3 Tips to Succeed as a First Year International Student

By Brianna Burrows

Studying in the USA is an exciting experience for international students. It exposes them to different cultures and opportunities. For many students who have moved their lives to a foreign country it can also be an overwhelming time. Her are three tips to help first year international students succeed.

1). Meet New People

Make new friends and don’t be afraid to talk to native English speakers. It will greatly improve your experience while studying in the USA. This will help build your English speaking skills and your confidence. Talk to your professors, advisors, and fellow students. While it might seem intimidating to speak English, American students are more excited about meeting an international student than they are worried about your English skills. Talking to new people will help you to establish a group of friends and allow you to have the support network you’ll need throughout your educational experience.

2). Join After School Extracurriculars

One of the best ways to meet new people is to join after school activites likes clubs, volunteer groups, or a student ambassador program. It’s important to have a balance between your school work and social life, and extracurricular activities are a happy medium between the two. In addition, it allows you to explore other interests beyond your academics.

3). Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions

While many cultures might perceive asking questions as a negative experience, in America it is greatly welcomed and expected! Asking questions shows your effort and interest in trying to understand the speaker. In addition, it will be imperative in an academic environment to ask your professor questions so you can seek clarification on topics and establish a rapport with them.

Brianna Burrows is a freelance marketing specialist and alumna of Northeastern University. She specializes in event management, social media management, and content branding. Follow her on Twitter here.