Muhammad Farooq is an international student hailing from Pakistan who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering. Farooq has made the nearly 8,000-mile trek to Tuscaloosa and is now engaged in classes at the University. Farooq said he has adjusted in many ways but still views the local culture with some subjectivity. Farooq was drawn to the University because he said America has a better education system and he had the opportunity to conduct research with a professor.

What do you like or not like about campus?

The campus is beautiful, and since it’s a college town, it’s very quiet compared to big cities, which I like. However, there’s no good local public transportation.

Was it hard to adjust?

Well, there’s a completely different culture in Tuscaloosa, so you have to take that into account. Pakistan is a more family-oriented society, whereas I feel like here the focus is on being an individual. However, this wasn’t my first time away from home, so it wasn’t really tough to adjust.

What are some of the weirdest things Americans do?

Having price tags without tax included – this was confusing for me in the start. Also, American food is something that I really don’t like. There’s too much cheese in everything.

What’s your favorite American quirk?

Being punctual.

How do you feel about football?

It looks like everyone is obsessed with football here. Initially I was not interested, but over the last couple of years I also started to take interest in it, mostly because of my friends. I have seen a game in the stadium, and the atmosphere over there is always great.