United States is a country that fascinates me a lot. Hearing about United States, I unavoidably imagine its appealing landmarks, such as white house, liberty statue and other exotic ones that you can think of. Luckily, for this program me and my cohorts first touched down in Washington D.C. for the orientation with the American Councils. I was overwhelmingly excited to see things that I had dreamed to see, and especially exposing myself to a such juxtaposed society that accommodates many diverse cultures and ethnicities. I was thrilled by the technology and how the cities are organized especially in Washington D.C. When I moved to the University of Minnesota, I was very propelled by the school's landscape and the architectural features, because abstractly the feeling of wanting to study struck me enormously. The dynamic in classes between teachers and students, as well as between students was very encouraging, because students were allowed to be expressive regardless of correctness and precision.

Minnesota has nothing similar to Timor-Leste. Above forty degrees north of equator the place is obviously experiencing four climates, unlike Timor that has only two (i.e. rain and hot "summer"). So far I really enjoy fall climate, because the mild wind that carries yellowish and brownish leaves from trees possess an inexplicable beauty, that truly worth to be witnessed than be told. The society is very civilized, and people are kind and very helpful, and that relief my worrisome issues with adaptation.

My favorite tradition in the U.S. is the thanksgiving, and football games of my home university. I enjoy thanksgiving, because it does not make me feel alone as I either socialize and have chance to cook and socialize with American families. Football on the other hand, makes me feel dynamic of a competition such as the Big Ten, which U of M is taking part of.