The best of Boston for international students

As one of the biggest college towns in the US, the city of Boston and nearby Cambridge currently enroll over 250,000 students, in addition to the numerous colleges and universities in the surrounding metropolitan area. Because of this, there are always lots of things to do for students—from discounted museum exhibits to a vibrant nightlife to comedy shows. Whether you are coming to study mechanical engineering at MIT, law at Harvard, international relations at Tufts, or at any of the other programs offered in the area, Boston’s academic and extracurricular events can keep you busy between exams.

Some of the most recognized schools in the Boston area are Harvard University, Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Berklee College of Music, and Tufts University. Each school offers a different kind of education and represents the diversity of the bustling city. For example, Harvard, located in Cambridge, is the oldest university in the US and known for both its undergraduate and graduate programs, including law. MIT is known for its science and engineering programs, while Berklee specializes in the study of all things music. Tufts, along with its other programs, runs competitive medical and veterinary schools. Boston University, located at the heart of the city, offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees from business administration to social work.

Boston is also full of US history dating back to the country’s very inception with the Declaration of Independence and Revolutionary War. As a new resident of the city, international students from around the world may find it interesting to explore their new home through the lens of its history while also experiencing all the excitement of a modern city. One of the most famous sites is the Freedom Trail that winds its way around the city for 2.5 miles and includes 16 historical sites. One of our personal favorites is the Boston Tea Party Museum that takes you back in time to the eve of the Boston Tea Party (an event that rebelled against British rule in the colonies) and also allows you to explore a ship from that time. The Paul Revere House, also a crucial location to the Revolution, offers another interesting look into Boston history.

Combining the old and the new, the historical Faneuil Hall that served as a central meeting place was transformed to a bustling shopping and restaurant area in the heart of the city. As you walk the cobblestone streets, passing by Independence Hall or old churches, you’re exposed to an interesting mix of history and the excitement and diversity of Boston. There are plenty of tour companies that offer comprehensive walking or bus tours around the city, but one of the most unique is the Duck Tour—a boat shaped bus that also takes you into the Charles River for a different view of the city.

Once you’ve gotten a taste for Boston’s long history, it’s time to explore everything else the city has to offer. Museums occupy a prominent place on a Boston To Do list, starting with the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) that encompasses nearly 450,000 pieces in its diverse collection. The MFA offers both rotating exhibits and permanent exhibits, so you always have something new to discover. Another great place is the Museum of Science where you can get a hands-on experience with some of the most interesting scientific technology.

Boston is known for its passionate sports fans, who cheer for the Bruins (ice hockey), Red Sox (baseball), Patriots (American football), and Celtics (basketball). If you’re a sports fan or just looking for a true Bostonian atmosphere, buy tickets to any of these games depending on the season and you’re sure to get a true taste of Boston sports.

If you’re spending the day in the city, there are plenty of public areas to relax at. Including the Boston Common (pictured above), a huge park that attracts locals and visitors everyday. You can also explore the North End, an area full of Italian restaurants, pastry shops, and history that’s near the Emerald Necklace (a long stretch of greenway that usually has a craft fair or market going on). You can even end your day with a delicious dessert from Mike's Pastry, a Boston staple if you have a sweet tooth!

Aside from the regular things to see or do in Boston, the city also hosts hundreds of concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year. Whether you want to see Beyoncé on tour, attend a St. Patrick’s Day parade, or the Boston Arts Festival, everyone can find what they’re looking for!

You have so many great things to do in Boston, but how are you going to get around the city? Have no fear, the Boston public transportation company (MBTA) operates an easy, accessible public transportation system of trains and buses that get you wherever you need to go. The train system can seem a bit intimidating at first, but it’s easy to navigate once you’re familiar with the city. You’ll also probably take the train or bus to commute from wherever you’re living to your university campus. Boston also has lots of cabs that you can get on the street, in addition to mobile apps like Lyft and Uber that send a car directly to your location at the push of a button.

As for finding the best bars or restaurants, almost all the neighborhoods in Boston offer their own specific culture and vibe that you can have fun exploring with new friends and fellow students you meet. Some of the most popular areas are Harvard Square, Newbury Street, or Commonwealth Avenue in the Brighton/Allston neighborhood. Bars also often offer special deals on weeknights to attract more people, so going out in Boston is also affordable.

The best parts about studying in Boston, aside from the great education you’ll receive, are the diverse people, plethora of places to see and things to do, and its contagiously vibrant atmosphere. Though the winters are cold and city living can be a challenge, Boston is a great place to spend your graduate school years!

To learn more, check out GradTrain coaches who studied in Boston here.

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TOEFL vs. IELTS: The Big Decision

Getting your application ready for graduate school can be tricky, especially with so many components and choices—what recommendations to get, essays to write, or test scores to send in. Specifically, students applying to grad school in English speaking countries must submit either a TOEFL or IELTS test score that demonstrates their English proficiency level. So which test to take? Often it depends on the visa requirements of the particular country or specific university requirements, so it is best to check the individual country and university websites. However, there are some basic differences that are a good place to start, especially when generally, you should be able to choose only one test (less to study for)!

Let’s start off with a bit of information about the two exams—although they both measure English language skills, they are still distinct. The TOEFL exam, which stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language, is divided into three sections that test your ability to read, speak, write, and listen to English through multiple choice and written responses. According to their website, the TOEFL is accepted by over 9,000 institutions in over 130 countries, making it a versatile test that counts for many purposes. The TOEFL test uses American English vocabulary and accents, as well as expressions, so it is better to take if you are more familiar with that speaking style. Be prepared, the TOEFL also lasts four hours. Scores on the test range from 0-120 points.

The IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, was created by three organizations in England and is also accepted at institutions all over the world. Specifically, the IELTS is a requirement for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Because it is a British test, the IELTS is more widely accepted in countries within the Commonwealth, but it is also accepted by many schools in the US. As for gaining a Visa to the US, the US State Department requires foreign students to have proof of English proficiency with a TOEFL score, though an IELTS score would be acceptable if that test was required by the school you plan on attending.

Unlike the TOEFL, the IELTS has two versions: the Academic Version and the General Training Version. The Academic Version, clearly, is deigned to test takers who are applying to universities or other higher education institutions, while the General Training Version is for those seeking non-academic training, work experience, or immigration.

The IELTS material tests listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities through a module divided by each subject, which are comprised of multiple sections. The test lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes and scored on a 0-9 scale, with 9 being Expert User. As for the TOEFL, different institutions have varying requirements for testing scores depending on their acceptance rates and level of rigor. As compared to the TOEFL, the IELTS uses British expressions, vocabulary, and accents.

As for major differences, the duration of the test is a big one—the TOEFL is over an hour longer—especially if you are the kind of test taker who gets distracted easily or can’t work for a long time consecutively. The response structures of the exams are also different. If you are better at straight forward multiple choice, the TOEFL may be a better choice; the IELTS uses more types of responses in addition, like fill in the blank and matching exercises. The TOEFL also requires better note taking skills for the listening section because you answer questions after hearing the entire audio, while questions on the IELTS listening are interspersed throughout.

As for costs, the fees for the TOEFL range from $160-$250 depending on where you take the exam. The IELTS fee also differs by the testing country and is typically priced similarly to the TOEFL.

According to Inside Higher Ed, “The most notable difference in the tests may be the way speaking is judged. IELTS uses a live, face-to-face interview with the test taker, while ETS has students taking the TOEFL speak into a microphone for analysis by a panel of test reviewers later.” This can mean that the IELTS is more realistic, but more likely to be influenced by the specific grader and lack consistent quality control, unlike the TOEFL. If you are comfortable talking to an actual person versus a computer, the IELTS may be the best choice for you.

Whichever exam you choose, it is important to take your time and thoroughly prepare before the test day. Both tests offer free online practice tests, paid practice tests and classes, and study guides on their websites (TOEFL and IELTS) that will help you do your best on either exam. Overall, the TOEFL is best when applying to an institution in the US, while the IELTS is best for institutions within the Commonwealth, like England, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Most importantly, remember to check the individual requirements of the institution.

Good luck and happy testing! 

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How to ensure you get the deposit back on your student accommodation

Going to study abroad? You will surely need a place to stay. Already in an apartment abroad – make sure you can close it out when you leave without any debt. This week we are happy to have Brett Janes as our guest blogger, who covers the important topic of how to ensure you get the deposit back on your student accommodation. Make sure that you don’t lose money in the process. It happens all the time. Reading on will increase the chances that it doesn’t happen to you.

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Renting student accommodation is usually the same process as with any other type of accommodation in that you need to pay a deposit up front before you can move in. The deposit secures your place in the accommodation but there’s a good chance you won’t get it back if you suddenly decide to pull out.

Not all places will ask for a deposit, such as Urbanest student accommodation, but they may well ask for rent up front which will then be taken off your total amount you owe. With a deposit, however, you will get this back once your tenancy is over as long as you leave the property as you found it (i.e. clean).

Here are some tips on how to ensure you get that deposit back…

Start BEFORE your move in

This probably isn’t much use if you’re two weeks away from leaving but you should ideally think about your deposit before you move in, and the best way to do this is by filling in an inventory. This will list everything that came with the property and also give you the opportunity to highlight any problems with it to prove to the landlord it was like that when you moved in.

Keep on top of your cleaning

Keeping the place clean might not be top of your to-do list throughout the year, but it’ll pay dividends when it comes to getting your deposit back. If you leave all of your cleaning until the very last minute then not only will it takes ages to do, but you might find it extra difficult to shift some of the dirt and stains. If your place really is filthy, then you might want to consider getting some professional cleaners in to give the property a once over. Give the Yellow Pages a flick through if you need to find a decent cleaner.

Take photographs

Once you’re done with your cleaning, take photographs of pretty much everything to prove your handy work. If your landlord comes back to you and says that something is missing or is damaged then you can whip out your photos and prove that you left everything as you found it.

Read your contract

It’s essential that you know what’s expected of you by your landlord, so give your contract a good read, including the small print. You might be required to clean particular areas of the house, such as the windows, and if you don’t then you may be charged for it.

Ask the landlord to come and check the place

If you’re worried whether your property is up to standards or not then simply invite your landlord round a couple of weeks before you leave to carry out a pre-inspection. They can then go around the place and see if it’s up to scratch, pointing out areas that they feel you need to improve.

Contact the Tenancy Dispute service if necessary

If not all goes to plan and you end up having a dispute with your landlord over your deposit, then it might be worth speaking to the Tenancy Dispute Service. Both you and your landlord will likely be invited to a hearing where you’ll both present your evidence, and this is where all those inventories and photographs come in very handy! Hopefully it shouldn’t come to this but it’s worth knowing just in case.

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About the author:

Brett Janes is an MA writing student at LJMU, UK, founder of literary organisation King Yeti and a member of The Wild Writers, a collective who run events and exhibitions throughout the Northwest UK. He doesn’t have spare time, but he’s somehow writing a novel in the time he has, focusing on rural living, relationships and giant cannibal rats. A lot of his writing is speculative.

Follow Brett Janes on Twitter

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Study abroad with your pet: a step-by-step guide

A few months, and definitely a few years are a long time to spend without your pet. It is only natural that when you get accepted to your dream school abroad, your first worry is how to get your pet there as well. It is not enough to find a dog friendly hotel for the first few days– you will need to think about a long term plan for your pet.

Let’s help you out! We have prepared a step by step guide to clear the fog around some procedures you’re going to face. We also interviewed the one and only Dave Lorch, an expert on positive dog training, on the psychological aspects of the move for your dog. 

Bringing your pet to study abroad with you – a step-by-step guide

1. CHECK out the immigration status for your pet. Each country has its own regulations. Here is where to start your search in the most desired destination countries for international students:

→ UK: Start your search at The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). Make sure you come from qualified EU countries or non-EU qualified countries.

→ US: after a quick overview, check out the Centers for Disease & Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Agriculture's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

→ AUSTRALIA. Start here. Beware that in most cases, the pet will need to spend some time in a quarantine facility to ensure he/she has no disease.

→ EU. It may depend on which EU country you are going to. Anyway, start your journey here.

√ Tip: also check out the formalities to bring the pet back to your country once you complete your studies.

2. CHOOSE a pet friendly airline. Read relevant airlines’ websites to see if they allow pets. Then contact the airline to verify that your specific route allows pets.

√ Tip: Do not take a layover flight unless it’s long enough so you can take your pet out during the layover. The connecting flight increases the stress for the pet, and direct flights reduce the possibility of loss.

3. READ the airline’s requirements for pet travel (such as here). There are breed restrictions, crate guidelines, etc.

4. CALL the airline. Make sure you got it all right and notify you’re flying with a pet.

5. PAY an extra few hundred bucks for flying your pet (depends on the airline).

6. BUY a pet carrier kennel crate that this airline approves (they are very strict on this!)

7. ASK yourself: are you taking your dog in cabin or as luggage?

→ In cabin. Generally, it will have to be a small pet that fits under the seat in front of you. The pet will need to travel in the carrier kennel crate.

→ Pet as luggage. Technically, you check in your pet as luggage. It is supposed to be between 45F/7C and 80F/26C in both ends of the trip (even then, pets are exposed to high heat on parking ramps and in baggage handling areas).

8. PACK: your dog's leash, a bowl for water/food, plastic bags, absorbent diapers /pads, canned food (unpacked food is not allowed (including treats)).

9. HAVE the dog chipped. Make sure the chip is of the type that can be read in your destination country. Have a collar with ID tag and contact phone numbers.

10. INCLUDE up to date vaccination records plus an approved veterinarian checkup one week before travel (you may need another checkup at the airport to ensure the pet is healthy enough to travel).

11. CHECK IN EARLY. Allow plenty of time at the airport. Checking in the pet takes forever.

√ Tip: You can use a pet shipper to help get all parts of the process complete. The shipper looks after all the paperwork, and makes sure everything conforms with the requirements.

12. ONCE YOU ARRIVE you may still need to travel in the US to your final destination, by train, or otherwise. Remember that your dog is at least as exhausted as you are, and try to find a way to travel where you can be together. 

Still not sure what university is your best fit? Visit www.gradtrain.com or download the GradTrain app to try our university matching predictor! 


Interview – Dave Lorch – positive dog trainer

Dave Lorch, an expert on positive dog training, gives some great advice on helping your dog go through the move without liking you less by its end.

Would you suggest to take or not to take the dog with me when I study abroad?

Dog owners may be distressed at the thought of separating from their dogs for an extended period. Dogs in the millions have flown and gone on to live happy lives. Speaking for your dog's psyche, most mentally prepared dogs do not experience long-term psychological trauma from flying. Average post-flight depression is minimal.

That said, flying with a dog is a risk, albeit a statistically minor one. Major US airlines - Delta, Continental, United, etc. - fly tens of thousands of pets per year (each). In 2013, the Department of Transportation reported only 42 flown pets were "injured, lost or deceased". That's a very small percentage. Unfortunately, if it happens to you, the statistics don't matter.

You should bring your dog with you unless they'll be happier or safer without you. There are many potential difficulties for dogs who fly internationally. Some you can prepare for, others you can't. We'll talk about many of them today.

Generally speaking, dogs are more adaptable than we are. It completely depends on your dog. Sick, injured, or old dogs should never fly. Some dogs come off airplanes more relaxed than their owners. But dogs can experience stress-inducing stimuli while flying that they would never encounter otherwise. For example, dogs that aren't already used to traveling or spending many hours in a cage or kennel will not fly well. Any health issues dogs have may be exacerbated in a cargo hold. Dogs' food and medicine needs may be difficult to meet overseas. Owners' living situations or time availability may become less conducive to their dogs' needs. These and more are reasons your dog may have difficulty flying.

How do dogs feel during long flights if they are allowed to fly in cabin?

This is a tough question. How do humans feel on long flights? To the extremes, some of us feel gratitude at a few phone-free hours to catch up on some projects while others can't taxi a runway without popping a Xanax. Like us, all dogs are different.

Dogs are most afraid of new and surprising experiences. Dogs are more comfortable flying if they've done something like it before. First time flyers will be a little distressed and uncomfortable, regardless of their species. It's important that dogs become accustomed to a simulated flying experience as much as possible before they fly.

Dogs are usually not permitted to exit their kennels from the time they enter the airport until they exit at the other end, which can cause some dogs higher than usual anxiety and/or energy. Veterinarians used to recommend sedatives for dogs who fly but they now recommend against it due to risks of heart and respiratory complications. Vets do recommend that dogs fly on an empty stomach so your dog could feel hungry and/or lethargic. Your dog's health, age, breed and flight destination are all considerations when restricting diet. You are allowed to open your dog's kennel to pet your dog and give them treats. Ice cubes are good treats for most dogs on flights. Dogs on flights should receive petting and treats only while behaving calmly to increase the likelihood of this behavior. Attempting to comfort dogs when they're already anxious on planes usually has the opposite effect.

Overall, dogs are often nervous in a new situation. As long as your dog reaches you safely at the other end, they usually recover quickly.

How do dogs feel during the flight if they fly in the cargo bay?

They feel about the same as dogs who fly in cabin. If dogs are well-prepared, flying in the cargo bay feels to them somewhat like your typical workday, maybe a little longer, depending on your destination. Unprepared dogs could be terrified by separation from their owner among new, stressful stimuli.

Some airlines won't allow certain breeds - usually snub-nosed breeds like bulldogs and mastiffs - to fly in the cargo bay due to health considerations. Dogs that fly in cargo bays are sometimes left in cargo holds or on the tarmac if flights are delayed, so weather at the time of your flight is a consideration. Flight length, health conditions, both mental and physical, and age are all important considerations also when deciding whether to fly with your dogs in the cargo bay.

Any tips on how to prepare the dog for the journey?

Do your research. Know that the conditions of your flight will be safe for your dog.

There are numerous aspects of flying for which you can prepare your dogs. Today I'll discuss four of them: CAPS - Crate training, Acclimation, Potty training and Separation. It's best to begin at least 3-6 months before your dogs fly.

- CRATE TRAINING. Dogs need to stay in airline-approved crates for numerous hours while flying. Crate training your dogs before this experience is essential. Long before departure, buy the crates your dogs will fly in and start reinforcing positive associations with it. Feeding inside crates is an easy positive association to start with. Gradually and with the help of a professional dog trainer, help your dog learn to stay in the crates calmly for a flight simulation - a long car ride in a cage. The more time your dog can safely and calmly spend in their crates before flying, the better.

- ACCLIMATION. Walking your dogs regularly in areas they've never visited before will help them prepare for the adjustment to a new environment. Keep walks positive and fast-paced. Reward curiosity only when it doesn't include pulling on your leash.

- POTTY TRAINING. You'll be required to pad the bottom of your dog's crate with absorbent material. You should give your dog regular access to water until the time of travel. If your dog aren't used to holding it in for the length of transit, they'll need to pee inside. Pad your cages with "pee pads" (potty training pads) and train your dogs, with the help of a professional trainer, to pee on these pads indoors only when the pads are available. This will help avoid discomfort for dogs who wouldn't otherwise pee indoors.

- SEPARATION. Some dogs experience severe distress when left alone. If they must fly, they should get focused separation training with the help of a professional trainer.

How do dogs adjust to a new country?

By experiencing it. Dogs are more adaptable than we are. As long as a primary motivator they know from home (you) is available, they adjust by socializing with new stimuli in calm, pleasant and preferably familiar ways. Long walks are a great start.

Is there any influence to the dietary change resulting from the move abroad?

Bringing bottled water and bags of dog food can help minimize dietary adjustment periods. New food or water should be gradually introduced by mixing it into imported food or water in gradually increasing proportions.

What can I do to ease the adjustment for my dog?

If you plan to leave your dog with a sitter while you go abroad, try to sleep and eat with your dog where they'll be staying a few times prior to departing. Dogs should go to sleepover camp with familiar items from home like their food, toys and beds.

If you bring your dog with you, prepare them behaviorally for flying (with CAPS training, see above). Bring everything your dogs could need. Know the dog service providers (veterinarian, food vendor, groomer, etc.) you'll use at your destination. Socialize your dog when you arrive with numerous walks, even in extreme weather (with your veterinarian's approval). Try to follow routines that your dogs are familiar with from home – such as training, playing and exercise. Exercise your dog often because tired dogs are happier dogs. Pet and praise your dog when they behave calmly. Enjoy your adventure together!

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Dave Lorch is an expert on dog training and is the developer of the Positive Dog Training for Humans method. Visit Dave's website on www.caninerefine.com. Contact Dave by email (dave@caninerefine.com) or Facebook (facebook.com/croleva).

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Graduate school abroad – how will it impact my career?

Planning your career after grad school is an important step towards reaching your goals in life. How will the choices you make about studying abroad impact your career?

Sometimes it is hard for us to plan a few years forward, but in the case of grad school abroad, you should view it as a step on the way to something.  Gone are the days of paying $50,000 a year and just going abroad to have fun. If you can afford it just for the experience or have full funding from other sources – good for you, though most people cannot afford it (and even those who can should plan ahead as well – this time in your life will not return), and therefore should plan how grad school will fit into their career trajectory.

The economy around the globe in recent years forces us to be very deliberate in our choices regarding study abroad. If 6-8 years ago, international graduates had a reasonably high chance of finding a good job in the country where they studied (especially in the fields of business, engineering and law), since the economic crisis in 2008, it has become much harder.  This is not to discourage you from trying – there are still many people who are able to find jobs even now, and graduate school abroad can set you up for career success in other countries as well, but you must calculate the risk and see how it will fit into your future career.

There are three main factors that should be considered when making the decision to attend graduate school abroad that can impact your career: The field of study, the target country and the school / university that you are targeting.

The field you choose is important – If you studied a general field for your undergraduate degree and have several options to choose from for your graduate studies, consider which fields are currently trending positively in the global market and in your target country, but also remember to consider how it will be like to go back home after your studies and find a job in that field (believe it or not – most people go back to their home country after completing their studies). If you are completing a specific undergraduate degree (e.g. Engineering, Law, Biology), look into the situation in your field in the countries you are targeting. Examine which fields are in high demand in the target country – such as engineering and nursing in the US are now.

The geography is important – Think US vs. Europe / Asia in 2007 – it may have been promising to find a job then in the US, but those who graduated one year later in 2008 in the US faced a big challenge and may have been better off studying in their region. If you can choose a field that is transferrable to other countries (including your home country) - that is best. The goal should be that even if you are not able to find a job in the country you are studying in, you will go to your country or to another country and be in a better position than you were before you went to study abroad (and will be able to repay the loans you will take out to fund your studies). If there are indications that the markets in the country you are targeting are on the way down, or that the field you are considering is unstable, consider postponing your studies for a year to see what happens, or apply to more than one country / field of study. 

The school is important – Seeour post on the ranking of schools. The school you attend is probably the most important factor in determining your next step after school and how high you can go quickly. There are exceptions of course, but going to a leading school (Ivy League in the US, Oxford or Cambridge in the UK etc.) will make it much easier for you. In many cases, employers will actually come to look for talent on your campus in these schools, so you will have a direct opportunity to meet them and impress them. Remember though – the school is only the way to open more doors for you – you will still need to work hard and prove yourself when you are already on the job. You won’t be able to ride the “I went to Harvard” card forever…

So how do I decide?

The combination of these three factors: The field of study, the target country and the school / university, should help you make a better decision. Put together a roadmap / flowchart that will simulate your career outcomes following the choices you make on graduate school. Start by choosing a field of study and country and then narrow down a list of schools / programs that could be suitable for you. You can use our acceptance predictor to narrow down your list of potential schools. Then, go to the internet to see what the graduates of this school are doing today, or try to connect with a person who has already studied there (www.gradtrain.com/search) to understand where it can lead. Read about the situation in your field in the target countries and in your home country. Repeat the same process for all of the fields and countries you are considering. Now that you have the full picture, you can decide if this is the right field to pursue, do you need to do anything to improve your chances against the known rivals in your dream schools (seeblog on reach, match and safety schools), and perhaps to even consider not travelling abroad for school at this time until the economic situation abroad improves.

Generally, graduate school abroad can set you up for academic and career success. This is an experience that will open your mind and expose you to different cultures and can be a life changer. The choices you make will have an impact on your career, jobs will depend on it – whether it be in academia or in the private sector and you will need to spend large sums of money to fund your studies. Therefore, you should consider these factors early on to guide you and set you up for success.

Go to www.gradtrain.com to use data tools to assess your chances of acceptance and find a coach who has been through the process successfully and can guide you to make the right decision.   

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How to find friends when you study abroad

One of the biggest challenges for foreign students is often a strong feeling of loneliness, or hardships in finding local friends. This is unfortunate, because for many of us, one of the main reasons to study abroad is to expand the network of friends and connections internationally. The fact that when you get to school, you find yourself glued to international students from your own country is understandable, but kind of defies the purpose.

At GradTrain, we hear these concerns often. Students come to the United States with the expectation to meet more people and expand their cultural and social circles beyond what they know from home. But it is not always as easy as expected. Here are some common feelings of international students:

• “Americans ask ‘how are you?’ and ‘how was your weekend?’ but they are not really looking for an answer. It’s just another way of saying hello. I learned quite fast not to be offended by it, but I still don’t understand when it’s “right” to engage in a conversation.”
• “No one understands my sense of humor.”
• “People have stigmas about people from my country, and I feel like I live under a mission to refute them. It is very tiring.”
• “When I am in my home country I am just me. But here, I feel I’m first of all ‘that girl from the Middle East.’ I am expected to know and to be able to explain – and sometimes to criticize - everything my head of state decides. It is quite frustrating – and people often do not understand my point of view.”
• “Americans speak very fast. I am used to being the smart guy in the group – kind of a leader. The one that everybody listens to when he speaks. But I am not that guy here. I am even afraid that I lost my “touch” and will not get it back even when I get home."
• “There is very little to talk about. We often do not share the same value system, we don’t watch the same TV programs, we do not have the same interpretation to historical events and we have different cultural sensitivities.”

So how do you make yourself approachable to American classmates?

Our first and most important tip is to treat yourself to at least one coaching session with a GradTrain coach from your own country who has gone through this process. Our coaches offer the best help you can get – to overcome some of the hurdles they faced when they were in your shoes. All of our coaches offer help in getting adjusted to school abroad. This is just what you need.

Let us also give you some helpful tips from the general experience of former international students. Before you start, allow us to tell you that Americans would often also love to have you as a friend. But they too don’t know exactly how to start, and they too are afraid to look like they are patronizing you, or to make cultural mistakes, or to be rejected. So they stick with what and who they know. Our tips are meant to help you make it easier for them too.

1. LANGUAGE. Learn American English before you go. We are not talking about reading and writing. We are talking about speaking. If you can find an American in your neighborhood back home, it’s a good time to befriend him. Otherwise – go on GradTrain or elsewhere online – and have a video session in English. Watch movies. Practice your spoken language including slang. Oh – and body language. Definitely get some idea of how American body language is different from the one you know from back home. 
2. SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT. Try to create common experiences to talk about, because you grew up in different places and these things may not come naturally. A good way to start is to use your studies as a common ground and experience. Talk about your classes, your labs. Weather is also a common, safe resort. Sports is also a good ice-breaker. Americans are into sports. A lot of their slang and even business language is from baseball. American Football is very popular, so you can learn about it and start from there. (And don’t preach to them that it’s not real football, eh!). And learn the art of small talk. Americans are experts in small talk. You will need to be able to speak about the weather for more than one minute. Compare it to last winter, compare it to another city in America – find a way to make a conversation.
3. JUDGMENT ASIDE. As foreigners, you naturally compare what you see in America to what you know from home. The food doesn’t taste the same, American parties are not the dancing parties you may know from home (as someone once defined it – an American party is people standing in a well lit room, talking and drinking), and the fashion is different. But people feel when they are judged – and it doesn’t make you seem nicer. Besides, it’s not necessarily “less good”. It’s just different. So avoid judging, if you can.
4. AWKWARDNESS. This is something about Americans that is very very hard to understand as a foreigner. Americans hate feeling awkward. They avoid it at any cost. “Awkward” is when you are in a situation where you do not know what to say, are unfamiliar with the situation or otherwise feel inappropriate. When you as a foreigner approach an American, you trigger the awkwardness radar. They start thinking they may not understand your accent, you might say something weird, they might look stupid. If you wear a traditional garb – they would not know if they are supposed to say something to you or not – and it may make them feel awkward. Understand it and see the next tip for dealing with that.
5. DRESS. Of course, nobody should be judged by their looks. Well – the world isn’t fair. If you dress more like everybody else, you will look more like one of them, and it would be easier for Americans to start a conversation with you. While we are at it, note: regardless of where in the world you are from, Americans probably have more clothes than you do. They also have more shoes. They simply do. You won’t see your classmates wearing the same shirt to school as they did yesterday – or the day before (yes, even if it’s still perfectly clean). Oh and “dress codes” are meant to be followed. It’s beyond recommendation.  
6. BE AWARE OF CULTURAL DIFFERENCES. If you are from Africa or the Middle East, it is customary to ask – “how are you and how is your family?” when you meet a friend. America is more individualistic and people may not actually know how their families are doing. They would also not understand why you care and may view it as an intimate question. You will make them feel awkward (a big no-no). If you are European, socialism in America is not exactly something to aspire to.  And anyway, political discussions are usually also saved for a later stage in the acquaintance. As well as any criticism. Learn how Americans view history. For example, if you are from Vietnam, you call the 1957-75 War “The American War”. Well, Americans call it “the Vietnam War”. Just so you know.
7. BE COMFORTABLE. Maintain a comfortable corner – where you also have friends from your home country – and other international friends. Some people recommend you shun away from having friends from your home country – in order to force you to socialize with Americans. We disagree. You need to have one corner of your social life that is not a struggle.

We hope this helps. However, many things can be individual from country to country and from person to person. We strongly recommend that you get intouch with a GradTrain coach from your country who can guide you on this matter! before you depart to your studies – or when you start facing some issues.

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