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

Ligia Maciel from Brazil: Studies Hospitality at Central Pennsylvania Community College

Ligia Maciel from Brazil: Studies Hospitality at Central Pennsylvania Community College

Apr 21, 2015

Interview:

An interview with Ligia Maciel. Ligia has traveled from her home country of Brazil to study at HACC– Central Pennsylvania Community College. She is a senior, majoring in Hotel/Lodging Management.

Why did you decide to study in the U.S.A.?

The school education in the U.S.A. is considered excellent all over the world therefore, with a degree from here, I will have more job opportunities in Brazil.

Why did you choose this particular college?

First, I chose HACC because they offered the major I wanted. Second, because of the cost of tuition, which was affordable to me. I was also looking for a school around the east coast, because I think this is a great location to experience the U.S.A. HACC offered everything I was looking for.

What do you like best?

I love the school campus; it is absolutely beautiful. Also, the staff is very helpful, especially with the international students.

What do you miss most?

I miss my family and friends. Oh, and the food too!

What was your biggest surprise?

The education system is very different from my home country. So, I’d say, everything was a surprise to me.

...your biggest disappointment?

I didn’t have any disappointment.

How have you handled:
...finances?

From the beginning, I created a spreadsheet on the computer. That way I didn’t have a problem when it came to make a budget plan for the following months.

...adjusting to a different educational system?

I tried my best to adjust to it. I paid close attention to what the professors said and what they wanted from the students. I studied hard, because there are so many quizzes and exams, and at the end of the semester all your grades count.

What are your activities?

I was a member of the International Students Awareness Club.

I live at a student apartment very close to school, where I’m a Resident Assistant. I help students out, either international or Americans, so they can have a smooth transition from their home country, or high school, to college.

How easy or difficult is making friends?

In my opinion, it all depends on you. If you don’t talk to anybody, it will be difficult. However, after you get to know them [Americans], they are friendly and think it’s awesome to have a friend from another country.

How relevant is your U.S. education to your personal goals and to the needs of your country?

I want to be a hotel manager and I think that having a degree from an American college, will contribute to my goal.

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

First, don’t be afraid. If you have the opportunity to come here, do so and enjoy every single moment as if it was your last. Don’t be scared to speak English; this is the only way you will learn the language.

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 Internships and Fellowships for International Students
Internships and Fellowships for International Students
Main image for the article titled Studying Psychology at St. Joseph’s University in New York
Studying Psychology at St. Joseph’s University in New York
Main image for the article titled What Should I Major in to Become an Anesthesiologist?
What Should I Major in to Become an Anesthesiologist?
Main image for the article titled Transfer from Shoreline Community College to Your Dream University
Transfer from Shoreline Community College to Your Dream University
Read more

Check Out These Schools

HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College

HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College

$20,000—$25,000 Year

English Programs Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact
Study New Jersey

Study New Jersey

$1,000—$5,000 Session

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact

Featured Programs

Berkeley Global

Typical cost per Semester: $15,000—$20,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Secondary/Boarding
Learn More

Shoreline Community College

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

Bachelor Degree Secondary/Boarding Certificate/Short Term
Learn More

Arizona State University-Global Launch Intensive English Program

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

Certificate/Short Term Summer English Programs
Learn More

Related Stories

What is the Difference Between OPT and CPT?

Main image for the article titled What is the Difference Between OPT and CPT?
What is the Difference between a Public and Private University?

Main image for the article titled What is the Difference between a Public and Private University?
What is the Difference Between Quarters, Semesters, and Trimesters?

Main image for the article titled What is the Difference Between Quarters, Semesters, and Trimesters?

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 Find the perfect student housing with Unilodgers

Find the perfect student housing with Unilodgers

Choose an entire apartment, a studio, a shared room, or a private room, with 24x7 assistance from Personal Student Advisors. Book Now!

Read more
Partner service logo for BetterHelp

BetterHelp

BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. You get the same professionalism and quality you expect from in-office therapy, but with access to a huge network of therapists, more scheduling flexibility, and at a more affor...

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.

Study in the USA streamlined the schools that reflected my area of interest, including the possible fees by those schools. This made it easier for me to select the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Derrick Adjei Ghana

StudyUSA.com helped me on how to apply to study abroad precisely by showing how to select schools related to my goals. I sincerely wish to thank you for your everlasting support you bring to us. May continue in that spirit and i wish you all the best in your endeavors.

FRANCK MATHAUS DOUANDJI Cameroon

Just to let you know that I have been accepted by the St Cloud State University for the summer 2019 semester.

Enow-Nkongho Ehabe Cameroon

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.