Why did you decide to study in the USA?
Studying abroad has always been a part of my bucket list.
Why did you choose this particular college or university?
I knew about the University of South Dakota (USD) through a professor who visited my university in Jing Zhou. I was attracted to USD because it had a program that would allow me to complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in 5 years.
What do you like best about your university?
It has a peaceful environment and it suits me well, and it does not have the hustle and bustle of a big city.
What do you miss most about home?
My parents’ home-cooked meals. Even though I try to cook with recipes and all the listed ingredients, something is still missing. I also miss public transportation. I used to take buses, trains, and taxis at home to travel from one spot to another. However, the public transportation in this town in not as developed. Therefore, I have to either walk or ask for a ride.
What was your biggest surprise about U.S. life and education?
I am taking an online class this semester. This is my first experience learning through a screen and without any classmates. It was difficult at first, but once I learned to communicate with professors and classmates with emails and texts, the experience was quite pleasant.
... your biggest disappointment?
The public transportation system and the weather. Since I come from the south, it took some time for me to get used to the cold weather.
How have you handled:
... language differences?
I am handling the classes well thus far. However, I have to work hard and prep for classes that are heavy with technical terms.
... finances?
I will start to work as a lab assistant in the summer. It comes with a stipend that covers the majority of my expenses living in this town; therefore, I am supported financially by the Department of Physics at USD.
... adjusting to a different educational system?
The education system in China is less demanding than classes in the US system. Friends at home can miss classes on a regular basis and still pass the class if they do well in the comprehensive final test. However, I have to work diligently over here because homework, quizzes, and attendance are assigned throughout the semester.
What are your activities?
I used to visit schools in nearby towns with teachers when I was in the Intensive English Program. We interacted with and learned from the students. I also participated in events hosted by the International Office. However, my schedule keeps me busy this semester. As much as I want to be involved, I placed my priorities in studying.
How easy or difficult is making friends in the USA?
Since I have only been here for a semester, I’ve made a lot of friends in the classes that I’m taking. I enjoy learning and studying with them.
What are your career goals?
I wish to be a physicist and a computer scientist. I have been a physics student, but I have expanded my expertise to computer science as well since I’ve come to the US. I hope to have a career that can integrate knowledge from both fields, but I am open to any working opportunities.
What is your advice to other students from your country who are considering a U.S. education?
I think studying abroad is a great experience for me, and I learn a lot more things than just acquiring knowledge, so if you want to go abroad and have the same experience that I’ve had, you should give it a try!
Ni Long from Beijing, China, is a Freshman Majoring in Psychology at Santa Rosa Junior College in California 
Jinghan Liang from China is on an Exchange Program from the North China University of Technology and is Currently a Junior Studying Accounting at the University of Mississippi 
Maria Savelyeva, from Ukraine, is Studying Music at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina 
Andrea Escobar García from Mexico Studying English at University of Texas at Austin The English Language Center 
Raquel Lopez de Boer, from Spain, is Studying Neuroscience and Chemistry at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 
