Burma Study Abroad Website
General Information
Introduction
General
Requirements
How
do I find a university that is right for me?
Advice
on the Application Process
Tips
for Burmese Students in Burma
Financing
your Education
Tips on Securing Scholarships
How
are Scholarships Judged?
The
Challenges of Studying Abroad
How
will your Professors Evaluate You?
Tips
for Success
A
Warning on Academic Misconduct
Culture
Shock
Cultural
Advice
Keeping
Costs Down
The
International Students Office
Introduction
To get accepted into a university abroad often requires a year or
even a year and a half of preparation.
Don't be discouraged
by this, but do realize that you need to give yourself adequate time to take all the necessary tests, fill out
application forms, find funding, and acquire the appropriate visa.
Try to talk to as many other students as you can to get tips
about how to finance your studies and handle other parts of the
application process.
General Requirements
Most universities will require the following with your
application:
an official high school transcript (in English) listing the subjects you took and your grades
an official university transcript (in English) if you have already attended university for 1 or more years;
a completed application form - this will often include essays about what career you hope to pursue in the future and/or a biographical essay about your character and your achievements
an examination result that reflects your English language ability (ie. the TOEFL)
The following may also be required:
an examination testing your academic ability (ie. SAT I and SAT II for undergraduates in the United States, the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT for graduate students)
teachers' recommendations - either on plain paper or on application forms provided by the university
Note: for students
who cannot obtain official transcripts or teachers'
recommendations, it may be possible to substitute other proof of
educational background and letters of recommendation from people
who know you now. However, you must discuss this in advance with
the admissions office of the university.
How do I find a university that is
right for me?
First,
do you have a country preference?
Would you prefer to go to a Western country where you will be
immersed in a very different culture or would you prefer to stay
in Southeast Asia?
Is
cost an important factor?
Tuitions and living costs in Southeast Asia and India are
generally much less expensive than in the West. Students who want
to study in the West may have to work part-time or take out loans.
Private universities are generally more expensive than public
universities, but private universities may have more generous
tuition-waivers and scholarship opportunities.
There are scholarships available for Burmese students in all
countries, but most scholarships provide only partial support.
What
do you want to study?
Find a university that is well known for the subject you want to
study. This is particularly important for students enrolling in
graduate degree programs.
Is
size a factor?
Would you rather be at a big, research university where there are
more specialized opportunities or at a smaller school where there
may be less specialization but more personal attention?
Is
location a factor?
Would you rather be in a big city where there is a lot going on (and
you can find Asian food) or a small town where it is more
peaceful and usually cheaper? Also, do you want to be in a warm
climate similar to home, or are you ready to try a colder climate?
How
good is your English?
Different universities require different levels of English
ability. Some universities have English as a Second Language
classes for international students who are still struggling with the
language. Be sure to check each university's requirements before
applying.
Do
you have friends or relatives somewhere abroad?
You may prefer to study at a university with friends or relatives
nearby. The challenges of adapting to a new culture and a very
different academic system can be difficult. Sometimes it helps to
have someone you know nearby who can ease the homesickness and
help you adapt.
To help you in your decision-making, visit the websites of the
universities you are interested in. The websites show photographs
of the school, list academic departments and courses, and give
information about other activities on campus. You can easily find
university websites by using a search engine and typing in the
name of the university.
Also, look at reference books which give descriptions of
universities and their course offerings. Such reference books are
available at public libraries, USIS, and British Council
libraries.
Advice on the Application Process
Apply
to more than one university
In general, you should apply to more than one university. Most
universities receive applications from many more students than
they can take, so you should apply to a few universities to make
sure you are accepted somewhere. Some universities are harder to
get into than others. Apply to a couple of schools that you would
like to attend but might be challenging for you. Also apply to
some schools whose application requirements are a little bit
lower, where you are likely to be accepted.
The same is true of scholarships. Don't apply for just one. Apply
for several. Scholarships are also competitive, and even if you
are a good student, you can't assume you will be selected.
Start
early
You will need at
least a year to 18 months to prepare for entering an
undergraduate or graduate program. Remember, you will have to
take at least one or two standardized tests (ie. TOEFL, SAT, GRE),
and these tests must be taken approximately 9 months before the
university year will begin. You must register for these tests
about 2 months in advance, and you will probably have to study
for these tests for at least two or three months.
Possibly
start with a Community College, ESL Program or Bridging Course
Particularly if you are already living in a Western country, you
may want to start with one of these programs in order to prepare
for university-level studies. Community colleges offer two-year
programs with university courses and vocational courses.
Community colleges are often easier to get into (they take lower
TOEFL scores and academic marks), they usually are much less
expensive than a 4-year university, classes are small, and the
environment is less competitive. The disadvantages are that there
is a high turnover of professors, and the academic standards are
usually lower than at universities. Still, it can be useful to
attend community college for the first two years and then
transfer to a university for your last two years. You can
transfer all your credits so you will still get a B.A. or B.Sc.
in 4 years. Community colleges often offer night classes for
working students.
Community colleges also often offer 2 year certificate and degree
programs in: Business Administration, Computer Programming,
Nursing, Fashion Design, Hotel and Restaurant Management,
Secretarial Training, Commercial Photography, Engineering and
Advertising Art.
ESL courses on university campuses or bridging courses offered by
universities are other options for international students
preparing for university-level studies. Often these can be taken
in the evening or part-time if you are working.
Tips for Burmese Students in Burma/Myanmar
To study abroad as an undergraduate requires a year and a half to
two years of preparation. You must take a number of tests,
prepare essays, and preferably volunteer at an organization you
believe in. Many universities in the
West are looking for indications that you are someone who
contributes to your community.
Try to take the following steps according to the timetable laid
out below.
Note: Although most universities in the United
States do not require that you take the SAT subject tests or the
GCE A levels, Burmese students will not be accepted just with 10th
grade marks. Thus, it is a good idea to take these tests, because
they give you a chance to demonstrate your academic strengths and
they can help you obtain a scholarship.
Let's suppose you just sat the 10th grade exam and it is April,
2001.
April
to December 2001:
Prepare for
the GCE A level examinations - at least five subjects.
The choice of subjects depends on what you want to study.
Note: you can take GCE classes in Yangon.
Participate in community service such as teaching poor children or volunteering at a school for the deaf and dumb.
Read various Western books (in English or in translation) to understand the western way of looking at things.
January
2002: Sit the GCE
exam.
February
2002:
Prepare for the TOEFL, SAT I and SAT II.
Start thinking about your application essays and what you want to say. Finish writing the drafts of the essays before sitting for the SAT exams.
Aug
/ Sep 2002: Sit TOEFL
Oct/Nov/Dec
2002: Sit SAT I &
II
Dec
2002/Jan 2003:
Application process
Jan/Aug
2002:
Practice English Speaking and computer skills. Read about Western
culture.
Note: if you are able to obtain a full
scholarship, obtaining a student visa should not be a problem. If
you receive only a tuition scholarship, you will need a sponsor
to cover your living expenses.
To get a scholarship, you will generally need:
1. excellent marks in high school
2. strong letters of recommendation
3. good application essays
4. high test scores:
a. A on all GCE subjects
b. SAT I: above 1100
c. SAT II: above 600 on each test (writing score 500 or above)
Financing Your Education
How
much will it cost?
The price will vary tremendously from country to country and even
within countries. The tuition rate at public universities for
students who are considered residents is much cheaper than for
non-residents. If you are an international student, you will have
to pay a much higher rate each year. Private universities
generally charge the same rate for everyone, but they are much
more expensive than public universities. The total amount you
will have to pay can range from several thousand dollars in India
to over $ 30,000 in the United States.
What
will you have to pay for?
Tuition - generally cheaper at public universities,
but it may be easier to get a scholarship at a private university.
The tuition for each term or semester must be paid in full before
classes begin.
Books - Books can cost several hundred dollars a
year. You can keep costs down by buying some books used - at your
university bookstore or other bookstores near the university.
Most course books will also be on reserve in the library, so in
some cases, you may want to just read the book or article in the
library.
Room
and Board - If you
live in a dorm (hostel) it will also come with a meal plan in the
dining hall, so you don't have to worry about cooking (but the food
will be western).
However, you can often save money by renting a house or apartment
with friends, sharing utilities, and phone and food costs. Note:
housing costs are usually higher in cities than in rural areas.
Medical
Insurance - Most
universities require you to purchase medical insurance through
the university's hospital program. For an individual, the cost
for a year will usually be a minimum of $700. For a family, it
will be more. Medical insurance covers visits to the doctor,
medicine, hospitalization and surgery. However it does not cover
dental work, eye examinations, or eye glasses.
Miscellaneous - You may need to buy a computer. Most
professors will expect you to type your assignments on a computer
and do research on the internet. There will be computers you can
use on campus, but sometimes it can be very crowded. You can
probably buy a discounted computer at your university bookstore,
or find a used computer through ads in the student newspaper or
on bulletin boards around campus. You will also need money for
various personal needs.
How
can you pay for your education?
You will probably have to combine money from several different
sources including scholarships, part-time work, loans, and your
own money.
Colleges and universities provide funding through scholarships,
grants, and fellowships, although most are for graduate level
students. Go to the website of the university in which you are
interested and search for "financial aid". You should
be able to find out about scholarships and other financial
assistance at that university. If you cannot access the web, call
or write to the university's financial aid office for information.
Scholarships are also offered by some private organizations,
foundations, international agencies, and government agencies. See
the recommended websites listed under each country for detailed
information.
Teaching and research assistantships are available at some
universities for graduate students who assist a teacher with
specific tasks in exchange for financial assistance. Such
assistantships are usually based on academic merit, or previous
experience, background and training, not on financial need.
Part-time work is often possible, but the money you can earn will
only cover part of your expenses.
In many Western countries (Australia, Canada, the US), citizens
and eligible permanent residents (those with refugee status or
asylum) can apply for low interest government-sponsored loans
which are repaid in monthly installments after the student has
graduated and begun working.
Loans for international students are available from some
commercial banks, but you must have approval from a school's
financial aid office and proof of the credit-worthiness of both
the student and a co-borrower who must be a citizen or permanent
resident. With interest, loans are expensive and should generally
be a last resort for international students.
For more details, see the financial aid information in each
country section. To search for other scholarships online, use a
search engine (google is an excellent one) and type in
scholarships and "the name of the country you are interested
in", that is, "scholarships Australia".
(information from http://www.fastweb.com included)
Applying for Scholarships
Apply for as many scholarships as possible. Some students make the mistake of thinking that they maximize their chances of winning by pouring all of their energy into one or two scholarships. However, only by applying for large numbers of scholarships can you maximize your chances of winning. Even if the scholarship prize is only a couple of hundred dollars, winning smaller awards provides you with additional credentials that you can include in applications for larger scholarship prizes.
Apply only if you are eligible. Read all the scholarship requirements and directions carefully and make sure you're eligible before you send in your application.
Ask
for help if you need it. If you have problems with the application,
don't hesitate to contact the funding organization.
Filling out the Application
When requesting information on a particular scholarship, send a personalized letter to the scholarship provider with a self-addressed, stamped envelope for them to send information back to you (assuming you can meet the deadline, are in the same country, and know how much postage to put on).
Follow directions! The biggest mistake you can make when applying for scholarships is to overlook all the application requirements. Complete the application in full. If a question doesn't apply, note that on the application. Don't just leave a blank. Be sure to supply all additional supporting material, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation and essays. And, most importantly: send everything before the deadline!
Make sure that the presentation is good - write your application on a computer or in very neat hand writing. Write a draft first, and have a native speaker or someone with a near-native fluency in English edit your English.
Letters of Recommendation
When
requesting a letter of recommendation, ask that the
writer take the time to personalize it and to print it on
letterhead. The best recommendations come from people who have
worked closely with you and who understand the award you're applying for.
Teachers and professors are excellent sources, but also consider previous
employers, coaches, clergy members and community leaders.
The people writing your
recommendations are doing you a favor, so make it easy for them by being
polite and organized. Here's how:
If you're concerned that your recommenders
have forgotten your letter, gracefully remind them by asking if they need
more information. Once your letter's been sent, be sure to send a
thank-you note to your recommenders.
Writing the Essay
Common Essay Questions
(from fastweb.com, written by Roxana Hadad)
Your Field of Specialization and Academic Plans
Some scholarship applications will ask you to write about your major or field of study. These questions are used to determine how well you know your area of specialization and why you're interested in it.
Samples:
Current Events and Social Issues
To test your skills at problem-solving and check how up-to-date you are on current issues, many scholarship applications include questions about problems and issues facing society.
Samples:
Personal Achievements
Scholarships exist to reward and encourage achievement. So you shouldn't be surprised to find essay topics that ask you to brag a little.
Samples:
Background and Influences
Who you are is closely tied to where you've been and who you've known. To learn more about you, some scholarship committees will ask you to write about your background and major influences.
Samples:
Future Plans and Goals
Scholarship sponsors look for applicants with vision and motivation, so they might ask about your goals and aspirations.
Samples:
Financial Need
Many scholarship providers have a charitable goal: They want to provide money for students who are going to have trouble paying for college. In addition to asking for information about your financial situation, these committees may want a more detailed and personal account of your financial need.
Samples:
Random Topics
Some essay questions don't seem directly related to your education, but committees use them to test your creativity and get a more well-rounded sense of your personality.
Samples:
Sending out the Application
Make copies
of everything that is submitted to scholarship providers,
in case your application gets lost or you need to refer
back to a document you sent them. Put your name Put your name (and
Social Security number, if applicable) on all pages of the application.
Pieces of your application may get lost unless they are clearly identified
on all pages of the application. Pieces of your application may get lost
unless they are clearly identified.
Send the application by certified mail, so you can confirm that it was received.
(adapted from an article on http://www.fastweb.com by Roxana Hadad)
At First Glance
The judges' first evaluation of your application usually takes only 15 to 30 seconds. Even though it's quick, most applications don't get past this first stage. To be sure yours makes it through, give your application one last review.
The Second Cut
After an application makes it past the first round, the judges separate "OK" from "great." The applications that make it through have thorough and well-thought-out responses.
Make sure your responses are complete and answer the question. It's very important that your grammar and spelling are correct, so check and re-check all of your essays.
The Final Decision
In this stage the judges have narrowed it down to a few highly qualified students. Now they must examine and compare every detail of the applications.
According to Mark Davis, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Fund, judges pay special attention to:
Academics—It's important to have a competitive GPA. However, providers also consider how challenging your course load and school are. They also check to see if you're taking the right courses to reach your goals and how well you did in those courses.
Leadership—If leadership is part of the criteria they're looking for, judges will examine your activities. They’ll also look for a range of leadership positions.
Service—Some providers are interested in knowing what community service you've done. They'll want to know if you've been continuous in your volunteer efforts. If volunteer work is required by your school, they'll look for activities that go above and beyond the required service job.
Creativity—You can show your creative side if you play an instrument, write stories, paint pictures or act in plays. Demonstrate your ability by letting the judges know if you've won any awards.
Special Circumstances—If you've overcome any obstacles to achieve your goals, the judges want to know about it. Let them know how you achieved all that you've done, in spite of the roadblocks you've encountered.
The Challenges of Studying Abroad
You may find it challenging to keep up with local students for
several reasons:
English
is not your first language. It may take you 2 or 3 times as long to read an
assignment as it would take a native speaker. Try to read as much
as possible in English (books, magazines, newspapers) before
entering the university in order to improve your fluency. Try to
improve your speaking and listening abilities as well by talking
with native English speakers, watching English-language movies,
and listening to English-language tapes. If necessary, attend ESL
courses first.
Less
schooling than others. Most students attending universities outside of
Burma will have had 12 years of schooling, but Burmese students
have generally had only 10 years of primary and secondary
education. You can try to bridge this gap by reading in advance
some of the books normally assigned during the first year of
university. Many universities list their courses and the books
they use on the web. If you are living in the United States, you
could also attend a community (or junior) college for two years
and then transfer to a four-year university.
Lack
of appropriate skills. Most universities outside Burma require that
students write analytical essays and research papers, and
participate actively in class discussions and debates. You will
be expected to be able to think critically and analyze situations
that have no clear right or wrong answers. These skills may be
new to you. Try to attend an ESL program or a bridging program
which teaches such skills. Or find and study appropriate
reference books.
How will your professors evaluate
you?
At most Western universities, and Asian universities teaching in
English, students are assigned letter grades for each course. A
is the best grade, B is good, C is average, D is poor, and F is
failing. Most schools also use + and - following a grade: so A+,
A, A-, with A+ being the best.
Students generally take 4 courses a semester, with each course
representing a certain number of credits, depending on how many
hours a week it meets. One course usually ranges from 3 to 4
credits. To graduate, you must achieve a certain total number of
credits (varies from university to university), take the required
number of courses in various subject areas, and have passing
grades.
Your marks, or "grades" in each course will generally
be based on the following:
A
midterm examination -
this may be given in class or may be a "take home" exam,
meaning you write the exam at home and can usually refer to your
books. However, you cannot consult other people.
A
research paper - You
may have to write a 5-10 page paper halfway through the course or
a longer paper at the end of the course. You may have to use
books in the library to do the research for your paper. Your
professors will be looking for a strong argument supported by
relevant facts. The writing should be clear and focused.
Problem
sets or laboratory work - in economics, mathematics, science, and
engineering classes, you may be given a list of questions or
problems to work on each week. You may have to work on these
alone, or your teacher may ask you to work on them in groups.
Short
papers - for English
and some other humanities classes, you may have to write several
short papers on different subjects. In some cases, professors may
ask you to write one page summaries of your reading, to make sure
you are doing the reading assignments.
Quizzes - Your professors may give announced or
surprise quizzes to make sure you are doing your reading
assignments and understanding the material covered in class.
A
final exam - this
will be given during the exam period and may be 2 hours long.
Instead, you may have a take-home exam or a research paper.
Class
participation - Most
teachers believe the more you contribute to class discussions,
the more you will learn. Therefore, they will make time for
student presentations, discussions, and even debates in class,
and you are expected to participate. In smaller classes, as much
as 10-30% of your grade may be based on class participation.
Ask advisors and instructors for help if you need it. Asking for help is not seen as failure, but is seen as responsibly taking initiative. Do not be hesitant or shy about signing up for professor's office hours. Teachers welcome speaking one on one, and even if you have no problems just to know you better.
Sit in the front of class - those who do tend to do better.
When possible, try to schedule your classes for the time of day when you feel good, so that you feel awake and alert in class.
Go to class, study groups, and meetings precisely at the time specified. Being late is considered disrespectful to your teachers and other students.
Submit all forms by the stated deadlines. Forms submitted after the deadlines are often not accepted, because it would be unfair to students who did follow the specified timelines.
When you meet with advisors and professors, get straight to the point. They usually have many appointments and responsibilities, so they must use their time efficiently.
If you cannot make an appointment, report back to an advisor, or do a class presentation on a particular day, always tell the advisor or professor frankly and speedily. Do not agree just to be polite.
If there is an emergency situation, and you cannot turn in a paper on time or make it to an exam, call your professor and let him or her know in advance. Usually an alternative arrangement can be made.
Recognize
that you may need more sleep your first few months at the
university, as you are adjusting to a new situation.
A Warning on Academic Misconduct
Beware! If you are caught cheating on an exam,
using someone else's paper, or copying directly from a book
without citing the source, you can be expelled from the
university. If you are unclear about these rules, be sure to ask
your advisor, your professor, or other students.
Academic misconduct includes the following:
Cheating
Obtaining work or information from someone else and submitting it under your own name.
Using unauthorized notes, or getting information from another student during an examination.
Submitting substantially the same paper for two or more classes in the same or different terms without the approval of each professor.
Making up or
submitting false data for an assignment.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism means
representing someone else's ideas, words, statements or other
works as one's own without proper acknowledgment or citation.
Your teacher can usually sense if it doesn't sound like you.
Examples of plagiarism are:
Copying word for word or taking phrases from a source without citing the source.
Using another person's written words or ideas, in your own words, as if they were your own thought. Again, you must cite the source.
Using facts, statistics, or other illustrative material without properly referencing them. (If the information is common knowledge, then a citation is not necessary).
Note: information obtained from the internet
must also be properly cited. Computer software programs now can detect
similarities in comparing the written work of different authors.
Aiding
and Abetting Dishonesty
Providing material or
information to another person when you know that the other person
plans to use them to cheat or plagiarize.
Culture Shock
What
is "Culture Shock?"
Culture shock refers to the anxiety a person experiences when he/she
moves to a different country or environment. People experience
culture shock when they are far away from familiar surroundings,
family, and support systems, and they must try to assimilate a
new culture and new ways of interacting with others. The shock of
adjustment to a new culture is normal.
Common
Signs & Symptoms of Culture Shock
Anxiety, depression or anger
Confusion and loneliness
Loss of appetite, changes in sleep patterns, tearfulness
Lack of energy, loss of enjoyment in daily activities, withdrawal from others
Headaches or stomach pains
Stages
of "Culture Shock"
Culture Shock has several identifiable stages that people go
through. It's hard to say how long you will be in each stage, but
gradually you will be able to accommodate yourself to your new
surroundings.
Honeymoon Stage
When you first arrive, you may feel excited, happy, and
eager to discover new things.
Disintegration Stage
After a while, you may start to feel annoyed by the host
culture. You may also feel confused, frustrated, and
depressed.
Reintegration
During this stage, you may find it hard to compare your
new culture and Burmese culture objectively. You may feel
hostile, defensive, and vulnerable, and you may want to
reject everything your new culture represents.
Autonomy
This is the hopeful stage. You begin to establish an
objective and balanced view of your situation and
experience. You will feel less dependent on others and
more relaxed.
Interdependence
Eventually, you may develop a bi-cultural or
multicultural identity. Even though you will still feel
you are Burmese, you will also feel a sense of belonging,
trust, and sensitivity to the host culture.
How to Cope with "Culture Shock"
Know that your reactions are normal
Speak with an international student advisor or a counselor at your campus counseling center or join a "chat room".
Seek other new international students for support
Make friends with local students who can help you learn about their culture
Join a student organization, sports group, study group, church, or volunteer
Talk to your advisors and professors about your expectations and academic goals
Try to be flexible, patient and open-minded
Keep a sense of humor
(adapted from the University of South Florida's webpage on culture shock)
This section is not to criticize you but to give you some cultural alert. There are many things in Burmese culture that foreigners appreciate. They appreciate the fact that the Burmese are considerate, ah-nah-tat-teh, and respect older people.
However, in general, it is rude to pick your nose, teeth, or feet, belch, spit, chew with your mouth open, speaking with your mouth full, slurp your soup, interrupt people, and not to allow "ladies first" (walking in front of you, opening their door, and offering food).
It is impolite to just show up at someone's house or office without calling. Make an appointment first and then show up. On the other hand, if you've made an appointment (work and social) and you cannot come, call and let the person know. Please don't give an excuse the day after the event.
Please don't call people late at night or early in the morning.
It is impolite to not to send thank you notes or say thank you if someone has done a favor for you or sent you a present.
It is also important to know the legal system of the country you are in. The following websites provide you with some legal information of living and working in Australia but you can find similarities in many other countries.
http://www.cmy.net.au/Assets/300/1/Landing_on_you_feet_English.pdf
(in English)
http://www.cmy.net.au/Assets/296/1/Burmese_Landing.pdf
(in Burmese)
Keeping Costs Down
To
cut costs on books: buy used books at the campus bookstore (go early!)
and nearby bookstores. If you will only be reading a portion of
the book, you can read it at the library, where it will be on
reserve, instead of buying it.
To
cut costs on computers, bikes, furniture, and household goods: Look for signs on campus bulletin boards
and in local papers for used goods for sale. If it is a computer
or bike or electrical appliance, be sure to test it before buying
it.
To
cut costs on housing: Rent a room in a house or share an apartment with
other students or live with a local family. You will improve your
English and some "host" or "foster" family
become your lifetime friends.
To
cut costs on groceries: Go to Asian markets - the prices are generally much
cheaper than at ordinary supermarkets.
For more tips on how to cut costs on accommodation, food, books,
computers, and other expenses see the Debt Free Guide at www.debtfreegrad.com
The International Students Office: An
Important Resource
(adapted from a NAFSA brochure for newly admitted international students)
At most universities taking international students, there will be
an International Students Office. This office is an important
source of information and assistance. (On some campuses, this
office will have another name: the International Students Office, The
Office of International Educational Services, or the
International Center, for example.) The purpose of the
International Students Office is to assist you, and you should
visit the office when you have questions and concerns.
The person in the
International Students Office you will work with most often will
be the international student adviser (FSA). The duties of FSAs vary
from one campus to another, but most advisers are responsible for
providing assistance on immigration matters, coordinating all
campus and community services available to international students,
providing liaison with sponsoring agencies and foreign
governments, and promoting interaction between international students
and the university and local community.
International student advisers are willing to discuss matters with the
students who come to see them, even very personal concerns or
problems. All discussions with advisers remain strictly
confidential. If the FSA cannot provide the help you need, you
will be referred to an appropriate source of assistance. In order
for the adviser to help you most effectively, it is important
that you contact him or her when you first become aware that a
problem might be developing rather than when it has become
extremely serious.
International student advisers will help you in a variety of ways.
Questions you have about academic procedures, expectations, and
requirements can be discussed with the FSA. The FSA may also be
able to tell you about community activities that will orient you
to local lifestyles and customs and introduce you to community
residents. Assistance is also provided on immigration matters
including visa requirements and regulations, school transfers,
extensions of stay, and travel outside the country, work
permission, and practical training.
Note: Once you arrive on campus, you can also obtain valuable
information by reading the school newspaper and other local
magazines; looking at announcements on bulletin boards around
campus; and talking with classmates, professors, and local
residents.