American Culture

 

There are so many things that you hear about and see in movies about how America is. Being a movie and the local gossip, you just assume that most of it isn’t true, don’t you? Well as surprising as it may be, a lot of it is!

 

The biggest, most identifiable aspect to America is the food!! Fast food is a huge industry in the States and so you cant miss it. The number of drive through and take out restaurants that are around is unimaginable! Imagine every five minutes of driving down the expressway seeing signs for a take out restaurant.  Talk about convenience! On top of that, the meals and drinks are HUMONGOUS. A small in America is equitant to a large in Australia, and it is half the price. So don’t worry too much about not getting enough for your money. Aside from the normal fast food places, there are lots of Starbucks in the area, and these are great when you are after a coffee with something nice to eat.

 

Sport is another massive industry in the States, like nowhere else in the world. Something you should defiantly make the effort to experience. This could mean either attending an EMU sporting event, or watching one of the professional team play – two totally different experiences, but both something to enjoy.

 

Fashion is simple in the United States – you can wear whatever you like! There is no pressure to fit into the fashion trends, and it is a really great opportunity to ‘be who you have always wanted to be’.

 

Nothing to stress over, but another difference that I experienced when coming to America was the testing system. A lot of the time the testing is multiple choices. This is there they will ask you a question, and you have 3-6 options to choose from for you answer. Coming from the testing system where you are always writing paragraphs, this is a lot of fun!

 

Coming to America will be a lot great memories and experiences :)

PS: Sororities and Fraternities actually do exist!

 

by Adele

 

 

Great Ways to Meet People on Campus

Most likely, one of your biggest worries about studying in a foreign country will be how will you make friends? It is a totally understandable concern and I have a few suggestions for you to follow to make it just that little bit easier!

The first up on the list will be the very first thing you do as an EMU student – orientation! Participating in orientation is the perfect way to meet students just like you – new and international students! When you’re in your groups at orientation be sure to talk to all the other students, as I’m sure you’ll make friendships!

The Office of International Students also frequently organizes social events that you should take part in! Same goes for clubs and intramural sports teams! With clubs, you meet not only international students, but American students whom have the same interests as you. If you already have a group of friends, a great thing for you all to do is intramural sports; find your friends and pick a sport!

The final piece of advice that I have for you is probably the most important - participate in class! If you participate in your classes others will notice you and will probably want to hang out with you! It is an awesome way to keep your education at it’s peak, and make friends at the same time.

by Adele

To read Adele's bio, visit www.emich.edu/ois/teamhello.

To register for UNITED international student orientation, visit www.emich.edu/ois/orientation.

To see a calendar of Office of International Students events, visit www.emich.edu/ois/calendar.

 

Things you must do whilst going to school in Michigan

Going to school in Michigan is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you must take advantage of! There are so many places to see and do within a few hours drive away from campus (most are even closer). No matter if your interest are based around outdoor activities, or something more sight-based, I have a list of four places that are a MUST-DO whilst you are here, and hopefully one of these you will find interesting!

The first on the list is something close to campus (less than an hours drive away) – The Detroit Eastern Market. The Detroit Eastern Market is held each Saturday, and is a huge event within the Detroit area. If you’re willing to spend a morning or afternoon slowing making your way through the stalls, than this is the activity for you. Going to the Detroit Eastern Market is a perfect place to see local produce, and invest money back into the Detroit community. Here is a link to it’s website: http://www.detroiteasternmarket.com

Next up is for those of you who are into the thrill of adventures: Cedar Point. Now, although this theme park is located in Ohio, it is less than two hours away from campus! This is also a great way to have a reason to see another state in America outside of Michigan. Cedar Point has many rides and if you enjoy the water, there is a water park just next door. Cedar Points’ website: https://www.cedarpoint.com

The final two activities on the list are natural wonders that you must see: Sleeping Bear Dunes and Niagara Falls. Lets start off with Sleeping Bear Dunes. Sleeping Bear Dunes has the biggest sand dunes that I have ever seen! They are located at Lake Michigan (one of the five great lakes) and it is about a ten minutes walk down the dunes to get to Lake Michigan, however, about an hour and a half climb to get back up to the top. I know that it sounds exhausting, but the view is amazing, and it is always nice to have a swim in the clear-water lake before climbing back up. Here is Sleeping Bear Dunes website: http://www.sleepingbeardunes.com . The other is Niagara Falls. I’m sure most of you have heard of Niagara Falls and how is it located in both Canada and America, but if you want my personal opinion the drive to the Canadian side of the falls is worth you time. You are able to visit the falls year round, and so no matter when you go I’m sure it will be an experience to remember. You could go in Winter, and you might be lucky enough to see the falls frozen, or if you don’t enjoy the could too much, maybe going in Fall or Spring is the time for you. The website: http://niagarafallstourism.com

Although not all of these activities will sound exciting to you, I hope at least one does, as they really are worth you going an experience each place as their own. I encourage you to make the most of your time in America and see as many places as you are able to whilst you are here.

by Adele

To meet our HELLO! team, visit www.emich.edu/ois/teamhello.

For a complete checklist, visit www.emich.edu/ois/checklist.