In the first part of our interview with Sheala A practical guide for International students moving to US – 1, we had covered topics such as weather, part time gigs and establishing credit history. In this interview we will talk some more about the how the international students can make themselves comfortable.
Study in US: Transportation is another issue faced by International students . In cities like Boston, you do not need a car but in other cities you cannot survive without one. Does it make sense to stay far away from campus and invest in buying a car?
Sheala: You are right about transportation! It is almost impossible to live in some parts of our country without a car. Even cities that have public transportation may not have GOOD public transportation. However, most of my comments in the book about transportation are targeted toward Internationals working in the U.S. rather than International students.
Since most universities in the U.S. are like little cities with numerous services either right on campus or close by, a student can typically access most things by bike. Additionally, students often give each other rides and the International student office (or local campus ministries) will provide occasional trips to places further away. I think it’s much easier for a student to survive without a car in our country than it is for working people.
Because of this, I wouldn’t recommend living away from campus just to buy a car. Cars aren’t really investments in the U.S. Owning an automobile is an expensive endeavor with the cost of the car, the insurance, the gasoline, and the car repairs. If a student can manage without one, I’d recommend it.
Study in US: Can International students get a driver’s license with a Social Security card?
Sheala : An International student can get a driver’s license with a social security card as long as they have a host of other documents, including a valid passport, Form I-94, and Form I-20. In fact, a student can get a driver’s license WITHOUT a social security card, although most states require that the student be in the application process.
With that said, getting a driver’s license as an International is a complex process. You’ll want to talk to your university’s International office about the rules and regulations of driving in the state where you’ll live. You can also go HERE for the necessary steps to follow if you decide to get a driver’s license.
Study in US: Another area of unfamiliarity for International students is sports, and many Americans love talking about sports. Some of the popular sports are not played outside of the U.S., like ice hockey and baseball. How do you suggest International students go about familiarizing sports ?
Sheala : Wow, I’m the wrong person to ask that question! I don’t understand most of our sports, and I was born and raised in the U.S. Nevertheless, I will say that the main way to learn about our sports is by watching them, particularly with an American friend or an International who likes sports and has lived here for a while.
For instance, I live in St. Louis, the home of the St. Louis Cardinals, so I feel like learning baseball is a vital part of understanding St. Louisans. However, the Cardinals’ games can be quite expensive so I’ve taken my International friends, along with numerous American friends, to a minor league game in the area (thankfully, we have two good minor league teams). Even though I couldn’t explain the game well, the other Americans could answer the questions that the Internationals had.
If you truly want to understand a sport that is a key part of your university or city, find places where people gather to watch, attend your school’s sporting events, or look for groups that are organizing student trips to a professional game. Since many Americans, particularly men, love to talk about sports, they’ll be glad to answer your questions. Just don’t ask your questions right in the middle of an important play! Wait for a break in the game so you don’t annoy your new American friend with your questions.
Study in US : How do International students start familiarizing themselves with American culture ?
Sheala : International students, particularly those with internet access, have many resources that can help them become familiar with American culture. Before arriving, students can read about their new school, city, and state on the internet. They can look at multiple websites about American culture, although I would recommend focusing on those either recommended by the university or by trusted organizations like Studyn.us. (Please do not try to learn about American culture from television or magazines! These are very distorted views of the general culture.) Once students arrive, they can seek help from the International Student Office, campus associations, and college campus ministries. The university itself should provide a host of opportunities for learning about American culture.
However, learning about a culture and experiencing it are two very different things. I think all of us are often surprised by how long it takes to feel comfortable in another cultural environment. Students need to expect to experience culture shock when they come to the U.S. Although students may be extremely happy when they first arrive, they will face a time when American culture seems absurd and incomprehensible. They need to know that these feelings are perfectly normal. If they persevere, they will successfully pass through culture shock and reach a point where they not only understand American culture, but, hopefully, appreciate parts of it as well.
Study in US : Thanks you so much Sheala for answering our questions,. I am sure the students will definitely find it helpful.
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