By on May 1st, 2017
How International Students Can Make the Most of Their Stays in the US
Are you an international student traveling to the United States in the near future?
If so, use the following tips to make the most out of the amazing experience you’re about to have.
Research Your New Home Beforehand But Listen to Locals, Too
Just as you would do if you were travelling anywhere else, it makes sense to research the U.S. city you’ll soon call home for a prolonged period of time. International students can do this by reading city guides and checking local hotspots online.
That being said, don’t forget to listen to the locals once you get there, too. Be very open to taking their recommendations because they’ll be able to direct you to the fun places and restaurants that tourists usually miss out on.
Learn About the Local Culture
Another good idea is to learn about the local culture that you’ll be immersing yourself in before arrival. International students sometimes have a difficult time with the initial transition because they’re confused by the way the locals around them are acting.
In some cases, behavior may seem rude or inappropriate, when really it’s the exact opposite.
You can often get a sense for the culture you’ll soon be experiencing by watching movies about the part of the U.S. you’re going to visit or even watching YouTube videos of real people conversing with one another.
While nothing can fully prepare you for the complete immersion you’re about to experience, this type of research will go a long way toward that effect.
Be Proactive with Meeting People
Some international students have reported feeling frustrated because their classmates didn’t take the first step in introducing themselves.
However, you have to remember that these students already have their own friends and schedules. Who knows how much is already on their plates?
Sure, it would be really nice of them to make the first move, but don’t waste time waiting for this to happen.
International students have the best icebreakers, too. You have a totally acceptable reason to introduce yourself. Often, just asking where a classroom or the cafeteria is will be enough to start a promising conversation.
Don’t Spend Too Much Time Indoors
You have a brand new city to explore – one you may never see again. International students shouldn’t waste a moment in their rooms, online or watching TV. You can do these things for the rest of your life.
During this once-in-a-lifetime experience, go exploring. Your first priority should be meeting people, as they’ll help you make the most out of your time in this new city. Then, get busy making memories you’ll treasure forever.
Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes
Have a sense of humor about the situation. Sometimes, you are going to make mistakes. This is to be expected. None of your fellow students will expect that you’ll pick up on all of their cultural norms right away.
It will help if you can laugh at yourself when these mistakes happen. Your new friends will probably do so, from time to time, but it’s not because they’re being cruel. So go ahead and laugh along with them. Loosen up and have a good time!
Ask Questions
Along the same lines, no one will look down on you for asking questions. If you don’t understand why things are done a certain way or what a word means, just ask someone nearby. They’ll understand that international students wouldn’t know these things and will be happy to answer.
Again, this is a great way of breaking the ice and potentially making a new friend in the U.S. – even one for life. So don’t hesitate to put yourself out there a bit.
International students are often intimidated about the journey ahead of them, but if you keep the above tips in mind, this feeling won’t get in the way of making the most out of your time in the United States.