That moment when you live thousands of miles away from the place you called home all your life and are suddenly aware of your new environment. If you are an international student you know what I'm talking about. It hits you super hard at times when you see pictures of all those fun traditional festivals your friends are posting about. And let's not even begin with the food pics (smh).
At moments like these you might end up asking yourself, well is it really worth it? To spend double the amount of money on a degree than a normal U.S. citizen would, only to end up homesick? It seems kind of sad to me sometimes, but in order to prevent myself from getting succumbed into this temporary sadness I try to divert my mind across the bright side.
What are the things on the bright side you may ask. There are plenty. The first of which is one us F-1 visa holders often forget (and need our Moms to call on Viber to remind us)- and that is the value of our education. Back at home, the value of a "North American Degree" is probably more prestigious and welcome in the job market than a degree from your local University. The money spent will eventually, and hopefully, be worthwhile the moment you head back home and start your amazing endeavors in the work field of your choice. Also, If you plan on staying in the U.S. after graduation, there are lots of ways to push your visa status to the next level and apply for a Greencard, whether it be through getting a job that will sponsor your application or starting your own business here in the U.S.
Next on the bright side is the diversity in your social life. Could you have ever imagined having friends from all over the world, with different ethnic backgrounds, each with a different story to tell and a different way to tell them, if you were attending a local university back home? Maybe yes, maybe not. For me, it's a definite yes. When I realized my dorm is actually a room home to a Muslim girl from Bangladesh (myself), a Korean girl with a love for dogs, and a lovely Caucasian Long Island dweller, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude and content. And that feeling hasn't left ever since.
Living in America has its own unique perks, from being able to brag to your friends back home that you went to a Fetty Wap concert right in your University for just $15 (You know what I'm saying?), to being startled by the variety of cereals in your dining hall (the only variety I had in life was Kellogs Chocos). From learning what a Slushy is, to learning how to use public transportation in a major city (I had a tough time learning the Subway system. We've all been there.) From being a part of some awesome clubs and organizations to being surrounded by some extraordinary minds. If this isn't the opportunity of a lifetime to really explore the world and also your inner self, I don't know what is. As long as we can afford it, I think it's something we shouldn't regret.
