Don't List When Studying in the US

The US is home to some of the top-ranked universities in the world and every year more than a million students from all over the world move to the US to study various courses. The USA boasts of an excellent education system, the largest economy, and diverse ethnicities. So, when you get to study in the US, you have accomplished the biggest feat in your education as well as your career. But all good things come with a few conditions or do’s and don'ts and is the same for studying in the US. 

A new country gives you exposure to a new culture and new people who come from all walks of life. This means you need to adapt to new rules, customs, and ways of living, especially those related to your school or university. This is an ongoing journey but at the beginning of it, you need to know and understand a few things to avoid when visiting the US as a student. We have made it easy for you in the article by acquainting you with a list of some of the most common mistakes people do which you should keep in your DON’T list.

Top Things To Keep in Your "Don’t" List While Studying in the USA

Let us jump right into some of the mistakes that you might be prone to and how to avoid them.

1. Do not invade anyone’s privacy

Americans are known to be particular about their space and privacy. So it is best not to interfere in their personal space as it can adversely impact your relationship and communication with them. You must ensure that people are comfortable talking to you, and maintain your distance whenever you are in a queue and never cut in between lines.

2. Do not call or text while driving

In the USA, traffic rules and regulations are extremely strict, and one has to adhere to them without fail. The lawbreakers are penalized heavily in the US. 

3. Do not forget to carry your passport with you always

Your passport is your only valid identity in a foreign land and ensures that it is present in your back pocket at all times. You might need to show your ID in clubs or restaurants or when you use your credit card at any outlet.

4. Do not disrespect the national flag

Never say anything derogatory or negative about the US troops and always pay attention to and respect their national flag. You might get into legal trouble if you fail to do that. Be mindful of your comments, as even a tiny bit of controversy in your statement can lead to trouble.

5. Do not breach your VISA conditions

You must follow all the rules and conditions as stated in your student VISA. Do not stay beyond the expiry date of your VISA unless you have extended your VISA in time. You must apply for a VISA extension ahead of the expiry date, if needed. International students are allowed to work in the US along with their studies, but there are a few caveats. F-1 and M-1 VISA holders can work on campus and within their training programs. But they can not work off-campus in their first year of college.

6. Do not be afraid to speak up or demand what you need

Many international students make this mistake while in the US. Since you are a stranger initially in a foreign land, it might take you some time to adjust and adapt. But once you do that, you will know that US culture is extremely liberal with very different rules than you are used to in your homeland. If you belong to a politically oppressive country, you might be afraid to question authority in the US. But in the US, you will not be punished for speaking your mind. People in the US are generally eager to help if they know you are an international student. As long as you are not asking for illegal things, you should not be afraid to ask for things you need.

7. Avoid foreign exchange issues

You must figure out the currency exchange rate before buying anything in the US so that you avoid overdraft. Most of the international students in the US come from countries that have weaker currency, lower prices of goods, and weaker economies. So a common mistake is to keep converting the USD into equivalent money in your home country for all goods and services that you buy. You might come across that the amount you pay for a haircut is more than the daily wages of a person back in your home country. If you get alarmed by such facts and keep looking for cheaper things you would end up getting low-quality goods and services.

8. Not doing adequate research

International students have a massive opportunity to get immersed in a totally different culture with a totally different education system. Because of this, it is extremely important to do well-rounded research when leaving your home country. You must research US culture, the school or college you are planning to attend, the area where you would like to live, etc. Before committing to a school, visit their campus and see it for yourself. It is the right of a prospective student to take a tour of the university. In case you can not travel to the US due to funds or other reasons, you could check with former students of the institute about their experience.

9. Not making friends with people outside your home country

This is another common mistake that international students make where they tend to gravitate towards familiar zones. The ease of language, comfort, and cultural connection attracts students from the same countries together. Though this is understandable, it defeats the very purpose of studying in the US. It might feel difficult initially to develop new relationships with people of diverse cultures but your college or university will have provisions to make this process smoother. There will be many on-campus organizations that students can join where individuals with common interests meet and work with each other.

Traveling to a new country to study is exciting as well as confusing for most students. We understand the dilemma associated with studying in the US and jotted down some of the most common mistakes to avoid. Apart from all these “donts’,” your safety is of utmost importance. So conduct yourself appropriately and avoid getting into any embarrassing or dangerous situations by following the tips provided in this article. 

For more assistance please visit us study abroad consultancy.