Study Overseas

So you're almost ready to start university in America. You've been preparing for weeks and your suitcases are ready and waiting to go. But what happens when you get there? Don't panic, read our Freshman's Guide to surviving the start of term and settling in to your new life as an international student.

Get Acquainted at Orientation Week

Orientation Week is a programme of events organised by the international office of your college or university to help you adjust to study and life in the US. Orientation helps students settle into campus life before the academic semester begins and all the other American students arrive. This is a good chance to become familiar with both US culture and the education system.

Most US universities have mandatory orientation programmes for international students. This is not only to get you to make friends and socialise before classes start, but also to explain the rules and regulations relating to your studies. Orientation will usually include information sessions on the requirements of your visa, how to register for classes, using the university health centre and the practicalities of living on campus.

Orientation also gives new students a chance to socialise and meet new people. Many universities offer befriending schemes during orientation whereby you have the chance to be matched with a 'host' family.

One of the best parts of orientation is all the free food! Social events will be organised by university staff, religious groups and various student clubs on campus featuring many ice cream nights, pizza parties and dinners. These events offer a great opportunity to meet other students with similar interests and enjoy a nice treat. Make the most of your orientation. Get involved and enjoy the time you have on campus before the real work begins!

Contributed by Aisling Conboy, The Fulbright Commission

Coping with Culture Shock

The most effective way to combat culture shock is to step back from a given event that has bothered you, assess it, and search for an appropriate explanation and response. Try the following:

• Observe how others are acting in the same situation
• Describe the situation, what it means to you, and your response to it
• Ask a local resident or someone with extensive experience how they would have handled the situation and what it means in the host culture
• Plan how you might act in this or similar situations in the future
• Test the new behaviour and evaluate how well it works
• Decide how you can apply what you have learned the next time your find yourself in a similar situation

Although it can be disconcerting and a little scary, the shock gradually eases as you begin to understand the new culture. It is useful to realize that often the reactions and perceptions of others towards you - and you towards them - are not personal evaluations but are based on a clash of cultural values. The more skilled you become in recognising how and when cultural values and behaviours are likely to come in conflict, the easier it becomes to make adjustments that can help you avoid serious difficulties.

For more advice on culture shock or any other aspect of studying in the USA then contact NAFSA through their website on www.nafsa.org

Adjusting to Culture Shock

Studying overseas and delving into the unknown can be a daunting task for even the most experienced of travellers. Fortunately USA Universities and Colleges are well rehearsed in the experiences of international students and will be at hand to help you with any problems that you may face - Culture Shock potentially being on of them. Symptoms can sometimes include: extreme homesickness, desire to avoid social settings, sleep disturbances, depression and feelings of helplessness, difficulty with concentration, loss of your sense of humour, boredom, fatigue and hostility to the host culture.

Travel on a Shoe String

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted student ID card. Since 1968, the ISIC has helped over 40 million students get the most out of their travel experience.

With an ISIC card you get internationally recognised proof of student status, discounts on flights, buses, trains and ferries, discounts on entrance to museums and cultural sites all over the world as well as entertainment and attractions. Other discounts include; youth hostels and hotels, bars, restaurants and shopping. Your ISIC card also entitles you to use a free 24-hour multi-lingual emergency helpline. Communication with home and friends around the world is extremely important when you are an international student which is why an ISIC card also entitles you to ISIConnect, an all-in-one discount communications package including phone, SMS, email and voicemail.

For details on how to apply please visit the ISIC website: www.isic.org

If you're planning on visiting other countries and cities whilst studying abroad then you should consider visiting an ISIC Gateway City. ISIC have put together a package of benefits and discounts that are especially for student travellers. You can save money on: airport transfers, local transport, nightlife, eating out, accommodation and cultural attractions. Check out the website to see the list of Gateway Cities and the huge range of discounts on offer: www.isic.org

Be Safe, Not Sorry

So you're about to start university in America and are ready to have some new and exciting experiences. As well as being a place where your education and lifestyle can flourish, university should feel like a safe and secure place to be. Each university will have it's own policing system and campus security but there are some things that you can do to ensure that you feel safe and protected. The National Campus Safety Organisation has an extensive repertoire of safety information for students but here are some top tips for you to consider when starting university.

Create a 'buddy' system whereby you share your schedule with someone else so that you don't unnecessarily walk alone, especially at night.

• Use a shuttle service after dark
• Never walk alone at night and avoid shortcuts.
• Never leave your drink unattended.
• Make sure your doors and windows have locking mechanisms and if they don't or are faulty, alert your dormitory supervisor.
• Don't leave your identification, wallet, jewellery, camera and other valuables in open view.
• Make sure you have a list of emergency numbers to contact on your phone and have them on speed dial if necessary.
• Don't be reluctant to report illegal activities and suspicious loitering.
• Be vigilant and don't assume that all crime on campus is performed by non-members of the university: reportedly, 80% of campus crime is student-on-student.

For more information and safety tips visit: www.securityoncampus.org

Home from Home: Student Accommodation

There are many types of university accommodation available to international students. Check out the list below to see which type of housing suits you.

On Campus

Dormitories (Dorms)
These usually have basic furniture, and many have a cafeteria. In some dorms there may be facilities for self-catering. Dorms usually have common rooms where you can relax or watch TV. Supervisors, called 'residence advisers' or 'resident directors,' often live in dorms to keep an eye on safety, cleanliness and rule adherence. Many universities require first year students to share a room but this will be with someone of the same sex. If you have problems with your roommate, contact your residence adviser or anyone else in charge of housing at your university to discuss the situation.

Holidays

Some campus housing closes for holidays and vacations; others may be open year-round. If you need campus housing during vacations, make sure to you inquire well in advance regarding availability or check with your international student adviser regarding the possibility of a homestay or off-campus housing options.

Coed residence halls
These dorms have both men and women living in the same building.

Single-sex residence halls
These dorms are for those who prefer to live in an all-male or all-female environment.

University apartments
Some universities have apartment houses on campus but these are always in high demand. Priority is usually given to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students or students who are married.

Fraternity and sorority houses
Fraternities (for men) and sororities (for women) are close-knit social organizations of undergraduate men and women who live in a house operated by the organization. New members are chosen through various means during a period called "rush week" before classes begin. Living in a fraternity or sorority house may be restricted to upper-level students.

Married student housing
At some universities, certain apartments or houses are owned and operated by the university exclusively for married students and families but these are usually limited so apply early.

Off-Campus Housing

While university-subsidized housing is often cheaper, in smaller cities and towns, this may not be the case. To find off-campus housing, ask the university's housing office or consult the classified advertising section (also called 'want ads' or 'classifieds') of the local newspaper. Check campus bulletin boards for notices of students who are looking for roommates to share an apartment. Seek the help of someone who knows the community or ask the international student adviser for suggestions.

Off-Campus Dorms
These are designated for students and are run like university dormitories, but privately owned. Usually the costs are comparable to living in an on-campus dormitory.

Cooperative Residence Halls ('Co-Ops')
A co-op is usually a large house in which a group of students lives together, sharing the costs and chores. Because they are generally less expensive, rooms in co-ops may be difficult to find.

Rooming Houses
These are houses where rooms are usually rented too individuals, but occasionally to two roommates. Cooking facilities are often provided.

Living with a U.S. Family
Sometimes international student advisers have listings of families in the community who would like to have an international student live in their home. Sometimes the family expects the student to perform certain services, like baby-sitting or household chores, in exchange for free or reduced rent. Check with the international student adviser to see if this is the case.

For more information on student housing visit: http://educationusa.state.gov