Life in USA After 2 Months : Stunning, Impressive and Overwhelming
Guest Post by HSB reader.
First of all, I want to extend my sincere thanks to Happy Schools Blog for sharing the experiences and providing the useful information.
I have been in US for 2 months now and the experience is overwhelming. I am here on dependent visa and pursuing my masters side by side.
US had been a dream always. Dream because of the Big Tag US has and the American sitcoms I watched during my college times.
I think, I just imagined US to be a great place then, without actually having much knowledge about the culture, the education and the people over here.
But now being here in person and actually knowing everything first hand, I can truly say US indeed is a great place be it in terms of people around, the courtesy and the culture, the opportunities, the lifestyle, the education, everything is world class.
First Days in USA
I can never forget my first day in US. It was more exciting than what I supposed it to be.
I was stunned and impressed by everything around me.
The professional Airport Personnel, the chilly winds and the bright sun, the very well mannered Taxi driver, the big wide clean roads with an emergency pathway on one side, the terrain and the widely spaced beautiful houses, the tall trees, everything looked heavenly and fascinating.
First Week in USA
For the first one week, I was all in awe of States and I still am.
People here are outstandingly mannered and well behaved.
No one tries to budge you when in a que, rather they would be standing apart a very comfortable distances all the times.
You ask somebody about the directions, and the person would make sure he attends to you fully.
Be at the School, or the restaurant, or the market places everyone seems to help in full measures.
There have been many a times when me and my husband struggle to snap ourselves on mobile phone camera and if not all, but most of the times people nearby offered to click a picture for us. At my college, unlike India the clerical staff is very helpful.
I have been pleasantly surprised a dozen times by the generosity and courtesy of the people here.
Education System in USA
Education system here is truly commendable. I had few problems in the beginning though because I had been used to rote learning all my life and here while taking my first quiz of the semester, I realized what an waste my hours and hours of studying was.
The test was based on understanding of the concept rather than checking me rattafying capabilities.
There is so much freedom of expression of speech and students do have great ideas and things to share.
The system is so well planned and organized, there are regular quizzes to make sure we read well before coming to classes, the assignments and discussions makes you rack your brains.
So far, things I have studied here, I can confidently state that I understand them, their implications and their use.
Learning is so much engaging and interesting and believe me, the whole experience is really exciting. I have started to develop such zeal for learning and exploring things that I never before experienced till my undergrad.
I would also like to add that my journey here has been colorful and pleasant considering the fact that I have my spouse with me, we have a fixed source of income and thankfully are not bothered much about the grocery and other bills.
This is of concern for F-1 students who come alone and don’t have a family here and are worried about the bills as there is no attractive source of income. I read about using the clearance stock at walmart and target in one of the posts at HSB. [Shopping Tips]
Saying all the above, I do not intend to compare nor disgrace my own country and there have been times when I missed everything about India.
Dying to listen someone speak Hindi, eagerly waited to go to Indian store so that I see some familiar faces and thinking of the times when we would visit our country and I can feel the warmth and happiness of being there. I am just sharing my experience for people like me, who might get some help reading this write up.
Finally, I would like to say it all depends on one’s own priorities and expectations in life, the way they react to changes and how they stand by the decisions they make for themselves.
Lonely and unhappy hours would be there but then it all about overlooking them and reaching for your dreams. US is a place definitely worth your dreams [conditions apply :)].
In India :
Student is really interested in the subject, googles it, makes notes and produces in exam.
Lecturer: What is this? Where is this from?
Student: Mam, this is the detailed explanation of so and so. I got it from Google. 🙂
Lecturer: Why do you think you have prescribed text books. There are no “KEYWORDS” in this. I can’t award any marks.
Bitches n Bastards guys. Seriously! The staff members want us to write the content exactly from the book – without even altering an “and”, “or”, “is”, “was”.. And the best part is – even when some people try hard and manage to mug up and vomit on the answer paper, the lecturer goes – “This content is exactly from the book. Did you copy?”. It’s a different world out here – a weird one 🙁 .
thanks so much for this mind blowing information, indeed you guyz are doing great, keep it up, you are really boosting ma morale. YES! I can get there.
Very well wrtten aricle the best i have read so far,not that it speaks about the goodies of US.He has given all aspects of US life so lucidly explained. Will be motivator to aspirants.Incidently my son is at wisconson university does spk somthing similar but also adds u have to work hard to be indep.
Really appreciable post …now i can imagine the conditions very clearly.
thanks for sharing your veiws.
“rattafying capabilities”
+1
We need to ask webster dictionary guys to recommend this word to the world.. lol 🙂
Hi I really appreciate this post, you have mentioned very effectively all the good qualities of USA. This one is very effective to read…Nice post 10/10
Nice article, but its all about hardworking. You won’t get the time to see the beauty n all, when you are running to complete your projects. Its good but not heavenly……. One thing for sure you will learn, multitasking.
Hi i liked your post. I would be thankful if you give some more information on the educational system, like how the professors grade our performance . Do US universities also have final exams like one in India or they grade us on all the assignments and what are the assignments like, ie. like the theory ones in India or practical one. What are the various ways one should study for getting good grades in US universities . Thanks !
Hi Chinmay,
I will share the grading system followed at my university. Here the professors very well define the grading criteria in the beginning of the semester. There are 2 documents which detail about the syllabus as well as course requirements and the percentage allocation of various assignments and courses. There are mid-term exams, quizzes, discussions, assignments and final exam. But all this varies according to the university, course and professor’s choices. You would be very well detailed about how your coursework is going to be graded. Securing good grades is totally dependent on how well you do your tasks. In my university the criteria is very objective, I get the grades based on my performance. Infact, before the Professor actually give me the grades, I have an idea about my grade. So authentic is the grading system here!
The best way to study is to understand the context and the material, involve in the classroom discussions, rack your brains and do active studying. Its not difficult I would say and really very engrossing and interesting. All the Best!
Sk thanks for reply and information 🙂
Hi all,
First of all thanks to HSB for regularly helping to all the students who are planning for higher studies abroad. All the blogs are really helpful for every students who are applying for any further degree abroad.
I have also applied to various universities and fortunately accepted in one.. I have done my bachelors in mechanical engg. and have 1 year exp. in steel industry as a sales engineer following with 1 year exp. in material handling industry as sales cum application engg. and have applied in US universities for MS in mechanical engg itself. my GRE is 1260 and IELTS, 7.I have acceptance from UT dallas. and waiting for my I-20 but i bit of scared about the visa interview. how much are the chances for me to get the visa. what should i take care of at the time of visa interview? please help…
Please do not think about the chances for visa before you got to the interview. It destroys the confidence level. Stay positive and calm. This will help you to give your best shot. Be articulate in your replies to the VO and confidently state whatever is asked from you. Practice your interview a few times and you’ll be good:-)
P.S – Being nervous and anxious only spoils the interview, make sure you overcome these before the interview day. Best of luck!
I really love this post, cos it just adds to my desire and motivation to do my masters there even though am faced with huge financial obligation when I get there ( as I was told) I just know I will get out of it and stand tall , I believe it’s only a challenge which must surely pass. Tanks once again
All the Best! Yes it is a challenge which is worth the returns.. Go ahead and reach your dreams:)
i like your post you have mentioned very effectively all the good qualities of usa
Excellent depiction of the scenario………….
Good post. Well written.
I can’t stop thinking now – why these dayz the post is along with a stunning beauty by its side. Though I really like ur new idea of advertising. True soul of Entrepreneur. Keep it up.
🙂
Nice Article..!
LOL @ pic