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

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

I would consider coming to the University of Mississippi because our school has an exchange program with the University of Mississippi. Also, I learned from the internet that the University of Mississippi is a very good university, which means I can learn a lot of knowledge, so I chose this school. At the same time, I like to know the cultures and customs of different countries, so I chose America.

How did you choose your university or intensive English program? What attracted you to this school?

I choose a university based on its reputation, the perfection of its curriculum, and whether the students can be improved in this university. One of the reasons I came to the University of Mississippi to study accounting was that it has a very strong accounting major, and through my contacts with the international department, I found that they were very concerned about students' personal development.

What do you like best about studying here?

What I am most satisfied with in terms of study is that the teacher's teaching is very good. Whenever I have questions, the teacher is very enthusiastic to help answer, not because I have many questions and feel impatient, but will be very patient.

What do you miss most about home?

I will miss the delicious food in my hometown. After all, I came to a strange place, so I will not get used to the food at first.

How long have you been studying here? How has your English improved?  How has this program helped you to handle future study at a U.S. university?

I have been here for one year. There are two ways for me to improve my English. One is that I can listen to some English news and read some interesting reports every day. Another way is to make American friends and talk to them more. By participating in this program, I became more confident than before, which laid a good foundation for my future study.

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

In America, I am surprised by the way teachers and classmates get along with each other. In class, students can raise their doubts at any time, and teachers will give students a lot of encouragement.

your biggest disappointment?

Students who want to study in the United States should pay attention to the fact that if they choose to live in the dormitory, students may not be allowed to stay in the dormitory during the school holidays, which is different from the system of Chinese universities.

How have you handled: 

...Language differences?

I will keep learning English hard and prepare for the courses I am going to study. If I need help, then I can ask my teachers for help.

...Finances?

My parents usually support me on financial matters.

...Adjusting to a different educational system?

In the class, follow the rhythm of the teacher, and if you encounter difficulties, ask for help from classmates and teachers.

What are your activities?

I have participated in some cultural and tourism activities organized by the school. Through these activities, I can learn about the local culture.

How easy or difficult is making friends in the U.S.A.?

In America, you can make American friends. But it's hard to really fit in, because there are cultural differences.

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

Since my major is accounting, I want to find a job related to accounting in the future. I think the experience of studying in the United States is helpful to me because I can fully understand the difference between Chinese accounting constitution, and I believe that some jobs in China need such ability.

What is your advice to other students from your country who are considering studying in the U.S.A.?

If you want to study in the United States, first of all, your parents must support you, because they sometimes need to pay your tuition. You also need to consider whether the American teaching system is suitable for you because some students may not be able to adapt to the life here and eventually choose to return home. Finally, you can make full use of the resources of American schools and don't be afraid to communicate with others in English. Only by trying more can you make progress.