By Joyce Harvey-Morgan
Boise State University

As a college student planning to study abroad, you have probably already done a great deal of wondering about what student life in the US will be like.
If you are like many other students, you have probably asked yourself, "Will classes be different from those I have taken in my home country? What will my professors and fellow students be like? How will I make friends? How will I fit in? Will there be any support services to help me find my place in the academic and social worlds of my new university?"

Fortunately, it is most likely that your new university has anticipated your questions and developed support services designed to help you adjust to your new life in the US Among the services provided by most universities, including Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, are a thorough international student orientation; counseling services for international students; special English-language course work; and a variety of student organizations designed to introduce you to new American friends and American culture.

Most universities provide international students with an orientation which answers questions about registration, course work, grades, visas and legal issues, work in the US, opening a bank account, and much more.
In addition to having your pressing questions answered, the international student orientation is a great opportunity to learn more about your fellow international students. You will quickly see that you are not alone in being new to the US, and that you have an immediate bond with this group of new friends.
In addition to providing a thorough orientation, most US universities offer some kind of counseling services throughout the school year.

For example, at Boise State University, there are two types of counseling services available. Staff in the international student admissions office are available year-round to answer questions you might have about classes, work, visa status, etc., while staff in our counseling and testing center are available to talk with you about issues and struggles in your personal life.

Although you have reached a certain level of English proficiency in order to be admitted to your US university, you may still need special help with your English-language skills. Most universities provide some kind of English-language classes, especially for international students. At Boise State University, international students can take part in English classes designed for those who would like additional help with their language skills, even though they have already met the minimal TOEFL score (500 for undergraduates and 550 for graduates).
Finally, to help you make new friends, learn more about American culture, and begin to develop a new social life, a variety of clubs and activities exist at all US universities. From rugby to chess, there is something for everyone. Some universities even have special organizations for international students.

The International Student Association at Boise State is a great opportunity for international students to meet American friends also interested in learning about new cultures and languages. Together, these students host one of the most exciting gala evenings at Boise State - the International Food, Song, and Dance Festival. This event features food from all over the world, as well as entertainment provided by international students.
As you can see from this list of services provided by most US universities, you will not be left to fend for yourself when you go away to school. Instead, you will find that caring professionals and great new friends await to help make your experience a success from the first day of orientation to the day of your graduation.
Studying in the US is an exciting adventure, and, of course, not without its challenges. You are sure to go through culture shock and, at one time or another, you will miss your home and family. However, with the help of the support services provided by your US university, you will look back on the challenges as positive learning experiences &just another part of the adventure that is studying in the US

So, go ahead and wonder about what life will be like for you at your new university. Go ahead and ask yourself, "What will my new friends be like? What will it be like doing all my course work in English? Will I be able to pursue some of the activities I enjoy at home, as well as explore some new interests?"

But as you think through questions like these, feel confident knowing that you will be able to access the support services that will help you adjust to your new environment. Know that there are many capable individuals ready to welcome your into a new university community. For more information, come visit the Boise State University booth at the Educational Fair. We look forward to meeting you and helping to answer your questions about study in the US