#420 How I Achieved My Dream of Living in the U.S. as an English Learner —How I Went, Where, and My #1 Tip for You
Dec 16, 2024
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A Brazilian shares his inspiring journey of moving to the U.S. as a work-and-travel exchange student. He recounts his adventures working at a ski resort, complete with hilarious guest service stories and insightful vocabulary. Culture shocks, like lunch customs and fashion differences, add humor to his experiences. Discover how watching TV shows helped with his English, and learn about the importance of motivation in mastering a new language. It's a delightful mix of fun, challenges, and valuable language tips for aspiring learners!
Izzy emphasized the importance of practical experience and immersion in culture to effectively learn and validate his English skills.
His time at the ski resort revealed significant cultural shocks, particularly regarding American meal norms and the casual dress code, enriching his understanding of American life.
Deep dives
Izzy's Hero's Journey to the US
Izzy's journey to fulfill his dream of living in the United States was driven by a desire to validate his English language skills. Before his trips to the US, he focused on attaining fluency through various means, emphasizing the importance of practical experience in learning a language. His trips were less about formal education and more about immersing himself in American culture, as he tested his ability to communicate with native speakers in real-world situations. This motivation to integrate and understand the culture exemplified his proactive approach to language learning.
Working at a Ski Resort
Izzy worked at a ski resort in Washington state, where he was part of the guest services department. His responsibilities included selling tickets and providing information about the resort's activities, highlighting the diverse tasks he managed on a daily basis. He shared memorable experiences, such as helping guests with directions to popular attractions like the snow tubing area, and responding to emergency situations by calling ski patrol. These stories not only showcased the challenges he faced but also the joy he found in engaging with guests from various backgrounds.
Cultural Adjustments in the US
One of Izzy's significant cultural shocks was the American lunchtime culture, where quick meals like burgers and pizza replace the traditional, substantial meals he cherished in Brazil. He also noted a noticeable difference in attire, particularly the casual use of baseball caps in various situations, even at formal events. Additionally, he admired the American work ethic, characterized by punctuality and dedication, which contrasted with his experiences back home. This blend of challenges and surprises deepened Izzy's understanding of American life and enriched his personal growth.
Experiencing American Football
Izzy's profound connection with American football became a defining aspect of his time in the US, reflecting his enthusiasm for the sport. A memorable experience was watching the Super Bowl in a bar, where he celebrated with fellow fans during an intense game, highlighting the communal aspect of sports in American culture. He felt a sense of belonging, evidenced by proudly wearing his Dallas Cowboys ID, thereby immersing himself in local traditions. These experiences underscored how sports can create connections and provide a sense of identity in a new environment.
Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App.
In this episode, I sit down with my co-host to ask him all about his unforgettable journey as a work-and-travel exchange student in the U.S. Hear all about his time working at a ski resort, the culture shocks he faced, the life lessons he gained, and how watching TV shows at home helped him get comfortable with English before the trip. It’s a fun and inspiring look at what it’s like to work abroad and embrace a whole new world of experiences!
By the end of this episode, you will:
Learn about a program Izzy used to find a job in the US
Learn great vocabulary related to ski resorts, like "Chairlift", "Snow tubing" and "Terrain park"
Have fun with the hilarious stories Izzy shared from the times he worked at the guest service at Seattle ski resort.
Plus:
Expand your vocabulary with a ton of practical expressions.
Find out about some culture shocks of a Brazilian living in the US
Celebrate the achievements of our Learner of the Week.