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Culture Salon
College Life
in the United States 
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Your interaction with other people is an integral
part of your college life in the United States. To make the most
of it, get ready to introduce yourself in a positive way to fellow
students, professors, and other people both on- and off-campus.
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One of your first introductions to social
life on a U.S. campus will most likely be "The International
Student Orientation Program," traditionally coordinated by the
Admissions Office or the Office of International Programs. Orientation
varies greatly from school to school, though the objectives are similar:
to introduce the new non-U.S. students to each other, and to prepare
you for campus life. |
| Many times, topics include immigration,
academic advisors, computer and library resources, telephone services,
public safety, medical services, banking options and department store
shuttles so students can purchase items they need. During orientation,
students often learn of upcoming activities such as trips to local
points of attraction. |
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U.S. college and university campuses
abound with activities designed to foster friendships. Many schools
designate a "Student Activities Center" where you may learn
of different options, such as student government, the newspaper staff,
outdoor club, chorus, dance, and a number of athletic teams. Explore
which ones may suit you best! |
| One international student descris be
his experiences: "I've made some great American friends on- and
off-campus, as well as friends from all over the world; they have
taught me a lot. For example, last December, some American friends
invited me out into the woods to help cut down their Christmas tree
-- I had never done anything like that before!" |
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"When I meet new people, they're
always interested to know what it's really like in Jamaica. That has
made me think about my own country, so I could share more information
with them. If I never left home, I would not need to consider these
things. So in many ways, a U.S. education means much more than sitting
in a classroom and studying for a degree." |
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