Informative article
When it comes to study abroad which mean I have to do a lot of things to adapt to a new environment. So, what is it?
How I make friends with other students in the US?
Making friends in the U.S. is often easier than in Vietnam, and the best way to make friends in Vietnam is by working on a group project. In the U.S., even if you’re shy, you can meet people by joining clubs or sports teams. Many American students are friendly and open to small talk, so saying something like “Hi, how are you?” can easily start a conversation. Taking part in school activities or events is also a good way to make new friends quickly.
In Vietnam, making friends can take more time. People often stay close to the friends they already have, so it’s harder for new people to join their group. But group projects are a great way to connect with others. When you work together, share ideas, and help solve problems, you get to know each other better. This helps build trust and friendships. Unlike in the U.S., where small talk can make friends quickly, in Vietnam, spending time and working together is the best way to meet new people.
What is hardest thing I have ever faced when studying abroad and how I overcome it?
At first, I thought speaking and writing fluently English is the hardest but actually study in a different education system is truly harsh, because I have to listening to teacher lesson and understand them in English at a same time is not easy at all because their speaking speak were faster than what I was learn in my country. Besides, the amount of homework that teacher provided is double than my last school also as the time I spent on school. At first, everything still fine, but after times it became a big trouble for me who is not good at schedule the time, so the homework usually made me burn out because I also play sport after school which make me have less time to do all the homework. So, how I overcome it? I learn how to schedule my time to make it more efficiently and be stricter to stick with the schedule, so I'll not get burn out. Avoid being lazy, for example, when there is an assignment, do it immediately, don't wait until tomorrow or move it to another day to do. Moreover, sometimes you should ask someone for help, don't be afraid of asking teacher about something that you don't understand or maybe some help from them.
How did I fit in the education system, the people, and the culture of the US?
-Education system.
I think every exchange student is surprised by cultural differences when they first study in the U.S.—and I was no exception. Everything felt unfamiliar, from the education system to the people and the way of life. However, I prepared myself in advance. Knowing that studying abroad would be challenging, I connected with former students from my school in Vietnam who were already in the U.S. They shared tips to help me adjust faster and avoid culture shock.
One big difference is how schools work. In Vietnam, we usually have two blocks a day and study between 9 and 12 subjects. In the U.S., the schedule is more flexible, with four blocks, and students can choose their own subjects. There are also plenty of clubs and extracurricular activities, which I think is great since only a few schools in Vietnam offer those options.
The amount of homework, however, was overwhelming. As a member of the school soccer team, I struggled to balance my time between sports and studies. With long school hours and practice sessions after class, it felt almost impossible to manage everything. Even though joining activities is optional, it’s important for college applications, which can be frustrating for students who aren’t strong academically.
Adjusting to life in the U.S. has been tough, but preparing ahead and getting advice from others made it easier for me to handle these differences.
-The people.
Since people in America love small talk, but I have never seen anyone talk to other people in their neighborhood, they are more likely to stay at their house than go outside and talk to their neighbor, unless they invite others to their home because I only saw them taking with other people when they go outside that not in their neighborhood. Besides, people in the US seem friendly but I have seen some "karen" people who are aggressive in everything, they are just weird in their own way, they don't care about others to get what they want and we have to be careful with these types of people if we don't be sued, don't get me wrong in Vietnam do have these people but to compare to the population, it not that much in the US. For people Vietnam, they are known for their warmth, kindness, and close sense of community. So, how kind are they, when you travel to Vietnam and go randomly to any market, just ask a random person if you can have lunch at their house or dinner, and they properly will agree. Besides, Vietnamese people are hardworking, resilient, and resourceful, and they always stay positive despite challenges. In contrast to Americans, who may prioritize individualism and independence, Vietnamese people often emphasize unity and collective effort, particularly in family and community life. While Americans are often seen as more direct and self-reliant, Vietnamese people are more likely to rely on and support one another, creating strong, interconnected communities.
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