Six months in America Hi! It has been six months since I moved from Brazil to the US. I have learned a lot about the differences between the American and the Brazilian cultures. It's not that both cultures are entirely different, but I had to adjust in order to get adapted. It starts with the food. A lot of people says that all that you can find in America is junk food, and they couldn't be more wrong. I learned that food in the US is all about choices: you can either make a good or a bad choice - it's always up to you. I also learned very quickly that you've got to have a car. Depending on the city that you are living in, public transportation isn't an option. I live in Atlanta, and the public transportation in Atlanta doesn't serve much of the Atlanta's metropolitan area - though the subway system serves the whole downtown area. Regarding economics, well this a country that wants you to spend as much money as you can - though you might be limited to your credit card limit. There is a lot of special sales such as the Memorial day weekend, mother's day, father's day, and all of the other special days where the stores claim to have special prices with incredible discounts. Sometimes the discounts seems to be very good, but don't be tricked by the price tags that say 70% off - unless you are in an Outlet. You should also be attentive to not purchase stuff that you don't actually need. The food isn't that expensive if you are willing to go to the supermarket, pick up your groceries, and cook yourself. If you prefer to go to restaurants, then you are going to spend way more than if you were cooking at home. Cost of living can also be tricky. I found the apartment leasing rates way more expensive than I was expecting - I mean, at least compared to Brazil. I feel like if one wants to succeed in the US, than it's mandatory to plan ahead of time and research the city you intend to live in. If you compare different cities, you will find out that there is a huge difference in the cost of living, which should serve as variable to your decision making in moving to a specific city or state - taxes on income can be really different and change your plan of living! Living in the US has been a great experience. I respect the country very much, and I'm particularly impressed with the love that Americans show to their country. This is really different from what I see in Brazil. Thank you for reading!