10 TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

“… English needs to be lived in your thinking, your work, your volunteer opportunities, your choice of roommates, your reading, your writing, and your entertainment. If you don’t live in English at least half of the time, your English will always be weak…”

According to the most recent statistics, there are about 600,000 international students studying in the United States. Most of them do very well and are a great benefit to the colleges and universities they attend in the United States. At the same time, most international students in the United States study in an educational system with language differences. They need to be clearly aware of these challenges in order to overcome them well and become top students in the United States. Here are some solutions:

Pursue your passion wisely.

Pursue your passion not just to get “A good job”. Decide your own major and life

Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard his freshman year to play with a few friends on a very basic computer in their garage. Harvard didn’t approve of that at all. But Bill went on to found Microsoft, which is worth about $30 billion at the latest count. I think he did the right thing by not going to Harvard. Many students spend years studying a major they think will get them a good job, but they don’t actually enjoy it. Why spend money and time preparing for a job you’ll hate? Confucius was right when he said, “Do what you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Let your passion guide your studies and your life, and good things will follow.

If you like Harvard, be a Harvard student.

Many international students look for a “formula”—a set of methods—to get into a prestigious university like Harvard, Yale, or Stanford. There is no such thing. Getting into elite universities requires native English, a perfect GPA, excellent test scores, a stellar resume, and a fair amount of luck. If there is a formula, it is this: students who identify their passion and pursue it are more likely to get into elite universities than students who are just focused on the numbers (GPA and test scores). Top colleges are always looking for students with potential. What do you really care about? Have you done anything meaningful with your life besides studying? If the answer is no, you are not a Harvard student.

Living in English

If English is not your native language, you are at a distinct disadvantage compared to native American students in school. The better your English, the better your academic performance and the better your job prospects after graduation. You will never learn English well just by studying in a classroom. You need to live with English, learn English through friends, work, reading, writing, and even entertainment. If you are not exposed to English at least half of your waking hours, your English will never improve.

Study to learn

Many international students come to class primarily to get good grades. Grades are important, but learning is about more than just grades. Some students go to their professors just to get good grades because they “need the grades”. This is actually the wrong way to study. Ask for help to learn your subjects better. Doing well in your studies will give you knowledge that will be useful for your future job and good grades. 

Do your own work

In today’s internet age, copying other people’s work for yourself is a growing trend among both American and international students. This is wrong for three reasons. First, it’s cheating, which professors don’t like. You can (and will) lose points for it. Second, it makes it harder for you to develop the skills you need to do your job well. Third, it becomes a habit and your work becomes more and more difficult to a greater extent because you haven’t developed the lower-level problem-solving skills yourself. Doing your own work is “hard up front, but rewarding in the long run.” Cheating is the opposite.

Join the class

Most American teachers expect their students to participate in class. That means they want students to participate – to ask questions, to contribute, certainly not to sit in the back of the room and say nothing. This is a big challenge in a foreign language environment, and for students who are used to being quiet in class. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” It may be difficult at first. However, it will become easier over time, and it is essential to being a successful student in the United States.

Develop outside interests

A Harvard study found that students who worked or volunteered up to 20 hours a week had more valuable college experiences than those who didn’t, and their GPAs were less likely to drop. The message is clear – develop an interest in outside activities and do them regularly. American colleges and universities are full of opportunities to learn new skills, pursue new interests, and get involved. Take up karate or boxing, join a club or fraternity. You have to find these activities for yourself, though – they won’t come to you. Get active! 

Connect with the local community

Many international students live and socialize only with people from their own country or language group. Many American students do the same when they are abroad. This is a big mistake! Spend time with your language friends occasionally, but also socialize with Americans and people from other countries. To truly experience a country, you need to get to know its people by establishing personal relationships with them. This way you will not only learn, but also feel at home in your new country.

Never be complacent

Most international students reach a point where they feel accepted, academically and socially – and then stop learning. They can’t do better – they’re comfortable – and they don’t feel the need to do better. Don’t let that happen to you. Always push yourself to improve your English in speaking, writing and reading. If you’re not moving forward, you’re falling behind.

Grow your network

In many countries, students take the same classes with the same classmates for four years. These classmates become their support group for life and become their own community. In the US, every student takes different classes with different classmates, so there is no natural peer group. Make friends with students from all countries, professors, advisors, employers, and anyone else you interact with. Make friends with at least one professor each year. Stay in touch with these friends and make connections – they will be your support group in the future (and you will be theirs one day).

“…Many international students live and socialize only with people from their own country or language group. Many American students do the same when they are abroad. This is a big mistake! Spend time with your language friends occasionally, but also socialize with Americans and people from other countries…”

Author: Ross Jennings

Ross Jennings is the Vice President of International Programs at Green River Community College in Auburn, Washington, USA. He earned his BA from the University of California Santa Barbara and his MA from the University of Washington, Oklahoma, and Stanford. He followed these tips as an international student in Beirut, Lebanon, and had an amazing experience that inspired him to live in the Middle East for another 12 years. You can reach Ross at rjennings@greenriver.edu.

(Source: Global Study Magazine: www.globalstudymagazine.com)

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