Advice from international students on studying in the U.S.

"Be active! Take part in school activities, make new friends... Of course, your main goal is to study, do your best to get good grades, but don't forget to enjoy other things besides studying. vol.

 If you're considering studying abroad, it's important to get advice from other international students, like these wise words from Vietnamese student Quan Nguyen, Computer Science student at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) in Reno, Nevada, USA

 We are so impressed with the stories of TMCC Students that we have compiled them into today's article, providing essential tips essential to maximize your chances of coming to the US, and how their hard work and perseverance pays off

 Best Student Advice - Take the First Step

 Many TMCC Students talk about the importance of having a college experience, be completely silent and have the courage to take the first step - in or out of the classroom

 Callista Ziwei Chim from Malaysia explains: “Americans are very friendly and welcoming, but it took me the courage to take the first step. When I started communicating with them, they treated me kindly. So be confident and brave enough to start the conversation. "

" For me, [making friends in the US] was easier than expected. All you have to do is be active, open your heart and they will come to you,” Quan said.

A flexible start to your American education

 One theme that stands out when you hear stories from international students at Truckee Meadows is "opportunity". It sounds cliché to say that America is the land of opportunity, but there's a reason expressions like this exist - there's some truth in it! And these opportunities become even more apparent when you look at community colleges across the United States.

 These types of higher education institutions are primarily designed to serve their local communities, creating a wide range of educational and career options for students of all ages, backgrounds and financial backgrounds. . Very flexible in their curriculum design, these two-year colleges allow students to take a number of different courses for a fraction of the cost of a larger four-year university.

- an ideal solution if you're not sure what field you want to specialize in or what career path is right for you.

 “The credit-based system used in universities makes it easier for students to transfer degrees compared to colleges in other countries,” says Callista. She continued, “Picking into a community college is much cheaper than going straight to college. Although there is a huge difference in price, this does not mean that the quality of education received is inferior. In fact, all of my teachers are experienced in their fields and are always ready to help. Small class sizes, creating a comfortable learning environment.

 In most cases, the credits you earn in these courses can be transferred to your next university, where you complete your bachelor's degree. Alternatively, you can graduate from a community college like TMCC with your associate's degree and gain up to one year of work experience through optional practical training (OPT).

 With such advantages, it is easy to see why many international students in the United States enjoy the economic advantages of a community college education, as well as access to student services, in some cases, turn out to be special (keep reading for an example!).

 Every student's voice matters!

 While most colleges offer you the opportunity to get involved on campus, it is possible to meet the president of your university and spend an evening asking him about your program or Facility's future plans are not so common.

 But that was at Truckee Meadows Community College. Through the annual Pasta with President event, students have the opportunity to “have an open space to talk to the President, ask questions about what is happening on campus, and suggest ideas and areas of interest. need to improve, and just need to get involved,” says international student TMCC blogger Valeria Saborio. The event made such an impression on her that Valeria decided to run for Vice President of the Student Government Association, a role that she said "opened me a whole new perspective on inner and outer workings." I really admire the way our quorum president leads our school with such enthusiasm and passion.She really interacts with students on a daily basis and is always available. listening to students

 It is this kind of approach to school leadership that makes small institutions more attractive to some students.However, TMCC has more than 15,000 students, proving that It's not the number of students that counts, it's the care an institution gives to each one.

 This level of student support is also evident in TMCC's learning environment, where there are an average of 20 students per class and teachers are always available to help students after school or during class hours on their desks. specialized.

Problem solving is an important 21st century skill that employers around the world are looking for in job candidates, so gaining this kind of experience while in school will bring gives you a real advantage. Through case studies and interactive teamwork, you will be exposed to different situations to test your skills. Working part-time while in school or participating in student clubs and organizations are great additional ways to learn your first skills.

 Reflecting on her role as Vice President of Student Government at TMCC, Valeria clarified, “Doing this job is difficult but very rewarding. I learned a lot about professionalism, teamwork, developing strategies for complex situations, and optimizing the resources available to our university. We are delighted to see our students achieve their goals and know that we have been able to contribute to their success.

Like many international students today, you’re probably considering universities in several countries. With international enrolments topping one million, the U.S. is the most popular destination for foreign students, and its high quality standards continue to be a strong draw for many, including students at TMCC.

While TMCC students enjoy each day to its fullest, they never seem to forget their end goal: taking newfound knowledge and skills back home. When asked what she cherishes the most about her time in America, Boonpa comments, "The most important thing my U.S. education taught me is English skills. Before I came here my English was really bad and it was hard to find a job. Most international companies require English skills. Now, I can work in different countries and my job opportunities have expanded."

Naturally, learning a new language like English isn’t easy. Boonpa continues, "The first ESL class was tough. I didn’t understand what the teacher was saying. I spent a whole day studying. Reading and listening helps. I spend a lot of time speaking English and don’t speak a lot of Thai. I can feel my English getting better. Because I study different classes, I learn new vocabulary. For example, I didn’t understand the news about politics. Now I understand because I studied politics."

Many foreign students at TMCC note the transition they’ve made during their time there, no matter how long or short it might be. Economics major Callista remarks that after six months, "I gradually found myself being able to fluently speak English soon and I feel less nervous and shy while using a new language. My confidence in my English skills has gone up significantly."

And while it might feel unnatural at first, Boonpa explains how important it is to adapt and be proactive. "If the teacher asks a specific question, I’m going to answer. Sometimes I share my experiences in class. Before I felt shy, now I feel better with public speaking. Talking in the class counts as participation. You can’t make a good grade if you stay quiet."

A school’s location also plays a big part in the kind of experience you will have as a student in the USA. Situated on the California-Nevada state border, TMCC’s home city of Reno is framed by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is a short drive away from Lake Tahoe where you can bask on sandy beaches, swim, kayak, fish or hike, plus ski and snowboard in winter. With 300 days of sunshine a year, there’s “countless reasons not to stay home”, as Yazir explains with a smile.

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