One of the greatest perks about studying abroad is the experiences students receive for the first time. Whether it would be your first time eating an apple pie, attending a rock concert, or seeing an amazing landmark.  Here at Al Jamiat, we are interested in hearing about your firsts and what they were like!

Shaheed Sabrin is a senior at USC School of Theatre, majoring in Theatre and minoring in Entrepreneurship with the USC Marshal School of Business. He was last Spring’s recipient of the Jack Nicholsan Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Actor and hopes to one day open a restaurant for his mother.

My first… time seeing the great pyramids of Giza

My first time seeing the great pyramids of Giza was such a rewarding and educational experience. I arrived in Egypt on my birthday, August 22nd, which was also the start of Ramadan. I contemplated not going with my University mates for the trip, but then realized the best time to go was with my school’s guided tour. I braced myself and overcame scorching summer heat in the midst of keeping my fast. As our bus approached the raised area of Giza, I stared in awe, wondering what genius went into constructing this massive structure of and all the history behind it. As soon as I stepped off the bus I was bombarded my children trying to sell me postcards for 5 Egyptian Pounds. Then, as I approached the entrance of the pyramids people tried hustling me into getting a 250 Egyptian Pound camel ride for only 2 minutes. I dismissed everything and headed straight for the pyramids.

Since the guards could tell I had some Egyptian in me, they rushed me to the front of the line where I approached a dark and humid entryway. My whole way up was extremely claustrophobic as the passage was narrow, but when I reached one of the areas that one of the tombs were held in, I took a breath of excitement. As I headed back down the pyramid, I made a promise to myself that I would not leave Egypt without knowing the significance behind Egypt’s fascinating monuments. Most of all, the great pyramids of  Giza inspired me to not just live in Egypt as a tourist, but as a student of the land, journeying into the unknown and educating myself all throughout the semester.

Interested in sharing your first experience?

Email allizon@al-jamiat.com with your story and see how you can contribute to the “My first…” feature!

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When most students prepare to go to college, they think about things like the major they will choose, the profession they will seek, and the kind of income they will one day earn to support themselves and their lifestyle.  To be sure, education plays a major role in students’ achieving all of these things.  Yet academics alone should not be a student’s only concern, according to some college admissions professionals.

“When you choose a college, you need to think about life beyond the classroom, as well as what you learn inside the classroom,” says Thomas Schaefer, Ph.D., associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of admissions at La Roche College in the North Hills.  “When we interview students for admission, we look at what they’ve done academically, and we also look at what activities they’ve been part of, too.  We want to attract well-rounded students, and we encourage them to expand their interests at college.”

In fact, getting involved in activities at college can be key to a student’s positive experience, Dr. Schaefer says.  As students delve into a new world of independence, he notes, it can be comforting to be part of a group activity in which they share interests with others.  Sports programs are a great example of how students meet new people and continue to develop skills they’ve acquired in high school.

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At large colleges and universities, heading into intramurals may be the way to go because the level of athletic ability may be more conducive to the “casual” college athlete, according to La Roche’s Director of Athletics Jim Tinkey.  He said that some ranked colleges and universities have rigid guidelines regarding how students qualify for any given team.  Be sure to ask about programs you’re interested in when you’re doing your college search, he advises.

“If you have an athletic interest and ability, let the school’s coaching staff or admissions team know that,” Tinkey says.

At smaller institutions, students may find it easier to become part of the school’s rostered athletic programs.  “Often, at smaller schools, everyone has a chance to make the team,” Tinkey notes, “but it depends on level of skill.  At La Roche, we can’t automatically guarantee that every athlete will make the team, but we do meet with students who have a genuine interest and ability to play.”

La Roche fields 11 intercollegiate athletic teams competing in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) of the NCAA Division III.

In addition, for students who are looking for activities outside the realm of athletics, the college supports more than 30 student organizations, including a student newspaper, the Student Government Association, the Writers’ Center, and academic and social clubs.

“It’s important for you to find your niche in college, just as it was in high school,” Dr. Schaefer says.  “It may be academics, it may be athletics – and it may just be a little of both.  Explore until you find the right fit.”

This article was written by La Roche College. Read the complete article in our current issue of Al Jamiat Magazine.

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Orientation

As a first year student you are most probably going to be required to come earlier than the upperclassmen for orientation. This is may be one of the most entertaining times of your university life and you should take full advantage of it. The couple of days of orientation are going to be a busy time and there will be little time for you sit down and think about your family and friends back home. I would advise you to meet as many people as possible. You may not be able to remember all of their names, but once school starts you will at least remember their faces.

Culture Shock

Moving into a new and vastly different culture than yours can be very daunting. The transition will vary from person to person; some people adjust to changes easier than others. Try to be open and understanding of the “new” culture that you are experiencing. You will find many things that are considered “normal” in the U.S. are unacceptable in your culture. Try not to be judging of the American culture because that could distance you and make it more difficult for you to make friends. Part of your university experience is about learning about the culture.

Academics

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The U.S. universities are very unique and different than any other university system in the world. Usually, your professors will require you to complete any reading assignment before the lecture. This way you will stay on top of your material and be able to get better grades during the exams. In most cases your grade will not depend only upon a single final exam. Usually it will involve classroom participation, homework assignments, mid-terms and final exams. University level work is very intense and demanding. If you have already developed good study skills during high school you should be fine.

Extracurricular Activities

There are numerous organizations that exist on university campuses throughout the U.S. If you find that there are not enough clubs on your campus, then you can start your own club. Learning in U.S. colleges is not focused only in the classroom; rather you will learn much more about yourself and grow as a person outside of the classroom. The skills and experiences that you gain as a club member will help your future in the job place and the community where you live. It is very important that you stay involved on campus and do activities outside of the classroom. These will increase your chances of securing an internships and jobs. Being involved will demonstrate to the employer that you are able to handle multiple tasks efficiently. In addition to that, through your involvement on campus your can show off your variety of your skills and talents.

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Money and Documents

Once you come in the U.S. you will most probably open a bank account. I would strongly advise you that you check your online bank status regularly. Identity theft can be very dangerous, so make sure that once you obtain your Social Security number you keep it in a safe and secure location. Also, make sure you make copies of your passport and visa and other important documents that you receive prior to coming. Without identification at the airport or in a foreign country, things can be very complicated.

Coming to the U.S. is a new experience for you. Make sure that you take full advantage of all resources that are available on campus. Be happy and proud of your success. Also, be sure to enjoy the rest of the summer with your family and friends before you leave!

Stefan Ivanovski was born in Belgrade, Serbia but spent most of his life in Macedonia. He studied at an international school from 8^th – 10^th grades in the Netherlands. After graduating from high school in Macedonia with an International Baccalaureate Bilingual Diploma he applied to study in the United States. Currently he is studying at Bucknell University, in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania majoring in International Relations and Spanish.

To read the complete article, please see our current issue of Al Jamiat Magazine.

If you are not sure what the above statements mean, you are not alone. Each year, international students like you master the English language only to discover, upon arrival in the United States, that they cannot follow all of the conversations that involve them. The reason: English as a Second Language (ESL) programs cannot adequately prepare them for the dizzying array of slang, idioms and colloquialisms that color everyday speech in America.

“Students can feel lost in conversations,” says Mark Algren, Language Specialist at the Applied Language Center at the University of Kansas. “The language they have learned in a classroom setting is not how people talk.” 

He is quick to add, however, that ESL programs provide a good foundation on which students can build their language skills. “I find that students learn a lot of colloquialisms, slang and idioms very quickly.”

According to Algren, the best way to learn them is through everyday speech. Since slang changes so quickly and varies from one region to the next, language classes—particularly those taking place outside America—cannot really prepare students to understand it.

What will help? Take the following steps and, over time, you will be able to understand what your peers are saying; you may even find American slang, colloquialisms and idioms slipping into your own speech.

Interact with Americans and other native English speakers

As you settle into campus life, you will begin to form new friendships. Although it may seem easier to approach other international students at first, reach out to people from a wide range of backgrounds, including Americans. By doing so you will enjoy rich and rewarding cross-cultural experiences and—as a bonus—you will learn the intricacies of the language from a native English speaker.

Most colleges and universities offer Host Family and Peer Mentoring programs. If possible, take advantage of the opportunities that they present. In addition to meeting Americans who can share their culture and traditions with you, you will meet supportive people who can answer your questions about puzzling phrases, teach you what to say in confusing situations, and let you know when it may be inappropriate to say certain things.

Do the best you can

You will quickly realize that most Americans want to see you succeed. They are curious about your culture and willing to help you express yourself clearly. Many of your teachers and peers have traveled to other countries in the past. They understand how difficult it can be to speak a foreign language, particularly one with lots of regional variation. They will understand that you are doing the best you can.

You may even develop a few tricks to help you get by in various circumstances. One of Algren’s colleagues reported that a Brazilian friend considers ‘get’ to be the most useful English verb. “Whenever she does not know what to say she will use ‘get’: I need to get ready; where do I get the bus; I do not know what to get in the coffee shop.”

Do your research

If you are curious, google the term {college slang} to find a list of some of the words and phrases commonly used on American campuses. (Google is a common slang term referring to internet research.)

College slang is not a new phenomenon in the US. Every generation—and most geographical regions—have had their own way of expressing themselves throughout the years. For an interesting overview, see Slang and Sociability: In-group Language Among College Students by Dr. Connie Eble, Professor of English at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Another popular book is Slam Dunk and Other No-Brainers by Leslie Slavin.

Listen closely to everyday speech

Although people who like to research language—and have ready access to the internet—may be interested in reading more about slang, idioms and colloquialisms, it is not necessary. Truthfully, the most effective way to learn about it is to listen for it in everyday speech.

When you hear something unfamiliar, ask someone to explain it to you. If you are not able to ask right away, make a note of it. To the best of your ability, memorize the word or phrase as well as the context in which it was used; write it down if possible. Later, ask a friend, teacher or English tutor what it means.

Avoid dangerous words and phrases

Learn what words to avoid, especially curses and expletives. English is a colorful language. Many international students find that swear words as well as other derogatory, offensive or insulting terms are used more freely and publicly in the US than in their home country.

International students and ESL teachers can share countless stories recalling embarrassing incidents in which these dangerous words were innocently misused.

The website www.slangcity.com features a segment called Real English: T-Shirt Slogans. This is an entertaining and informative reminder to make sure you understand what you are saying. On slangcity.com, you can read some of the most popular American t-shirt slogans; then, you can read an explanation of the hidden or double meaning associated with them.

For example, you may want to avoid wearing a t-shirt that says: “If you are what you eat, I am fast, cheap and easy”. Although it initially seems to refer to eating at fast food restaurants, it also implies that the person wearing the shirt is sexually promiscuous.

Keep a vocabulary log

Algren recommends international students keep a vocabulary log. Purchase a small notebook that you can carry with you at all times. Use it to record unfamiliar words and phrases. By writing a word down as soon as you hear it, you ensure that you will be able to recall it later. You can then research it online or ask a friend to help you understand what it means.

“Keep track of how often you are hearing things and under what conditions,” he advises. “What is the relationship between the people who are saying these things to each other? Friends? Acquaintances? Same sex or opposite? Older or younger?  There are so many variables.”

As Algren observes, not all slang, idioms or colloquialisms are widely used. If you only hear something once or twice, you likely do not need to go out of your way to learn what it means. If, however, you hear something daily—in class, on the streets, on television—it is common usage. Understanding its meaning could make day-to-day conversations easier to understand.

Also, there are a number of unspoken rules and customs regarding language. It may be appropriate to say one thing to a peer but completely unacceptable to say the same thing to a teacher or employer.

“Think about how you would ask a favor of a friend, sibling, parent or ruler,” says Algren. Undoubtedly, there would be differences among all of these. “The same is true for the use of slang. There are things you can and cannot use. And, the higher up the social ladder you go, the less slang you can use.”

For example, students may greet each other by saying “Whazzup?” or “Sup, Dawg?” but they would say “Good morning” or “How are you?” to their teachers.

Be comfortable with ambiguity

Relax and enjoy yourself. Do not feel pressured to understand every word that is being said. “Students have to get used to dealing with ambiguity,” warns Algren. “That’s true both inside and outside the classroom language learning setting. Sometimes you just smile and nod, and try to remember what you heard.”

In most cases, you will still be able to appreciate the general sentiment of what someone is saying. If not, you can always ask someone to explain it to you later.

Remember, you don’t have to use it

Not everyone uses slang, idioms or colloquialisms. As Algren points out, it depends on who you hang around with.

“Some American students affect a cool demeanor and can be barely comprehensible because it’s all about the vocabulary they use. But others use it far less frequently.”

Although it is useful to understand the meaning of words and phrases that are frequently used, you do not have to use slang when you are speaking. Find a way of speaking English that feels natural and comfortable to you. The most important thing is to convey your meaning clearly, not to sound cool or hip while doing it.

By Shelley Motz
Copyright: Al Jamiat Magazine, 2007/2008 Edition
info@al-jamiat.com
www.al-jamiat.com

1. Get fit. College life is physically and mentally demanding. To excel, you need to eat well, exercise regularly and get adequate sleep. Ideally, you should aim for nine hours of sleep each night as well as four 30-minute cardiovascular workouts per week. Initially, eating well may be difficult. It can take time to adjust to American food and to find sources of familiar menu items. To the best of your ability, avoid processed foods and make sure fresh fruits and vegetables form part of your diet. If you do so, you will be more mentally alert. You will also be better able to alleviate stress than some of your peers.
2. Get support. During orientation, find out what support services and programs are available. At any time during the year, do not hesitate to ask for help if you need it. This includes one-on-one English as a Second Language tutoring, peer mentoring, financial counseling and various other services designed to help you succeed mentally, physically and emotionally.
3. Strive for balance. Make time for enjoyable, healthful activities. Students who take time away from their studies to participate in sports, social events and volunteer opportunities enjoy school more than those who do not. They are also less likely to become discouraged or suffer from stress-induced symptoms like headaches, fatigue and anxiety.
4. Time management. As Raouf points out, time management is critical to your success. Use a daily planner designed for students to keep track of your classes, exams and social activities. If you need direction, consult your academic advisor to see if there is anyone on campus who can help you learn how to manage your time effectively.
   
5. Stress management. If you feel anxious, it may help to learn a few stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga or journaling. It can also help to exercise regularly and limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol. And, do not forget to laugh. This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to beat stress.
6. Make friends. A supportive group of friends can help you maintain a healthy attitude about school. In addition to reducing your sense of isolation, they can encourage you to participate in fun activities and alleviate any anxiety you may be feeling.
7. Speak up. Let people know when you are struggling. Whether you need someone to help you prepare for an exam, manage your finances or speak English more clearly, do not wait to ask for help.
8. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. You will enjoy college life much more if you have an accurate sense of your strengths and weaknesses. Take pride in your accomplishments and recognize when you need support.
9. Stay connected. Students who stay connected to friends and family members in their home country find it easier to adapt to life in the US. It can also help to find members of your culture and faith in America. That way, you can participate in familiar holidays and rituals. In general, international students find traditional holidays the most difficult times to be away from home.
10. Be curious. You are not just getting an education, you are on an adventure. Do not lose your sense of curiosity or excitement. Explore the heart of America. Approach every new opportunity with an open mind and a willingness to learn something new.

By Shelley Motz
www.al-jamiat.com
Copyright 2008 Al Jamiat Magazine

American colleges and universities are known throughout the world for their exceptional research and teaching facilities but there is more to college than hitting the books. Although students are expected to meet the academic demands of their classes, educators throughout the United States are increasingly encouraging them to satisfy their emotional, physical, social and spiritual needs as well.

By immersing yourself in American culture and participating in a surprising range of social and extra-curricular activities, you could earn much more than a degree. You could establish enduring friendships and gain experiences that will benefit you throughout your entire lifetime. You will also enjoy an incredible opportunity to share your culture and traditions with people from all over the world.

Get Connected
The importance of supportive friends and advisors cannot be underestimated. When you first arrive on campus you may feel isolated and alone, especially if you have traveled to the United States without family or friends to accompany you.

Saned Raouf, an international student from Jordan who is currently enrolled in his freshman year at Yale University, urges students to “remember that the American students are really in the same position.” Even if their families are not so far away, he points out that “in the beginning, all students are very apprehensive and unsure of how to act or adapt to college life and classes. You are not alone!”  Raouf was fortunate. A friend of his brother lived nearby so he knew someone who could help him settle into the United States and become familiar with its customs. If you do not know anyone near your campus, you do not have to worry. There are a number of programs and services available to help you make friends. At the same time, you will be shown around the campus and given links to your host community.

Find out what programs are available at your school and take advantage of any opportunities that present themselves. You will ease into college life more quickly and enjoy the experience a whole lot more.

Attend an orientation session
All schools offer orientation programs to ease the transition to college life. These vary widely, incorporating everything from half-day, on-site information sessions to weekend camping trips in nearby parks.

Most orientation programs, however, share some common objectives: articulating academic expectations; outlining appropriate behavior; introducing students to faculty; and coordinating social events where students can get to know their peers. Raouf, for example, initially met a lot of his friends through a series of orientations that were coordinated by Yale’s International House.

Form a relationship with an American host family
Many schools also offer host family programs, which match international students with local families. These programs vary from school to school. Some provide housing while most simply extend opportunities for students to visit the families’ homes for meals, especially during traditional American holidays like Thanksgiving. All offer a unique opportunity to experience how an American family lives, providing a rich cross-cultural exchange and, in many cases, leading to rewarding, lifelong friendships. For many students, the opportunity to spend time with families—including grandparents and children—alleviates some feelings of homesickness and helps them feel less isolated from their own family.

Take advantage of mentoring and tutoring programs
On campus, international students can gain further support through services designed to meet their academic and social needs, including peer mentoring and one-on-one English as a Second Language tutoring. It can be especially helpful to have someone explain unfamiliar English words or phrases as well as pop culture references.

Join a study group
Many international students also choose to join or create study groups. Predictably, students who do so earn higher grades; they also tend to have a healthier outlook and find their classes more enjoyable. This isn’t surprising. Study groups are an effective way to meet people who share similar interests. They also provide a forum for sharing ideas, comparing notes and preparing for exams.

Ideally, a study group should have a group leader as well as a designated meeting time and place. (Many campuses enable students to reserve rooms on campus. Other options include libraries, dorm rooms and cafeterias.) Everyone in the group should contribute equally and the experience should be fun and rewarding for everyone.

Share your culture and traditions with peers
Finally, most schools feature minority and international guest speakers, film festivals or concert series in order to expose all students to diverse cultural experiences. By getting involved in—or even initiating—some of these events, you will be able to sample foods and cultural traditions from around the world while introducing your peers to authors or filmmakers from your own country.

Some of the events you are likely to find on campuses throughout the US are Holocaust Remembrance Week, Women’s History Month and African American History Month. These cultural celebrations provide an enlightening experience for all students and offer international students in particular a close look at the diverse nature of America’s population.

As you immerse yourself in your new community, explore this diversity. Reach out to as many people as you can. And, although it may seem less intimidating to introduce yourself to students with a similar background, try to strike a balance between the familiar and unfamiliar.
At Yale, Raouf has observed that a number of his peers primarily associate with other international students. Over time, he has established a healthy mix of friends from the US and the Middle East as well as other parts of the world. In fact, he currently lives in an apartment with two Americans; he met one in his dorm and the other in a class.

Acknowledging that he was apprehensive about meeting new people at first, he offers this advice to other students in a similar position. “I think that you can try meeting some other international students first—if you feel like you have more in common with them—before branching out to meet more people throughout the university.”

Find your school spirit
School spirit abounds on American campuses. And, as any student will tell you, there is always something to do. From varsity games to fraternities and sororities, from service organizations to religious services, there is a club or program to satisfy all of your interests.

Athletics
Sports are a big part of American life; they contribute significantly to the American economy as well as its culture, especially baseball, American football, soccer (European football), basketball and hockey.

College and university campuses typically offer three different levels of athletic competition: varsity teams, intramural teams and club teams. The most elite athletes perform at the varsity level, which requires intense tryouts, a rigorous practice schedule and serious commitment. At the other end of the continuum are intramural teams, which are created solely for fun and fitness. There are no coaches nor are there any tryouts. Club teams exist somewhere in between; this level is often the first stop for students interested in playing at the varsity level.

When asked what role sports play in his life, Raouf jokes: “Only the obvious. Like all the other international students I play soccer—or football. We put together a team for that purpose.”

Of course, if you are not athletically inclined, you can still join the fun. Cheering your team on from the sidelines can be just as exciting as scoring a touchdown or winning goal. Even Raouf, who admits he is not that interested in this aspect of college life, finds himself watching college basketball with friends during the peak season, known as March Madness.

Join a Club
Social clubs bring people with similar interests together and provide much-needed breaks from studying. During orientation, your school will provide you with a list of the different clubs operating on campus. Since there are hundreds of clubs on most campuses, it may be difficult at first to decide which ones to join.

Many students find it helpful to attend a few events or meetings before they commit to any particular group. They may also drop in on several different clubs until they find the ones they like the best. They may even find that their reasons for joining a club change over time.
Initially, Raouf joined the Arab Student Organization at Yale in order to meet people but he soon found himself taking on more and more responsibilities, eventually becoming an officer on the Board of Directors. He also began writing letters to the editor of the campus newspaper. Now he’s interested in writing longer articles for publication.

Whatever your interest, there is bound to be a club that meets your needs. Among your options: engaging in the arts by joining the drama club; raising money for non-profit organizations through a fraternity like Alpha Phi Omega; meeting people from around the world through the international students’ association; or serving on your student government.

Student governments in particular enable you to develop and fine-tune leadership skills. Many oversee budgets in excess off US$1 million in student fees. They also liaise between students and campus administrators. All of which is invaluable to anyone hoping to pursue a career in management.

Serve Your Religious Community
Many international students stay connected to their culture and faith by participating in religious programming and services. Meeting with other students and community members who share your beliefs and traditions can help alleviate feelings of homesickness. It can also ease your transition to college life.

Many private colleges and universities allow religious groups to hold weekly meetings and special events on campus. Check with the Dean of Students to see if there are any suitable religious offerings available at your school. If there are not, explore places of worship nearby. The US is highly diverse, with a high number of faith communities and places of worship, including Muslim, Bahai’i and Christian among others.

Explore Your Community
Do not hesitate to explore the community surrounding your campus. The US is vast and varies greatly from region to region. Depending on where you settle, you may find yourself near mountain ranges, the desert or the ocean. Reading break and other holidays present a great opportunity to put your textbooks aside and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime getaway. Your school most likely has a club that organizes camping trips or day hikes. You could also plan a trip on your own or with a group of friends.

And, do not forget to check out the nearest cities or towns. Travel guides and local newspapers are good sources of information about local attractions, including art galleries, science museums and restaurants. Other popular gathering places for students are movie theaters, comedy clubs, concert venues, cafés and swimming pools.

Some people, however, find everything they need on campus. Raouf admits that “Mostly I have stayed on campus; there is so much to do.” Like Raouf, you may see little reason to leave the campus. Doing so, however, will help you experience America in a different way. Ask your friends to recommend their favorite places, in addition to discovering new interests you may gain new experiences to share with your friends and family back home.

Get Involved
Once you have become familiar with your new home and have settled into a routine, consider finding ways to contribute to the community. Volunteerism is an important part of American culture. By volunteering your time, you will gain new skills, valuable work experience and personal satisfaction. For many people, volunteering is an emotionally rewarding experience. They take pride in knowing that they have made a positive impact on the environment or on someone’s life. Raouf agrees. When he first arrived at Yale, his dorm organized some volunteer activities. He took part and enjoyed the experience, which was entirely new to him.

It is not hard to get started. The Office of Student Affairs, or a similar department, on your campus can provide you with a list of student-run organizations seeking volunteers. These may range from large, established organizations like Amnesty International or Oxfam to smaller groups that address humanitarian causes, environmental concerns or other issues. If you would like to work on a number of different volunteer projects, then a service club like Circle K may be an ideal choice for you.

You can also meet community leaders and gain valuable work experience by volunteering for an organization off-campus. Two of the most established organizations in the US are the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or Habitat for Humanity, a housing mission which brings groups of students together to build homes for people in need.

Getting Fit for Education
It may seem tempting to focus solely on your school work when you first arrive in the US. After all, that is why you traveled so far from home. Academic advisors, however, would advise you to resist that temptation.

American campuses are vibrant places filled with innumerable opportunities for learning and engagement. By meeting your physical, social and spiritual needs you will be better prepared to meet academic demands—and you will enjoy your classes much more. Despite the pressure to study night and day, studies have found that students who lead well-balanced lives perform better in school. And, employers are increasingly hiring well-rounded individuals with varied experiences and interests.

To get the most out of your American education strive for a healthy lifestyle. You will be able to study longer and more efficiently if you eat well, get sufficient sleep and exercise regularly.  Most schools provide students with complimentary access to gym facilities and equipment. Take advantage of it. Thirty minutes of cardiovascular exercise performed four times a week will relieve stress and help you stay mentally alert. If you do not like the gym, try running, cycling or swimming. As for sleep, medical professionals advise students to get nine hours of sleep per
night, however, most students admit they rarely sleep for more than seven hours.

Raouf admits that it can be difficult to manage your time and meet all of your obligations when in school. When asked what he likes to do in his spare time, he responds with good humor: “I feel like this is so silly, too typical of a college guy, but really, it’s sleep! I feel so exhausted that any time I can I try to catch up on my sleep!”
The decision to pursue an education in the US is not for everyone. College life is both physically and mentally exhausting, but it offers huge rewards. Just remember: the more you invest into the experience, the greater the return.

By Shelley Motz
Copyright: Al Jamiat Magazine, 2007/2008 Edition
info@al-jamiat.com
www.al-jamiat.com