass, it seems like there is no other life. But the world is so big and so different. America will broaden your horizons. It is a very interesting and beautiful country. You will definitely find something to entertain yourself with there. Choose any state, any city, and go—it's a huge heap of emotions, impressions, and experience for a lifetime. If you want to ask me anything, write to me. Addresses below. Thanks for your attention. Good luck in all your endeavors and take care of yourself! Bye ^_^

viktoriya.hrapova.94@mail.ru vikacula@gmail.com id45715582