W

hat is the allure of studying overseas? Studies have shown that a foreign degree generally commands a higher salary in the workplace across Asia. And Indonesia is no exception. It is akin to a passport to brighter career prospects, giving you a competitive edge in joining multinational firms where a foreign degree is more likely to open doors.

It's a given fact the two most significant areas that will move the global economy forward are business and IT. Both of these use English as the lingua franca, explaining the attraction of English-speaking countries as education destinations, especially the US.

There are, of course, other English-speaking countries, but the experience of studying in the US is in a league of its own.

Getting off the plane at your final destination in the US, any fresh-faced students-to-be quickly realizes the sheer differences of the life they left behind in Asia. No airport porter to haul your luggage! Self-help and self-reliance is the name of the game.

For most students this signifies their first experience of being on their own. From this day forward you will learn to sign up for classes, find accommodation, cook, clean, do the laundry, speak up, decide on your transportation options, open a bank account, do at research the library and drive on the "wrong" side of the road (if you choose to own a car). In short, it is a defining moment of your personal growth.

Language

This may come as a no-brainer, as we all know that mastering the English language is key to being successful. However, nothing can ever prepare a student, regardless of the countless hours amassed studying English from primary school and private tutoring, with the challenge of actually sitting in class, listening to a professor lecturing - very rarely at slow speed - replete with colloquialisms.

But despair not, you are not alone. There are fellow students from virtually all corners of the world facing the same English challenge. And trust me, there are other students from certain countries whose accents are much more difficult to comprehend than Indonesians'. You'll just have to resort to taking notes or recording the lesson, and put in more effort.

Professors don't bite

Across Asia, teachers are placed in high esteem, and are traditionally "untouchable". Students are spoon-fed to mimic the teacher, through "cut and paste" all the information at face value, rarely giving a thought to the theory behind it, and asking the powerful question: "Why?" So the notion of seeking help from a professor at a US college may be a relatively foreign concept.

However, this is one important aspect of succeeding in the US education system. Americans are among the most egalitarian, where informality is the accepted norm. And professors are approachable and ready to help when approached.

Speak up!

If there's one skill that most Asian students lack it's public speaking. It's a handicap that often leads to Asian students scoring low on "Class Participation", which is part of the grading system.

The objective stems from a "two-way traffic" living-learning environment where both faculty and students learn from each other through a process of open communication. Especially in graduate school environments, where students often work in teams and are expected to rotate doing presentations.

After all, the opportunity to speak up and defend your opinion is an inbred quality of the American way of life, harking back to the First Amendment in the American Constitution, where every citizen is guaranteed freedom of speech.

Explore your talent

The US education system has always believed in creating not only academically strong but also well-rounded individuals. And campus life is designed for this purpose, allowing you to pursue any interest and talent you never knew you possessed, e.g. an engineering major, minor in psychology while perfecting your tennis swing, or drama if you wish. And if you decide this is not for you, there are a myriad of other activities and even job opportunities on campus.

Cross-cultural learning

"Travel broadens the mind", is a familiar phrase that is taken to new heights when applied to studying overseas. Mingling with other international students improves your empathy for other cultures, and provides you with the impetus to strengthen your own cultural identity.

And when cultures collide, there are always light-hearted moments. Like this real-life story of two Indonesian students who were less informed about American informalities.

At a lecture, during Ramadhan fasting month, as evening approached and it was time to break their fast, they whipped out their brown bags and before biting into their meals, they turned to their immediate neighbors and with a typical grin uttered "Excuse me please, I'll eat. I'll eat first yeah!" The American students looked at them in amazement, not knowing what to make of it. This is after all America, where students can eat and drink during class and even prop their feet up without creating any commotion.