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

1. What is it like to study at a university in the United States? Kate Burrill, M.A. English Language Fellow IAIN Sunan Ampel

2. In this presentation, I talk about: • Introduction to American Life • Friendship with Americans • Classroom Culture • Managing Money • Health and Wellness • My Experience as a College Student

3. Introduction to American Life • Time • “Time is money” • Time is valuable—achievement-oriented society • Be on time • Deadlines must be met

4. Introduction to American Life • Communication • Direct and clear • “Get to the point” • Ask a lot of questions • Just say “no” if you don’t know • Eye contact is a must

5. Introduction to American Life • Safe 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

6. Introduction to American Life • Status and Hierarchy • “All [people] are created equal.” –Declaration of Independence • Individualistic culture • More value on accomplishments than age, race, family background

7. Introduction to American Life • Status and Hierarchy • Students and professors sometimes use first names with each other

8. Introduction to American Life • Dorm Life • Imagine you’re in an American classroom now, and this is your assignment: • Watch the film about Rocky (the bad student) and Donna (the good student). • Take notes on what you should do to be a good student in America. • 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.

9. Introduction to American Life • Dorm Life • A 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 for international students who want to make new friends!

10. Friendship with Americans • Friendliness and Openness • Friendly at first, but value privacy and independence • Need to go over higher walls before reaching the stage of a good friendship. Americans Other Countries

11. Friendship with Americans • Americans prefer independence and privacy • Prefer to do something themselves rather than ask a friend to do it • To 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

12. Classroom Culture • Of 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

13. Classroom Culture • Classes 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

14. Managing Money • More 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?

15. Managing Money • Ways of getting enough money: • Undergraduate Program Scholarships • Academic Merit • Financial Need • Special skills (sports, music, leadership) • Graduate program • Research assistantship • Teaching assistantship • Scholarships

16. Managing Money • Budget/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.

17. Health and Wellness • Culture Shock • Ways 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! 

18. Other Resources • EducationUSA.or.id • Aminef.or.id • http://jmuiscblog.com/ • James Madison University international students blog

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

20. 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.

21. Life in a Dorm

22. Social life: In dorms!

23. No more home cooking. Is that good or bad?

24. The “Freshman 15”

25. The University of California, Davis

26. This is where I lived:

29. Student Activities

30. Some activities in the dorm that’s me!

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

32. If you guessed football, you’re correct!

33. Marching band is also popular.

34. Some students work part-time.

36. Some students just want to sleep.

37. But whatever you choose to do, the most important thing is to do your best, and make new friends!

38. Thank you for your attention. • kate.burrill350@gmail.com • Facebook: Kate Burrill