Are you an international student studying in the United States for the first time? Welcome to North Lake College! With the help of our friends in the International Center, we have a list of tips for you as you begin your studies at NLC.
- Join the International Club to meet fellow students who also come from other countries and cultures. Plus, you can participate in events that introduce American students to international cultures, traditions, and foods
- If you need help, just ask. Cindy Villalta, a student from El Salvador who graduated from North Lake in 2015, tells other international students, “Ask for help and use all resources at the school. Do not be afraid to ask even the most silly questions you might think you have! School faculty is there to help you and they will go the extra mile for you if they see you’re willing to work hard.”
- Make local friends. You’ll learn a lot from your American classmates. Not just English language skills, but also local customs, food, and traditions.
- Try to find a place to live near campus, and learn the bus lines around town. This will make it much easier for you to arrive at classes on time, or to find essentials like groceries.
- Explore outside your college. Make sure you enjoy Irving and Dallas while you are here! After studying, visit the State Fair, attend a basketball or football game, or go hiking in a nearby state park. Plus, if you get homesick, the Dallas-Fort Worth region has a diverse group of large ethnic communities, so you can probably find a support group of other people from your homeland.
- Try new things. Enjoy your time in the United States by experiencing some unique American places, events, and foods. These adventures are some of the best things about studying in a new country.
- Expect classes and tests to be different from in your home country. Every nation’s schools work differently, and you could face challenges such as harder courses, or teachers with different teaching styles.
- Things might take longer, so budget plenty of time. Keith Landry, an advisor at the NLC International Center, says, “Something that took five minutes to do at home can take hours abroad, because of the language or the culture.” Maybe some of your chores will be faster, not slower, but play it safe. Plan extra time for meetings, appointments, and transportation.
- “Culture shock is real,” Landry says, “and does affect different people differently.” So if you feel confused or out-of-place, you are not alone. Talk to other students in the International Club, or visit the International Center to learn more about ways they can help.
- Work hard. Keith Landry says international students may need to put in extra effort, or meet higher academic demands, especially if they are learning English. Cindy Villalta agrees. “Foreign students have a bigger responsibility,” she says, and advises international students to “work hard even when some people tell you otherwise. The results are beyond rewarding!”
