Introduction: From Dream to Reality

Many dreams of study abroad start with a flicker—a scene from a movie you watched, a story from your cousin, or an off-the-cuff image of a place you have never been. There is something alluring about spending a semester not just in a different classroom, but in a completely different world. And for millions of students all over the world, that world is in the United States.

The concept of "study abroad in the USA" is bigger than just an academic transfer; it is a cultural exchange with a nation of incredible diversity, innovation, and landscapes. You will be trading in your campus for a bustling New York City lecture hall, sun-soaked California university quads, or sports-loving community in a Midwestern college town.

But the truth is that the gap between your initial flicker of an idea and checking in at the airport can feel overwhelming. Sure, this is an exciting and often fun process, but it is often a process filled with worrying about all the paperwork, dealing with the big decisions, and the anxiety of stepping out of your comfort zone into a brand new experience.

This guide is designed to help accompany you through that process. We will walk through the entire process, but we will not use the typical and often confusing governmental language, instead we will provide you with the straightforward and practical advice you would get from a trusted counselor or a friend who has gone before you. We'll help you understand the options, dispel the mystery, and prepare you for the amazing journey ahead.

Chapter 1: Finding Your Fit - The Rainbow of U.S. Education

Understanding the Diversity of American Universities

The first thing to get your head around is the size and diversity of the American university system. Unlike more centralized systems in other countries, the U.S. offers every size and flavor for your choosing. Most importantly, understanding the differences is the first step in determining where you'll feel most at home, even when home is a long way away.

Types of Institutions

Public Universities

Public universities are often large, state-funded institutions like the University of Michigan or the University of California, Berkeley, though that's not always the case. Public universities usually have massive course catalogs, extensive research facilities, and thousands of students from diverse backgrounds and interests. The life on some public university campuses could rival a city itself, with hundreds of clubs, NCAA Division I sports teams (and fan bases), and activities galore. An education at a public university will allow you to completely lose yourself in the crowd, in a good way.

Private Universities

In private colleges you will see everything from the eminent Ivy League—schools like Harvard, Yale or Princeton—to much smaller, highly specialized institutions. Ivy League schools and other top-tier private research universities offer exclusive resources including extraordinary faculties of Nobel Prize-winning caliber, and an extraordinarily powerful alumni network. These universities attract students who are bright, articulate and prepared to excel in academically challenging, judiciously selective settings.

Private Liberal Arts Colleges

Private liberal arts colleges—institutions such as Amherst or Pomona—attempt to provide a broad-based education and community both for students and for faculty. Oftentimes, these institutions have small classes, and foster discussion as opposed to pure lecture setting with the aim of preparing their students to think critically across disciplines. The culture is often slightly more intimate and communal.

Community Colleges

Then there are community colleges. And do not let the name mislead you when I say community colleges are great and often under-rated for international students looking for a two-year institution. Community colleges offer associates degrees, in addition to being a gateway to transferring to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor's degree. The value of a community college is immense. Besides the reduced cost and small class sizes, students also benefit from support structures that help ease them into the American academic system. For many aspiring students looking to study in Southern California, or Seattle, or in any of the numerous technology hubs, a community college may serve a significant landing spot for students, while they pursue a prestigious degree without breaking the bank.

Location and Campus Culture

Finally, physical and cultural milieu is still important beyond the single type of institution. Do you see yourself thriving in a busy, energetic, fast-pace culture, such as in urban centers like Chicago or Boston? Urban centers with colleges provide amazing opportunities to extend your education beyond lectures by taking advantage of the wealth of internships, cultural institutions, and social events.

Or perhaps you are fortunate enough to prefer a more classic college town atmosphere as an alternative. In towns such as Boulder, Colorado, or Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the university is the focus of the town. The community is small; the pace is slow; and the surrounding natural area can truly be beautiful for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

And, there is the suburban campus. The suburban campus offers something of both—a defined, green campus, and a significant resource for the city nearby.

Actually, When You Choose... Don't Obsess Over Prestige

Don't think that I am saying implied prestige does not matter; as you read in brochures, prestige is not everything, and at times not even the most important thing. I have known students, for example, to have declined or turned down household name, or prestigious, universities, only to end up in a school that offered education approaches that met their learning styles, which they have been able to thrive in ways they would have never had the opportunity to do at a university, no matter how "prestigious" it was. Rankings that you read in magazines or reports are mostly based on things like endowment and research output, which are all more important to researchers than undergraduate students.

What Should You Consider?

So, what should you be considering? Start with your intended area of study. Some universities, colleges, or programs have programs in certain areas of study that incite power, but just don't get the headlines. Consider film as an area of study; a program with direct access, or access with few layers, to the studios and contacts are important, if not more so than the university ranking. Students interested in marine biology would be more interested in being near the coastline and near research and student facilities. Software development or computer science majors might learn that a state school that is nearby Silicon Valley might offer a greater pathway to get jobs, compared to Ivy League, or a prestigious, institution of higher education on the East Coast, simply because they are located in close vicinity to the pathway of the industry.

Teaching Styles and Class Size

Teaching styles/teaching philosophy are incredibly important too, and vary widely. At research universities, you may have well-known professors who are exceptional in their disciplines, but the part of their jobs that they care about most is their research—not undergraduate teaching. You may find that intro classes are even taught by graduate teaching assistants. This is not necessarily a bad thing, and, in fact, some TAs are amazing educators, but it is different than a liberal arts college's organization of faculty to teach first-years, even if the course material is difficult. Neither way of organizing is better for students, but they serve different types of learners.

And class size should matter. A lecture hall containing 300 students has a totally different "feel" than a seminar of only twelve. Some students thrive in the big, often anonymous, class—both because they do not have the same pressure, and they can absorb the material without as much pressure or expectation (and pick and choose how and when to engage). Others feel lost if they have not had regular contact (conversations or small group interactions) with their professors and fellow students. Be as honest as you can with yourself or with possible support (like the college counselor or "college" program) about what school environment or type of interactions bring out the best in you in your work.

Chapter 2: The Nuts and Bolts - Untangling the Application Web

Once you start to narrow down the kind of place you want to be, then the nitty gritty can begin. The U.S. application process is notoriously detailed, but if you approach it step by step, it is manageable. It is a test of your organizational skills, long before a test of your academic skills.

Academic Records

And of course, your academic record is the cornerstone of your application. Most American Universities will want your official transcripts; sometimes English is also required, if not already. I expect they will assess your demonstrated achievement all through high school, but particularly in the courses that fit your intended area of study.

The Holistic Application Process

In contrast to most other nations, the American system is holistic. This concept is vital to grasp. While grades count, they aren't the only criteria the admissions officers use to build a picture of who you are as a person.

The Personal Statement

The personal statement—or essay—is where this comes into play. It's your chance to speak directly to the admissions committee. The essay shouldn't simply be a list of accomplishments; your resume does that job well. The essay—rather—is your narrative. What has fascinated you in the past that you will continue to contemplate throughout your life? What obstacles have you overcome? What experience do you have that will enrich the campus community? Memorable essays will be specific, personal, and true. They will not rely on your guess of the admissions committee's expectations. Instead, they will communicate something real about you. The essays could be about a book that changed your perspective on the world. Perhaps it is an ongoing project you passionately pursued. It could even stem from an experience with your family. While it may seem self-indulgent, this is the time and space to impress upon them your memory!

Cracking the Essay Code: What Do Admissions Officers Really Want

All of this leads to the personal statement; let's dig a little deeper because the personal statement is where more international students trip up. The American admissions letter in many ways is truly an odd beast. In many education systems—personal narrative has no place... your test scores and grades speak for themselves. The United States is relatively unique.

Selling oneself can feel awkward and out of place, especially if you're from a culture that encourages modesty. In reality, here's what admissions officers care about: they want to find out the way you think. They read thousands of children's essays about winning a championship in a team sport, volunteering at an orphanage, or overcoming past obstacles. Those are fine topics, but only if your telling of that story reveals something about someone—their character, their values, their intellectual curiosity.

The essays that fall flat are the ones that could be written by any student—a generic essay reflecting on "the importance of teamwork" or "how traveling the world broadened my horizons." What you want to write reflects the notion of specificity that I learned in College Writing. I read two of the best essays of my 30-year career many years ago. One student wrote about a book her grandmother had left her that included only half of the instructions to countless recipes, and how the vague instructions taught her that knowledge was passed down from generation-to-generation through practice and not simply detail. The other student wrote about the fact that he had failed his driving test three times, and what that meant to him as a perfectionist and fear of failure in public. In both cases, those were not extraordinary circumstances but written in a way that let you in on what it might have felt like to be that student.

A practical note, if you should write in your own voice—it may even mean that your English is not perfect. Admissions officers can spot an essay that has been given too much attention from a written service—it is not in your best interest. I would rather read authentic thinking with a few grammatical misinterpretations than a well put-together essay that sounds like a marketing consultant wrote it. Authorize someone to look at your essay for all those things—but just not before you have made it authentic as a writer to your voice.

And most importantly, do not fall into the trap of writing what you think American universities are looking for. Don't make up a passion for "diversity" or "leadership" if you do not feel anything other than dispassionate about those. Some of the most memorable essays I have read discussed a kid who collected map memorabilia of the world, a breed of tomatoes, or a kid very interested in the math of chess, the elegance of chess endgames. Authentic stopping has a bigger return on investment than foolish pandering, every single time.

Standardized Tests

Then there's the aspect of standardized tests and the anxiety they create. Let's talk about the evolving role of standardized tests. Like the SAT and ACT entrance exams that have been a staple in admissions for US colleges for decades, many are becoming optional, even for international students. Of course, many of the most selective universities still may require or strongly recommend they take the test. Be sure to check the requirements your universities detail for each application.

For non-native English speakers, there is no negotiable way around the requirement to show English proficiency. That's where the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for colleges, and the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), for colleges, come into play as both widely accepted exams. They both measure an ability to read, write, listen and understand at a level of English that will allow you to be successful in a very demanding academic environment. Be naive if you want about the fact that your preparation is not personal to do well on the test, but that it equals daily skills that will be beneficial to you in a classroom.

Letters of Recommendation

You will also need letters of recommendation. Choose teachers, counselors, or employers who know you well and can speak to more than just your grade in their class. A good recommender can describe your intellectual curiosity, your work ethic in a group project, your resilience when facing a challenge, or your contributions to the school community. Give your recommenders plenty of advance notice and provide them with your resume and a copy of your personal statement to help them write a detailed and supportive letter.

Financial Documentation

Finally, there's the financial documentation. This is a crucial and often sobering aspect of the process. You must clearly demonstrate to both the university and U.S. government that you have sufficient funds to cover your first year's tuition and living expenses, and that you will be able to support the continuation of your studies. This usually means providing bank documentation or sponsorship documentation. It is an essential process to obtaining a student visa.

The Timeline No One Tells You About

One thing that really surprises international applicants is how early you need to start. American universities will open applications in August for the following academic year's admission in the fall—that is, a full year early. The Early Decision and Early Action deadlines are in November, and Regular Decision deadlines tend to follow in January. You cannot expect to apply in October and be competitive.

To be really realistic, these applications should typically start to be developed at least eighteen months prior to your intended enrollment date. This way you can take standardized tests (maybe twice), gather your documentation, build relationships with your recommenders, have a few drafts of essays, and research financial aid. I have seen far too many students rush deadlines and then apply to schools that, at best, were a fit because they simply ran out of time to apply broadly.

Staying Organized

Begin with a spreadsheet. It may seem tedious, but figure out every deadline, every requirement, every login account you may need to keep organized. Different universities often require different essays prompts, different requirements for testing, or different financial documentation. Some schools will/can use the same Common Application, and others will have their application portal. You'll want to be checking your email for additional materials often. You should establish a dedicated folder system on your computer. This is probably more organizational structure than is necessary, but when you are submitting applications to ten schools that span a few different time zones, this becomes necessary.

Application Fees

Also, be aware of the fees to submit your application. The fees can typically range between fifty to ninety dollars per school, and they accumulate fast. Some schools do provide fee waivers if you are an international student with financial need, but it usually requires some specifically asking. Prepare for this cost early, and also include the cost of sending official test scores, which is an additional cost for each school you submit scores too.

Chapter 3: The Visa, The Wallet, and The Logistics

The F-1 Student Visa

Now on the topic of the visa, the F-1 student visa is your golden ticket! This process can seem scary, with an online application to fill, a fee to pay, and an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, but you will find that thousands of students do this every single year. The trick is preparation. Be prepared to answer directly and distinctly as to why you specifically chose this university and program, how it connected to your career aspirations, and, most importantly, an indication that you will return to your home country after study. The consular officer should know you are a legitimate student and not a flight risk. Dress professionally, provide honest answers, and have all of your materials organized.

The Visa Interview: What Happens

I would like to clarify the visa interview process because it can be more stressful to think about than it is to actually do. It's often about three to five minutes long. I know it sounds far too easy, but the consular officer has seen thousands of students and has many of them to interview within a short period of time. The officer is not trying to trick you—they simply want to verify that you are a genuine student with legitimate intent to study.

Typically, the questions are straightforward: Why this university? What will your area of study be? What will you do after graduation? Who is paying for your education? It is usually the question about returning to the home country that students seem to feel anxious about, but the officer will perfectly understand that you cannot possibly have mapped out your life. They are trying to see if you have ties to your home country—family, jobs, homes, property—things that will demonstrate to them you are considering this to be an education experience and not have perceived the course to be a means of immigrating permanent a foreign country.

Visa Interview Dos and Don'ts

A few dos and don'ts, from the perspective of students who experience the visa interview:

Do:

• Keep your answer short. Do not ramble or go into excessive detail
• Bring every document you might need—in a folder if possible—your I-20 form, your passport, DS-160 confirmation, all financial documents, accepting letter—everything
• Look the officer in the eye and speak clearly

Don't:

• Bring your parents into the interview room unless you are under eighteen
• Memorize answers that sound pre-scripted
• Hesitate to ask the officer to rephrase their question if you do not understand

One thing that surprises many people is the often-instant decision. The officer will typically make the decision and convey it to you on the spot. If your application is approved, the consulate will keep your passport to put in your visa and you will receive it back in a few days by courier. Denials for student visas are uncommon compared with some other classifications of visas, but if you do have a denial there will have to be an explanation from the officer. Most student visa denials are either for not having provided adequate documentation, or for not satisfying the officer that you would intend to replace to your home country. You can reapply but your application would have to address the problems found in the deficiency.

Financing Your Education

Certainly one of the most difficult hurdles is to pay for your education. The "sticker price" of attending higher education in the US is high, and it is important to have an honest dialogue with your family about their budgets. However, you also do not want to be immediately discouraged by the sticker price. Many universities provide merit scholarships, or "need based" financial aid for complimentary or international students, however typically this scholarship money is very competitive. It is important to check with each university as the scholarships differ by university. Some universities, particularly small liberal arts colleges, have endowments that mean to provide financial aid and are "need blind" to international students will meet 100% of demonstrated need. Some universities may just provide some scholarship assistance.

You can also look beyond university funding as well. External scholarship opportunities may exist through organizations in your home country, private foundations or in international education funding bodies. Every bit helps.

Working While Studying

Once you are there, working while going to school might also be a potential source of spending money or work experience. Your F-1 Visa allows you to work 20 hours a week on campus for the duration of the semester. These positions, whether in the library, a café on campus, or as a research assistant, allow for an easy move into campus life and can help offset personal costs.

The True Cost of Living: Beyond Tuition

While universities do provide estimates for the cost of attendance, they can be on the conservative side, and all might not be fully included in those estimates or things you had planned on happening. So let's chat about some hidden costs that will surprise you as a student.

Textbooks and Course Materials

The first category shocker is going to come from textbooks and course materials. One textbook can cost you two hundred dollars and you might need five or six each semester. Some professors will use a course packet and put some materials on reserve in the library, and some courses use open-source materials but textbooks can still easily cost you one thousand dollars a year to buy books for all of your courses. Where possible buy used, rent books, or international editions that are appropriate if your professor allows it. There are also student groups that coordinate book swaps at the beginning of semesters which can also help.

Food Costs

The second variable that trips people up is food. The university estimate assumes that you have a meal plan and will eat most meals in the dining hall, but you will want coffee between classes, you will choose to go out with friends sometimes, and you will add snacks to your dorm room. You can save money by cooking if you move off campus, but cooking does take time and planning. The cost of groceries can range widely depending on where you actually are attending school. Food in New York City or San Francisco is going to cost you substantially more than in a small town in the Midwest.

Transportation

Transportation is completely dependent on where you are in terms of where you are living on campus. In a pedestrian-friendly college town, you may not spend much at all but an occasional rideshare. In a sprawling suburban area or a city with little-to-no public transport, you will have to budget for a car (gas and insurance) or ridesharing with Uber frequently. Even students that live on campus will need to factor in transportation home during school breaks and holidays, whether it be a domestic flight, bus ticket, or international flight.

Healthcare

Healthcare delivery is still important—and complicated. Universities require proof of health insurance, and if your family's healthcare plan does not cover you while you are residing in the U.S., you will be required to purchase the university's plan. Usually, these plans will be between approximately $2000 and $3000 a year, but it may even be a bit more based on coverage. Coverage or in-person visits will still come with copays attached for in-person doctor visits and prescriptions. If you have any chronic illnesses or require regular medications, you will want to do your research ahead of time to ensure coverage.

Other Expenses

Then, there are the small things, like a winter coat if you are from a tropical climate, dorm room supplies, and purchasing or renting a laptop if your current laptop does not work with U.S. electricity outlets. You also may want a phone service, toiletries, laundry supplies, or the odd social event, and certainly spending money for concerts, movies, weekend trips, or what ends up being the customary Saturday night pizza runs. These extra costs do not really seem like a lot, but it adds up quickly.

Here's my advice: Give yourself a buffer in your overall budget. Things will come up—you may need to buy a laptop if yours breaks, want to take a spring break trip with new friends, or needed clothing for a formal event. Being financially prepared helps alleviate stress so that you can enjoy a fantastic experience instead of worrying whether you can afford to buy a coffee; then the fun begins with the logistics of moving.

Finding Accommodations

Finding accommodations is critical! Most universities offer guaranteed on-campus housing for first-year students and often for international students as well. The dorm experience is a quintessential American college experience and a great way to make friends immediately. Surrounded by other students (both American students and international), you will be sharing the experience of starting a new chapter together. You are feet away from classes, the dining hall, and events on campus.

While off-campus housing offers more freedom, it also adds more responsibility. You will have to manage a lease, utility bills, groceries, commuting, and more. For a first-time student in the United States, I often recommend going the campus accommodation route, at least for the first year!

Packing

Packing, I feel, is an art. The United States has varying climates, so conduct research before you leave for your specific location. A student in Minnesota will need a heavy winter coat and boots, whereas a student in Arizona will live in shorts and t-shirts for most of the year. Aside from clothing, be sure to pack a few creature comforts from home, such as some pictures, a blanket, or snacks. It can make your new living space feel more like home. However, keep in mind that you can acquire just about anything you need while in the U.S., so don't overpack. Bring mostly things like documents you will need, medications, and a few select personal items.

Chapter 4: Life in the American Classroom and Beyond

Academic Culture

The academic culture in the U.S. might come as a shock for many international students. In general, the approach is less about memorization and more about doing, thinking critically, and applying information. Professors typically expect students to contribute to class discussions, try to refute ideas, and think independently when discussing or applying the course content.

Grading Structure

Grades will usually be a combination of elements of assessment. As an example, your grade could be calculated on the factors of: class participation, weekly reading responses, one to three smaller papers (or projects), a mid-term exam, and a final exam or research paper. The fact that your grade is based on multiple components means that there is no opportunity for you to wait until the end of the semester to study; you must be engaged from the beginning.

Building Relationships with Professors

While it may be uncomfortable for you culturally, building a relationship with your professors is essential to the learning experience. Professors will set aside dedicated times for holding "office hours," where students may come in unannounced to ask questions about something covered in class, discuss an idea for a paper topic, or even to just ask questions and seek advice. Do not be afraid to use this opportunity! It can be very helpful in further engaging with material discussed in class or potentially provide future mentorship and research opportunities.

Deciphering Academic Expectations: The Unwritten Rules

All forms of educational systems have unwritten rules and the American academic system is no different. In fact, knowing what a professor might expect, but might not formally convey as an expectation, could result in a student struggling versus thriving.

Class Participation

Participation is not optional; even if you culturally are not comfortable to do so. In many parts of the world, students demonstrate respect by attending carefully and not questioning the professor, but in many cases United States classrooms afford students the chance to learn, in part, through participation and no participation is often considered disengagement or lack of preparation. You operationally will not be asked to talk over your peers, but you will be required to communicate and engage regularly in a thoughtful manner. Engagement could be as cursory as asking a clarifying question, elaborating or building on a point a fellow student has made, or providing an alternative perspective in other conversations. If you are anxious to speak in larger groups, seek options to go to classes with fewer students, such as smaller seminars and discussion sections.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is taken extremely serious in the United States; generally, more than many international students expect. Plagiarism is also a broader definition in the United States as compared to other systems. It's not just copying entire passages; it's failing to cite ideas, paraphrasing too closely, or even reusing your own work from another class without permission. Every university will make you take an academic integrity tutorial, and violations can result in failing the course or even expulsion. When in doubt, cite. Over-citation is not a thing.

Collaborative Work vs. Academic Dishonesty

The concept of "collaborative work" versus "academic dishonesty" confuses many students. Some assignments give you explicit permission to work in a group, and others expect you to submit your own individual work. If you're in doubt, just ask. In general, it's acceptable to work with classmates to try and understand concepts, but it's normally not acceptable to look at another student's specific answers before you submit your own work. It's sometimes complicated, and it depends on the professor and the assignment.

Time Management

Managing time is a skill in itself. The semester flies by—you blink, and it is midterms; you blink again, and it is finals. Reading assignments pile up. You may have two hundred pages to read before you come to class again, and the same day is a problem set due; an outline of a paper may also be due, or a paper worth most of your grade where you are required to produce a rough draft. Learning how to prioritize is an important skill. You won't absorb information from every piece of reading that is assigned at the same depth. Skim reading materials to get the main ideas and engage major readings. Seek the advice of upperclassmen about how to manage your workload with specific professors.

Extension Requests

Similarly, it is important to note that extension requests are handled differently than you might expect. Some professors are decidedly "no extension" professors, while others will grant reasonable and justified extensions, although the expectation is that you request the extension before the work is due. Usually, illness, family emergencies, and serious incidents are acceptable scenarios for requesting extensions, and it is clear that procrastination or time mishandling is not. It is often the case at most universities that the process for a year-end extension request covers medical and personal emergencies through student services, rather than requesting the extension from the professor directly.

Campus Life and Extracurricular Activities

Outside of class, this is where the real studying abroad experience is found. American campuses are often "buzzing" in terms of extra curricular activity outside of class. There is practically a club or group for every interest you can think of: cultural, academic honor societies, political groups, intramural sports, service organizations, or a cappella groups to name a few. A club is the best way to meet people with similar interests or to create a social network. As an international student, joining your home country student association can create a special sense of home and community when you first arrive. But, also make an effort to branch out! Join the hiking club, try out for ultimate, or volunteer at the local animal shelter. You will have a richer study abroad experience than any textbook can give you!

Making Friends

Making friends also may just take some adjusting to. Whether you have experience with American friendliness (which is famous) or not, sometimes it can get confused. People may generally act friendly and just smile, say "hello," and "How are you?" as a casual greeting, not to necessarily ask about your well-being. Also, just like anywhere else, making strong and real friendships takes time, effort, and sometimes the mind set of being genuine or open. Ask questions when other students are talking, and accept invitations, even on the days when you feel like you are a little uncomfortable. The coffee date or movie night might be the start of a very good friendship.

The Social Landscape: Making Real Connections

Let's talk about something that won't make it in the lovely brochure: making friends as an international student might be surprisingly hard at first. American students arrive on campus with friend groups built from high school, or they quickly bond with dormmates during the campus orientation week. You are arriving with no such network and likely dealing with jet lag and culture shock, while also trying to navigate social cues with which you may not be familiar.

The Critical First Weeks

The first few weeks are critical. Everyone is in social-forming mode, and people are more open to friendships than they will be once group friendships are established later in the semester. Be sure to say yes to invitations, even if you are tired. Attend your dorm's floor meetings. Attend the international student orientation events to interact with other international students, but also because they have helpful information you can use to build your confidence. Keep your dorm room door open when you are in your room. It can send the signal that you are available for conversation.

Study Groups

Study groups are incubators for friendships for classmate bonding time and a common goal. If no one is organizing a study group for your challenging chemistry class, then grab the bull by the horns and organize one. You may be surprised at how many people appreciate and enjoy it.

Understanding American Social Norms

American humor can be difficult to understand. Sarcasm is often prevalent, references to American pop culture often abound, and friendly teasing is common and meant light-heartedly. What may come across as rude when translated into your native language is meant in a playful manner. In contrast, Americans are generally uncomfortable with directness that is normal in other cultures. To disagree, or simply to say "that's wrong," translates as aggressive behavior, and some argue that Americans don't say "I disagree" aloud. They use softer language like "I hear what you're saying, but have you considered..." It's a dance of politeness that some might find exhausting, given how bluntly we can communicate.

Dating Culture

Dating culture will also probably be very different from what you are used to. The casualness of American dating, the idea of "hooking-up," and the fact that people discuss their relationships openly, will all be different from other cultures. And if you find it overwhelming, there is no need to participate in any of it. Students, both American and international, sometimes opt out entirely. But if you are interested in dating, be clear with expectations because what is obvious to you may not be obvious to them.

Culture Shock

You will also, inevitably experience culture shock. It is a normal, predictable part of reversing culture shock. Many experience the honeymoon phase as a euphoria period when they arrive, and when they adapt that can shift to frustration or homesickness as they start to deal with food, language, and social norms. You may feel uncomfortable in the bluntness of American communication or really miss the subtleties of your own culture. This is the time to be gentle with yourself. Stay connected to family and friends, but try to not stay so deep in that you don't engage with your new surroundings. Talk to other international students who are likely feeling similar, and reach out to the international student office at your university for support. In due course, you will transition into the "adjustment stage," during which things will start to feel increasingly familiar. Ultimately, you will reach the "acceptance stage," where you feel ease and confidence in your new home.

Chapter 5: Travel and Making the Most of Your American Experience

Of course, your main purpose is to study but part of your purpose for all of this is to experience travel and some of what the U.S. and even parts of the world have to offer! The geographical and cultural differences in this country are remarkable! Consider planning some travel for semester breaks, as that's often when you have some time and explore beyond the campus life. Just about anything is within reach to find what you are envisioning. You could do a road trip along the California Coast, perhaps some of the national parks in Utah, experience the music scene in Nashville, or relish in the historical nature of D.C., just to name a few.

Transportation Options

Traveling domestically in America can be an experience of itself! If it is a long distance, there are budget airlines that will offer reasonable rates if you pre-book. Or you could take the Amtrak train for a more traditional experience with fantastic views of the American landscape. And, don't forget the classic road trip, whether rented or catching a ride with your new roommates and friends. That is the freedom to find things that are off the beaten road between cities!

Community Engagement

Also, beyond all the tourist sights, look for opportunities to get more engaged with your local community. Volunteer at a food bank, attend a local government board meeting, or go to a high school football game. These opportunities will enrich your experiences that confront any preconceived notions you may have of studying in the U.S. beyond the campus and tourist settings.

The America You Won't See on Instagram

There are times and places for tourist attractions, but some of my most memorable experiences were created in moments of in-betweenness, disconnected from any itinerary. Like seeing a small-town county fair and being the only international student among farming families judging pigs for first prize. Or stopping at a roadside diner in rural Nevada with coffee you wouldn't drink at home but an apple pie that's out of this world, and where the waitress calls everybody "honey." Or unexpectedly getting lost in a neighborhood in New Orleans and accidentally finding a second-line parade. The unplanned encounters will teach you more about the real texture of American life than any museum.

Regional Diversity

Only one thing is more surprising, or sometimes just as surprising, as anything you learn about your host country is the surprising regional difference. Regional difference is much stronger than most international students would expect, particularly with a student from Boston and a student from Houston. Those two students might as well be from two different countries, given their different accents, food, pace of life, and cultural values. The South has its own identity, with different ideas about politeness, religion, and interaction with others. And the Pacific Northwest has a casual, outdoorsy identity with a strong environmental ethic. The Midwest is more friendly than its reputation suggests, but also more conservative than most would think. Don't assume that one experience in one region represents all the United States.

Sports Culture

Sports is perhaps not common in your country, but it is often an easy thing to overlook as a window into culture in the U.S. You don't need to play sports to understand that watching a sporting event often shows something important about how people in the U.S. build a community and express identity. In the U.S, college football is an experience much like a religious experience in the South and Midwest. Basketball bonds communities in ways that extend beyond the game itself. Even if you don't know all the rules, go to a few games. Try tailgating for football games, join the student section chants, and witness how an entire campus embraces a team together; it's anthropology in action.

Food as Cultural Exploration

Food can also be a pathway to explore cultures, but consider experiences outside eating at restaurants. Head to the farmers' market and ask the vendors questions. Find out and try some of the local specialties, whether it's lobster rolls in Maine, BBQ in Texas, or deep-dish pizza in Chicago. If your classmates invite you over for a holiday dinner, go. It's worth much more than reading about an American family partaking in the particular pandemonium of positioning a Thanksgiving dinner. Many universities have a program that matches international students with local families that host holiday dinners.

Chapter 6: The Long-Term Impact - Beyond a Line on a Resume

When your study abroad experience comes to an end, you can start sorting through the experience. The benefits of studying and living in the U.S go far beyond academic credit.

Personal Growth

Living and studying in the U.S. has given you a sense of independence and self-reliance. You have learned how to navigate a complicated system, manage your finances, and take care of yourself in a foreign land. You are surely entering your home country with increased problem-solving skills, tenacity, and resilience.

Professional Benefits

On a professional note, a degree from the U.S. is highly established internationally. The experience reflects cross-cultural communication skills, adaptability, and a global mindset—qualities that are highly valued by today's employers in any profession. The network that you create, among American students as well as other international students, may be a valuable professional asset for years to come.

Expanded Worldview

Perhaps most important is the personal growth that has occurred—you will have truly expanded your worldview. You will have gained a deeper understanding of the United States and your home country simultaneously. Equally as important, you will have learned to view the word from multiple perspectives, to value difference, and to seek common ground with people from extremely different backgrounds. You have created a second home that you can come back to for the rest of your life.

The Reverse Culture Shock No One Warns You About

When you do eventually come home, you will likely expect a feeling of immediate relief and sense of comfort. Many students, however, experience reverse culture shock that is even more disorienting than the adjustment you initially made coming to the United States. Your home may have not changed that much, but you've definitely changed. Friends and family will expect you to somehow drop back into your previous life, but that person isn't really there anymore. Conversations that were previously interesting may now seem superficial. You'll probably miss many aspects of American culture that you didn't even realize you had come to love—the diversity of ideas in conversations, the opportunity for quick service needs, specific friends, and even small things such as the taste of coffee or the efficiency of the postal system.

This adjustment period is perfectly normal. Extend yourself some grace as you all navigate this. You have gained a supplementary perspective—you are now able to see your home culture with new informant eyes while also seeing aspects of American culture that aren't even visible to Americans. The ability to navigate between cultural lenses is enormously valuable, even during times when it may feel isolating. You are no longer fully at home in either place, yet you will have the capacity to find connection in both.

Maintaining Connections

Stay in touch with the friends you made in America. Thanks to technology, it is easier than ever to do this—but it still takes intention. These friendships developed during an influential time in your life deserve to be maintained. What you have created are friendships that form a global group of support that can serve you personally and professionally for decades to come. I have international students I know, who graduated fifteen years ago, who still have a video call every year with their old college roommate, still coordinate to see a visit whenever travel allows, and still send each other messages when there is something to celebrate, or when there is a tragedy.

Conclusion

Studying abroad in the USA is not necessarily easy. There will be moments of isolation, frustration, and confusion. Yet, it is in those moments of tension that you have discovered your own strength and capability. You are now coming home not just with a transcript, but with a new level of confidence, an open perspective, and a collection of experiences and friendships that will shape what you are evolving into. This is, without a doubt, one of the most meaningful investments you make into your continue growth.