Understanding the U.S. Education System: Key Differences for International Students| Part 2

Biruktawit here with another blogggg! Whooo!
 

This blog is a continuation of  Understanding the U.S. Education System: Key Differences for International Students so if you have not checked that out, here's where you can find it. 

What part of the first blog you found interesting? Comment down below.

 

 

In the previous blog post, I had explored in detail the U.S education curriculum and course selection and grading and evaluation. In part 2 of this blog, I am going to continue to help you understand the U.S education system by specifically looking at the education structure, classroom dynamics, campus life and support services as well as cultural adjustments.

Education structure

Understanding the education structure is pivotal for any international student. In the U.S., the system is divided into levels: elementary school, middle school, high school, and higher education (college or university). However in this section, we'll focus on the college level. 

Classroom dynamics

Classroom dynamics in the U.S. differ from many other countries. Active student participation is encouraged, with discussions, group projects, and presentations being integral parts of the learning experience. Professors often serve as facilitators, fostering an environment where critical thinking and creativity are valued. I understand that you might be the silent observer and prefer listening to lecture rather than actively participate but I guarantee that the benefits are rewarding. 

Colleges and universities offer diverse academic programs. Understanding the distinction between community colleges and four-year institutions is crucial for making informed decisions about one's educational path. 

 

 

Campus life and support services 

Embarking on the college journey in the U.S. extends far beyond the classrooms. Campus life is vibrant, with a myriad of clubs, sports, and cultural activities. Support services, such as career counseling, health services, and academic advising, play a pivotal role in ensuring students thrive both academically and personally.

 

 

 

Cultural Adjustments

Perhaps one of the most significant aspects for you as an international student is adjusting to a new culture. From communication styles to social norms, embracing these differences can be both challenging and rewarding. In this section, I'll explore strategies to navigate cultural adjustments successfully.

Understanding and adapting to a new academic and cultural environment can present unique challenges for international students. It's natural to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty as you embark on this journey. Embrace the opportunity to broaden your horizons and explore new perspectives. While it may take time to adjust, remember that you're not alone. Seek out support from fellow students, faculty members, and campus resources to help navigate the unfamiliar terrain. With determination and a willingness to learn, you'll gradually acclimate to your new surroundings and thrive in your academic pursuits.

So, fellow international students, embrace the journey with open arms, savor every moment of cultural exploration, and remember to laugh, learn, and celebrate the wonderful tapestry of diversity that makes our world so beautifully unique. Here's to the exciting chapters ahead and the endless possibilities that await us on this global academic odyssey!

Why don't you have a wonderful experience working in PLU?

Hello, it's Luna. This is my first year in PLU, and last fall was my first semester. While taking classes full-time, I had quite a lot of free time except for exam weeks. Especially, I think I had more time because I lived on campus. Since it was my first semester, I have had few chances to meet new friends. If you have time and want to experience more and make money at the same time, I highly recommend you to have an on-campus job! 

---------------------------------------------------------

Why do we need to work on campus?

1. Are you bored? Do you have time? Try getting a job. Working is a great opportunity to make friends and communicate with the staff at school.
   
   
2. You can have a variety of experiences and earn money. The time to work for international students is limited to 19 hours per week though. Nevertheless, it is enough to earn extra money.
   
   
3. Good for your resume! Since it's a responsible job, it's very appropriate to write in resume. You can have various school experiences and use them for interviews or personal statements. It would be nice if it's related to your major, but it's totally fine if it isn't!

How to get a job on campus

1. First of all, finding a job that is available to register.
   PLU Student Employment Website
   Opportunities Board 
   You can also access the opportunities board through an app called 'Symplicity'. I recommend setting notifications with the 'PLU' keyword in this. It will notify you by email when something new comes up.
   
   
2. Create and upload a resume. Usually, only a resume is required, but certain jobs sometimes require a simple personal statement.
   Career Support
   
   
3. Schedule an interview. Interview schedules are usually sent by e-mail, so make sure to check your e-mail carefully whether it is in spam mail.
   (I'll talk about the interview in another post next time)

Things to do after you pass the interview

Since we are international students, there is some additional paperwork that needs to be done when working on campus. For example, making SSN, filling out paperwork in the study employment center, and making a food worker card for food-related work. The manager will additionally organize and send you an e-mail. For your information, once you make SSN, you can use it for a lifetime. The whole process is not difficult, so you don't have to worry too much.

---------------------------------------------------------

Lastly, we came to the U.S. far from home, and while studying alone, we can feel homesick or lonely. Also, there are times when you feel really alone in an unfamiliar environment. I think the more time you spend alone, the more bad thoughts you will have. So I highly recommend that you work on campus at least once, even if it is not necessarily for money. If you are worried about the language, I think you should try to work more. Then, not only will the range of English you use be wider, but you will also have more environment to use English than when you are alone, so it will be of great help to improve your language skills. I hope everyone can get various experiences in PLU!

- Luna    

REC for Domestic Travel Destination - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Hi everyone, this is Rei! I hope you are doing well:) I just got back from Albuquerque, New Mexico, since I got chance to visit my boyfriend who is studying abroad just like us in University of New Mexico! Since I still have some fresh memories from there, I would like to share how it looks like over there and also, what to prepare for domestic flights in case you already got a plan for Spring break or anytime soon! 

White Sand National Park

Where is Albuquerque, New Mexico? 

Albuquerque (also known locally as Duke City or ABQ) is the largest city in New Mexico and the 32nd largest city in the United States with a population of 559,277 as of 2016. Founded in 1706 as Albuquerque, the city is characterized by a mix of European, Hispanic, and Native American populations and cultures!

Places to Visit in New Mexico:

1. White Sands National Park 

This place was one of my favorite parts of the visit! At 275 square miles, White Sands National Park is the largest area of gypsum dunes in the world, and it looked and felt like a completely different planet. The powder-white dunes look like mountains of snow, and you can hike, sled down, even enjoy picnic any time of the year. The park is also apparently famous for its handful of white-colored animals, including rats, lizards, crickets, spiders, and moths, which have changed to a lighter color over time to adapt to their environment.

2. Old Town Albuquerque

With its winding narrow streets and adobe architecture, Old Town Albuquerque offers a small town and uniquely colorful neighborhood experience. Although much has changed since its founding in 1706, this dynamic tourist destination has remained the heart of the city. Despite its small 10-block radius, Old Town is packed with more than 150 privately owned restaurants and boutiques. The city also hosts more than 40 events a year, including the world-famous Ballon Fiesta Week! 

3. Sangre de Cristo Mountains 

While I caught glimpse of many volcanoes from my stay in Albuquerque, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains seem to have something for everyone, including scenic trails for hikers of all experience levels. Explore aspen, ponderosa, and pinyon juniper forests and meadows of colorful wildflowers, and take in breathtaking views from ridge-lines and summits. For those of us who spend time with nature in Washington State, experiencing the nature of each state will be a fun part of our trip. 

Although my visit was a short one-week one, I immediately felt the difference in climate between Washington State and New Mexico when I arrived at the airport. New Mexico is located at a higher elevation and has a dry desert environment where you can wear short sleeves during the day even in February. Coming from Washington, where it rains every day, I was exposed to such strong ultraviolet rays that my eyes would turn red in the afternoon form the sunlight during the day. 

Lastly, I forgot to mention one of New Mexico's most important attractions - Mexican food! In New Mexico, where the Mexico-U.S. border is also located, there are tons of restaurants run by Mexicans. Of course, I am sure there is good, authentic Mexican food in Washington as well. However, perhaps due to the physical closeness to Mexico, the tacos we had in New Mexico are still unforgettable to this day. 
 

With this year's Spring Break just about a week away, I know that many students are thinking about where to go and what to do. During the break, you may want to stay in the forms to catch up on your rest, or since you are in the U.S., you may want to enjoy a trip within the U.S. For domestic trips, you do not need a special Visa signature at the International Student Office, and all you need is your passport! If you are still undecided about your spring break plans, it might be a good idea to start thinking about what you would like to do to motivate you to get done whatever you have to finish!  

- Rei 

Making Connections: Building a Supportive Network as an International Student

Picture this: you step foot onto campus grounds, a myriad of emotions swirling within you like leaves dancing in the wind. Orientation beckons, a symphony of introductions and icebreakers set against the backdrop of excitement and anticipation. Here, amidst the laughter and shared stories, seeds of friendship are sown, destined to bloom into the vibrant garden of your university experience.

As the days unfold like chapters in a book, you find yourself drawn to the canvas of student life, each stroke a testament to the rich tapestry of experiences awaiting you. Joining clubs and organizations becomes your brush, painting strokes of passion and purpose across the canvas of campus culture. From the vibrant hues of cultural clubs to the bold strokes of athletic prowess, there’s a space for every shade of your identity to shine.

Tips for Meeting New People and Making Friends

1. Attend Orientation Events: Orientation week is an excellent opportunity to meet other new students
   and start forming connections. Be sure to participate in icebreaker activities, campus tours, and
   welcome events organized by your university.

    

2. Join Clubs and Organizations: Get involved in student clubs and organizations that align with your 

   interests and hobbies. Whether you're passionate about sports, culture, academics, or volunteering, 

   there's likely a club for you. Joining clubs is a great way to meet like-minded peers and expand your 

   social circle.

3. Utilize Social Media: Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can be valuable tools for connecting with other students, both locally and internationally. Join university-specific groups and online communities to engage with fellow students, ask questions, and share experiences

4. Participate in Group Study Sessions: Forming study groups with classmates is not only beneficial academically but also provides opportunities for social interaction and collaboration. Work together on assignments, study for exams, and share insights and resources.

- Biruktawit

My experience in Boston Career Forum 2023!

Hey guys! This is Rei, it has been chilly and foggy these days but I hope you are all staying healthy and enjoying the crisp air. In today's blog, I would like to share my experiences in Boston which I went last week for one of the biggest job career events for Japanese-English bilinguals that are looking for their post graduation positions. 

Exterior of Hynes Convention Center 

The Boston Career Forum, also knows as "Boscari," is a job seeking event held in Boston, for three days in November each year, and it was held in Hynes Convention Center this year! In fact, it is a large-scale career event with over 5,500 students participating each year from all over the world. With over 170 companies from around the world are expected to participate, positions available range from full-time to internships, entry-level to management level for working professionals. 

The biggest difference from a regular company information session is that you can get a job offer from a well-known company during the event. At Boscari, you will not only hear about the companies at their booths, but you will also have the opportunity to interview with them on the spot. If you successfully appeal to them, you may even receive a job offer during the event. Some companies invite their preferred students to dinner on the night of the event, and some say that if a student is invited to dinner by a company, he or she will almost receive a job offer from them. 

After three days of this year's Boscari 2023, I was able to receive full-time offers from two companies! This is a kind of special and exclusive event for Japanese-English bilinguals, but I am sure that there are other events similar to this one. To give you some ideas of one way to find a job, I would like to share a little bit about my three days in Boston! 

Day 0: Thursday, November 16th - Arrival at Boston 

Most students arrive in Boston the day before the event to prepare for the day. I was one of them, and I checked into my hotel and prepared for my interviews the following days. A few students have already been invited to dinner by the companies and the event has already started one step ahead of other students. 

Booths in the venue

Day 1: Friday, November 17th - The day that differentiates the results of the three days

Day 1 is probably the most crowded day of the three-day event. This is possibly due to the fact that two types of students, pre-applications and walk-ins, gather on the first day of the event. Pre-applicants submit resumes, documents, tests, etc. to companies about 2-3 months prior to these three days, and have first- and second-round interviews online in advance. Whereas walk-in students submit their resumes and other documents to company booths on the day of the event and wait for responses from the companies. The quickness of the responses from the company depends on the company. Some students will be contacted by the end of the day, while others will be contacted after the event. Popular companies may close their booths as soon as they receive a certain number of walk-ins, so for walk-in students, the first day is extremely important as it determines whether or not they will receive an offer. I, myself, had applied to several companies in advance, so the first day was the form of second and final interviews throughout the day. I received a phone call that evening from one of the companies where I had a final interview, informing me of the job offer!

Food I had at dinner!

Day 2: Saturday, November 18th - Continued Interviews Day 

It is one of those memorable days that I will never forget! In the morning, I had a final interview with my first-choice company. I remember my hands were shaking a little from nerves. The interview went well and I received an offer from the company by phone, a few minutes after the interview! I was actually invited by the company over the phone to dinner that night, along with an offer. The dinner with the company associates was really good and fun! The steak shown in the photo on the right was excellent, and it was great to chat with the associates in a casual setting. One of the unique features of the Boston Career Forum may be this opportunity to enjoy a meal with a company at Boston! After dinner, I reunited with friends who are also studying at universities abroad and we chatted about job applications and everyday life. It was a valuable opportunity to reconnect with students who are also studying abroad around the world, and even to meet new people! 

View of the Boston

Day 3: Sunday, November 19th - Last day of the event!

On the third and final day of the event, there will be fewer students and the corporate booths will be taken down around noon. Some students come to the venue for interviews with companies that are still in the hiring process, or for casual meeting and greetings after passing interviews. I visited the companies' booths that had made offers to me to greet them and to thank them for their offers. After that, I explored the city of Boston until my flight back to Tacoma. After arriving in Boston, my mind was occupied with interviews, but walking around the city after all things done, I was able to enjoy the historical buildings, autumn leaves, and fashionable streetscapes that are a part of Boston. After exploring Boston, I took an afternoon flight back to Tacoma! Looking back before this event, since I had been preparing for this event for about three months and had been working hard with weekly interviews, regular classes, and work, I remember feeling a sense of accomplishment and relief when I returned to my apartment in Tacoma.

This concludes my three-day Boston Career Forum 2023 experience! My biggest takeaway from this event was that "advance preparation and pre-event application leads to a better end result." I actually participated in last year's Boston Career Forum 2022, but did not receive any offers, as I applied on a walk-in basis for all of the companies I applied. I feel that the key to the success of this year's Boscari was that I had started preparing early, taking advantage of that last year's lesson. I think this applies not only to Boscari applicants, but to all students looking for positions after graduation. Choosing a company and finding a position will greatly affect your future. I know that we are all busy with our college life, but it might be a good idea to think a little bit about what you want to do in the future and where you want to work when you have a little time. 

I hope this experience will be of some help! I know that it is time for important assignments such as finals and presentations, but take a break from time to time and keep up the good work! Go Lutes! 

-Rei