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

Alan LI from China: Studied in the Intensive English Program at Texas Christian University

Alan LI from China: Studied in the Intensive English Program at Texas Christian University

Feb 15, 2017

Interview:

Alan LI, from China, completed the Intensive English Program at Texas Christian University and is now a freshman, majoring in Business at the University.

Why did you decide to study in the USA?

First of all, China has a pretty high population that causes a competitive situation. Even if I graduate from Chinese university, it is still pretty hard to find a job. Secondly, the education level of America is the best in the world. Lastly, studying here can provide me more opportunities; I can enrich my life experience and I can make friends with people from all over the world.

Why did you choose Texas Christian University and the Intensive English Program?

I came to this school because it is very famous in China. Also, before I decided to come here I had an interview with a professor here who helped me know more about this school. TCU [Texas Christian University] is very famous in Fort Worth area. The high reputation of this school can help me to find a job after I graduate.

The most important is the Intensive English Program (IEP) here. It helped me a lot to improve my English. IEP is located on campus, which helped me get to know real university life and learn English at the same time.

What do you like best?

The student services here are pretty good. Teachers are always here to help you. Also, you can find almost anything you need around campus. Last, there are a bunch of organizations to help international students, such as ISA [International Student Association] group and writing center.

What do you miss most?

I miss my family and the food the most.

How has this program helped you to handle future study at a U.S. university?

I have stayed here almost a year and a half. I usually hang out with my American friends and watch TV shows to improve my speaking and listening.

Because the IEP helped me get to know university life and learn English, after I graduated from IEP, I already knew lots of useful skills of the college. This makes my freshman year very easy.

What was your biggest surprise?

Learning freely and living independently.

... your biggest disappointment?

Weather and food.

How have you handled:
... language differences?

I try my best to learn and talk more with native English speakers. I also try to speak in English more and speak less in my mother language.

... finances?

I can work on campus, so I can earn a little bit money and at the same time, it can improve my English.

... adjusting to a different educational system?

I think it is easy to adjust because the education now is freer, so it’s easy to adjust.

What are your activities?

Texas Christian University Intensive English Program

IEP always has some outdoor activities such as the zoo, stockyard and parks. TCU has lots of events on campus too, such as music concerts and football games.

How easy or difficult was making friends?

It is easy to have American friends, but it is hard to become best friends because the cultures are different.

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

I want to be a financier. It [my education] has a big relevance because I need to learn the most popular economic knowledge; China needs lots of experts in finance. Also, U.S. is the finance center of the world, so it is a great choice to study here.

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

Come to America early and try to get in touch with the outside world instead of reading books all day. Make more friends and attend all kinds of activities.

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 Physical Therapy Degree in the USA?
How Do I Get a Physical Therapy Degree in the USA?
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
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Otero College

Otero College

$15,000—$20,000 Year

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

Bachelor Degree Summer Certificate/Short Term
Contact
Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

$20,000—$25,000 Year

Summer English Programs Bachelor Degree
Contact

Featured Programs

Regis College

Typical cost per Year: $45,000—$50,000

Bachelor Degree Masters English Programs
Learn More

Kent State University

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

Bachelor Degree Masters Certificate/Short Term
Learn More

The University of Tulsa

Typical cost per Year: $50,000—$60,000

Bachelor Degree Masters English Programs
Learn More

Related Stories

How to Write an Illustrative Essay to Get an A+ Grade

Main image for the article titled How to Write an Illustrative Essay to Get an A+ Grade
How to Write a College-Level Essay

Main image for the article titled How to Write a College-Level Essay
How to Write the Best University Essays

Main image for the article titled How to Write the Best University Essays
How to Get a U.S. Degree Online

Main image for the article titled How to Get a U.S. Degree Online

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 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
Partner service logo for ELSA

ELSA

ELSA - World's Best English Pronunciation App. Speak English like a native speaker. Get instant feedback on your speech from proprietary artificial intelligence technology. Learn more. Get a 10% discount using code: StudyUSA

Read more
Partner service logo for The Intern Group

The Intern Group

Summer plans suspended because of COVID-19? The deadline's approaching for TheInternGroup's virtual/remote global internship program. Gain professional experience, grow your network and make your resume shine from wherever you are this summer.

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

I am always checking study USA to keep me updated on any important changes and how schools treat international students.

Eduardo Rodrigues Brazil

At first It helped me find an school then I applied those schools through StudyUSA.com and I get more information from those schools and enrolled in school.

Mohamed Ahmed Adam Turkey

StudyUSA.com has brought me a lot of ideas and inspiration about the USA, before I even landed. Thanks so much!

Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya India

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.