Jenny's Introduction

I do not like aeroplanes. The nice American guy sat behind me on the flight sympathises with this, once we establish that it is, in fact, airplanes I do not like. I figure this will be the highest extent of misunderstanding on my Great American Adventure. I will be wrong.

When I was younger I considered myself the resident American expert. I had read Sweet Valley High, I knew everything about driving on the other side of the road, basketball and chocolate milk. Growing up, I discovered there is much more to America than that and, since arriving at Appalachian State University seven days ago, I’ve discovered plenty else besides. After a trek through a sudden storm in nothing but a summer dress, I discovered what a slicker is, and why you should always carry one (plus, a map). I’ve learnt that just because something is free doesn’t mean you should take it, and that most Americans really are as welcoming and friendly as their stereotypes suggest. More importantly, I’ve learnt that no matter how much you think you know about a place, you don’t know the half of it until you visit for yourself.

That is why I am studying abroad here in North Carolina. I want to do stuff, a lot of stuff, more stuff than any fortnight holiday could possibly allow, and I want to learn from that stuff. I intend to be less cynical about ‘communities’ and genuine multiculturalism by the time I return to Britain. My mum cryptically said that I would change a lot abroad, and I think she might be right.

This guy is the App State mascot, Yosef.