Wondering what the typical student wears to college or university? Check out a collection of photos from students on their way to the first day of school.
(via What to Wear on Your First Day at a US College « VOA Student Union)
What mistakes did you make as a freshman that others should avoid?
Here are our top 5:
1) Packing the wrong things
2) Not getting involved on campus right away
3) Looking the wrong way crossing the street
4) Overdoing it on American food
5) Not asking for help when we needed it
Here are our tips for avoiding these mistakes: http://blogs.voanews.com/student-union/2012/08/27/5-freshman-mistakes-we-made-that-you-shouldnt/
What mistakes have you made that you want to help others avoid? Share your wisdom!
Americans Reveal What They Really Think of International Students
So you want to know what American students really think of international students? You’re in luck! We did a survey to answer just that question, asking over 50 Americans to answer anonymously with their honest opinion of their international classmates. If you haven’t read our analyses of the survey results, take a look at these articles first:
Part 1: The Truth – Americans Reveal What They Really Think of International Students
Part 2: Why Aren’t Americans and International Students Becoming Friends?
But if you’ve already read those and are still dying to know more, this post is for you.
The Americans who took our survey wrote long form answers to two questions: (1) Why do you think you do or do not relate to international students; (2) Why do you or do you not try to get to know international students? Here, in their unedited entirety (with names removed for privacy), is every single comment we received.
Why do you think you do or do not relate to international students?
Do relate
(60% of Americans responded they relate to international students as well as or better than they relate to other Americans)
I think I relate to international students mainly because of our environment. We are all here to learn, have fun, and make new friends. We have some of the same views because they know quite a lot about America (which only makes me feel extremely ignorant considering how I do not know much about their countries other than what they tell me themselves.). This being said, I think our constant thirst for knowledge is another thing that brings us all together, along with our curiosity to hear each other’s experiences.
"They smell bad and don’t speak English,” said an American student at North Dakota State University of international students. “They are annoying."
—
Well, we did ask for honesty. This was by far the worst comment we received when we asked Americans what they REALLY think of international students at their college.
The Truth: Americans Reveal What They Really Think of International Students « VOA Student Union
"I make an effort to get to know them because I think all of their international backgrounds and cultures are so fascinating and I would be truly blessed to get to experience a small sense of their life through what they tell me,” said a North Dakota State University student."
— The Truth: Americans Reveal What They Really Think of International Students « VOA Student Union
“If I learned one thing this year, it is…”
Anna
We do not always have at our disposal all the information necessary to make well-informed career decisions. But even if we, college students, do have the information and understand the reality, we may still want to think twice before committing ourselves to a particular career, for our own motives and desires are changing as we explore new subjects and expand our interests in college.
So I have learned that while long-term planning gives me an advantage, it’s important to constantly challenge my plans and be open to new ideas that my growing knowledge and experience may bring into my life.
(via If I’ve Learned One Thing This Year… « VOA Student Union)
“If I learned one thing this year, it is…”
Sebastian
One thing I’ve learned this past year (the whole academic year) is to never forget your main goal. In my case I came to America for the education as a pathway to better chances in the future, but soon I got caught up with many other activities that made me forget the main reason I had gotten here.
By the beginning of the last academic year, fall of 2011, I had two jobs on campus and was actively participating in three organizations on campus. All that made me feel right, but eventually led to my worst academic semester so far. On the bright side, it worked as a wake up call and this past semester I got back on the horse.
Even though there might be many great resources on campus and one should take advantage of them, it is important to keep focus on the long term goals and find a balance between everything that goes on in one’s life.
(via If I’ve Learned One Thing This Year… « VOA Student Union)
“If I learned one thing this year, it is…”
Simba
One thing that I have learned this year is to take advantage of the vast amount of resources that colleges offer.
I learned that if you have an idea or passion you want to pursue (individual projects, internships, etc.), even if you don’t have the resources to do it, there are offices, departments and people on campus who can connect you to the right opportunities. But you have to be proactive – to do research, knock on doors, and irritate the right people. If you do irritate the right people for long enough, you can make things happen.
(via If I’ve Learned One Thing This Year… « VOA Student Union)
Battling a University Rejection? 5 Stories to Get Inspired
I was with my dad on the way home from one of my softball games when my brother called and said that he letter had come in the mail. I couldn’t get home fast enough, but I was terrified.
If you applied to study in the U.S. for next year, I’m sure you can relate to Jaime’s emotions while waiting for her admissions decision to arrive. And if you’ve already received your letter, you might be able to what she felt next:
I held the envelope up to the light and read the words “We regret to inform you.” At the time I was devastated…
Or you might relate to Thuy’s experience after receiving an acceptance letter from her dream school, the California College of the Arts, and realizing just being accepted might not be enough:
The amount of money I estimate I will need to pursue this two year MBA program is $100,000 … My family is not rich, so the cost of $100,000 is really a burden. … After I got their admission letter, I sent CCA an email to explain my financial difficulty and seek assistance from the school. At present, I am anxiously waiting for CCA’s response on any kind of financial aid they could offer.
We wish everyone could be accepted to their top choice school, and with enough financial aid to afford to go. And if you are one of the lucky ones, congratulations! Leave a comment to share with others your tips for success.
But, if you are one of the many students who received a letter reading, “We regret to inform you,” or a nice fat admissions letter with no accompanying financial aid package, take heart. Here are 5 stories to inspire you and show you that one admissions decision doesn’t have to make or break your future.
