The month of September means a new school year for many college students around the country. Now imagine being the new student in a totally different country without any knowledge of the countries language or customs. There are over 250,000 students attending American universities and colleges coming from other countries. Being a foreign student can be hard especially if your language skills are lacking. To understand the real issues of the foreign students inside American higher education can only be described by time and history of current year that is attended.
After September 11 many foreign students had to deal with whole new circumstances. In Texas an Indian student was verbally harassed for months by his classmates and roommates just because he was of Middle Eastern profile. The attacks stopped when Suran Taharn was severely beaten on the way to one of his evening classes. Not only have students from other countries had to deal with fitting in, but also they have had to be cautious of who they are dealing with on daily basis.
To say that foreign students are not offered any supporting services to make their college transition easier would be incorrect. Many Universities offer extensive programs and clubs which offer tutoring, peer groups and helpful individuals that are willing to befriend somebody from different country. In addition, more and more Universities are handing out stiff punishments to those individuals accused of intimidation due to a student’s race or nationality.
The nucleus of American Universities and Colleges can change, but many services that are offered are foreign student friendly. Students of foreign descent have more than average opportunities to learn about America and make this their new home land.
Being a student from another country may have transitions that are not always smooth, but involve willingness and a positive attitude, American education can be fun and educational.
To be new can mean many different things. If you are an outgoing individual who is proud of where you come from, one can have an awesome experience in the United States.