Arren Romeril, from Ontario, Canada, is studying Business Administration at Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Why did you decide to study in the USA? 

I decided to study in the USA because of the wide variety of business jobs and careers. I had the opportunity to play college hockey and I wanted to take advantage of the amazing academic system that there is here in the USA.  

Why did you choose Maryville University?  

Picking Maryville was honestly a no-brainer. I was previously at a 2-year institution in North Dakota. I was looking for a 4-year university to transfer to complete my studies. I travelled to St. Louis to visit Maryville on a hockey recruitment trip and I fell in love. The campus has that modern technology that helps students in this new day and age, but also has that rustic charm. The setting of the school amongst trees and sitting on almost a hill makes you feel powerful and connected. I toured the school and knew that by attending Maryville to study business administration, I was opening up so many doors and opportunities.  

What do you like best about your university? 

What I like best about Maryville University is the feeling of support and dedication from the staff and faculty. You aren’t just a student number here. When you need help or guidance, your professors know you by name and are always willing to help. These wonderful people are here to make sure we do the best we can and they strive to make you feel at home.  

What do you miss most about home? 

The thing that I miss about home is my family. It is tough being away from my father, but he does have the ability to travel down here every once in a while.  

What was your biggest surprise about U.S. life and education? 

My biggest surprise about the U.S. life and the education system is the dedication for perfection. Now, in saying this, it is not a bad thing. Back home in Canada, major universities care to a certain extent, but at the end of the day, you are going through life and school figuring it out on your own. In the U.S., I have found that there is a major focus on doing things over and over again until they are right. This has given me so much confidence and strive to do better in the classroom and in my personal life.  

... your biggest disappointment? 

I can honestly say, thus far I have not had any big disappointments. I think that I am in an amazing place and I am on track to do something big things.  

How have you handled:
 

... language differences? 

 Because I came from Ontario, there have been no language barriers or differences to adjust too.  

... finances? 

Finances have been sometimes a struggle to deal with. The Canadian dollar is weak compared to the U.S. dollar. But the nice thing about studying in the U.S. is the ability to work as a work study on campus. It has helped me take a little financial pressure off of my tuition and has helped pay for things like groceries and gas.  

... adjusting to a different educational system? 

The educational system in the U.S. is very similar to the Canadian educational system. The biggest difference are the different styles of teaching in regard to grammar and accounting systems.  

What are your activities?  

I am currently the goalie and captain of the Men’s Ice Hockey Team, I am a member of PHI THETA KAPPA and Saints Nation. I am also a work study in the international admissions office.  

How easy or difficult is making friends in the USA? 

It has been extremely easy to make friends in the USA. People from my classes and organizations were very welcoming and introduced me to so many other U.S. natives.  

What are your career goals?  

 My career goals is to graduate from Maryville University with a bachelor in Business Administration and one day work in the Human Resources field here in the U.S.  

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

The biggest advice I would give to students looking to come to the U.S. to study would be to look at several different programs and see which university fits best. There are so many majors to choose from that are relevant not only in the U.S., but are great majors to have when transferring back to Canada.  

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