<p>Rileydog - May I ask which part of VA you were in? It seems like you're describing central/southern VA to a tee, but you are way off in saying "Virginia" as a whole is like that. Northern VA is admittedly not Boston by any means, but it's also not Southern in the least. Grouping Northern VA with DC/Maryland culture-wise is much more accurate.</p>
<p>I agree that areas differ vastly even within small states. In IL, u have coastal, bustling chicago in the north. In southern IL, u have nothing but grass and cows.</p>
<p>"To be a Virginian, either Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any state in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country,and a Benediction from Above"</p>
<p>This is an interesting post................my mom is from Virginia Beach (definitely not rural Virginia), and my dad is from Boston. I've been hearing this debate for most of my life..............At "the beach" there is not the same "old Virginia" feel. Lots of military transplants, so quite a mix of people. You can NOT beat the weather or the beauty of this area. I love Virginia, but I LOVE Boston.................go there every summer to see my Sox play! I would say that most Virginian's (including myself) are fiercely proud of their southern heritage and "good manners".</p>
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Also, even if they aren't sincere, isn't it better that someone is nice, compared to not nice?
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</p>
<p>I strongly disagree with this. If you don't get along with someone, I think it's better for it to be known, so you won't hang out with each other, rather than the both of you being completely fake to each other.</p>
<p>^ I can tell you're from the East. ;) But I also feel I should mention the (obvious) fact that "the East" has many different personalities. The South and the North are totally different, with the mid-Atlantic states caught in the middle.</p>
<p>boooooreeeeng</p>
<p>Maybe it's because I'm Texan. I think it's better to be kind and nice, no matter if they are your enemy. That's how I've been taught.</p>
<p>"I think it's better to be kind and nice, no matter if they are your enemy. That's how I've been taught."</p>
<p>Why so many gun nuts there?</p>
<p>bananainpyjamas and faline2 - I am referring to southern VA but frankly, I have a BIL, SIL, and grown nieces and nephews in northern VA who, despite living in or growing up in the DC area, definitely have a more "southern" presentation than I would expect. However, I recognize the influence of the DC area is quite different.</p>
<p>Pilebay,</p>
<p>Well, being in Fairbanks perhaps I have a little perspective on the subject. What they say is true: most of those who go outside do come back. They lose their scholarships, they get homesick, they just aren't ready to be a continent away from home. Students from other parts of the country can drive home for long weekends, fly, or even have people drive on over for a visit. You and I know that a flight between DC and Fairbanks takes at least 10 hours in the summer, 12 in the winter, and that's with good connections. It makes it very difficult. Heck, our son isn't home because of that very fact. Not to mention the fares. The cheapest flights we have gotten from here to DC are $600.00 RT for active duty military. </p>
<p>Wait, then where is he? He's in Annapolis, MD attending the Naval Academy. He has made it through a year and a half, but he has had serious bouts of homesickness. I don't know if he would still be there were it not for the structure, sponsor families, and the tightness of the brigade of midshipmen. ALL of his friends he graduated with have returned home and are attending UAF or UAA.</p>
<p>Students that I do know who have been successful outside usually have a support system nearby. Extended family in the area, close friends, or even other students attending the same school. Do you have access to any of these? Are you adventurous? Looking forward to learning to ride the metro? Ready to not know every third person on the plane when you leave?</p>
<p>Then you should do it. I believe that knowing is half the battle. You are already gathering information. You are preparing yourself. That says something. Just realize that you are going to be far away from home and you will have to do just about everything yourself until you build your own network of friends. But it can be done. Adapt and overcome! And besides, wouldn't it be great to be somewhere where it was warm and dark at the same time?</p>
<p>Good luck and feel free to PM me if you like.</p>
<p>Interesting to hear your experience with Alaskan college students. BTW, best of luck to your son in Annapolis. I hope he is indeed building meaningful relationships despite the extreme stress which will also provide him with the riches of a second family all across the USA when he graduates. I am sure you are very proud of him. When I was his age, I was attending dances at the Naval Academy and there really is a lonliness factor there for plebes that adds some angst to the already hard adjustment but Academy graduates do have lifelong friends before they are done. </p>
<p>I think all students with all goals should consider the goal of making "friends for a lifetime" when they choose a school. And I mentioned earlier when we were still talking about the Fairbanks student and not Texas and Virginia (ha) that I felt he should not choose a school with a difficult or slow to warm up social scene due to his being cut off from visits to his home. I personally also favor schools where there is a good chance the Professor knows your name because I think 18-22 years olds learn much from each other but are still taking great inspiration and direction from interesting adults. Don't overlook colleges with populations of 2000-6000. Graduate school outcomes can be enhanced in environments where access to full Profs is one of the "riches" offered.</p>