Aiming USA | Study in US

  The Problem: The Loneliness of a New Country When I arrived in the USA, I had a plan for my Engineering classes, but I didn't have a plan for my social life. For the first few weeks, I felt like an outsider. I would go to class, sit in the back, and go straight home. I realized that being a successful student isn't just about GPA; it’s about the people you know. However, starting a conversation with a stranger in a different culture felt terrifying. How I Fixed It (My Tips for You): 1. Join Student Organizations (Not Just Engineering!) 🏆 I joined the "International Student Association" and a local photography club. Joining a club gives you a "reason" to talk to people. Instead of trying to find things in common, the club activity is the common ground. Pro Tip: Look for "Professional Societies" like IEEE or ASME. You will make friends who can also help you find internships later! 2. The "Five-Minute" Rule Before Class ⏰ I challenge...

  The Problem: Beyond Burgers and Fries When I first moved to the US for my Engineering degree, I thought I knew what to expect. I thought, "I like burgers, I’ll be fine!" But after two weeks, the reality hit. Eating out every day was expensive, the portions were huge, and I really missed the taste of home. This "food shock" is a common challenge that affects both your health and your wallet. I realized that managing my diet was just as important as managing my study schedule to succeed academically. How I Fixed It (My Tips for You): 1. Find the "International Aisle" and Local Markets 🛒 One of the first things I did was explore local supermarkets like Walmart, Target, or specialized grocery stores. I discovered that most US supermarkets have an international section. Finding spices and grains that smelled like home was a game-changer. Pro Tip: Look for local "Ethnic Markets" (Middle Eastern, Asian, or Hispanic stores). They often have better ...

  The Problem: Beyond Burgers and Fries When I first moved to the US for my Engineering degree, I thought I knew what to expect. I thought, "I like burgers, I’ll be fine!" But after two weeks, the reality hit. Eating out every day was expensive, the portions were huge, and I really missed the taste of home. I realized that managing my diet was just as important as managing my study schedule. How I Fixed It (My Tips for You): Find the "International Aisle" (or the Local Market) 🛒 I discovered that most US supermarkets have an international section. I started looking for spices and grains that smelled like home. Cooking a simple meal from my country became my best way to cure homesickness. Meal Prep is Your Best Friend 🍱 Engineering labs are long! I started "Meal Prepping" on Sundays. Making big batches of rice, chicken, or pasta saved me hours during the week and kept me from spending $15 on a quick lunch every day. Potluck Dinners = New Friends 🥘 I ...

 One of the biggest challenges I faced when I arrived in the USA wasn't the difficult Engineering classes—it was the language. Even though I studied English for years, the way students speak in the hallways is completely different from textbooks. The Problem: Classroom English vs. Real Life In my first week, I felt lost. My classmates used a lot of 'slang' and spoke very fast. I was afraid to participate in class because I didn't want to make mistakes or sound 'weird.' This is a common problem for every international student. How I Fixed It (My Tips for You): Don't Be Afraid to Ask 'What does that mean?' 🙋‍♂️ I started asking my mates to explain certain words. Most American students are very friendly and happy to explain their slang. It’s a great way to start a conversation! Watch Local YouTube Creators and Podcasts 🎧 I started listening to podcasts made by American teenagers. This helped my ears get used to the natural speed and 'vibe' ...

 As I reach the end of this year and look forward to 2024, I feel a great sense of excitement. Being an international student in the USA has opened my eyes to so many possibilities. To stay focused, I have set three main goals for myself: 1. Master Engineering and Tech Skills ⚙️💻 My Engineering class is just the beginning. My goal is to work hard in every period and learn as much as possible about technology and design. I want to build projects that solve real problems and prepare me for a great university. 2. Improve My English to a Professional Level 🗣️📚 I am no longer afraid of making mistakes. My goal is to keep talking, keep listening, and keep writing. I want my English to be as strong as my passion for technology. Every conversation with a mate or a teacher is a step forward. 3. Grow This Blog into a Community 🌍✍️ Blogging started as a hobby, but now it’s my platform to help others. I want to reach 100 articles by the middle of 2024! I want this site to be a guide for...

Moving to the United States for high school is an incredible opportunity, but it’s not always easy. Every day is a learning experience, and I have faced several challenges since I arrived. Here are the top 3 and how I’m handling them: 1. The Language Barrier 🗣️ Even if you studied English in your home country, the real-world 'American English' is different. People speak fast, and they use many slang words. My solution? I never stop asking questions. If I don’t understand, I ask my teachers or mates to repeat. They are always happy to help! 2. Cultural Shock and Homesickness 🏠💔 Everything from the food to the daily routine (like that 7:01 AM bus!) is different. Sometimes, I miss my family and my home culture. To overcome this, I stay busy with my Engineering projects, the gym, and this blog. Building a new 'vibe' here helps me feel at home. 3. Managing Time and Responsibilities ⏳ In the US, you have a lot of freedom, but you also have a lot of work. Balancing schoo...