How Can International Students Adapt To The New Learning Environment In The USA?

Initially, you will take time to understand and adapt to the new learning environment. It would be best to eliminate your previous academic teaching styles to be open to learning the USA academic teaching style. The best way to feel comfortable during a US college classroom session is to understand what to expect. To help you do the latter, we have shared a brief overview and helpful tips for international students to prepare for US college classes.

1. Work on your participation skills

If you wish to study in the USA, you need first to understand that an American classroom works on an interactive learning basis. For instance, you won’t have a classroom where the tutor will explain topics or read from a resource. In America, tutors and students will have open end discussions, debates, and more to encourage a better learning experience for students like you.

You need to participate in class more actively and start to answer or ask questions occasionally. Always remember that American classrooms are less formal, thus enabling students to be more confident throughout each lecture discussion.

2. Move away from theoretical learning

American classrooms are a prime example of how education should be taught to potential students. The learning style here focuses more on practical learning rather than theoretical learning alone. This means students will be able to make use of educational facilities to learn better about complex topics. Tutors here focus more on interactive learning where students develop skills such as team player, problem-solving, analytical skills and more.

3. Avoid being formal

Another significant factor in American classrooms is that tutors and students have a less formal relationship when engaging. You’ll be surprised that students refer to tutors by name and raise their hands anytime during the lecture to ask questions or clarify doubts.

This form of relationship has its academic perks, such as the ability to confidently express your opinions, answer queries without thinking of being judged or laughed at and lastly, help you build a good rapport with tutors.

4. Join group activities

Apart from classroom engagements, most US academic learnings happen in the form of project work. Students must participate more in these project developments to enforce skills such as creative thinking, problem-solving capabilities, working together as a team, and taking responsibility as a team. It would be best to remember that these group activities are also important as it impacts your overall academic performance. 

5. Don’t be intimated with class size

American classrooms are small in size. The purpose behind this is to provide a meaningful learning experience for students. The perks of having a small class size are that tutors can provide individual attention to students who find it difficult to understand a topic, doubt clarifications can be done instantly, and interactive learning becomes simple and easy with a smaller batch of students.

6. Be competitive

If you see around, you will feel the competitiveness rising amongst your classmates. This is because every student wishes to create an impressive background that will help tap the attention of recruiters when applying to top brands. At first, it can be overwhelming, but you should remember that everything you’re working for will only lead you closer towards achieving your career goals.

7. Work on your extra-curricular activities too

Apart from having an interactive classroom session, USA universities also encourage students to focus on extracurricular activities outside the classroom. Make it a point to join student organisations, clubs, and workshops to help build skills such as communication, language, critical thinking, and more. Inheriting these skills will make it easier for you to commit to your chosen job role more efficiently.

8. Take your time to observe your classroom engagements

Lastly, relax. It will take time for you to adapt to the new learning environment. We advise watching your surroundings and seeing how a tutor and student communicate. Slowly with time, as you engage with your classmates and tutors, you will increase your student participation in classroom activities there.