Tests, Visas, Application are all part of the grind. But before you head out to achieve the American dream for yourself, there are things you must know about the States that must feature in your decision-making.

How are classes held?

There are 3 sessions – Spring, Summer and Fall. Fall semester starts in August or September and continues till January. Spring semester follows and lasts till May, succeeded by Summer, which lasts till July. In your undergraduate studies in US, many colleges let you to take classes in various subjects in the first 1-2 years before you decide on your major.

Credit points

Credit points are the number of hours you give to a course. You can finish a two-year programme in less time if you can earn the required credits in less than a year, depending on the requirement of a university. It does not matter which session you join in, but the credits you earn for the course.

Being as wide and diverse as our own nation, be ready for a shift in lifestyle and mannerisms in the US. A lot of it depends on the place where you pursue your graduation. You could choose a hustling bustling city or maybe a quieter countryside. Your experiences, lingo all vary. Make sure you research about the city you are travelling to in detail and know the difference between Soda and Pop!

You don’t need the extra suitcase

Students have told us that they regret trying to pack their life in a suitcase and take it to the States. If you’re preparing to study abroad, pack as light as you can – chances are you’ll want to buy new things in your host country anyway.

Sorority life!

It’s a fun experience to understand the trials and tribulations and the loyalty of the sorority culture in the US. If you’re heading to America for a study abroad year, remember to check out sorority opportunities before you leave as they often start recruiting before you’re due to arrive.

Prepare for a Reverse culture shock

Coming back to your own country can be a sigh of relief but the day-to-day impact of the years you spend abroad can be daunting. Adjusting to your life back home can be a tough affair and can take a toll on your nerves.

Tipping can be expensive!

In some countries, like Japan, tipping your waiter or waitress is considered an insult. In countries like Thailand, US, tipping is an essential social etiquette. 15-20% of the bill is to be paid as a tip in restaurants, but it all depends on you.

Prepare for various government travel requirements

Seeing how the U.S. is very serious about its international travel precautions, you’ll need several travel documents like passports, visas, additional ID’s, and proof of travel medical insurance to enter the country. These documents help government agencies keep tabs on all non-immigrant visitors during their time in the U.S.

Turn right

Traffic in the USA runs on the right-hand side of the streets. So, if you are from a country which drives from its left, and plan to take up driving in the USA, make sure you adjust yourself to this position first. Also, honking is prohibited in many states unless necessary.

Underage Drinking

I understand the temptation of a good drink at the nearest watering hole. But bear this in mind: for all those international students who are going for their undergrad or below, drinking is a strict no in most places if you are under 21. And no, begging the guard at the door will not work. They are strict about IDs.

Food

Being a potpourri of cultures and having people from across the world, US enjoys a diverse culture, even in Food! No matter the cuisine, you will get a good restaurant whipping up the dish of your choice. However, being pure vegetarian can be problematic. Though with veganism becoming a trend in the country, you may be in luck!

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