Guidelines to students leaving for America

It was quite a contrast. While thousands of students are running from pillar to post trying to make some sense of the CET mess, at the Yashna Trust office on Haines Road, Frazer Town, were a select few with their visas to the US and I-20s for admission to universities there. They had all assembled for some final words from experts on the dos and don’ts while studying in the US.
At the pre-departure orientation programme, arranged by the satellite centre of the US Educational Foundation in India, experts on education, travel and finance briefed the students on what to look forward to and warned them against the pitfalls.
Prof. Rajeev Gowda, who returned from the US after years of academic career, advised the students to be very professional.“Never try to beat the system,like we tend to do here. It could land you in trouble,”was his word of caution.
Professor at the University of Maryland, Anandalingam, spoke on the need for good guidance.“Get yourself an academic adviser who will guide you on the courses. And find out which professors are good from senior students.”
Elizabeth Leff, a Fulbright scholar, suggested that students should ensure an accommodation well before landing in the US. “Be in touch with student associations, and it will be preferable to have someone to pick you up,” she told the students.
Elizabeth Goldsmith, another Fulbright scholar, said, “The system works on mutual respect between students and professors, and you have every right to make an issue if your professor is not good. Seek a change if need be.”
Kunal Gore, who has returned from the US, and is working at the GE in Bangalore, spoke of the need to carry identity documents, like a copy of the passport always.
Yashna Trust is a satellite centre of the US Educational Foundation in India, and is an affiliate of the US State Department.

Some points to remember

Academics

Books are expensive. So find out what is needed from seniors. Education is expensive. So look for scholarships. Deans are very forthcoming with guidance. Avail of their help. Find out the right courses with good professors from the academic advisers Speak up if the professor is not good. Never do too many courses or overwork for extra dollars. The strain could affect studies. Good grades mean good jobs. Never hesitate to approach counselling and guidance centres.

Security

Ensure accommodation beforehand Carry the passport or at least its copy or other ID copies Carry all important contact numbers. Find out which are the bad neighbourhoods. Avoid them. Prefer pre-arranged university transport if its too late to get back home. Never be foolhardy.

Culture shock

Don’t try to be a different person soon after reaching the US.Try to understand the system and acclimatise gradually. Try not to drive immediately, because its left-hand drive there. Be in touch with Indian student association.

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