USA – ARRIVAL. Austrians take over Rider University J, August 27th

After a 3 1/2 hour ride to Linz, crying my eyes out, and waving goodbye to my boyfriend and cousin , we were on our way to Munich- another 2 hour trip. When we finally arrived at the airport in Munich, Kristel was crying her eyes out. At the airport we met Behnam, another Austrian exchange student. Get on the plane!

While waiting anxiously, anticipating getting on the plane in Paris, and heading for Newark, New Jersey, I was stopped after the check-in  by a security guard. Of course they have to stop me because I defintely look like a suspect. She-unfortunately it was female security guard- did a full body search, Whatever!

Finally on the plane, we watched movies, such as „What happens in Las Vegas“ or „Kung-Fu-Panda“, but most of the time I was sleeping in a very uncomfortable position. After a 9 hour flight we finally touched American soil. Yippie! The security checks were much easier to get through than in Paris- I didn’t have any problems at all (they were just taking our finger prints and a picture). What a surprise! After our arrival we had to wait for the two „Frenchies“ Thibeaut and Benoit, who are exchange students from France (well guess what, they actually speak French) and they are staying for only one term. These guys are just awesome (When reading my blog you’ll find out that I use this word very often) and we got along very well from the very first moment. Finally Amjad (or as we prefer to call him „one-shot“), a Rider staff member picked us up at the airport and took us to our „beautiful, overwhelming and awe-inspiring Rider University campus“. On campus Ervin, another Austrian exchange student, who is originally from Slovenia, was already longing for us.

Totally SHOCKED! We entered our rooms in Gee Hall (A 103, probably the most known room number right now) and... there was just NOTHING. Actually the rooms solely consisted of two beds, two desks, two bookshelves, two dresser and something looking similar to a closet. Just plain!

After having experienced the way of accommodation on campus, we were invited to a Pizza Party. Pizza –What else? There we got to know some other Rider staff members besides Amjad. We also did a little „sightseeing tour“ around the campus- every building actually looks exactly the same, but at least there is beautiful lake.

Afterwards I finally met my awesome roommate, Kirsten. We met and we clicked together immediately. I’m really happy to know her, because she is as open-minded, crazy and fabulous as I am J. Kirsten’s major is International Business and Marketing, her minors are French, Spanish and German. So we have, at least a few things in common regarding school. Well, she actually wants to spend two years in Europe, where she is going to study in France, Spain and AUSTRIA, Graz. All I can say for now is that I’m glad that SHE is my roommate.

So, as you can see when you read, I’m really fine and I’m doing great!