AC

This week, thanks to a wonderful reminder from our professor, I’m going to talk about a difference that most international students dislike: air conditioning.



Starting with cars, during the summer, practices are tougher because of the heat, and we sweat much more compared to winter. So, in Italy, when we get into the car, we usually roll the windows down to enjoy the breeze and cool off with the outside temperature. We do this for a few reasons: first, because it feels good and is something you can only enjoy during the summer; second, to save on gas; and third and most importantly, to avoid getting sick from drastic changes in temperature. We only use air conditioning when driving on the highway (which does not happen often) because the noise of driving at high speed with the windows down is annoying.

However, when I came to the U.S., I learned my lesson the hard way in Texas. We trained in dry, 100°F heat, and as soon as we got into the cars, it was freezing cold within seconds. It didn’t take me long to start bringing a jacket and an extra T-shirt to practice every day, becuase everyone had their AC set to Alaska winter temperatures šŸ˜­

The same thing happens in homes and buildings on campus and around the city. I live with American teammates who during the summer keep the temperature of the house at 64 or 66 degrees...SPEECHLESS!šŸ˜ØšŸ˜Ø

Whenever it’s hot outside, I always need to bring a jacket with me because the difference in temperature between the outdoors and indoors is unbelievable... In Italy, of course, buildings are cooler in the summer too, but the change isn’t as drastic; it’s just enough to make people feel refreshed and comfortable.

This is something I haven’t gotten used to, and probably never will. When it’s summer, I want to enjoy the warm breeze and outside temperatures, not keep the windows up and experience a 20-degree drop every time I go somewhere; especially considering how long low temperatures already last most of the year in Peoria...

Do you think you’d feel just as uncomfortable going to a different country and experiencing the opposite situation?

Let me know what you think.

Thank you again for your attention. It has been a pleasure to connect and interact with you!šŸ˜

Comments

  1. KaileiaApril 30, 2025 at 5:58 PM

    Personally, I try everything in my power to avoid AC. Whether it's in my car or at home, I would MUCH rather have the breeze blowing on me than glacier temps! Unfortunately though, many of my friends and family would love to keep turning the temperature down every time I turn my back.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 30, 2025 at 8:20 PM

    I hate the cold and get cold so easily, so I feel your pain! This is why I always bring a hoodie or sweater to keep me warm, especially when going to BECC. For some reason, they love having the temperature so fricking low.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jack HoulihanApril 30, 2025 at 9:14 PM

    It is so interesting to hear that, I have never really thought of that before. I constantly have air conditioning on me, especially when I sleep. I have always liked being more cold than hot, so I would have to adjust to other countries.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Heidi RottierMay 1, 2025 at 6:06 AM

    I definitely prefer not to sweat, so I'm an AC person. I also run a little cool, so I don't like it frigid either. I'm basically Goldilocks and need everything "just right".šŸ˜…

    ReplyDelete

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