Want to go to America to study? Be sure you understand all the aspects of life in America as a student before you make your decision to ensure that you are happy!
Life is not all rosy as it appears in movies – don’t expect it to be so in America. But here are a few tips to help you prepare!
1) Get used to doing your own laundry, grocery shopping, cooking (no matter how much you say you’re going to eat out – that will change), paying bills on time, paying rent on time, cleaning and other things around the house. You are probably going to be living with roommates who are different from you – be tolerant and establish rules of the house right from the onset. Independence has a price, prepare yourself for it.
2) Get used to writing research papers every week even if you’re an engineer because papers and research form the basis of American education.
3) DO NOT ask people “How much did you get” or “how much money do you make” or “how much did you pay for that” – its considered inappropriate!
4) Violence is considered one of the biggest offenses, do not hit anybody – human or animal.
5) Never talk about things that can be considered personal – such as a person’s weight, choice of clothing, etc.
6) Never pick at your nose in public. Never burp, belch, or pass gas in public – if you do be sure and say, “excuse me”. If you sneeze in public, cover your mouth and say “excuse me”.
7) Speak to professors during office hours but do not be the annoying person that lingers around the professor at all times – it drives colleagues and the professor away. Respect EVERYONE’s personal space and be perceptive of when they want to be left alone.
8) A commitment is a commitment – academically or socially. Don’t say yes to going somewhere and not show up – if you can’t make it, call ahead of time.
9) Always be on time – between 5 minutes early and 5 minutes late, no more.
10) Use deodorant and brush your teeth or use mouthwash. Carrying a mouth freshener or gum may also be useful! Americans are very sensitive about body odors.
11) Driving – do not honk the horn, except in emergencies. Do not flash your lights at someone to tell them to hurry or get out of your way. High beaming is illegal.
12) Do NOT cut people in lines, do not squeeze in from the side. Wait patiently in line.
13) Do not address your professor as “teacher,” “sir,” “miss,” or “ma’am.” Call him by name: for example, Professor, Brown, Mr. Smith, Ms, Jones.
14) Never throw trash on the ground or out a window–it is illegal. Buy trash bags for your trash and put it out only at the designated time at the right place.
15) American education often requires more hard work than anything else you’ve seen – get used to pulling “all nighters” to meet a deadline and to spending weekends at the library.
16) Just be honest, be yourself – don’t pretend to be something or someone you’re not. Americans appreciate honesty.
17) Email professors or professionals if you need answers – you don’t have to go see them in person or call them. Everyone is very email savvy and very helpful, all you have to do is ask nicely!
18) Be nice, sensitive, considerate and compassionate at all times – say “Thank you,” “please,” “have a nice day” with a SMILE. You’ll see a lot of people telling you these things – return the gesture. Even while driving let people cut you or change lanes, they will raise their hand to say “thank you” and you return the favor if someone lets you cut.
19) Get INVOLVED in more than just academics and you will need to learn time management to do this. Extra and co-curricular activities are a must for higher education and even job applications, so don’t just bury yourself in partying and books.
20) Enjoy and keep working hard. Adjustment might be difficult, you may not make friends easily but its all about trying despite failures!
