Cultural Adaptation Tips While Studying in USA for Indian Students

Study abroad is one of the most enticing and life changing experiences in life. Exploring different opportunities, meeting new people, making new connections, living different cultures is always fascinating for those who are ready to accept this as a challenge. With each passing year thousands of students travel to study abroad especially to the USA in order to live their dream student life of studying at one of the top colleges or universities. 

If you are thinking about considering study in the USA as an option then get ready to experience the culture barriers which every Indian student while studying the USA feels. In this blog we will talk about a few cultural adaptation tips while studying in the US for Indian students.

Tip 1: Understanding Cultural Difference

Being an Indian student you may feel quite a lot of difference between Indian and American culture and you will have to understand this difference. If you are an Indian student and has landed for study in USA, keep a check of the below mentioned points:

• Indians communicate in a subtle and not so open way, however Americans usually communicate openly and directly.
• American people are very particular about their timelines and schedules
• Indians generally give less importance to personal space, on the contrary Americans value personal space a lot.
• Body language and gestures are applicable in different senses across cultures. What may signal agreement in India, may not have the same meaning in the USA.
• Indians have social hierarchies based on their age & gender, but Americans value equality more.

As an Indian student studying abroad and especially if you have gone to study in the USA, ensure that you adapt to these cultural differences soon.

Tip 2: Learn Well about your Host Country

Before you actually pack your bags and travel to study abroad, take some time to understand the country. It’s better to gain some insights regarding the people there and their lifestyle. The best way to do this activity is to study about student life in the USA on the internet and join some student groups online. You may also read travel forums and USA guidebooks.

Tip 3: Adapt to the Education System

The American education system is not the same as the Indian education system. There are adjustments which you will have to do on the basis of teaching methodologies, classroom interaction etc. Indian students need to make time for their assignments, projects and part-time jobs alongside if they are doing any. Initially Indian students who have gone to study in the USA will need some guidance, however they can gradually learn to use the system effectively.

Tip 4: Set Learning Goals

Setting goals and timelines is important and you must do this activity before you actually go to study in USA. before you actually leave, compile a list of things which you wish to achieve during your study abroad duration. It could be anything from learning about USA culture to gain some part-time work experience etc. Moreover, keep room for some instant plans and ideas.

Tip 5: Shared Student Accommodation

Studying abroad is an expensive affair thus, one must try to chalk out options which can lower down this financial burden a bit. Choosing a shared student accommodation will have multiple benefits. The first and the foremost is that you will find shared accommodation a bit cheap and also it will be easier for the students to adapt to the culture.

Tip 6: Getting Familiar with US Rules & Customs

In order to blend into the American culture, Indian students in the USA should have basic etiquette rules in formal settings. They should even have a know-how of the traditions and festivals they give importance to. Before coming to study abroad one should even have an understanding of the common slang and idioms which are used in everyday American english.

Tip 7: Join Student Groups

Adapting US culture as a student is not much of a work, however you need to actively involve yourself in certain activities for some time. Adapting not necessarily means that you have to completely give away your style, but making a few changes in your lifestyle and yourself so that you can fit in better. Try to get involved by joining student groups and clubs where you can talk and ask questions etc. Universities organize various orientation events which Indian students going to study abroad must attend.

Conclusion

Immersing yourself into a new culture is the key to success here. These are the few most essential aspects which students going to study in the USA must incorporate keeping an open-minded and adaptive mindset. This inter or cross cultural barrier will surely help them to become globally competent.