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
  • Chat

Going To School As An International Student

Going To School As An International Student

Aug 15, 2022

Advice on asking for help and getting a job

Leaving your home country and moving to a place you are not used to could be — and most of the time is — very difficult. Especially a place you’ve never even been on vacation to and you do not know what is waiting for you. Simply adapting to a new place is a challenge that many struggle to overcome, like new people, new food, new San Diego environment and especially school. 

People spend most of their days in school so it is a struggle being surrounded by students and teachers you are not used to, even possibly not fully understanding the language spoken. Fortunately, translation services are available practically everywhere. International students are pretty common around here going through the same struggles along the way and getting used to things. 

You will most likely find someone else maybe not necessarily from the same country as you but have the same story of leaving home. It is not unexpected to meet a classmate or even a teacher that is from elsewhere so you’re not alone.

Finding help at school

Luckily based on my experience in school, Grossmont College has the most welcoming people I’ve ever met. When I had issues with translation or finding my way somewhere, it was never too hard to find help. The administration office and counselors are there for any questions about classes, events, even sports. This school also has a wide option of sports and extracurricular activities to do. 

While earning credits you can participate in fun things that you enjoy like sports, music, performing arts, etc. I know for sure that I was surrounded by people who make you feel like you came to the right place. 

Applying for school was a bit of a challenge at the beginning since I applied from back home on my computer, and it was the first time. Though, I find that once you get used to using the website and registering for classes, it gets easier as you go. 

Grossmont College staff is available to do Zoom for any questions, concerns or guidance through which was really helpful for me to complete needed documents. I know that for me, the staff member that walked me through my application was really kind and explained everything I needed to know when going to Grossmont College. 

Getting a job

Another useful aspect was finding out about getting a part-time job on campus. Coming for school elsewhere without your parents gives you more responsibility to take care of your own things, and you might not find a job there and then because it takes time. You might want payments other than what your parents provided you with. 

The International Student Office, the Career Center, and the Job Placement Office can help you learn about possible jobs on campus. Speaking of jobs, my biggest suggestion is to find a job around your school schedule as soon as possible. As helpful as it might be, your parents’ funds will not cover every little thing and scholarships are not always guaranteed. Try to apply somewhere on campus where you can work an easy and chill job to earn extra money. You’ll get good experience and practice learning your new English language, too.

 


Khady Kebe from Senegal is majoring in world languages at Grossmont College.
Follow us:
Written by

Khady Kebe

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 blog post titled Let’s Get Mental
Let’s Get Mental
Main image for the blog post titled Join Us for a Virtual Event: Planning for International Study and Understanding the U.S. Education System
Join Us for a Virtual Event: Planning for International Study and Understanding the U.S. Education System
Main image for the blog post titled It's Not Too Late to Apply to Lycoming College
It's Not Too Late to Apply to Lycoming College
Main image for the blog post titled Why Should You Apply to Appalachian State University?
Why Should You Apply to Appalachian State University?
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Evergreen Valley College

Evergreen Valley College

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Undergraduate 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Certificate/Short Term
Contact
Truckee Meadows Community College

Truckee Meadows Community College

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Certificate/Short Term Bachelor Degree 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact
Edmonds College Office of International Programs

Edmonds College

$1,000—$5,000 Quarter

Undergraduate Bachelor Degree 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact

Related Stories

Berkeley Haas Global Access Program

Main image for the article titled Berkeley Haas Global Access Program
Berkeley Haas Global Access Program

Main image for the article titled Berkeley Haas Global Access Program
Two Berkeley Global Programs, One Bright Future

Main image for the article titled Two Berkeley Global Programs, One Bright Future

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.com

STUDENT.com

STUDENT.com is the world’s leading marketplace for international student housing, helping students find their perfect home abroad. We have the widest and most carefully selected range of rooms that were built and are managed specifically for students...

Read more
Partner service logo for Study-USA Healthcare can give you the certainty of protection in an uncertain world.

Study-USA Healthcare can give you the certainty of protection in an...

Get international student medical insurance for as low as $1.12 USD per day. Our plans are available to any student studying outside their home country and include coverage for Covid-19. Get your free quote and enroll today!

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

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

I learned a lot about how to apply, how to make things easier at Study in the USA. That was a plus at the time of my application.

Md Nazmul Islam Bangladesh

StudyUSA.com provides a lot of useful information about universities. It also help me to contact with schools efficiently. Now, I'm finally being accepted by my ideal university. Thank you so much!

Cheng-Chieh Su Taiwan

I am very grateful to your company " Study in the USA" for being able to obtain the majority of information about my future education.

Inessa Zemlyanskaya Russia

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
  • Featured Programs
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    English العربيـة 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.