Imagine this: it is the year 2025. As you, an international student, step off the plane in the U.S., excited for what awaits you. U.S is known as “land of opportunities,” Hollywood and Fries are popular, and the buzz about them hits you hard. You carry with yourself a golden ticket in the form of a visa that gives you hope for the future, along with a suitcase of dreams.
But how does it feel to be an international student? A mix of thrilling and terrifying, like you’re the star of a coming, of, age movie. I have been there and I can tell you that its difficult experience but a worthwhile ride. So, as we navigate through the chaos, the joy and humor, and every single thing that helps you mold into who you are, we recommend to put your seatbelt on.
Culture Shock 101: Where’s the Manual?
Still beady, eyed from a 15-hour flight, what you didn’t expect is being bombarded with rapid English not so long after landing. That hectic day 1? You trying to figure out the maze of airport only to get ready for the talks, is pure madness.
Not to mention, Uber driver talking about baseball while you’re freaking out in your head asking “what have I gotten into.” For me, the best and maddest part was staring at a “How you holding up?” from a stranger and wishing to myself, is this some sort of test? Forget about the language barrier, coping with the volume of life over here, is a challenge. Roads and smiles are not the only things bigger in here; portions are, too. Although the fun part of everything is, you can stumble and trip over it all.
The Grocery Store Chronicles: Options Far and Wide
Then there is my favorite store. The first one I entered made me freeze in shock; 50 different cereals, 20 types of peanut butter, and to top it all off, a cheese section that could quite literally declare itself a sovereign nation. On my first visit, I ended up buying $10 worth of snacks I actually disliked, simply because I had no way to make a decision.
While trying to pay, I saw the cashier smiling while staring at the coins I was trying to put together, thinking in his mind “That’s another novice behind me.” Sure, it’s a bit stressful, but also comical when you notice that no one is waiting in line to judge your assortment of instant noodles.
In your defense: Celebrate the lack of direction not only you, but everybody else gets the first time around, enjoy the confusion. Learn to enjoy the jiggle everyone does when in a new environment. It’s infectious.
Professors, Participation and Panic
Classes change quite a bit in this part of the world. In my case, I used to walk into class and just listen while doodling busy notes in my notebooks. Here, they want to make sure you allow everyone to enjoy your presence.
During the first week, a teacher asked me to speak up and my response was mumbling “economic stuff.” Everybody went silent and the moment stretched on. But after a while, I decided to go again from the bottom, hand raised, and this time it worked. Scary? Yes. But it felt brilliant, too. And now, no matter how messy the process will be, you will find a way.
Group Projects: The Good, The Bad, and the “Where Are You?”
Working as a group comes with its own set of challenges. You get to meet new people. Some of them might be genius levels, while others might just be some random person who is texting “I’ll be there shortly” and never arrives. Keeping in mind the projects that are divided into parts, remember one of my friends completely chickened out on doing his part, so I had to wake up for an entire night to finish the PowerPoint.
With that said, I did end up creating cherish able memories while going on these late-night pizza runs with friends and my roommate Priya, who, while everything was said and done, had become an integral part of my college life and would help me understand “out of the box” slang. Friends who remain is what I mean.
Helping Line: Google Is Great (But Do Not Tell the Professor) – Trust me, even when you are lost in the problem, try putting some combinations in a search engine and somehow, you’ll catch up.
Small Talk Struggles: So, What’s Your Major?
It goes without saying making friends requires you to start off with a small talk, which comes along as a new concept to me. “What a great weather today, huh”, from my perspective was really no weather polite and fake. While I did in fact want to give an awkward nod while listening to football soother chats at a dorm party, people like Melanie do make this worth it.
Making Memories and Pizza Runs: Growing Up with Greece
Elaborate nights come and go like the wind. Remember that one random invite? I know I do. It was a party and got way out of hand as I was met with loud music, a crowded hall, and of all things, a pizza slice. I reminisced with Carlos about how we bonded in the first place. Oh yes, the pizza debate! Believe it or not, he likes (rather, ‘loved’) virgin pineapple pizzas…