In this episode, I sit down with my friend, a Sri Lankan currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Florida. He’s been living in the U.S. for the past four years, and we have an open, honest conversation about what life in America is really like for an international student. From the journey of moving abroad and adapting to a new culture, to the highs and lows of PhD life, we cover it all.We also dive into some important topics that many people are curious about—like the rising cost of education in the U.S., the debate around whether college is still worth it, and the challenges of navigating the American healthcare system. He shares his perspective on crime, gun culture, and how recent political changes are affecting immigrants and students. We also touch on America’s consumer-driven society, the constant release of new tech and trends, and how that shapes life there.Whether you're someone planning to study abroad, curious about the real American lifestyle, or just enjoy hearing global stories, this episode offers an insightful look into one of the world’s most powerful and complex countries—from the lens of someone who’s living it every day.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave your thoughts in the comments. Let us know what country or story you’d like to hear next.Host: Nilanga Virajith (https://www.instagram.com/nilanga.virajith)Guest: Hansika WeerasenaFollow us on:TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.borders.slInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/beyond.borders.slFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/beyondborders.podcast.sl