Dandan discusses why she prefers the concept of friendship in China, and what she’s learned about friendship in America.

How Friendship Differs in China and America

In their time as international students, our bloggers have confronted stereotypes about their own country and had their own preconceptions about other countries challenged.  In particular, Simba and Alex discussed the negative or uninformed perception of Africans in America, and the responsibility of African students to help change the narrative.

Do Africans Live in the Forest? Encountering and Defeating Stereotypes

Senzeni discussed her first year in the US, and Farima and Nick chimed in to talk about how their experience is different now after a few years in America than it was when they first came. We also discussed where international students fit in on campus and how that differs at the high school, college and graduate school levels, and Chris talked a bit about other ways grad school is different from undergrad.

We were working with a combination of telephones and computer microphones, so sometimes there’s a bit of an echo. Sorry about that – hopefully it won’t bother you too much. Also, sometimes you’ll hear keystrokes in the background; typical Type A personalities – we were all multitasking during the phone call!

Differences Between the First Year and Veteran Experiences

We start out talking about American culture, but with prospective student Vladimir on the line, quickly switch to sharing advice and opinions about applying to study in the U.S. We talk about where to find reliable information, everyone’s experiences taking standardized tests, and what criteria people used to decide where to apply.

And as a special bonus, you’ll hear two horror stories from taking the SAT. Hopefully yours won’t be anything like these!

Advice for Prospective International Students

Nareg, Alex, Jaime and I talk about integrating into American society, including a hysterical discussion about jokes that define cultures and jokes that cross cultures. “Resident sociologist” Nareg also talked about America’s relative wealth and why that means many people have silly problems, and Alex discussed being an African among African-Americans.

Plus, Sebastian popped in late in the discussion to answer questions about how he got his financial aid package to KU, and how he turned around a quiet first semester to blossom into a social butterfly.

Pete and Repeat Are on a Boat: Adventures in American Culture

Lee Seedorff, the senior associate director of International Student and Scholar Services at the University of Iowa, discusses how international students can expect to receive information when they're starting a new school in the US. Interview by Jane Duo.

How a University Communicates with International Students

Lee Seedorff, senior associate director of International Student and Scholar Services at the University of Iowa, talks about the most common issues she sees international students dealing with when they arrive in the US. Interview by Jane Duo.

Common Issues for International Students in the US

Dr. Tobie Tondi, theology professor at the University of San Diego, discusses the importance of writing skills in American classes, and what professors expect from non-native English speakers when it comes to written assignments

What Professors Expect From International Students

Dr. Tobie Tondi, theology professor at the University of San Diego, talks about her own experience studying abroad and why she thinks being exposed to unfamiliar education systems is good for students.

Why Studying in a Foreign System Stretches Your Brain

Dr. Tobie Tondi, theology professor at the University of San Diego, advises international students to get involved in clubs and sports on campus to make friends and improve their English.

Get Out of Your Room and Get Involved

A place to hear stories about studying in the U.S. Our bloggers have come from all over the world to U.S. universities, and they'll be sharing their experiences, advice and more.

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