Traveling to United States
Three months in America during my summer internship - a transformative experience that shaped how I see the world. With a population of over 330 million spread across 50 states, the United States offered more diversity than I could have imagined.
Fun fact: The US has no official language at the federal level, though English is the de facto national language. Over 350 languages are spoken across the country.
What I Experienced
Living in the US for an extended period is completely different from visiting as a tourist. The daily rhythms of American life - morning coffee runs, barbecues, baseball games, spontaneous road trips - became part of my routine. I was based in Massachusetts but traveled whenever I could.
Boston's history walked side by side with its innovation. One day you're on the Freedom Trail, the next you're in Cambridge surrounded by MIT and Harvard students discussing the future. The intellectual energy of the city was infectious.
Beyond work, I explored as much as possible. From the beaches of Cape Cod to the energy of New York City, each place had its own character. American vastness is something you have to experience to understand - driving for hours and still being in the same state.
Practical Notes
- J-1 visa process is thorough but manageable for internships
- Cell phone plans are surprisingly expensive compared to Europe
- Tipping culture (15-20%) takes getting used to
- Rent a car for anything outside major cities
- Healthcare is expensive - make sure you have coverage
- American portions are enormous - be prepared
- Small talk with strangers is normal and expected
Photography from the USA is available for purchase with commercial license - ideal for American travel marketing, New England destination content, or East Coast landscape wall art.