On-campus Jobs [top]

On-campus jobs are easily available in most bigger schools and universities. However, they may not be available at smaller universities. It is a good idea to contact the ISA (International / Indian Students Association) for more information regarding the on-campus jobs.

Food [top]

Most students cook at home. If you have room-mates, you will most likely take turns for cooking. So, it is a good idea to learn some basic cooking before you join school. Otherwise, be prepared to wash dishes and cut onions!!

Most cities have Indian grocery stores and Indian restaurants. Typically, Indian restaurants are expensive for daily meals. You can enjoy eating there once in a while. Indian grocery stores offer almost all spices and grains that are necessary for indian cooking.

Several students eat at American fast-food restaurants such as Burger King, McDonalds, Taco Bell, Jack In The Box, etc. They offer a few vegeterian dishes. However, if you ask them to prepare a dish without any meat, they may be able to do that.

Social & Cultural Differences [top]

There are a few cultural and social differences that you will face in U.S.A. If you ask for "Loo" or "Toilet", you may be pointed in the wrong direction. Besides the language differences, there are certain differences in the manners. Follow this link for a brief introduction regarding the social and cultural differences.

General Academics  [top]

The studies in USA focus more on homework and assignments to ensure proper learning of the subject. The exams are typically easier for students who do the assignments themselves. Cheating in the exams and copying assignments are not tolerated in most universities. The punishments depend upon the professors. Maintaining good grades is not very difficult. Sometimes, the Universities may cancel the scholarships if academic performance is poor.

You will also be presented with a wide choice of courses from several disciplines. Typically there are core requirements that you must complete in order to receive your degree. Typically each subject is given a certain weightage (credit). Receiving the degree requires the students to accumulate a certain number of credits.

Nevertheless, hard work pays off!!

Undergraduate (College) terms and school culture [top]

An international student will also have an "International Student Advisor." This person helps the international students adjust to U.S. life, handles visa and other paperwork problems, and organizes activities for international students. You can also contact Indian Student Association of the university that you are going to.

Academic year: The academic year at many schools is composed of two terms or semesters. Other schools use a three-term calendar known as the "trimester" system. Still others divide the year into the "quarter" system of four terms, including a summer session which is optional.

Credits: Each course is considered to be worth a number of "credits" or "credit hours." This number is roughly the same as the number of hours a student spends in class for that course each week. A course is typically worth three to five credits.

Transfers: If a student enrolls in a new university before finishing a degree, usually most credits earned at the first school can be used to complete a degree at the new university. This means a student can transfer to another university and still graduate within a reasonable time.

Marks: Professors give each student a mark or "grade" for each course. The marks are based upon classroom participation, one or more research or term papers, or laboratory reports, possible short exams or "quizzes", final examination.

Study at a college or university leading to the Bachelor's Degree is known as "undergraduate" education. Study beyond the Bachelor's Degree is known as "graduate" school, or "postgraduate" education. Advanced or graduate degrees include law, medicine, the M.B.A., and the Ph.D. (doctorate).

Summer  [top]