Go across the pond? An open mind and steady nerves come in handy

Going to the United States on a Fulbright scholarship is a fantastic opportunity that comes along maybe once in a lifetime, and sometimes not even then. The program was established in the US in 1946 to develop education, civil society, and foster peace in the post-war years. Each year, it sends 8,000 students, researchers, teachers, and other fellows to and from the United States, generally for several months of study and research projects. To see the world from a different perspective, get unique data, learn new skills, advance their research, meet new people. All of this, and actually much more, is to be expected from such a stay. My current experience as a "fulbrightist" in the capital of the United States so far only confirms this. But it also confirms that in addition to the expected things, you may encounter many unexpected ones along the way. Sometimes they are just a curiosity that makes your stay more interesting, sometimes they raise your eyebrows and sometimes they test the strength of your nerves. The Fullbright scholarship program has more than 300,000 alumni to date, is active in 155 countries and the Czech branch is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, so they have plenty of experience. That's why they will prepare you very well for what's to come before you leave. But some things in life you just have to experience for yourself.  

In the category of experiences that you expect but are still surprised by, the main one is the errands and paperwork that anyone who has decided to move their roots to another country will inevitably have to deal with. It starts before you leave and doesn't stop for at least the first few weeks after you land in the United States. With each additional family member that travels with you, the lenght of your to-do list then understandably multiplies. So if the mere thought of dealing with a “shalinkarta“ (a public transport pass in Brno) makes you feel uncomfortable, be patient, because, from the point of view of the authorities in your new overseas home, you are actually establishing a whole new identity. This is often not without situations more or less reminiscent of the plot of the novel Catch-22. For example, if you want to open a bank account, you need a social security number. But this is not exactly something easy to obtain and requires a few administrative and acrobatic manouevers that take up quite a lot of time. Some banks may not ask you for that number, which is hidden under the mysterious abbreviation SSN, but then you'll, understandably, have another bit of additional paperwork to deal with. And sometimes you'll find that you can't do without that number anyway. 

What American offices and institutions sometimes lose in clarity and organization, they often make up for through their pleasant demeanor and the helpfulness of their employees. Where a Czech would expect a vigorous scolding from the lady or gentleman behind the counter, one gets a smile (albeit currently under a face mask, therefore a mostly implicit one), an assurance that it's okay that you've filled out the box wrong the second time, and a reiterated explanation of how to do it. It doesn't seem like it, but even such a small thing will make it easier for you to fit into local life. 

Sometimes, of course, you create additional headaches all on your own. For example, when you forget to tell your bank before you leave that you're somehow going to be on another continent for the next few months, and that the amount of money that pops up on your account for a supermarket purchase in downtown Washington doesn't mean that your card has been stolen and therefore doesn't need to be blocked. In fact, it doesn't even occur to you in the pre-departure rush. But the experience of unblocking your card remotely, spiced up by the time difference and the incompatibility of sim cards, will be so deeply etched in your memory that you won't make the same mistake next time. Hopefully. What's that they say about mistakes and learning? 

Martin Jirušek
Department of International Relations and European Studies, FSS MU
Currently a Fulbright Scholar at George Washington University, Washington, D.C.