The USA in Reality: Visit, Study, Work: Everything you need to know about the American System

By Laura Mihezan Ekonde

The United States, a captivating immersion! Discover the truth behind media stereotypes. Immerse yourself in the heart of daily life in the land of Uncle Sam.

 

Let yourself be carried away on a captivating journey, whether you are a dreamer, a visitor, or an immigrant.

 

Decode the secrets of the American education system, from kindergarten to university.

 

Master the professional world, from the corporate system to entrepreneurship.

 

Learn all the practical information about the healthcare system, banking system, buying and renting properties.

 

Explore sensitive issues such as racism and embrace the richness of American expressions and culture, along with helpful tips for tourists.

 

These are the promises of author Laura Mihezan Ekonde in her book "The States in Reality." 

 

"The USA in Reality," much more than a simple book, a true encyclopedia.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Mihezan Ekonde
• Release date: Jul 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988398936

Book preview

PREFACE

The United States often has a biased image seen from the outside. Before the internet, television was the best way to understand the United States and all of its dos and don’ts. It is, therefore, effortless to fall in love with the country before you first set foot in it. During my last trip back to my country, many people asked me: what is it like over there? I was puzzled to answer, and inwardly said to myself, I'm writing a whole book about it My goal with this book is for everyone who reads it to learn something new about the United States.

Besides, having access to the correct information when new to a foreign country is not easy, and no one in the diaspora will tell me otherwise! Our acquaintances aren't experts in the system and can't guide us through it step by step. So, questions: what is the environment we live in today in the United States? What do we need to know before arriving and even while there? And the most relevant question is, what do other countries have to learn from the American system?

Victor Hugo said, To read is to travel; to travel is to read. So get ready for a good, turbulence-free journey!

INTRODUCTION

It is common knowledge that the United States is the wealthiest country in the world, in regards to its economy. Hence, it is one of the primary reasons why many immigrants choose this country as their destination. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 13.7% of the US population are foreigners. Some come for education, work, and others come to escape political or social alienation. Many come for a better quality of life, searching for El Dorado.

Assimilation involves fully embracing and adopting a culture, living and behaving like a native. On the other hand, integration refers to becoming part of a new society while retaining some aspects of one's own cultural heritage. Despite the potential threat it may pose to the homogeneity of the host country, cultural diversity is instead a valuable asset and a defining characteristic of the American identity. From my perspective, all of this holds true. However, it is crucial to emphasize that before you can be successful in another country, you must first understand its society and system. So how does this system work? What is there to know about the country before arriving? How can one adapt and integrate smoothly? What is not being revealed by the media? What defines the American mindset?

Before delving into the subject, it is necessary to explain how the United States is divided. It is a country composed of several states, precisely 50 (literally states that are all united!). We have 48 states located on American soil itself, which are visible on the country's map. Additionally, there is the state of Hawaii, situated towards Japan, approximately a 6-hour flight from California. Finally, there is the state of Alaska, which is located in northwest Canada. Apart from states, there are other territories that belong to the United States, such as Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

The country's flag consists of 13 stripes representing the 13 original colonies and 50 stars symbolizing the 50 current states. The approximate population of the United States is 332,403,605. As for the current president, they are the 46th leader since the country gained independence in 1776. The United States is a vast country, covering approximately 9,834 million square kilometers. The largest state is Alaska, which spans an area of 1,717,856 square kilometers. The second-largest state is Texas, which is even larger than the territory of France (695,662 square kilometers compared to 643,801 square kilometers).

Did you know that Alaska belonged to Russia until 1867?

The idea to talk about this subject came to me because when I arrived in the USA, I needed a point of reference, an endless resource to guide me (besides Google). I wanted to avoid always depending on relatives for information. I'm not particularly fond of inconveniencing people, and I value my independence, being free to make my own choices without anyone dictating them to me. The people we rely on for assistance may not always have the time to provide it. As Americans so aptly put it, time is money! I had the privilege of staying at home to care for my daughter throughout her entire first year. And during this sabbatical, I took the opportunity to reconnect with my passion for writing.

I first visited the United States when I was 18, and I stayed there for three months. I was so excited to discover this country that I had seen on MTV! I had no idea what to expect, as it had been over a decade since I had visited a Western country. During my stay, the first thing that shocked me was the heat. That's right! I thought it couldn't be hotter here than in my hometown of Abidjan! It was summer, and the temperature quickly rose above 35 degrees Celsius. A year later, I returned to continue my graduate studies. As they say, find my place in the sun! I was also amazed by the diversity. It wasn't just white people but many Hispanics, Asians, and Blacks.

As I traveled back and forth between Côte d'Ivoire and the United States, I was constantly reminded of the differences between these two worlds. Discovering them was a privilege that continues to leave me amazed. After residing here for over twelve years, I have gained a deep understanding of the United States. It felt natural for me to discuss the country in a book, providing not just what the media portrays, but all the essential information one needs, whether as a visitor or an immigrant, to have a guided and comprehensive experience. So, take note, use a highlighter if necessary, and feel free to revisit certain points for reference. Enjoy reading!

USA MAP

USA Map

CHAPTER 1

TOURIST 2.0

WELCOME TO AMERICA!

Packing your suitcase

I still remember the emotion I felt when I received my passport with the visa in my pocket. It was time to go shopping and get ready for the trip. At home in Africa, during these moments, we do not communicate it to others for fear of being a victim of jealousy. Depending on the season, we take our American clothes (leather jackets that we didn't dare to wear back home), and part of the suitcases is for food! For Ivorians, attieké or cassava couscous is the primary food to take with you, but I don't think it is necessary for two reasons; most of the big cities have African stores that sell most of the dishes from back home and secondly, I think a part of the reason for visiting another country is to experience their food. Also, not taking too many edible things saves time at customs.

You must be very careful with packages, especially from people you don't know. Always pack your suitcase and check all packages carefully as a precaution. Make sure that you always have your passport and other administrative documents such as your airplane ticket, the documents proving the accommodation, which can be the receipt of the hotel, the letter from the host, and other traveling documents. These documents should remain in the hand luggage since you will need them during the journey to your destination.

Always keep some clothes and toiletries in your carry-on luggage in case the checked-in bags don't arrive at the same time. This often happens on long flights during the end of summer and end of year periods when airlines are overwhelmed and may choose to leave some bags due to the high volume. Especially because some people often travel with 3-4 bags! Personally, I prefer using brightly colored suitcases that are easily recognizable, and if they match, it's even better! I also try to travel light, below the weight limit, and always leave a few kilograms unused to avoid stress during weighing.

Arrival at the airport in the US

Depending on the city we are traveling to, we arrive at a hub, which is the main airport where a brief questioning session takes place to receive the passport stamp. The questions will be straightforward, requiring immediate answers. Therefore, avoid beating around the bush. It's natural for Americans to maintain direct eye contact during communication, so don't feel intimidated by it and make sure to reciprocate. It's not considered rude! The agent will ask questions in the following order: country of origin, purpose of travel, destination, duration of stay, host information, and financial responsibility for the visit. Security agents have the authority to inspect and search your luggage. It's important to note that for visitors, even with a 10-year multiple entry visa, the maximum allowed stay in the country is six months.

Hotel or Airbnb?

What is an Airbnb?

It's a website where any owner of a house, apartment, cabin, boat, or other property can rent it out daily, weekly, or monthly at a competitive price compared to hotels while keeping a local and original touch for most of the time. In addition, we find many atypical accommodations which can enhance the experience.

Should you choose a hotel or an Airbnb for a short vacation stay, it all depends on the budget, the city, the number of people, and the reason for the visit. Let's go case by case:

- For a group of young people on vacation, for example, choosing an Airbnb (or Vrbo, the competitor service) would be more enjoyable. The space is more prominent, as it is easier to eat at home, and there are many more facilities and accommodations from the host. Some hosts put in their properties suggestions of local places to visit during the stay. And with this option, the holiday could be less expensive. Choosing this option helps support small local businesses, especially since this is the current trend.

- A hotel would be more suitable and accommodating for a business traveler who has conferences or business meetings. There will be no time for cleaning, cooking, as everything will be made available at the hotel.

Culture shock

The American mindset can be initially shocking, but over time, you become accustomed to it. Certain things, even the most insignificant ones, can be more disturbing simply because they are unfamiliar to us. Did you know that in the United States, the ground floor is considered the first level, and when you go up one level, you're already on the second floor? In our country, the ground floor is labeled