Studying in the U.S. is a dream for students across the world. And yes, many students from far-away lands cross oceans to make their dreams come true, with great hopes and aspirations for improving their lives in America. I am one of those students who has come here to get an excellent education.
However, coming to the U.S. is no small matter. It is a long, time-consuming and often frustrating process. From the requisite exams to the visa process, believe me, it is not child’s play — not to mention the emotional turmoil of leaving our parents, relatives and country, including the food, festivals and culture.
Once we land here, there is a gust of strangeness waiting for us. Wasn’t the jet lag enough for the first few days? Thankfully, fellow students of our country extend their helping hands during these initial days of confusion about what to do, where to go, what to eat and where to stay. I also appreciate the efforts taken by ASU to organize all the fall welcome programs, some exclusively for international students, like the International Student Information Session, International Graduate Orientation, Global Getdown and shopping trips, all of which really helped us connect with the community.
Apart from the overwhelming amount of information provided in class, it is sometimes difficult to keep up with studies due to the unfamiliar English of the professors. During the first few classes, many of the international students do not understand most of what is being said.
But, I can assure everyone that professors are aware of this fact; therefore, they try to keep the first class a simple, introductory and interactive session which can make the students comfortable and build a healthy educational environment in the class. A polite question is often the most effective solution to receive help from a professor.
Being in America, our regional food, of which we are very fond, is not typically available — this is the part which makes us miss our home and country a lot. The food options that we might find here are great, but, shopping for them is a tedious process. The stacks and rows of the numerous varieties of the same product in the supermarket make it difficult to choose. The initial days of shopping might demand a little more time, but later it will be very easy. And if still there is a problem, consult a store employee. Help is always around the corner, we just need to ask for it.
Another important setback for internationals is communication problems. We are mostly good communicators among the people of our home countries, but communication with Americans always has potential to be strained. It is very well understood that there is a certain level of easiness and comfort in talking and discussing with people of our own country, but it is important that we should break our bonds of hesitation and shyness. Yes, there might be mistakes, but as the saying goes, “failures are the pillars of success”.
These issues are just little hurdles we face, but the bigger picture is that we are on our way to success. We are living some of the best moments of our lives which will shape our future and make us who we are. Meeting new people, learning new cultures, eating new cuisines and making great friends all add to the five-star bonanza effect. We are studying at one of the finest institutions of the world, which makes it all worth it.
Reach the columnist at anima1221@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @anima_sahu
Editor’s note: The opinions presented in this column are the author’s and do not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors.
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