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The time is drawing near to begin preparing for school to start.  One of the best ways to make your transition to school enjoyable is by actually being excited about your plans!  Some may say they are about to leave everything they know, their comfort zone, but great things are coming their way.  One of the best things students can do is channel their nerves into excitement, and having school spirit is a great way to do just that!

School spirit is the pride you have for your university.  It shows others where you attend and why you are so proud to be there.  Having school spirit will provide a more positive atmosphere not just for yourself, but for your campus as well.  You form a special connection with your school and other students when you truly have school pride.

So how can you have school spirit?

Wear the gear. Get t-shirts, sweatshirts, lanyards, etc.  You can usually find these at your school’s book store and sometime they are even available for purchase online.  If you would rather not buy them, make them!  A great idea is to have a get-together with friends, maybe before a football game, and make your own shirts with iron-ons or fabric paint.  You’ll be creating something to wear all year long and great memories at the same time!

Display the logo. Make posters, buy stickers, or keep fliers with your school’s name or logo on them and add them to your desk, car, or dorm walls.  Simple and easy!

Tell the people you meet. It is effortless to say, “Hi! I’m (your name), a student at (university name).”  If you really love your school and want to represent them well, make them part of you.  When you mention what school you attend in your introduction, the other person will know you must be proud to be there.

Add it online. Post it, write it, blog it, or tweet it.  It is simple to add to your “About Me” sections on social media pages where you attend school.

Families can show spirit too! Get your family into the school spirit.  When they support you, it will help ease the nerves and fears of moving away.  When they have school spirit too, it really makes a difference!

And remember your loyalty and pride to your university should also reflect on the organizations you become involved in.  Whether it be a fraternity or local school organization, always be proud of everything you involve yourself in!

Allizon Munoz is a proud junior at Ohio Dominican University studying Public Relations and minoring in Marketing. She serves as the 2010-2011 Ohio Dominican PRSSA President and Vice President of Professional Activities for Delta Sigma Pi Omicron Tau.  Connect with her here: http://card.ly/allizonmunoz

What is Goal Setting?

When a student first starts college, their main objective is to receive a degree but there are more things to be accomplished during their time in school.  Goal setting is the key factor to success and something every person should do to get the most out of their life.  It is human nature to set goals even if a person is not aware they are doing it.  Setting goals before a student begins their college adventure gives them a proper incentive, a vision, and moving force that drives them to success.

Types of Goals

Goal setting is thinking and putting aside certain objectives you would like to accomplish.  Some types of goals are short term goals, long term, academic, professional, and personal.  Being a student in college doesn’t mean all goals should revolve around academic success.   It is important to be triumphant in the academic realm of college, but it should be balanced with personal accomplishments as well.

SMART Goals

A great tactic to use when beginning your collection of goals is the SMART goal guideline.  This guide is provided by Goal Setting Guide, and is a great way to effectively set goals and aspirations that are attainable.

• S- Specific.  Goals should be straightforward and emphasize what you want to happen. Specifics help us to focus our efforts and clearly define what we are going to do.
• M- Measureable.  If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. In the broadest sense, the whole goal statement is a measure for the project; if the goal is accomplished, there is a success.
• A- Attainable.  When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways you can make them come true. You develop that attitudes, abilities, skills, and financial capacity to reach them. Your begin seeing previously overlooked opportunities to bring yourself closer to the achievement of your goals.
• R- Realistic.  Be sure to set goals that you can attain with some effort! Too difficult and you set the stage for failure, but too low sends the message that you aren’t very capable. Set the bar high enough for a satisfying achievement!
• T- Timely. Set a timeframe for the goal: for next week, in three months, by fifth grade. Putting an end point on your goal gives you a clear target to work towards.

Here are some examples of goals that abide by the SMART guideline, and flourish in rewards: Make the Dean’s List (an academic achievement recognition), attend at least 10 campus events, join a student organization, be part of a focus group, write an article and have it published, give a public speech, talk to someone new every day, try new types of food every chance you get, ace all midterms and finals, see all the tourist attractions in your university’s city, etc.

Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail

When a student realizes their aspirations and what they want to accomplish, the most important thing to do is write it down!  Well not exactly write it down, let us keep up with today’s internet-driven world and use a website instead.  An easy and free way to keep track of your goals is through mylifelist.org.  This website is built to make goal setting a breeze.  You have six different categories to list your goals; Travel & Leisure, Relationships, Personal Development & Community, Career & Finance, Lifestyle & Culture, and lastly Sports & Adventure.

The Challenge

The hardest part about goal setting? Staying on track.  Students are motivated and determined when they begin school, but it is normal to lose that momentum later in the semester. They begin to have many more distractions and priorities sometime change.  It is a typical challenge for students to stay on track throughout the entire school year. That is why it is helpful to document the list of goals and read through them at different periods of time.  This will allow the student to evaluate themselves and it serves as a reminder of what they should still be working towards.

Allizon Munoz is a junior at Ohio Dominican University studying Public Relations and minoring in Marketing. She serves as the 2010-2011 Ohio Dominican PRSSA President and Vice President of Professional Activities for Delta Sigma Pi Omicron Tau.  Connect with her here: http://card.ly/allizonmunoz

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 New York City.  Here at Al Jamiat, we are interested in hearing about your firsts and what they were like!

Manojkumar Mangalchand Shah (Manoj Shah for short) is a student at New Mexico Highland’s University, studying for his MBA in Accounting.  Originally from India, take a look at a couple of Manoj Shah’s first experiences here in the U.S.

My first… canned food product.

I had several adjustments in terms of food. In India, farmers can’t afford pesticides or chemical fertilizers, so the food is organic. I never had canned food at home. I still don’t like it here and find it so ironic that the organic food is much more costly. I have had canned corn, canned cream corn, canned tomatoes, canned peas, and canned green beans. Many of these foods are not available fresh year round, so canned or frozen are the only choices. They just don’t taste as sweet.

My first… experience with American driving.

Traffic in the U.S. is radically different than in India. People don’t honk their horns all the time like they do in India. In fact in India, trucks actually have signs saying “Please Honk.” They even have fancy horn sounds. There we drive on the left side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, opposite of that here in the states. Traffic is not fast in India like it is here, but there are stray cows, dogs, pigs, monkeys everywhere. Also, scooters, bicyclists and pedestrians mix with the cars and trucks. People move into the lane whenever they feel like it so you have to be constantly on the alert. The interstate between cities here in America are very good and easy, but fast. The rural highways are also easy. The highways/roads here in the U.S. are very smooth; they don’t have pits or gravel like my country.

To read more about Manoj Shah’s first experiences, make sure to check out the fall issue of Al Jamiat, coming out October!

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.

My first roommate, in Salzburg, Austria, was a French girl, who spoke better English than I did. She was pretty cool, and very nice. A bit of a neat-freak, but we got along ok. I kept my mess hidden in a corner between my bed, the wall, and my desk and she didn’t say anything when it sometimes snuck out of its corner. Left alone, we would have been great roommates the entire year.

New Roommate - Photo by okarol CC License

The only problem  I had with my French-Roommate was her Austrian boy-friend. It wasn’t even that he spent the night every other night, and every weekend. I learned to live with that, and accept it, if not like it. It was his attitude towards me, which drove me to the point of hatred and beyond..

Herr Sauberraum, which means Mr. Clean Room in German (my nickname for him, since I never really learned his real one) was in the room visiting with his girl friend. I wasn’t feeling great, so I had a friend over to help me out with cooking. We were talking on my side of the room, and they were at her desk. Herr Sauberraum looked over at us. The four of us begin to talk with one another, and my friend demonstrates some of the moves she had learned in karate. As the conversation winds down, and we slowly break back into two groups of two people, Herr Sauberraum opens his mouth. “You know,” he said, “if this was my room, and it was this messy, my mother would kick my butt. And then clean it.”

It was a statement none of my multi-cultural training could have prepared me for. Cultural differences of men and women rolls aside, even with cleanliness aside, what was he talking about? My roommate, being the good roommate and girlfriend she was, made an effort to keep her boyfriend out of the room after that. This eventually led to her moving out of the room after semester break.

After returning to the U.S., my last three years in college landed me with 2 good roommates, and one bad. The first good roommate I had, was a girl I had never met until I moved in. Over the first couple weeks, we got to know each other. We shared stories, and carried on rather random conversations. She wasn’t my closest confidant, but we were friends enough that living together was enjoyable and not an imposition on each other.

Good roommate relations takes a couple things: patience, tolerance, and consideration. You don’t have to love your roommate, or even be friends with them, as long as you have these three things.

Patience for a roommate is remember that, like you, your roommate is only human and will forget to do something sometimes. Maybe they had an unsually busy week and forgot to take out their trash. Maybe they left something out, or didn’t realize you were in bed when they came in late. Be patient with them the first time something like that happens, and approach them kindly after the second time.

Tolerance. Remember, you may not have class until noon the next day, but your roommate might have an 8 am class, and might need to wake up very early. In the winter, most parts of the country is still dark until 730 or 8, and so they may need to turn on a light.  Tolerate a little noise, remembering your roommate is living their own life on their own schedule.  Consideration. Think of your roommate, before blaring your music or television. Ask if you will be doing something that might annoy them, before actually doing it.

Most dormitories have some sort of roommate contract filled out, where it states when the roommates agree to and not to do things. If you live in an apartment off campus, you might want to look online and find one. Although, rarely actually needed, the contract does bring up issues (such as noise, appropriate times for things, and ways to settle a disagreement) that might not be brought up otherwise.

Elissa Yonkers is a recent graduate from Bowling Green State University, with a Bachelors of Science of Journalism with a focus on Public Relations, and a very strong minor in German. With several internship experiences under her belt, she is looking to widen her experience and knowledge with a job in corporate communications, public affairs, or work in a public relations agency. Connect with her here: http://sites.google.com/site/elissay/

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
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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