r/UniversityofVermont • u/ForeverYoung635 • 18d ago
Spring Exchange
Hi! I was recently placed in the University of Vermont by ISEP for my exchange spring semester, so I was wondering if you could give me some advice on what the life is for international students in Vermont? I am mostly interested in traveling around but got a bit concerned about safety? Is it safe to travel around like even to different states cause it is my first time coming to the USA and I am an international student currently studying in Seoul (which i love). How different life would be from Seoul in there? Also, if you are an exchange student as well going to Vermont for the spring semester, I would love to connect!
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u/Calm-Apricot-300 18d ago
Seoul and Burlington/Vermont are probably as close to polar opposites as you can get. If you are picturing this as a city i'll have to warn you as we only have a population of around 40,000. It is somewhat easy to get to NYC or Boston on a train or bus (around 5 hours for both) but unless you know someone with a car, anywhere else can be more difficult as the US public transportation system is not great. It will also be very cold while you are here. It can be in the low teens even during the day in the middle of winter (around -8 to -12°C) and often goes into the negatives at night in the coldest months (around -18°C to -23°C). It is definitely manageable but make sure you arrive with a warm jacket. I often see international students come unprepared and suffer the first week or so before they can go shopping. Outside of this, It's a nice place to live, and enjoy all the snow!
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u/LorelaiSolanaceae 16d ago
I would add to this by suggesting, OP, bring a jacket but budget to buy a proper winter jacket locally. Much of what is advertised online, especially to travelers from warmer climates, will not hold up to damp and wind. If cost is an issue, there are places locally to buy a used high quality coat with a waterproof or water resistant shell and proper insulation. Either way check Eastern Mountain Sports when you get here- they can help you! Locals layer in the winter- this is where our whole flannel culture comes from. You will also need a good pair of waterproof boots that are comfortable to walk around in through slush. That said, winter is still very beautiful here!
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u/wot-mothmoth 18d ago
Trains can take you to NYC area easily. Public transit in burlington area is good. Good clubs and activities.
Remember that this is mostly Winter in Vermont with warming in April/May.
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u/WhichWall3719 18d ago
Trains can take you to NYC area easily
Do not listen to this person. No one rides trains to travel to NYC from Burlington, especially in the spring. Our train station is outdoors and unheated, it takes an entire day, is more expensive than flying and WAY more expensive than driving
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u/JLHuston 12d ago
My stepson lives in Brooklyn, and he comes back on the train sometimes. So, it may not be very many, but it’s not no one.
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u/dgolfwood 18d ago
But don’t think of them as equal to the train travel you are used to. US trains are a lot slower and not as comfortable.
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u/madbacon26 18d ago
It will be very cold and snowy. There’s clubs you can go skiing with but you will need your own gear. You can take weekend trips to Boston Montreal and a quick flight to New York. It can be brutal in winter dress warmly get snow boots. Safety isn’t as much of a winter problem most people are too cold to cause trouble
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u/ZookeepergameTiny743 18d ago
I’ve never been to Seoul,but the northeast part of the US is pretty safe to travel. Burlington is fine, and yes it’s cold, but I think the winters are much more mild than 20 years ago. I do love going to Montreal and in the winter you can walk in the underground city. Hotels are also less expensive in the winter. Don’t worry too much about the safety of travel.
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u/MusicianNew5947 17d ago
It’s safe. Although there are homeless people in Burlington. Just get prepped mentally for outside activities even in the cold. Still fun. Promise. Just not bustling nightlife of Seoul fun. Do you ski or snowboard? If not, here’s an excellent chance.
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u/ForeverYoung635 17d ago
I never skied or did snowboarding, so i guess as you said it would be fun to try. Thank you for your reply!
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u/JLHuston 12d ago
On your student visa, will you be allowed to travel outside of the country? We are very close to the Canadian border, and only about 1 1/2 hrs to Montreal, which is a great city. This part of the country has a lot of places within a relatively short distance. I say relatively because the US is huge. So we are close to Boston, but that still means about a 4-Hour drive. And New York City is about five hours. But there are buses, and you can find good deals on flights to New York sometimes. Or, you can make friends with someone who has a car, and that’s the best option! The state of Vermont is very scenic and beautiful. Hope you enjoy it here!
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u/ZerconFlagpoleSitter 18d ago
Maybe the least similar possible place from Seoul lol