The first few days at your US College or university can be a truly exciting time.
There will be many new students on campus like you, all dealing with feelings of anticipation mixed with a certain amount of worry regarding how the first few months of study will go.
During those first days, you may find yourself very busy getting organised and settling in. Your priorities may include letting your family at home know that you have arrived safely, becoming familiar with the college campus, meeting new people, deciding on your academic program and completing all administrative requirements so that your registration and enrolment are in order.
New student orientation programmes organised by the universities offer a perfect opportunity to accomplish all of these tasks. Seek them out and participate.
Despite the excitement, it is not at all unusual for students to feel a certain degree of loneliness, homesickness, or anxiety during their first year. US universities offer many sources of help and counsel, but the responsibility for seeking assistance lies with you, the student.
In other words, if you need help, it is up to you to seek it out among the many resources the educational institution offers.
Host families
Many colleges and universities sponsor a Host Family Programme to provide a mutually rewarding relationship between American families and international students.
The student's first priority is academics. Many students, however, desire to learn as much as possible through personal experience of the politics, economics, geography, culture and people of a different country.
The hospitality of Americans can ease loneliness for the newcomer and can help overcome the isolation of the campus. Experiences outside the classroom and beyond the residence hall can be an unforgettable part of the student's stay in the US.
Host families are matched with incoming international students prior to their arrival to begin the academic year. A reception is given at many campuses by the International Programmes Office to allow families and students to become better acquainted as well as to meet other students and families participating in the programme.
Throughout the year, families invite students to their homes to share a meal, to experience a traditional American holiday or to join them in cultural activities. Students, in turn, have the opportunity to host their families on campus to participate in a number of international events and programmes.
Prepatory tips for students leaving for the US
Pointers for student life in the US
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Classes are very interesting: the professors use various visual and other such aides/ resources to make them enjoyable. Never 'bunk' classes. Some teachers will take you out of the class or give you lesser grades if you are absent more then 3 times -- they are serious about it.
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Your every day performance counts; all homework counts toward your final grade. Do your projects! Delaying your homework is a big mistake. It will harm your final marks.
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Academic integrity is a big part of US education. Any form of cheating or copying (plagiarism) is dealt with severely.
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Make sure you have knowledge of using computers -- basic MS Office, e-mailing, etc.
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Learn typing because most of your assignments will be typewritten.
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If you enjoy scholarly advancement, studying in the US is a lot of fun. You'll be able to walk your own path.
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Make the most of the opportunities and resources that are available to you.
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Having a good roommate helps immensely. Do not underestimate this aspect of studying abroad. When you live with roommates it is essential that you divide your work equally and fairly. If cleanliness is important to you, make sure that is the case with your roommates too!
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Get a mentor in your field, frequently talk to professors about your career direction (always make an appointment and never waste their time).
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There are professional groups/clubs for each school. It's good to be involved with such groups to advance your career before graduation. These kinds of groups usually meet weekly and discuss issues and developments in their respective fields.
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The US is quite safe for single women. It is not the same as living alone as a female student in India.
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You can also take classes in another country for a semester and earn credits towards your degree. Contact your university's study abroad office.
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Don't ever forget why you are in the US. Have fun, but don't deviate from your goals.
Ten ways to aid cultural adjustment
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Keep contact with your family and friends from home. Write emails, make phone calls.
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Make friends with people from your home country. Join the international student organisation on campus or attend its activities.
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Participate in sports or other activities that interest you or in which you participated at home.
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Find restaurants that serve food you are accustomed to, or buy ingredients from the local food store so you can make the dishes you have at home.
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Get to know Americans and try to understand and appreciate their culture while sharing your own. Be observant and ask questions.
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Expect to encounter some difficulties -- it is natural. Since you are dealing with a different academic system and many new situations, it's very possible that your marks will not be as high as they were in India.
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If you do not like your new surroundings and find a lot to criticise, try to think of one thing each day which you enjoy about your home away from home.
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Take some time to be alone and read or relax. Try to think positive!
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Learn from others: friends who have already experienced cultural adjustment and culture shock, your international student advisor or a college counselor. A heart-to-heart discussion can really help when you're feeling down.
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Keep your self-respect and concentrate on the long-term advantages of studying in the US. Keep your sense of humour. Culture shock will pass.
Students from different cultures experience varying levels of culture shock. You may not experience the physical or emotional changes brought on by culture shock while others around you might.
From time to time, and certainly in the beginning, life can seem unmanageable. The academic workload, commitments to other groups and activities, social life (or trying to have one), even all the information in your mailboxes and inboxes. It can make you feel like you're in the midst of a hurricane!
Things to do in a New Culture
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Observe others and yourself.
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Pay attention to common expressions and slang.
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Don't take things too literally. Be assertive and ask questions! It is perfectly acceptable to ask people to repeat what they said when you don't hear or understand.
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Dare to say 'no' to situations or actions you find unacceptable or unpleasant. You should understand, not imitate the Americans!
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Make choices that benefit you.
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Practise your communication skills, go out and take the initiative!
June 21, 4 pm: Dr Arun Vakil will host a US study abroad chat
DON'T MISS
~ Are you a student who is studying/ has studied abroad? What advice would you have for other students who may soon be pursuing studies in a foreign country? What are your experience as an international student? What were the things you wished you knew before you left home? Write to us at getahead@rediff.co.in and we will feature your experiences right here.
Dr Arun Vakil has an MBA from the University of California, USA, and a PhD, partly from the University of Wyoming USA and the University of Mumbai. He is an expert on US visa regulations. He has authored the book 'Gateway To America'. He can be contacted at arunvakil@gmail.com
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