To You, About to Start a New Chapter: 5 Things I Wish I'd Known Sooner About Studying, Living, and Working in the US

To you, about to start a new chapter: 5 things I wish I'd known sooner about studying, living, and working in the US

Lessons from studying and working in the US: student associations, language, and cultural diversity

Fall always makes me think of new beginnings. Whether it's starting school, changing jobs, or moving to a whole new country, these transitions are full of the unknown and of anticipation. Lately quite a few friends have messaged me asking for advice for people about to study in the US or who just moved here. Thinking back to how I felt when I first set foot in the US, there's a lot I only understand now, looking back. If you're getting ready to start this journey, I hope this post gives you some practical reminders and encouragement.

Taiwanese student associations and clubs: your best support when you first arrive

When you first arrive in the US, everything is unfamiliar and a lot of things start from scratch. That's when a Taiwanese student association or hometown club becomes incredibly important. Don't assume online information can solve everything; in reality, many details are only known by people who've been through them. How to open a bank account, get a phone plan, apply for health insurance, even choose classes or find housing: asking older students is the fastest and most accurate way to get answers.

Besides practical help, these groups often hold gatherings, talks, and career-sharing sessions, giving you a chance to meet like-minded friends. In biomedicine, for example, the Boston Taiwanese Biotechnology Association (BTBA) regularly holds professional seminars where people exchange the latest research and industry trends. These resources aren't limited to Boston; Texas has similar organizations, for example. Going to these events helps a lot with finding internships or jobs and building your network later on.

If you want to learn more about this kind of organization, check out the BTBA website, which has lots of event information and shared experiences.

Imperfect English is fine; what matters is having the courage to speak

A lot of people worry their English isn't good enough and are afraid of being laughed at for mistakes. Actually, if you cleared the English requirement to study abroad, you're already doing great! And Americans themselves often make small grammar or pronunciation mistakes when they speak. Nobody will laugh at you for a heavy accent or imprecise wording.

I have a Japanese coworker whose English was really rough at first, but he was never afraid to ask questions or to explain things again. Whenever he didn't understand, he asked again; when he couldn't get something across, he said it a different way. After a year of sticking with it, his English had improved to the point where he could lead American interns and joke around with everyone at parties.

So don't stay quiet because you're afraid of being wrong. Listening and speaking a lot is the key to improving. Even ordering or chatting at a restaurant or bar is a good chance to practice. Remember, language is a tool for communication, not a contest over who sounds most correct.

Get involved on and off campus to broaden your horizons and your network

Many people put all their energy into their studies after going abroad, thinking good grades are enough. But I really recommend getting involved in activities on and off campus. International student mixers, your college's mentorship program, student government, even hanging out after class are all great chances to make new friends and learn about other cultures.

I served as events chair of the PhD student council, organizing events with classmates from all over the world. I also joined a new-student mentorship program, helping students who had just arrived in the US settle in. Off campus, I took part in a science outreach program, teaching kids at elementary and middle schools in New York to do experiments, which gave me a better understanding of local education and society.

These experiences didn't just enrich my life as a student abroad; they also gave me more stories to tell when I was job hunting. More importantly, these connections and experiences often help you in unexpected ways later in your career.

US cultural diversity and taking on challenges: advice for studying and working

Make the most of America's diversity and step out of your comfort zone

Many people assume their English will naturally improve once they're in the US, but if you only stay in Chinese-speaking circles, you can still live quite comfortably. It's just a bit of a waste. America's biggest advantage is its cultural diversity, especially in big cities like New York, where you meet people from all over the world all the time.

At school or on the subway, I often talk with classmates from different countries about our cultures and ways of life. Even a topic like work-life balance can spark new ideas. These conversations taught me a lot I couldn't learn from books and helped me better understand people from different backgrounds.

So don't be afraid to reach out and make friends from other countries, and go to events from different cultures. These experiences will make your time abroad richer and make you more competitive in the international workplace later on.

Take the first step, and let others decide your limits

Finally, I want to share a saying I really love: "Let them tell you no." Often we don't dare to try because of self-doubt, afraid of rejection or of not being good enough. But the biggest loss is usually not giving ourselves the chance.

When I was doing my master's at NYU, I really wanted to join a well-known professor's lab but kept worrying I wasn't good enough. In the end I worked up the courage to write to the professor, and to my surprise I got in. That experience became a major turning point that later led me to pursue a PhD.

So when you're hesitating over whether to apply to a school, an internship, or a job, or to take on any challenge, remember: don't give up on yourself first. Take that step and let the other side decide your limits, not you.

Wrapping up: lessons and encouragement for studying, living, and working in the US

I hope these lessons leave you a little less lost and a little braver on your path through studying and living in the US. Everyone has moments of anxiety and setbacks, but as long as you're willing to try, there will be a wonderful chapter of your own ahead. You've got this!