Studying in America as an International student can be hard – here are ways of overcoming.
The first semester of college in the United States can be exciting but at the same time international students can be overwhelmed with being in a new country and academic environment.
Being away from home is never easy for anyone, especially for most of us who come from a different country; different food, culture , friends and most important language. I’m an international student, and being one was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced in my entire life. So, I just waited to share 3hacks that will apply to any of you out there as an international student especially in Orlando , FL.
1. Making friends and HOW ?
Making friends in a new culture is never an easy task but connection… connection is the most important thing for an international student. We get homesick, and the only cure for that is to make friends to avoid being lonely.
To be honest, It wasn’t easy for me to make friends because I felt so out of place but I figured out something that I’d like to share with you.
Join your nationality organization: If you thing you don’t understand the culture, meeting people from your country can definitely help. They can share their experiences with you which will help you out in adjusting your lifestyle. Not only do you get to learn about the culture but you also get friends that are familiar to your current situation.
Most university in the states have different organizations and pretty sure if you check it out you’ll find one that suits you.
E.g African Students’ Organization, Asian Student Association, Caribbean Students’ Association, Vietnamese American Student Association.
Events and activities: Meeting new people outside classes may be hard for you but remember you do have hobbies, correct? Well most university do have events which are posted on the main website, you can choose events varying from arts to sports. If this sounds like too much work you can go to the school gym.
Why the Recreation and wellness center?
Well, most gyms offer different activities for students. If you like Rock climbing, hiking, kayaking or just to work out then this will be the best place to meet and make new friends.
Working out also reduces stress you know!
If you are in Orlando and go to University of Central Florida you can visit this page 🙂 Recreation and Wellness Center
2. Culture
Cultures are different all over the world and it takes a while for someone to get used to something new.
Deciding to study abroad means you love to try new things, the key element is to embrace the new environment and culture to be able to get used to it.
“ When I first came here, I had a problem communicating or even making friends as I thought I’m different and I don’t understand their culture – how I’m I going to bond with them?” Says Allen, an international student at a University in Orlando.
Though he initially struggled, Allen says she came to realize that while he though he was different, probably those around him felt the same and that the best way of getting rid of that feeling was to try new things around him to learn and be part of the new culture instead of alienating himself from people.
The truth is while you think you are the only one facing this obstacles, you are not entirely the only one. Most schools has resources that help students in different situations.
3. Food
Different country equals to different food , but the best part of being in the states is that you can get different restaurants and you might be lucky to get one from your home country.
Thanks to google maps you can find restaurants within the area you live and you can try them out. This will give you time to adjust to the new food – slow but sure!
“The first couple of weeks I loved eating burgers and Pizza, I couldn’t get enough of it, but after a little while I missed food from home, says Tina a student at a university in Orlando.
If you miss food from home, you can improvise and cook for yourself or do you prefer cooking to eating out? Did you know that you can find groceries stores that will sell foods from different countries? Some of the Groceries stores in Orlando are;
- Global Market
- Colonial Grocery Deli & Bodega
- 1st Oriental Supermarket
- Los Paises Supermarket
- African Choice Food Market
You should also remember being in a new country means new adventure right? don’t limit yourself.
“When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do”
