October, 2012
This month we had the chance to speak with Scott Marshall from Australia about his current training in Los Angeles. We also talked about an epic road trip he took to Yellowstone and the differenced between basketball in the States and down under...
What are some differences between Adelaide and LA?
Adelaide has 1 million people and LA has many millions of people. Adelaide is much more laid back. Adelaide is multicultural, but the demographics are different. Everyone here in LA is very work-oriented, more so than they are back home. People in Adelaide value their lifestyle and wide open spaces. Most people I meet here have moved to LA from somewhere else in order to enhance their careers.
What are the hardest transitions you have experienced?
Being away from familiarity. Sometimes I miss people who understand what I’m saying, and being in a place where my accent doesn’t stand out. The food is different; the customs are different.
What are some things you love about US culture?
I took a road trip from LA up to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. I could spend a long, long while there. It’s an outdoorsman’s paradise! I love fishing, and the trout population there was quite good.
I also enjoy the basketball culture here. There’s a huge gym where people play pickup basketball all night long. One thing that can lead to confusion is that Americans check the ball and Australians don’t, so it is not always clear when to start the play.
The bagels are good here! I like Mexican food, which is uncommon in Australia but available everywhere in southern California.
How have you been able to share your home culture with Americans?
Everyone I’ve met so far here is very interested in Australia. I’ve met plenty of people who have never met an Australian before. People remember you because you’re different. When I walk into the gym, people say “Hey, Russell Crowe’s here!” It feels like it’s easier to meet people. If you were coming from another town in the US, there’s nothing different about you, so people would not make the same effort to get to know you.
How will your training here benefit you?
I’m hoping that this experience will show initiative at job interview time back home. From a personal point of view, you definitely grow and change and learn more abroad than you would at home.
What do you recommend for J-1 visitors that are thinking of coming to the US?
You should say yes to everything. You should be willing to just jump on any opportunity. Drop everything and go if there’s a chance to do something. Even if you wouldn’t do it at home, do something different. Those things are valuable
…Also, watch the calories.