The journey begins: Students counselled on do’s and dont's of life in the US

The event was organised by the US Consulate and the USEFP.

KARACHI: You are headed to a foreign university. Before you embark on the journey, however, have you prepared your checklist on travel must-dos, getting around in an unfamiliar environment, cultural adjustments, financial arrangements and saved a few dollars to set you up for life on campus?

For around 60 Pakistani students who will begin their higher studies in the United States in fall 2014, a ‘pre-departure orientation’ on Saturday at the Café Zouk was all about that.

The event was organised by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) in collaboration with the US Consulate General in Karachi. It was aimed to prepare the students for a potentially life-changing experience as well as serve as a pre-departure networking platform.

“We wish to bid farewell to them through this pre-departure orientation and hope they sail smoothly into the new academic and social environment,” said Corina Sanders, the public affairs officer at the US Consulate General, who was accompanied by Brian Asmus, the information officer, and Priscilla Guzman, the cultural affairs attaché.

Umair Khan, the educational advising manager at the USEFP, offered some invaluable tips to the students. He explained that professor-student relations were less formal in the United States as compared to Pakistani universities. “Do not be fooled by the casual atmosphere,” he cautioned.

“A majority of teachers in the American classrooms are big on class participation that may be counted towards final grades,” said Khan. “Despite the casual atmosphere, you will be required to do class readings ahead of time, attend classes on regular basis and submit assignments on time.”

The departing students were also counselled to be prepared to experience a significant culture shock while they adjust to a new life in the US - both inside and outside the classroom.

“The challenge of adapting to a new culture comes from what lies below the surface - the belief systems based on values as well as the thought patterns that are inside of us and shaped throughout our lives,” he added. “Overcoming this challenge will be an important part of your learning and development.”

Students were also advised to take care of their medical maintenance, including immunisations, dental care, medications in use, or new eyeglasses before they leave, for they will find medical care significantly expensive in the US.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 7^th, 2014.