yes you should go. advance yourself and advance your career.

by the by, it's sad when the reality is there are more kooks in texas than in egypt (where i see reports of violence and riots all the time)

I think you should go for it! Taking a the BIG step out of your comfort zone might not only advance your career for the rest of your life -but help you to become more empowered as a woman -who happens to be bi polar!
My first concern would be strengthening your support group and concentrating on keeping that support & psych care through the transition & keeping it when you get there.
Understandably, now is the time anyone would be anxious. If you weren't at all concerned, that would be a reason to go.
Give people a chance to be decent before expecting them to be creeps -- but do have a plan in place for leaving if a bad situation arises.

-I meant that would be a reason NOT to go.!! TYpo.

Holy shit !! I never meant to say that people might hurt me in Texas , USA because it's a bad place ... Please forgive me if I insulted you in anyway .... I think people will do all sort of bad things to me EVERY WHERE I GO , even in my own country so I'm very sorry everyone.

By all means go !

I think you should try to go. I think even if you DO fail (and how likely is that really, how much more might it be you thinking that!) - failure is better than regret. And you will ALWAYS have the experience!

We'd love to have you here in the states!

I'm from around that area and it's pretty friendly. We have a tradition of, "Southern Hospitality" to welcome people and be neighborly. They'll be curious about you and want to ask you questions about where you're from which might be uncomfortable.

I live in the North Texas area (just north of Dallas), and was born and raised in the worst crime rated part of Dallas where being a white female, I was a minority, which back then was not common. I haven't spent long anywhere else in the US, much less outside of the US (something I wish to correct) so I understand your fears.

Frankly, yes, Texans in general (mainly of the older generations of white Christians) can be a bit biased, but they will not act (or speak) on it (unless they know you well) because it goes against the Southern way. I say this because my viewpoints are completely contrary to the typical Texan and I've had a lot of difficulty with that in certain circles, mainly religious or big business.

I've been all over Texas, and in all of the moderate to large cities, we are a melting pot of different cultures which is helping to change the old ideas. Depending on where you are (namely Austin area), it may be very different from traditional Texas culture. Plus, any of the universities and the areas they are in are going to have a much more evolved culture. More West coast mentality.

So all in all, I think you really should give it a try. Push outside of your comfort zone. That's how most positive change happens. If nothing else, it will be a truly unique cultural experience you're not likely to see anywhere else and you will learn a lot with just that in mind. And based on the 6 items you listed, I really don't see any issue with any of those at all.

By the way, sorry to any Texans on here that this might rub wrong. I just don't believe that your average Texan would be able to provide the same perspective.

hi. im from Austin Texas. I'm not sure where ur going in TX but Austin & Galveston are quite liberal & like many have said a great melting pot of people. it sounds like ur in a group too? maybe that will help ya feel more secure? IMO it depends where ya go in TX too how thick the accent is & no matter where ya go if its ur first time in USA there will be an *accent* barrier if you will.

its always scary going somewhere unknown for sure but it sounds like a great opportunity to see another country. i think it would be awesome. not many people get that chance in their lifetime and i think its great your school is providing the opportunity. I just up & moved to a new city. Im all alone now & its scary but i can tell ya too that its so very exiting & something i don't regret experiencing. Good luck to you

I would be careful about this zeinna for another reason... A woman was turned away from the US this past weekend going to visit from Canada due to having a history of depression....It's been on the news quite a bit this week....Stigma/fear still reign and unfortunately stronger then ever..

Mental illness is a reason that they can turn you away unfortunately and since border crossing has become so much stricter you can be turned back.. or at least there is a very high chance of it

I went to Texas a few years ago and got through without a problem however you are taking a chance... If they ask at the border about having a mental illness you'd basically have to lie in order to get in.... You'll lose the money you spend on plane fair...
I guess it comes down to taking a chance with the airport security

I'm with Richard as well...xo

http://fromtheleft.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/dept-of-homeland-security-shocker-denies-canadians-with-mental-illnesses-entry-to-u-s/

You appear to be putting up all the roadblock as to why you shouldnt go. Try putting up the positive side to weight it out. The USA seems safer than Egypt is right now.

By all means, make the trip. Texas is a great place with a lot of nice people who live there. I can understand your anxiety about going someplace new. Sometimes I have trouble just going places around where I live. I wouldn't let the anxiety keep me from traveling to another country though, since you have the chance to do it.

I don't think the accent will be a problem for you and if it is just ask people to repeat what they said and I'm sure they will be happy to do so.