Aiming USA | Study in US

  The Problem: The "Scary" Professor Myth Back home, my relationship with professors was very formal. You listen, they talk, and you only ask questions during the exam. When I started my Engineering program in the USA, I was terrified to talk to my professors. I thought, "What if they think my question is stupid?" or "What if my English isn't good enough?" I struggled with a complex circuit design for weeks because I was too shy to ask for help. How I Fixed It (My Tips for You): 1. Understand what "Office Hours" Really Are 🏢 I realized that "Office Hours" aren't just for students who are failing. In the US, it is a dedicated time for professors to mentor students. Once I viewed it as a "free tutoring session" with the expert who actually writes the exams, my perspective changed completely. 2. Prepare Your Questions in Advance 📝 Don't just show up and say, "I don't understand." Professors love stu...

  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 ...