What is it like to study at a university in the United States?

Kate Burrill, M.A.English Language FellowIAIN Sunan Ampel

In this presentation, I talk about:Introduction to American LifeFriendship with AmericansClassroom CultureManaging MoneyHealth and WellnessMy Experience as a College Student

Introduction to American LifeTime“Time is money”Time is valuable—achievement-

oriented societyBe on time Deadlines must be met

Introduction to American LifeCommunicationDirect and clear“Get to the point”Ask a lot of questionsJust say “no” if you don’t knowEye contact is a must

Introduction to American LifeSafe topics to discuss with anyone:

◦The weather◦Classes and jobs◦Sports◦Entertainment (movies, music)◦Fashion, shopping, clothes

Topics you only discuss with close friends:◦Money, how much one earns◦Marital status/Family◦Religion◦Politics

Introduction to American LifeStatus and Hierarchy“All [people] are created equal.”

–Declaration of IndependenceIndividualistic cultureMore value on accomplishments

than age, race, family background

Introduction to American LifeStatus and Hierarchy

Students and professors sometimes use first names with each other

Introduction to American LifeDorm LifeImagine you’re in an American classroom

now, and this is your assignment:1. Watch the film about Rocky (the bad

student) and Donna (the good student).2. Take notes on what you should do to

be a good student in America.3. After the film, you will have three

minutes to review your notes and discuss your answers with a partner, and then we will discuss together.

Introduction to American LifeDorm LifeA good student…gets to class early.is polite.is social.doesn’t procrastinate.is involved in school activities.exercises regularly.

These points are especially important forinternational students who want to make new friends!

Friendship with AmericansFriendliness

and OpennessFriendly at first,

but value privacy and independence

Need to go over higher walls before reaching the stage of a good friendship.

Americans Other Countries

Friendship with AmericansAmericans prefer independence

and privacy◦Prefer to do something themselves

rather than ask a friend to do itTo make friends:

◦Don’t be afraid to start a conversation

◦Get involved in campus activities and clubs

◦Be aware of differences that may cause misunderstandings

Classroom CultureOf course: being on time is

important!◦If the class starts at 8am, when should

you arrive? Mix of teacher-centered and

learner-centered ◦Depends on the professor◦In general, U.S. classrooms are more

learner-centered than the rest of the world

Classroom CultureClasses are taught by a

professor, lecturer, or graduate assistant

Value of student perspective◦Students are expected to ask

questions◦Students are allowed to openly

disagree with teacher◦Participation is very important

Managing MoneyMore than 4,900 accredited

colleges and universities in the U.S.◦They have a wide range in price.◦2-year institution or 4-year

institution?

Managing MoneyWays of getting enough money:

◦Undergraduate Program Scholarships Academic Merit Financial Need Special skills (sports, music, leadership)

◦Graduate program Research assistantship Teaching assistantship Scholarships

Managing MoneyBudget/Spending Plan

◦Get one and stick to it!◦Use cash instead of debit card, less

likely to spend. Try keeping a spending journal for one

month. Envelope System

◦Put monthly amount in an envelope – when gone – no more.

Health and WellnessCulture ShockWays to De-stress:

◦Talk to family and friends◦Daily physical activity◦Remember to laugh

Nutrition◦Eat a mix of the right foods (fruits,

vegetables, whole grains)◦Americans eat too much. Don’t be

like them!

Other ResourcesEducationUSA.or.idAminef.or.idhttp://jmuiscblog.com/

◦James Madison University international students blog

Now, I’d like to talk about my personal experience as a college student in the United States.

What is life like for a student at university? Of course, it’s different for everyone. But

there are some general similarities for all Americans starting university.

First of all: Most students move away from home for the first time.

Life in a Dorm

Social life: In dorms!

No more home cooking. Is that good or bad?

The “Freshman 15”

The University of California, Davis

This is where I lived:

Student Activities

Some activities in the dorm

that’s me!

Sports! Can you guess what the most popular sport is?

If you guessed football,

you’re correct!

Marching band is also popular.

Some students work part-time.

Some students just want to sleep.

But whatever you choose to do, the most important thing is to do your best, and make

new friends!

Thank you for your

attention.

kate.burrill350@gmail.com

Facebook: Kate Burrill