Moving
to a new country, communicating in a language that you are still
learning, and living thousands of miles from friends and family can
make going overseas for school a frightening proposition, especially if
you have never lived away from home before. You will have to make a lot
of adjustments, but rest assured that there are people who can help
you. And your friends and family will be only a phone call or e-mail
away. If you're considering
studying in the United States, keep in mind that your college or
university will offer a range of programs to welcome you. From
orientation to student organizations to sporting events, you will find
ways to meet people at your new home. Ying Xu, a student at the College of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph, Minnesota, recommends making friends early. This is easier if you live in a freshman dorm, because it is there that you will meet students at your own academic level. “Never be shy to ask questions if you don't know something,” she says. Being involved in activities also helps you begin to feel at home in your new surroundings.
When Xu arrived on campus in Minnesota—an environment different from Jamaica, her current home, and China, where she was born—campus staff members greeted her and hosted orientation activities. Her school offers a class for international students where they can learn about U.S. culture, and staff members organize trips to local destinations to familiarize students with the area.
Julieta Avila of Mexico has studied in Canada and is now a student at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri. Avila says CMS offers orientations and events for international students that are helpful. Talking with other international students, even those from countries different from yours, can help make the transition easier. It also helps that “most of the American people are open with international students,” Avila says. “I consider myself a sociable girl, so it's easy for me to talk with people and make friends; that also helps a lot.”
The environment, culture, and people in the United States may be different from what you are used to, but don't focus on the differences. Avila advises that international students not “compare their own countries with the United States.” Instead they should “learn to hear and respect opinions.” Remember that you chose to study abroad in part because of the exposure to new ideas; while you may not agree with all the ideas you encounter, the experience of meeting new people will help you in your life and your career.
