Every year thousands of international students venture to the United States to attend college. In the eyes of some we are seen as brave, adventurous, crazy even. As an international student though, how do you adjust to this big move; or try to?
Once the decision is made, you’ve been accepted and the I-20 is issued, here are a few things you can do:
- Try to bring a little bit of home with you in that suitcase. Favorite snacks (from home! If you like Snickers… don’t bother packing them- chances are you will get more of it for less money when you get here.)
- A little national flag- represent where you’re from!
- TONS of pictures!! Bring pics of mom, dad, your friends, grandparents, your house…the dog. Just bring pics!
- Music from home! Not only is this a good way to reminisce but it’s something you may want to share with your new friends- if you make any…
- Also, it’s a good idea to probably learn how to cook a few of your favorite local dishes before even leaving home. Chances are you will be living on campus and will not have the opportunity to cook anything… but maybe one of your friends (if you make any…) will live off campus and you can cook there.
Once you get there… or well.. HERE
Americans, some of them, not all- sweet beings that they are, are sometimes a bit ignorant of other cultures. No one warned me… however I won’t be selfish, let me warn you!
If you are an international 
student, be prepared to be asked some of the world’s MOST ridiculous questions as well as be told some weird things.
- Where did you learn to speak English?
- How long have you been speaking English?
- Do you have running water where you come from?
- Do you know what MTV is?
- Do you have Mc Donald’s and KFC at home?
- You have a funny accent (some Americans don’t realize that THEY have accents too)
- You talk funny (’So do you!’ is a good response to that one)
- Do you have brick houses or do you all live in huts and stuff?
- Do you have the internet?
- Do you all get around on like cows and stuff?
The list goes on and on AND ON…! These questions at first can be overbearing and sometimes funny. No matter how long you’ve been at school… they will continue. My advice is don’t get annoyed. These questions (I’ve been told) are not meant to offend or upset, it’s simply curiosity.
Try to be as friendly as possible and remember to be yourself. Most campuses have an International Student Organization. This is a good way to meet other international students who are either new to the school or those who have been there for a while.
Keep an open mind. Try everything… well almost everything, at least once.
The worst thing you can do to yourself is to compare your new environment to home. YOU ARE NOT AT HOME. The parties will be different. The food will be different… so will banking, going to the doctor and the way people talk. Unless you’re lucky- there will be something slightly different about the most simple of things.
Your best bet is to just accept it, learn it and get on with the business of living.
Not every day will be fun but not every day will be one where you’re homesick. Homesickness never goes away! You will be a senior and still miss home but as the time passes you will (or at least you should) get better at dealing with it.
I for one still cry … and a lot when it’s time to head back to school after a break- and I’m a junior!
Don’t get me wrong! You will meet some great people! You will have great experiences! College is FUN but hard work. Take things one day at a time and you’ll be fine. I promise.
To all international students just starting college… don’t worry it gets a bit better… to the ‘veterans’ like me… hang in there… it’s over before you know it!
Do you have any tips on adjusting to college life? Whether you’re an international student or not, let me know. Shoot me an email at: kalifa@collegeprowler.com
photos courtesy: www.hs.iastate.edu/visitors/ and http://robcubbon.com/american-flag-inside-country-map-outline/
January 15th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Those *are* some ridiculous questions you have listed! Like you said, I think US students are just curious and don’t know the best way to start a conversation with international students. And maybe some people really don’t know. Try not to be offended, but take the opportunity to actually inform your classmates (in a nice way, of course)!
January 15th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Hey Diane!
I agree, I think it’s just curiosity, but some questions just stump you at times.
March 25th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Did someone really ask you if you get around on cows? Tsk. How stupid. I agree with Diane, I think a lot of people are very curious, but sometimes I think ‘thinking before speaking’ is a good mantra to have.
As an American student I’ll have to think of this before I blurt out something silly to my International buddies.
I totally agree with trying everything and getting involved. Like I said, I’m not an international student but getting involved in various things definitely helped me branch out and make more friends.