@me29034 – RE: #129 – " She has heard that in the south people are constantly inviting you to go to church with them, asking if you are saved, etc. In MA, where we live, people generally keep their religion to themselves and that is what she is comfortable with. She is somewhat concerned that there will be too much emphasis on religion and going to church at southern schools. Is this true or just the stereotype?"
I can only speak from my personal experience, but… I am from New England, and have been living in VA, teaching at a state university here since 2006. I do find that more people have invited me to go to church with them (particularly when I was new), than in New England. I have never felt pressured, nor have I perceived anyone to be offended when I respectfully declined.
More of the students I teach down here go to church on a regular basis/ participate in faith based groups and activities, however, I also have students who do not, and it does not seem to be a problem. That being said… where I teach has more kids who come “down” from Northern VA, MD, DC, PA, CT, NY, NJ, than come up from other southern states, so the vibe is a bit more mid-Atlantic. There are also kids up come “over” from the west, students from Alaska, international students, etc…
Ultimately, if this is a concern you may want to make sure to visit the specific schools in which you are interested if possible, and talk with current students at schools. Every school has its own vibe, regardless of where it is located.