We asked international students what they love and hate about America

America vs. the rest of the world. It’s a love-hate relationship.

Americans, you drive on the wrong side of the road, you repeatedly spell words wrong, you think all British people know the Queen, you use only red cups at parties and you call football “soccer.” Surely international students must be out of their minds to venture to America for college – otherwise known as university.

But, Thanksgiving is arguably a bit better than Christmas, extreme patriotism and unlimited freedom are quite contagious, you’ve walked on the moon and tailgates are pretty epic.

The Tab asked international students what they love (and hate) the most about America. Americans, proceed with caution.

Sonali Chauhan, India

“Favorite thing is Fireball Whiskey. Least favorite thing: America’s like a constant geese hunting party, what with all those guns everywhere.”

Aaron Jones, Canada

“My favorite things about America are the fast food super-sized food and drinks and of course, Yale. My least favorite thing about America is the current political campaign.”

Nadya Stryuk, Russia

“My favorite thing is recycling. Sustainability is not even a word in Russian, so I appreciate American (perhaps mostly Yale’s) effort to save the planet.”

Shantanu Gangwar, India

“Wall Street.”

Audrey Odonkor, Ghana

“My least favorite thing used to be every time I opened my mouth to speak and was asked where my accent was from before actually being listened to. My favorite thing about America is the freedom and access to everything you want to know, to learn how to do everything you don’t know how to. I think it’s heightened by the fact that being at Yale allows you to do what you want to do or change who you want to be, no questions asked.”

Venkatesh Jindal, India

“My least favorite thing would probably be the drinking age. Way too high.”

Jack Taperell, United Kingdom

“My favorite thing so far has been going on a road trip. American roads are just perfect for long stretches of driving. My least favorite thing is the preponderance of really fatty foods in unmanageable portions. No one needs to eat that much unless you’re an Olympic athlete.”

Lukas Noritzsch, Spain

“Favorite? This is tough. There are many great things about America. However, if I were to go home and never come back it would be the people I have met that I would miss most. I will also never forget driving down Highway 1 in California. Least favorite: the fact that a guy like Donald Trump could possibly become president.”

Yuki Hayashi, Singapore

“My favorite thing about America is that people are explicit about their thoughts and are confident to have their own beliefs. My least favorite thing is how trains and airplanes always get delayed.”

Andres Vargas, Mexico

“The food! Come on, does everything need to be deep fried, have gallons of grease and cheese everywhere?”

John Lee, South Korea

“Favorite: an exam at the end of high school doesn’t determine the rest of your life. Least favorite: the line at customs at airport that can often take hours to get through.”

Ryan Manucha, Canada

“How much Americans love freedom and their country.”

Azan Virjl, Tanzania

“I love America’s diversity of opinions and ideas and simply how everyone has the ability to express them. It means that you are constantly exposed to new ideas that challenge your way of thinking. It allows you to grow as a person, learn and be more open-minded.”

Christian Rhally, Switzerland

“Favorite thing in America: the diversity of the people. I love how diverse this country is, and that I can always meet people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, or religions. I think the US’s diversity is what makes this country so special.

“Something I also like about the US is the country’s ability to always make fun of itself. TV hosts on comedy channels are among the most popular ‘sources of news’ in the US, and it’s refreshing to see how this country can make fun of itself, of its beliefs and institutions.”