A shout out to all my fellow International Students currently studying in the United States. We know all too well what are the different struggles that we are facing while studying in the U.S. From different cuisines to adapting to the changing lifestyle, we have faced it all. To all the prospective International Students, get ready for a bumpy ride, lads! Here are some of the struggles that you are bound to face as an International Student studying in the United States:
1. You Miss Home
Yes, you really do. You miss the freedom that you had in your home country. You miss talking to your parents who you used to talk to every day. You miss your friends who you grew up with since you were a kid. Plus the different time zones makes it difficult sometimes to talk them since the time when you have classes, they might already be in bed. Times like this, I thank the creators of Skype and Whatsapp for helping us keep in touch with our loved ones. What would I do without these apps!
2. Currency Conversion
Shopkeeper: "That'll be $10"
Me *in my head*: "Oh so how much is that in Dirhams hmm..." ("Dirhams" is the currency in the UAE)
Ugh, basically sums up all my transactions! Well we always have to be careful where we spend our money or else you can expect a phone call from your parents! On the bright side, it does make you more responsible when handling money on your own and making a budget plan.
3. Food
*Enters dining hall and finds only burgers and pizzas* Panic Mode: ON!
One of the biggest struggles you will ever face is the food crisis. Once you have a look at it, you will definitely miss your mom's food. Growing up in an Indian household, I have always been accustomed to eating Indian food, which is so much more satisfying! I was always very picky when it came to the food I eat and wouldn't settle for anything other than Indian food. A word of advice to the incoming international freshman: Do not be choosy about your food or you will grow thin and will possibly get a nice shouting from your parents too!
4. American English
"Is it uh-loo-mi-num or aa-loo-mi-nium?" "Is it "color" or "colour?"
*rolls eyes* The struggle is real! You have to be real careful how you pronounce the words, including your name's pronunciation. I have heard so many variations of my name that I just go with the flow and don't even attempt to correct my American friends. The best way to handle this is to make an easy nickname like I did. Trust me, it's easier and it makes you look like less of an idiot explaining to your American friends how your real name is pronounced!
5. Travel Signatures
Running to the International Admissions office to get a travel signature every time you have to leave during the holidays is always fun! Shout-out to the International admissions Officer for providing me with my travel signature without any sort of hassle. You the real MVP!
6. The Accent Change
If you spend a lot of time with American's, your accent is probably gonna change. Well, good luck explaining that to your mother when she calls! Your friends back home are probably going to be like, "Dude, what happened to you?"
7. Jobs
Me: "Hi! I am an international student..."
Employer: "Oh we're sorry but we don't sponsor visas for international students"
The biggest struggle we as international students face is the job crisis. It becomes difficult to find an employer who is ready to sponsor your H1-B visa for you!
All said and done, at the end of the day we will surely miss this golden land of freedom and who knows what adventures lie ahead for us! As for prospective international students, I wish you good luck on your journey!
