The American Experience: A Russian Immigrant’s Perspective on Life in the United States

Every immigrant experiences a unique journey and set of challenges as they navigate a new country. For me, as an immigrant from Russia, life in the United States has been filled with both familiar and bewildering aspects. In this article, I’ll share some of the most intriguing and sometimes perplexing aspects that have shaped my experience of living in the US.

One of the most confusing things I encountered when I moved to America was the necessity of being in debt to be considered successful. In the narrative of American success, a high credit score is paramount when it comes to renting, buying, or living in the country. Contrastingly, in Russia, being debt-free was seen as a sign of stability and financial prudence. My struggle to find a rental apartment in Florida was a stark reminder of this cultural divide. If you’re not in debt, it’s nearly impossible to rent an apartment, regardless of your income level.

Not Your Typical Home Climate

Another aspect that took me by surprise was the temperature inside buildings, especially in Southern states. It is extremely cold inside compared to the outdoors, even for a person accustomed to one of the coldest countries in the world. This constant difference in indoor and outdoor temperatures required me to wear warm clothing inside and remove it outside. The reliance on air conditioning also highlighted a significant difference in American lifestyle compared to my previous experience.

Economic and Cultural Norms

American economic and cultural norms also stood out as unique and sometimes challenging. The prevalence of American flags and the enthusiasm for sports were staples that I had observed but felt more pronounced here. Additionally, the gigantic portions of food and oversized products were a frequent point of discussion, emphasizing the cultural emphasis on abundance and grandeur in consumption.

The vast majority of people in the US also rely on personal vehicles for daily activities, especially outside the city. In the suburbs, having a car is almost mandatory, which was quite surprising given the infrastructure and public transportation options available in Europe. The inability to drive could severely limit one’s ability to function and succeed in the US.

Cultural Quirks and perks

Beyond the logistical differences, the cultural quirks of the US were eye-opening. Free refills and endless tap water at restaurants, for example, were a delightful novelty. Similarly, the friendly smiles and casual conversations with strangers were a refreshing change from the more reserved demeanor I was accustomed to. These small but significant details contributed to the broader tapestry of an immigrant’s experience.

The Measurement System

Adapting to the American measurement system was another peculiar challenge. Growing up in a country that primarily uses the metric system, the shift to inches and Fahrenheit was cumbersome at first. While I can now switch between the two systems, converting for everyday tasks required some adjustment. The predominantly use of feet and inches in construction and plumbing work was especially challenging. The idea of converting between systems for such critical tasks made me question the total switch to the metric system in the US.

American Multinational Companies and NASA

For those unfamiliar with the American measurement system, it can be a hurdle to overcome, particularly for multinational companies and organizations that interact with other countries. The US is one of the few countries that does not use the metric system, which can create complications in global collaboration. NASA and other scientific organizations, for instance, operate primarily using the metric system, which presents a unique challenge in the US.

However, the US has grown more accommodating to metric systems, evidenced by the presence of dual measurement signs and the use of metric in scientific and technical fields. The adaptation to the metric system would likely benefit various sectors, including education, construction, and healthcare.

Overall, my experience as an immigrant in the United States has provided a fascinating and, at times, bewildering mixture of cultural contrasts and personal challenges. Embracing the unique aspects of American life has been both enlightening and rewarding. Whether it's the cold buildings, the size of servings, or the reliance on personal vehicles, each aspect offers a glimpse into the fabric of American society.

Note: There are several Youtube videos that provide a more detailed and humorous overview of the differences between life in Russia and the United States. If you are interested in a more extensive list of differences, I highly recommend checking out some of these videos for a different perspective.