<p>Hi all</p>
<p>Basically, I am from the UK and am doing a semester abroad program with a US university.
Are there any tips or advice you could give me from your point of view on making the most of the experience. Is it true that non-international students don’t like the fact that international students don’t mix with the non-internationals?</p>
<p>Cheers.</p>
<p>Whoa. International students dont mix with non internationals? Where did that come from? Which university are you going to? I’d probably just say the obvious… check out the major areas, join a club, try out some sort of sport (even pick up games), meet people of different backgrounds… bring a camera! Remember your trip :)</p>
<p>^^It depends on what culture the student came from. Sometimes it is just hard to get to know a person who is totally backwards from yourself. But, you being a Brit, you should do great. Americans have a very positive outlook on the British.</p>
<p>My advice to you would be to really emerge yourself in the American culture, be understanding, and to take everything with a grain of salt. We do a lot of things differently and it confuses and even frustrates foreigners.</p>
<p>For example…</p>
<p>We had one French student stay with my aunt and uncle. We took him to a Mexican restaurant and every second he had to comment on how Americans ate way too much and how our plates were too huge. I kind of wanted to slap him!</p>
<p>My aunt and uncle took on another foreign exchange student later, but this one was from Germany. He was raised on a hearty German diet of red meat, potatoes, and nutella (stereotypical much? lol). He seriously would not eat any vegetables or fruit! He was always so confused and he always commented on how Americans ate way too healthy!</p>
<p>So… Just be understanding, non biased, and keep a positive outlook. But, most importantly, enjoy yourself!!! </p>
<p>Good luck and best wishes with your semester abroad!</p>
<p>Thanks for all the help.</p>
<p>I had just heard that some international students ‘stick to their own’ and don’t really mingle with the local population - but I think that’s actually for internationals who either aren’t from Western countries, or English isn’t there first language really.</p>
<p>Is a semester long enough to travel and do loads of other stuff do you think?</p>
<p>What state is your college in? The location that will affect how much traveling you’ll be able to do. Have fun though! You’re going to love your trip, I’m sure!</p>
<p>Well I haven’t actually finalised it yet, but it will be between Arizona State and UMass Amherst. Given that I’m only doing one semester, would you recommend one over the other?</p>
<p>I’d go to Amherst, personally. Massachusetts is great, and it would be easier to travel more in New England.</p>
<p>I’d go with Amherst. Arizona is pretty boring.</p>
<p>Thanks all.</p>
<p>How much opportunity is there to travel around with the local US students would you say? Do they want to go visit NYC one weekend like I would (if at Amherst) or the Grand Canyon (if at ASU).</p>
<p>I wouldn’t rule out Arizona! California is just a short hop over and there are LOTS of things to do there. LA and San Diego are both close and there are a lot of fun things to do there.</p>
<p>Eh, not really a short hop…it’s a 6 hour drive from LA to Phoenix. Amherst to Boston or NYC is half that.</p>