Land of the free, home of the brave, where everything is bigger and better, from the burgers to the measures in the cocktails. And judging by the opportunities on offer, the American Dream is alive and well.
When you’ve exercised your constitutional right to work, you can get yourself elbow deep in the wellspring of modern culture: the lights on Broadway, the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway 66, Bob Dylan, Cate Blanchett, Stephen Spielberg, Ronald McDonald, Kiehls, Friends, David Letterman. Need a rest? Take a Greyhound to Big Sur, pack some Kerouac and explore some of the most unspoiled scenery the world has to offer.
The United States spends more on healthcare, both as a proportion of gross domestic product (GDP) and on a per-capita basis, than any other nation in the world.
Around 84% of US citizens have some form of private health insurance and that’s because it can be expensive. If you’re going to work in the USA you’ll need to take out some form of health insurance which will cover you in the event of sudden illness, injury or death. Mainstream health plans require you to have lived in the USA for a specific period, but do your research and you’ll discover plans that cater to your needs.
According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), there are 8,694 active financial institutions in the United States; some offer free checking accounts or waive ATM fees; all require you to bring proof of ID and a small initial deposit. On arrival in the United States your Michael Page consultant will be more than happy to help you get set up.
The cost of real estate and consequently, accommodation, are on the rise in the United States, particularly in urban areas. Rental prices vary from $200 - $5,000 a month, depending on size and location. Finding an affordable apartment in NYC is challenging.
It’s debatable as to who invented the car but the large scale manufacturing of automobiles was most definitely an American invention. The USA’s obsession with the car is legendary but, like many great love affairs, the most enduring are borne out of necessity. Medium-sized American cities, particularly in the west and south, are very spread out and public transportation rudimentary, making a car the most practical option.
Perpetuating the romance, many Americans will tell you that you can't see the "real" America except by car. But that’s not true. Intercity bus travel in the United States is commonly used to connect smaller towns with regional cities. That cultural icon, the Greyhound Bus, is dependable, safe and affordable - Their North American Discovery Pass allows unlimited travel for ranges of 4 to 60 days.
Another alternative is the national rail system. Amtrak (1-800-USA-RAIL), provides services to most cities in the USA, with routes that traverse some its most beautiful areas. Separate from Amtrak, commuter trains carry passengers to and from the suburbs of major cities.
To travel from the suburbs to the heart of New York City, your best bet is the Subway which is much safer and more reliable than certain movies would have you believe. Just use common sense when travelling late at night. You’ll need a MetroCard for use on the bus and subway system and these can be bought online, at stations or at many grocery stores and newsagents.
