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Experiences of International Students

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Submitted By dhruv3591
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Home, away from home! By Dhruv Thakkar
Hello friends, as I write my first article, my heart feels the nervousness, my mind feels the anxiety, my fingers shiver a bit, but still I am sure that line by line I will get confident just as I feel confident here in America after the initial nervous days!
Hollywood, NBA, Fast Food, and the Skyscrapers are the first few things which a young foreign mind imagines when it thinks of America! The excitement starts and increases when we land here and see the star spangled banner standing tall and spreading the message of FREEDOM, LIBERTY, EQUALITY and JUSTICE.
Having such a great history, America also has a rich culture. Given the unique immigrant roots of the country, America adapts the good things of all cultures within its borders making it easy for the foreigners to adapt in the country. The biggest challenge a foreigner faces is adapting to the American English. But the friendliness of American people in communicating with everyone makes it easier to adapt the language. The next big thing is FOOD. You miss the food of your home country and you try to adapt to the American staple food. But, wait! What is the regular food of American people! If you like to eat Pizzas and Sandwiches then you can proudly claim that you have adapted the staple diet of this “Fast Food Nation”.
It has just been few days, still this country has taught me a lot. I got a chance to see myself. I never knew I can adapt so well. Although it is very early to say that I have adapted, but now I can see myself as a part of America. Now I have started calling Soccer as ‘Soccer’ instead of ‘Football’!! And have started calling Philly as my home. Living in Philly itself is a great experience. This city is amazing whether you like cheese steaks or you like the historical places or the Eagles. The first city of America is very rich historically. The Art Museum on the Parkway or the City Hall or the Independence Hall, this city has enriched the history very beautifully.
Studying at Temple makes me feel proud. I rejoice my decision to study abroad at such a great institute like Temple University. Here, you will see students from all over the world. Students from different cultures studying together and sharing their cultures making Temple a better place. So many students in so many different majors but still each and every student proud to be an owl and it feels nice to be part of such a group. Fight, Fight, Fight for the Cherry and White! The experience till now has been amazing and hopefully it will get better and better as days go by.
As I finish my short story, I want to share a picture which caught my eye at the Tuttleman Learning Center, Main Campus. It’s a nice description about studying abroad by the Study Abroad Alumni. The poster says:
“Dear Temple Students (of any major),
I just love it here far beyond North Broad! Studying abroad is the best decision I ve ever made. At first I was nervous but I’m so glad I took those early steps and embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. It took some time to adjust to the culture-the place but now I feel a real connection to the people of the city-its my home. I’m not just a tourist-I live here. Everyday is a sensory overload as I take in the vast history, art, architecture, traditions, entertainment, and food. Oh the food! Today I bought some groceries at the market and I was so excited to use my langage skills and communicate with the locals. Not only am I learning so much about this foreign culture, I’m also gaining insight about myself. I’m so much more capable and independent, able to take charge and also to be flexible and relaxed, enjoying every wonderful moment of this program. This is the most amazing experience of my entire life. I don’t know how I‘ll ever be able to leave.
-Study Abroad Alumni”

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