A Survival Guide for International Students at Rhodes College by Anna Korchak

On a camping trip with ROO (Rhodes Outdoor Organization) - Anna is on the far left

Anna Korchak is an experienced traveler from Russia. She is also the Russian TA at Rhodes College and an avid member of ISOW. Her wisdom and advice has helped many international students, international peer advisors, russian students, adults, and little kids alike. She decided to give international students some suggestions about surviving abroad in a liberal arts college.

I just wanted to share my experience of studying abroad. Every international student faces some of the same challenges. Especially if it's her first time studying abroad. Here are some tips of how to survive on Rhodes campus.

Language barrier:
Even if you are the best language student in your group back home and scored 119 on your TOEFL exam, it can still be hard to understand locals. To my frustration, sometimes you aren't understood either! This could happen due to some dialectal differences (most foreigners study standard American or British English), due to the local accent, which you are not used to, or your thick accent, which the locals aren't used to. Whatever it is it's no reason to be upset. Here is what you're going to do:

• make friends with as many locals as you can – lots of foreign students tend to spend time with other foreign students or with their compatriots. It's understandable – at first you feel like no one can understand you better. But remember that you came here to improve your English;
• watch movies and TV series in English – if it's hard at first start with movies you've already seen in your native language; 
• enroll in courses which will help you to develop your speaking/writing skills in English (ex., writing seminars, theater and literature courses);
• attend more lectures and events on campus, take part in discussions, ask questions.

Russian Spring Festival!

Homesickness: 
Of course you'll miss your family and friends – there is no need to fight that. Just don't isolate yourself. Go out with friends, take part in the community events. It'll help you overcome the depression. If you feel really bad talki to a counsellor or to your peer leader. I've seen many international students, who just disappear from classes and than drop out of the college because they felt alone on campus and had no one to talk to.

Prices:
It's not a secret that the wealth level differs from country to country. Sometimes a lot. For example, in my country only a wealthy person can afford a car. Any car. Here it's quite natural for every teenager to drive. Here are some tips on how to live economically in Memphis:

• don't get a 21 meal plan – first of all food on campus is usually not that good, and then it's more fun to eat out sometimes. And of course it's cheaper;
• don't buy things in expensive shops – go online and check the prices before you go shopping (ex, Target is pretty expensive – you can buy most of the household items, clothes in Walmart, TJ Maxx and FamilyDollar much cheaper);
• many restaurants and shops have student discounts – check them out; 
• Many colleges sponsor some trips, festivals, cinema and theater tickets – follow the advertisement on campus;
• some student organizations provide free trips and events (ex, ROO – camping trips around Tennessee, you only pay for gas);
• Amazon.com has a special offer for students – register your edu email and get free shipping for 6 months. It's not a secret that books are cheaper on Amazon than at college bookstore. Usually it's cheaper to buy books than to rent them – in the end of the term you can sell your books to the college bookstore (no matter where you bought them) or to fellow students.

Stress:
When your body is exposed to that much stress (food, time zone and climate change)  it can easily result in weight loss/gain, fatigue or depression. What can help:

• do sports – sports do not only keep you feet physically, but also psychologically. Usually there is a free gym or pool on campus and a variety of PE courses to attend;
• look for healthy food – there are lot's of whole food stores in the US. You can find green sections even in Kroger. Whole foods is more expensive, but it's worth it;
• drink water – dehydration can be the cause of fatigue and headaches;
• mind your regime. 
• And finally, socialize and explore! It's your only semester/year in the US – use it wisely. Even if you plan to come back later, college environment is unique! Engage in different student organizations, travel, try new food, make friends – make your American experience unforgettable!