Coming to America
Here we will try to clear out some of the mysteries around moving to America. Here is the basic information you will need. It is very hard to compare the major changes you as a student will have to adapt to since we have students from all over the world. Because of this, we have decided to point out some of the characteristics of living in America.

Getting around
The first thing you may come to notice is that most Americans drive their own vehicles whenever they need to travel. The public transportation system is not as large here as in other countries. Owning a vehicle is essential in the American society. When you arrive here at Pro Aircraft Flight Training you will find that most of our students buy their own cars within the first 1 to 2 months of their stay. If you are here for a shorter stay, we will help provide you with transportation to and from school. For students enrolled in a lengthier program it will be advisable to buy a car. You can get a decent car from $1000-$1500, and if you are lucky even less. By Texas law you will also have to purchase liability insurance on the car. This usually cost around $400 for 6months plus a $35 processing fee. The current price for gasoline is around $1.50 per gallon (40 cents per liter). Refer to "Living Expenses" for a suggestive budget.

If you don't have an international driver's license, you can get Texas drivers license from the Texas Department of Public Safety. It consists of a written and a practical test, cost $25, and can be completed in less than one day if you have read the training guide they give you beforehand.

Money
As for most other countries in the world, money is the main means of trading. Currently, here in the States, credit cards are accepted at most establishments. You will be able to use your credit card almost everywhere you go. If you currently hold a Visa, MasterCard or American Express (with the cirrus logo on the back) you will find it very simple to use in the US. The American currency is Dollars ($) and consists of the $100, $50, $20, $10, $5 and $1 bill. You will also find the following coins; penny (1cent), nickel (5cents), dime (10cents), quarter (25cents), half dollar (50cents) and the one-dollar.

Communicating
In America the main language is English. America is so diverse in its cultures and nationalities the common American will have few problems understanding you even if you have a heavy accent. However, after you have been here for a while and your vocabulary improves you will become more comfortable with the English language and you will see how much easier it is to communicate, and receive the assistance you need. We advise our students who are poor in the English language to buy study tapes to help improve their vocabulary skills.

Since Texas is so close to the Mexican border, you will also find that you can use Spanish in most public offices and many other places. If Spanish is your native language this will come in handy on a daily basis.

Americans
Here in Texas we are proud of our southern hospitality. You will see that most of the people here are very friendly and outgoing. It is not unusual for two strangers to engage in conversation while they are waiting in the check out line at the supermarket. It is normally very easy to get assistance when you go into a store or to receive directions when you are traveling.

Way of Living
America is the mother of the western society, so you will find the living here very westernized, with the latest technology used everywhere from street corners to the teller at the supermarket. American families mostly live in suburbs a little outside the city, and most students who do not live at home have their own apartments in one of the many apartment complexes located around the city. Most apartment complexes have amenities like swimming pool (Texas is very warm most of the year), tennis courts, laundry rooms and 24-hour maintenance service. We will help you to obtain and set up an apartment or alternative place to stay upon your arrival.

Food
Since America is a melting pot of many cultures there will be no problem finding the cuisines or ingredients from your home country. The supermarkets are generally very large, and contain everything you will need for your everyday cooking. For special ingredients from your home country, it may be necessary to go to one of the many special stores or you may bring some spices with you from your home country. Check with the airlines to see which items you may bring into the United States.

After School Activities
In your spare time you will see there are enough activities for you to engage in. The major sporting events in America are baseball, American football, basketball, golf, and tennis. You will find plenty of free public parks with a football fields (called soccer field in America), baseball fields, outdoor walking tracks, picnic areas and lakes. Fort Worth also has a wide variety of nightclubs for the more adventurous student. Read more about after school activities in "Fort Worth" under "About Pro Aircraft Flight Training" on this site.