Packing up and moving to America to spend a year at university in California sounds like the perfect adventure and escape from essays and dissertations. On my first day at San Jose State University I was told that anything you have seen in the films about America can, and probably will happen. Naively I laughed at the concept of scrapes with the police for simply looking drunk on the streets and having to be on an exclusive guest list for a party. It is easy to take for granted the fact that at eighteen in England, it is expected that at least once, you will end up paralytic and embarrassing yourself in public. In America, it is like going back in time, I am 17 again, smuggling alcohol into my room and hoping not to get caught, reported and sent to AA classes (seriously). Although there is a main difference here, university life does not revolve around drinking in the same way as in the UK. There are many dry parties, over 18’s clubs and bars that serve ‘mocktails’ and very respectable organised college events that do not end with half of the people sick and or half naked. One such event presented a giant film screening outside with free popcorn, candy floss and sweets, all very civilized one might say. However, students will be students whatever the country and for those people there is Four Loko. At the respectable price of $3 Four Loko is a concoction of caffeine and 12% alcoholic death in a can, and is single handedly the most popular drink amongst students (two cans and you will struggle to remember the night). Unfortunately or not, Four Loko would never be legal in England due to its content and will be banned from the shelves of Californian shops as of 10th December 2010.
Being in California, there is an outdoor pool across the road from my halls, making those gaps in between classes extremely enjoyable, sorry Brynmor Jones library, you’ve been upgraded. There is a downside to classes in America however, (depending on personal opinion), because they are very similar to school, there are one seat desks lined up one behind each other with a teacher at the front. The work is also completely different, with in class tests and midterm exams each adding to a small percentage of the final grade; unlike at home where everything is on that final essay and exam. There is an upside to classes however, and that is the choice. No matter what your degree is, you can take classes of any type, including sports and theatre. Students get allocated a time and can pick classes at times they prefer (if there’s space), so students a free to choose to have a long weekend, or all afternoon classes if they like.
There is only one way to describe people in California and that is happily friendly. People will go out of their way to help with directions, are generally interested in Europe, and want to learn. (Much better than the grunts I’ve received in many shops in England). Unfortunately, once you’ve been asked where you’re from about a thousand times, alongside the illuminating questions “is that an accent?” or “Whoa are you Australian? That’s so cool”, the novelty of feeling like the only British person on the west coast starts to become rather tedious. Of course friendliness can lead to awkwardness, when striking up a conversation at a bus stop It is not unusual for the the person to still be following you and asking questions even after you have got off the bus.
To experience American traditions the American way is the only way to truly embrace yourself in their culture and so, that is exactly what I have tried to do. From road tripping to Canada (a sixteen hour drive may I add), to having my name on exclusive fraternity party lists, are just the beginning. I need to attempt the difficult task of explaining what a Fraternity or a ‘Frat’ is: a load of guys living in a house together, doing a bit of charity work and having parties the size of clubs there is even I.D. needed and police on the door at some). I’ve even been to a party or two that pour free alcohol directly into innocent bystander mouths (trust me, I do not recommend this). Then there is the delight of American football which from what I’ve witnessed, survives exclusively because of the wonders of ‘tailgating’. This is fans of all ages, park in a field have barbeques, drink and dance around, all before the game has even started. Tailgating and sunshine are two things that England is definitely missing.
Sonya Booth
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