curious (Johnson City, Kingsport: fit in, school, university)

[silver_akas]

i am an international student from west Africa, but moved to Maryland and have lived here for about a year and a half, i applied to East Tennessee State University, and i am Planning on moving pretty soon. but i started to make some reaserch about the state, the people and city life.i have aso heard people say some terrible things about the place. And also that it might not be the best place for me since i am a foreigner. still i am not yet convinced that east tennesee is as bad as they say. i sure need some advice from people that live there.

[jabogitlu]

I think you'll find Johnson City is as multicultural as most places in the US. (By most places, I don't mean to imply cities, like LA, DC, NYC) ETSU has brought in people from all over the world who are living here; my academic advisor is from Nigeria.

Outside of Johnson City and Kingsport, it's pretty monocultural (most people are white American, European descent, with a small minority black American, African descent). However, within the university community I'm sure you will be opened with welcome arms.

Might it be worth your trouble to drive down, maybe schedule an appt with the University? Just a thought.

[ljay42]

Originally Posted by silver_akas

i am an international student from west Africa, but moved to Maryland and have lived here for about a year and a half, i applied to East Tennessee State University, and i am Planning on moving pretty soon. but i started to make some reaserch about the state, the people and city life.i have aso heard people say some terrible things about the place. And also that it might not be the best place for me since i am a foreigner. still i am not yet convinced that east tennesee is as bad as they say. i sure need some advice from people that live there.

People say bad things about every place. I agree with jab..you have nothing to worry about. This is a nice area and I'm sure you'll feel very comfortable here once you settle into a daily routine at the university.


So...welcome!

[Beretta]

Originally Posted by silver_akas

i am an international student from west Africa, but moved to Maryland and have lived here for about a year and a half, i applied to East Tennessee State University, and i am Planning on moving pretty soon. but i started to make some reaserch about the state, the people and city life.i have aso heard people say some terrible things about the place. And also that it might not be the best place for me since i am a foreigner. still i am not yet convinced that east tennesee is as bad as they say. i sure need some advice from people that live there.

There is no way to tell if you will fit in unless you try it for yourself. I am of the personal opinion that a big part of fitting in is the attitude within. I agree with the others that you should try to plan a trip down here. Some people like this area, some don't. At any rate, welcome!

[williboy]

You sound like a thoughtful well mannered young person. I think you will do quite well fitting in at ETSU and the Tri-Cities area.
Again, welcome to the area. Go Bucs!

[letitgo]

Originally Posted by silver_akas

i am an international student from west Africa, but moved to Maryland and have lived here for about a year and a half, i applied to East Tennessee State University, and i am Planning on moving pretty soon. but i started to make some reaserch about the state, the people and city life.i have aso heard people say some terrible things about the place. And also that it might not be the best place for me since i am a foreigner. still i am not yet convinced that east tennesee is as bad as they say. i sure need some advice from people that live there.

I also heard terrible things about JC (especially as far as racism is concerned)!!! I am African American. I am a medical student at ETSU and once I visited JC for my interviews I had no idea where people got all those terrible things from. My experience in JC has been nice.

Granted JC is not very diverse at all but I haven't experienced any racism that stemmed from hate at all. The people are nice, the area is beautiful. I am glad I went there for school--although I must be honest in the fact that I am looking to move to a bigger, more diverse city once I graduate.

I think JC is what you make it. It's a great place for school, but you may have to make some social sacrifices.