Student life in USA

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 September 2009 08:33 Written by Administrator Saturday, 26 September 2009 08:22

If you are planning to study and live and grow in the United States, you already possess a well-known American characteristic -- the sense of adventure!

As an international student, you will experience many new and exciting things. In this section, we hope to prepare you for some of the adventures involved in living in the United States.

It is difficult, if not impossible, to discuss exactly what "Living in the U.S." means to everyone. This country's culture has been enriched by the values and belief systems of virtually every part of the world. From an international student's perspective, that diversity is very valuable: If you choose to live in a completely different environment, you may be challenged with new situations every day; but if you decide to live in a part of the U.S. that resembles your home country in some ways, you may find comfort in those similarities.

Learning more about yourself is perhaps the most important part of your decision to travel to the U.S. Once you know what you want to achieve, then you can identify the right place to study and live and grow in the States.

Safety in USA

Like most issues, safety in the United States is difficult to define because the United States covers such a large territory. In general, though, the U.S. is a safe place to live.

It is still a good idea to educate yourself and take steps to reduce the potential for problems. By doing so, you will also feel more confident and comfortable.

Developing a sense of "street smarts" takes time, and comes through experience. Pay close attention to your surroundings. Trust your instincts. If a situation appears scary to you, try to avoid it.

Familiarize yourself with well-lit paths and sidewalks on campus. The school's security office may offer an escort service, where designated people walk with you from one place to another on campus, particularly at night.

Culture Shock in USA

You are about to embark on totally NEW experience. NEW means "recently discovered, recognized, or learned about; different from the former; being in a position or place for the first time." You probably expect that things will not be the same in the United States as they are in your home country; but are you prepared to deal with those differences?

NEW challenges always accompany NEW experiences. Occasionally in the United States, you may feel confused, unsure and uncomfortable. You may find that people have different values, and strange NEW ways of doing things. You may feel that everything has changed, including your immediate support system of family and friends.

All of these things may contribute to Culture Shock. To minimize the shock, you will probably want to keep in touch with family and friends back home -- but it is important to also identify NEW sources of support. For example, contact relatives or friends who live in the States, to ask for their advice.

You may also want to maintain a few habits here in the States. Perhaps you could continue to practice your own faith on a regular basis, with a group of like-minded individuals. Or maybe you enjoy jogging, playing chess, or cheering for your favorite sports team. While the activity will most likely be somewhat "Americanized," it may offer a comforting glance at the good old days back home.

During your transition from your home country to the U.S., NEW support will most likely come from the admissions office or international student office at the U.S. campus you choose to attend. Most offices coordinate orientation sessions for NEW students within the first few days of your arrival, to help you get acquainted with your NEW surroundings.

Other forms of support will come from NEW friends, an academic advisor or psychological counseling centers. In the U.S., many schools have therapists who have been trained to work with people just like you -- to discuss the types of NEW challenges you face.

Most importantly, be prepared to open yourself to NEW experiences; be prepared to learn, not only in the classroom, but in your interactions with NEW people everyday.