In August, I did the craziest thing I’ve ever done in my life to date: I moved to another country knowing nothing and no one for college. The act and planning of moving here was not even the hardest part; if anything, it was the easiest. Getting used to a culture vastly different than my own has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced. Hence, during the four months since move-in day, my friends have become used to me being flabbergasted over the most mundane things. However, with every comment made, I also surprised them with how things are done in Brazil. So, I’ve compiled a list of things that have shocked me the most since coming to the U.S.

Visible quarter-length socks

Look, I love using fuzzy, quarter-length socks in the winter like anyone else, but this still took me back a bit. At first I thought it was a one-off, but then I saw everyone wearing them around. Quarter-length socks with low-top shoes while wearing shorts? That is a fashion statement unknown in a tropical country such as Brazil. Nevertheless, I’ll stick to my ankle socks in public, and you guys can do your thing.

Free water in restaurants

Now, this for me is the American thing. Coming from somewhere where I had to pay $8 for a bottle of water, having this in restaurants is a blessing. When I realized this is more of a rule than an exception, my mind was completely blown. However, I still have to be reminded of this courtesy everytime I go out, and cue me being amazed all over again. To this day, I feel like a giddy kid every time I fill up my water bottle or ask for a glass of water anywhere.

Jaywalking

First of all, this is somewhat dangerous. Even so, as long as you look both ways and see and hear no one coming, you should be fine. In Brazil, it is rather normal to cross the street when traffic is slow or nonexistent, and this practice has my friends here in pins and needles. Back home, there is an avenue near my house, and as you can imagine it is that is always busy, yet everyone I see and know will cross it in between unmoving traffic, and no one bats an eye at it. However, my roommate and I were going to the Mizzou Market one night, and I crossed the street as a car came crawling up it, causing a lecture about jaywalking from her. Now, I have started to cross on pedestrian crossings when she’s around.

College sports

As a soccer lover, I’m all for cheering on sports teams. Nevertheless, it is a bit shocking universities here have football stadiums, basketball arenas, hockey rinks and full-time employees that work for those sports departments. Athletic events such as Homecoming weekend were unheard of to me. The school spirit and rivalries are fun to participate in and a great way to bond with friends over awesome or terrible games. M – I – Z!

All in all, it has been a very interesting transition. There will be more things that make me do a double take, I’m sure, yet I’m positive I’ll also make a few of my friends very confused with my antics. So, don’t get too weirded out if someone gives you an incredulous look around campus, chances are they are just a flabbergasted international student.

Edited by Abby Henshaw, ahenshaw@themaneater.com
Copy edited by Shirin Xavier and Emily Rutledge