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

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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.

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There is information that every college student has to know. Information such as when and how to register for classes, how to find their way around campus and the town, how to interact with professors and other students.

There is a lot to remember and worry about in college life. When is that paper due again? Did I email my group about my project or not? I need to go talk to the professor, and look for an internship, but how do I do that?

All of this makes it very easy to forget the important part about college life: it’s supposed to be fun. Yes, taking classes seriously and doing well in them is very important, but all of the information learned is useless if you can’t function because your brain is fried from to much study. There is a fine balance between study and fun, a fact many people forget. Below are some suggestions on how to have fun on a college campus or in the town near by.

Join Student Organizations- Keeping busy with student organizations will not only help you find friends, but they are a lot of fun. Whether they meed once a week, or one a month, student organizations exist for just about every interest. If there isn’t one you want to join (which is difficult to believe on most campuses), then find out how to start one. Even at the smallest school, someone else will be interested. Joining student organizations will also help with time management skills. It sounds backwards, but the more student organizations I joined, and the busier I was, the higher my GPA went. You are forced not to push your important homework off.

Go to the park- Either by yourself for a walk or a bike ride, to clear your head, or with your friends for a barbeque or a picnic. Most towns and cities have a park nearby. It might not be very big, but time in the park can be fun in the spring. Not recommended during the winter months, in geographic areas where it snows.

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Go to the Recreation Center- This is probably interchangeable with number one. Especially in the winter months and northern states. Going to the Recreation Center with a friend on a regular basis keeps the Freshman (or Sophomore, Junior, or Senior) 15 at a distance, if not at bay.

Go to the 24hr store and wander around- I can’t count the number of times, I made a midnight run to some random store. I can’t count the number of midnight store runs I went on in college. Only one person ever needed something, but sometimes its fun to go as a big or even small group to the store and goof around. Our favorite was going into the toy section and turning on all the demos of one particular toy and then leaving.

Have a movie/TV Series marathon- Make sure to invite or at least clear this with your roommate. Maybe you

have one or two movies from home you want your friends to see, maybe your friends want to show you some American classics, or maybe you all have a favorite television show and own the DVDs. Get some snacks, invite your friends over, and watch them.

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Hang out at the local hang out spot- Most college towns have a popular coffee shop or restaurant, where students go to hang out and relax. If you have homework or a paper to work on, take it with and do it there. Most will have some sort of wireless internet, and tables to sit at. Meet your friends there, and you all can hang out and do homework together or just sit and talk over a beverage. Buy it from the coffee shop or restaurant so you aren’t loitering.

Those are only some suggestions. The difficulty with this list is that each college and each college town is unique. What we did at Bowling Green will differ drastically from something that they did at a smaller school, or a larger school. Part of the fun of college is finding what is fun to do at each college.

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/

Washington DC Metro Photo by wisdoc

Trains are better for seeing the country side of the United States. While track does go through major cities like Detroit, Chicago, Washington DC, and New York, it also winds its way through the west coast. Routes are not always direct, sometimes detouring to a major out of the way city, to back track to your destination. So if you plan on traveling by train, plan on spending a bit of time on the train, and check the route before making reservations. Often, though, people enjoy using the train as a way to see the “Wild West”, a part of the country often over-looked.

U.S train travel is different from its European counterpart. While European trains tend to travel just about everywhere, American train service is somewhat more limited. It is fairly extensive on the east coast, especially between what is sometimes called BosWash (the string of city, between Boston and Washington DC, including New York City), the further west one ventures, the less extensive the train coverage becomes. Take a look at the routes offered throughout the United States.

Amtrak Dining Car Photo by mrbula

Amtrak is the main U.S. passenger train service provider. Like its European counterparts, Amtrak is a hybrid of a public and privately owned company. They seek to be competitive with the other mass-transit service providers (ie. Planes, buses, rental cars, etc.).

Like their airplane competitors, Amtrak does have a limit to the amount of baggage that can be carried on, and what can be checked in. They allow two bags, weighing under 50 pounds (22.7 kg) to be carried on. Carry on luggage also needs to have tags, with your name and address easily visible. If you don’t feel like going out and buying luggage tags, free tags are available from the station or on the train.

CC License: Photo by professorbop

Three slightly larger bags under 50 pounds (22.7 kg) to be checked. In order to check baggage, plan on getting to the train station a half an hour before the train leaves. Baggage can only be checked at certain stations, and you must have a photo ID in order to check any baggage. Be sure to take this into consideration, while packing for your trip. The Amtrak site has more information about baggage.

Amtrak tickets and passes can be bought online, over the phone, or through a travel agent. Amtrak offers an American Pass simmiliar to the popular Eurail pass. Although, there are restrictions and definitions to familiarize yourself with before purchasing the pass. Each pass is valid for X-many days, and X-many Segments. Amtrak counts a “segment” as every time you get on and off of the train. If you have to change trains, going from point A to point B, then you have to use 2 segments of your pass. Also, tickets and reservations must be made in advanced, whether you have a US Railpass or not.

While there are many restrictions, a rail pass may make sense if you want to travel across the country, or a long distance over a certain period of time. If you decide to get a US Railpass, they range in price from a little under $400 to about $750, depending on the number of segments and length of time you want to be able to travel in. If you would like to purchase a rail pass, visit: http://tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak/selectpass

Overall, trains offer a relaxing and historic way to see the United State. While its not the best for short distance travel, to go long distances, train travel allows you to see the sights that flying would not. The Amtrak site has specific information geared towards international students.

Starting small is the simple difficulty of living in a college town and not owning a car. Unless a student attends a college in a big city (New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Chicago etc.) with a reliable mass-transportation system, even getting from point A to point B in a college town can be difficult.

Students walking to class - CC License by cuatower

Walking

The simplest option is to walk everywhere. It is a good source of exercise, you learn the sights and sounds of the area, and it’s environmentally friendly too! Of course, if your campus is in the mid-west, north east, or central United States, this might not work so well, unless you are a fan of freezing.

Many campuses are “walking campuses,” meaning they are designed to be traversed by foot, the towns they are built in usually are not. While walking to and from the grocery store, hauling ten pounds of groceries and a case of Coca-Cola in negative nine degrees Celsius, while the wind blows in your face at thirty two km/h , and it snows constantly, is a unique cultural experience; it is one most people would prefer to avoid.

Bikes

Bicycles offer the same seasonal, reasonably cheap, option. A bike, without to many fancy features or options, will cost anywhere between 60 to 300 dollars. Really nice bikes can cost up into the thousands. A good bike lock, which is a must with any bike, will be between 10 and 30 dollars. A helmet is also highly recommended. Students can find bikes, locks and helmets at major stores (Walmart, Target, Kmart, Mejier), as well as sporting good stores (Dunhams, REI, Sports Authority).

Biking to Class CC License by michaelsarver

Getting around on a bike is obviously faster, and like walking is a healthy and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Many campuses have bike racks, where students can park and lock their bikes up, in front of the dormitories as well as academic buildings. Many off campus places, such as the store, do not have such bike racks, and so students will have to be creative in how they lock up their bike.

American bikes are also often not designed with baskets or places to put books or bags, and so transporting things that don’t fit into a backpack can be difficult. Baskets and racks can be bought separately, and self installed, but this can be costly. Storing the bike in the winter months can be tricky. Leaving it locked up at the bike rack is often the only option for students living in the dorms. Those renting an apartment could take it inside, depending on the space issues.

Buses

While most cities will have some sort of bus system, the reliability of the system will vary from city to city. Asking other students whether taking the public transportation is worthwhile, is recommended. Even if no one you know has used it, many students will have heard if it is reliable or not. If it is, Google Maps can help you find bus stops and routes. There is an option, after finding a car route from point A to point B , to choose “public transportation” as the means of transportation. The directions will tell you when the bus leaves, if you have to change buses, as well as how long the trip should take.

Another form of mass-transportation is offered by larger Universities. Most universities offer buses, which travel around campus and off campus. These buses are usually free to students and often go to such places as the local grocery store or large stores, the mall, and other popular places or off-campuses residences. Some buses may even go to popular off-campus housing for students. Like mass-transportation, the reliability of the University bus-system varies, but with enough time set aside, the system like this can be useful for those without a car.

Bus on Ohio State University Campus, CC License by liangjinjian

Taxis

Taxis are probably the most expensive way to get around. Prices will vary from city to city, but they are generally very reliable. Cabs are often the transportation of choice, when students are out on the town late at night. While they do not line the streets of American college towns, cabs can be found in the yellow pages (http://www.yellowpages.com/).

Cars

Friends with cars are perhaps the most essential part of living in a college town without a car. Students with cars are most of the time willing to help those without get around. Asking for a ride can be awkward at times, if it is not offered. Although, if a friend of yours is going to the grocery or out to the mall, asking to go with them, is often not a problem. Don’t be offended if they say no, they most likely have a valid reason for turning you down, most likely scheduling issues. Probably the most important thing to remember is: Make sure not to just be friends, because they have a car. People will be offended and may not want to give you a ride, if you only ask to hang out with them when you need a ride

Finally, students without cars are not stuck in their dorms or apartments, doomed to live alone and bored for their entire college career!  A combination of the options mentioned above are just some the ways a student to get around town as easily as if they owned a car.
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://www.linkedin.com/in/elissay

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
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