1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Apply
  • Chat

Nabil Salik from India: Studying Mechanical Engineering at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Nabil Salik from India: Studying Mechanical Engineering at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Nov 21, 2016

Interview:

Nabil Salik from India is a master’s student, majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, Illinois.

Why did you decide to study in the USA?

The education system in the U.S. is one of the best in the world and a degree from an American university makes one more marketable in the job market. Besides, there are a lot of opportunities to do different things that aren’t available in every country.

Why did you choose Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU)?

The area that I conduct research in as part of my program is not very common to find in an academic setting. SIU is one of the very few universities in the U.S. with that focus.

What do you like best?

The university is very welcoming to international students. As for the program, the professor I work with has advised companies across the world and is widely published. His experience teaches me things that aren’t found in textbooks.

What do you miss most?

Primarily family, friends and food. It might be amusing, but I also miss the chaotic life in a developing country.

What was your biggest surprise?

That life is not perfect as I was made to believe prior to getting here. Many of the problems that exist back home also exist here, only the packaging is different.

... your biggest disappointment?

Food!

How have you handled:

... language differences?

I was already fluent in English before I came here. However, it took me a while to understand the references people make to popular culture. Also, conversations here begin with a lot of small talk, which felt a little awkward in the beginning, but not anymore.

... finances?

I have a job on campus that qualifies me for a tuition waiver and pays a monthly stipend. If you are smart with your spending, it is not that difficult to survive.

... adjusting to a different educational system?

The casual nature of education where you can address a professor by his/her first name was different than what I was used to. But, being able to speak the language made it very easy to adjust.

What are your activities?

Part of my job requires me to plan and organize the orientation and other social events for international students and so I have a lot of fun while I’m working. Besides that, I’m part of a student run investment fund that manages investments on behalf of the university’s foundation.

How easy or difficult was making friends?

It takes a little bit more time than in it would in India, since both me and the person I’m trying to be friends with are extra careful to not overstep any boundaries that arise from the differences in culture. Having travelled quite a bit and due to my ignorance regarding video games, most of my friends are from an older generation and/or from a different country than mine.       

What is your advice to other students who are considering a U.S. education?

Opportunities are abundant but they don’t come easily. Hard work and networking is critical to succeed in the US.

Follow us:
Written by

Study in the USA ®

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled How Do I Get a Design Degree in the USA?
How Do I Get a Design Degree in the USA?
Main image for the article titled Chico State Helps Rebuild Communities
Chico State Helps Rebuild Communities
Main image for the article titled American Slang Words You Need to Know in 2023
American Slang Words You Need to Know in 2023
Main image for the article titled What is a Community College in the U.S.?
What is a Community College in the U.S.?
Read more

Check Out These Schools

College of Staten Island of the City University of New York

College of Staten Island of the City University of New York

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Summer Bachelor Degree 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact
University of South Alabama

University of South Alabama

$15,000—$20,000 Year

Bachelor Degree Online Masters
Contact
Education First Santa Barbara

Education First Santa Barbara

$10,000 — $15,000 Quarter

English Programs
Contact

Featured Programs

Mission College

Typical cost per Semester: $1,000—$5,000

Bachelor Degree Summer English Programs
Learn More

Glendale Community College

Typical cost per Year: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree English Programs 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Learn More

Truckee Meadows Community College

Typical cost per Semester: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term English Programs
Learn More

Related Stories

Parrichat Chinchotikasem from Thailand: Studying Psychology at Berkeley City College in the Associate Transfer Degree Program

Main image for the article titled Parrichat Chinchotikasem from Thailand: Studying Psychology at Berkeley City College in the Associate Transfer Degree Program
Clara Degez from France is studying for her Associate in Art Transfer Degree at Edmonds Community College in Edmonds, Washington.

Main image for the article titled Clara Degez from France is studying for her Associate in Art Transfer Degree at Edmonds Community College in Edmonds, Washington.
Alvin Gunawan from Indonesia: Earned an Associate in Arts Direct Transfer Degree from Shoreline Community College and transferred to University of California at Berkeley

Main image for the article titled Alvin Gunawan from Indonesia: Earned an Associate in Arts Direct Transfer Degree from Shoreline Community College and transferred to University of California at Berkeley
Tri Minh Nguyen from Vietnam: Completing his Associate in Arts Transfer Degree in Computer Science at Edmonds Community College

Main image for the article titled Tri Minh Nguyen from Vietnam: Completing his Associate in Arts Transfer Degree in Computer Science at Edmonds Community College

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for Morning Brew

Morning Brew

BECOME SMARTER IN JUST 5 MINUTES. Get the daily email that makes reading the news actually enjoyable. Stay informed and entertained, for free.

Read more
Partner service logo for Cturtle

Cturtle

The JOB+ Career Accelerator gives you the work experience, career coaching and professional network you need to get a great graduate job.

Read more
Partner service logo for Student Advantage

Student Advantage

Explore the American Dream with the ‘My Deals’ app from Student Advantage - save on car rentals, hotel rooms, and everyday essentials!

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

I read the information found on StudyUSA.com and it helped me understand the process of applying in the USA. I have also talked to a StudyUSA counselor and she helped me with the things I struggle with like my essay for college application. StudyUSA give me the information I needed.

Anais Gardere Haiti

I hadn't used Study in the USA before but I'm grateful that I now know a good source for my student life here. I hope there are more scholarships and opportunities for international students like this.

Xuan Phan Vietnam

Study in the USA guided me through the application process, requirements, and everything needed to contact the university.

Gabriela Gonzales Allende Peru

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.