Studying Abroad in the US is Not for Everyone

Traveling around the world as student can be a grand adventure... with a handy safety net. Every year hundreds of thousands of students come to the US for the chance to explore new cultures, geography, language, and more -- all while being part of an academic setting that not only provides a formal education, but housing, meals, health care, and many other conveniences of home away from home. But with adventure comes challenge, and for anyone considering an extended period of study in the US should consider the following points carefully as they plan ahead.

Togetherness vs. Loneliness

Especially in the first few months after students arrive at a college or university from another country, the experience can feel lonely. Many of the people they interact with on campus and in their community have never been to their country, don't speak their native language, and are focused on existing groups of friends and obligations such as jobs and school work. The excitement of being in a whole new world can make this easier to deal with for a while, but after the first few months, the novelty starts to wear off, and the sense of isolation can become strong.

To prevent this, students often choose to:

• Participate in a school program that many students from their home community or country attend
• Stay with roommates from their own country or community
• Become as proficient in English as possible before arriving
• Make friends with international students from other countries who are having similar difficulties
• Attend events and take advantage of resources specifically designed to support international students

However, some visiting students prefer to experience as much of the foreign culture as they can, and choose to associate with people from other countries over the comfortable familiarity of friends from back home. They may even choose to participate in an exchange program, and live with a local family.

Key consideration: Students who get lonely easily, become disconcerted when they feel different than those around them, or are easily frustrated when communication doesn't come easily, may wish to consider an international experience that has more of the comforts of home.

Healthy Living vs. 24-7 Adventures

Studying abroad can mean sudden, drastic changes in diet, sleep patterns, exercise, physical comfort at home and school, exposure to diseases, privacy, relationships, work culture, school workload, hygiene, and religious or spiritual practice. This can present considerable strain on a student's body and emotions. Illness, injury, depression and other challenges to health and happiness happen to most students traveling abroad at some point during their stay.

International students can find these resources and others on campus to help them keep a healthy balance:

• Meal plans that provide easy access to healthy food
• Exercise facilities and bike / running trails
• Health care facilities that provide education about nutrition, disease prevention, common illnesses for students abroad, and treatment for both physical and emotional ailments
• Religious centers and campus groups
• Choices in housing that provide varying levels of comfort and privacy

When it comes to more advanced health considerations, such as chronic conditions, fragile immune systems, or illnesses that require unusual (for traditional American medicine) treatments, health care resources may be limited or require more travel or expense to access.

Key consideration: Students who have ongoing health concerns, who require special medical monitoring or access to treatments that are not readily available on campus or in the local community, or who find their bodies or emotions do not adapt well to major change, should consider carefully whether travel abroad is appropriate for them.

Spending Wise vs. Living Well

International study is not cheap. Although financial aid is available for many programs, it will cover only so much of the total expenses that come with living (and having fun) in the US. There's nothing like coming halfway around the world to have so little money that exploration is not an option. And there's usually something - or many things - that come up that cost more than was anticipated.

Financial crises are more often avoided by international students who:

• Make sure additional funds are easily accessible if needed
• Plan to spend 20% more money than the university or college outlines as the typical budget for international students
• Explore scholarship opportunities and financial aid from both their home country and the US
• Budget expenses out by month or quarter, and take advantage of the many low cost entertainment and food options for students
• Are aware of aid programs for international students in need of assistance

Key consideration: If students do not have access to additional funds in case of emergency, or will be living on such a tight budget that they will barely be covering housing, meals, transportation, tuition, books and fees, they should consider finding additional ways to supplement their funds before making the trip abroad.

Being Safe vs. Headfirst Exploration

The thrill of adventure can get your heart pumping and your courage jumping. It's easy for international students to feel like they can take risks they couldn't in their home country, because they are far away from rumor and disapproval. However, the sense of wild abandon can also prompt behavior considered irresponsible in any culture - that which threatens the wellbeing of the student and others. Unfortunately, foreign students are sometimes introduced to activities that are unfamiliar, and they may not realize they are illegal, or come with other consequences. They may also be taken advantage of by others who are irresponsible, or by scam artists who prey on their vulnerability.

International students can balance exploration with caution by:

• Respecting the opportunity to visit another country, themselves and their peers
• Remembering why they chose to come to the US to study
• Being savvy about invitations that seem questionable
• Asking an advisor or trusted American friend before joining groups or paying large sums of money
• Participating in campus safety education programs
• Feeling free to question openly, speak up, and turn down anything that seems inappropriate
• Finding friends who have morals that are similar, and sticking with them
• Be sure to be familiar with campus and local community laws and policies
• Know that they deserve to have a rewarding, positive, rich cultural and academic experience

Key consideration: Students who tend to live life on the wild side at home may wish to consider carefully their potential for getting into trouble in the US, where rules, social mores, and consequences can be quite different. Those who have deep concerns about safety may wish to conduct in-depth research on the location, crime rate, and reputation of the campus and community.

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