The Best American Holiday of All.

Next week presents an exciting opportunity for an International Student to practice English, make friends and have fun. Next week the USA celebrates The Fourth of July, the official national holiday dedicated to the birth of our country.

If you have not experienced The Fourth of July here you are in for a very exciting adventure. In the USA the Fourth of July  is celebrated with picnics, parades, and outdoor spectacles featuring fireworks.

If you venture out to parks or beaches near your campus you will see crowds of people, old and young, celebrating, playing games, dancing, eating and drinking.

This holiday has its historical roots in the events of July, 1776, when a group of men met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to determine the course of the colonies which they inhabited. Their decision was to become an independant country and they issued The Declaration of Independance to clearly establish their intention. Tradition says they issued this declaration on July 4, 1776.

Since that time the holiday has become the official observation of the founding of the USA and this celebration has expanded along with the country and is always celebrated on July 4th.

This year, because July 4th occurs on a Friday, you can expect weekend long celebrations. Among the traditions in which this holiday is based is that the USA is a Nation of  Immigrants, everyone here or their ancestors came from some place else.

Because you are now residing here, even as a citizen of another country, you are welcome to join in the celebration of this country's founding.  Go ahead and join the party.  It is a very good opportunity to practice your English, make friends and celebrate. Happy Fourth of July!

Your Friend On Campus or What Do I Say?

 Gen had been on his USA college campus for two terms. Gen arrived in August and attended the Interntional Student Orientation. He got setteled into the International House on campus with another international student roomate and began attending classes.

During the school year Gen did well in his subjects.  He attended school functions especially the basketball games at home which he really enjoyed. Gen's school is a small private college which takes great pride in their basketball team.

With his English improving Gen was able to volunteer to tutor at the math center and made a few friends there.

Now, however,  summer has arrived and the new friends Gen has made have left campus. Gen has remained on campus to take summer school courses which will enable him to graduate according to his plan.  Still with his friends gone Gen felt particularly lonely.

One morning while Gen was on his way to class a family, touring the campus, asked him for directions. Despite feeling a little awkward Gen provided the family with the directions they were seeking.  They thanked him and went on to their destination on campus.

Gen was privately surprised that he could be appreciated for the help he provided in English.  Then he hit on a plan.  After class he went back to his room and got one of his basic English guide books. It was a simple conversational lesson book.  The guide contains simple conversations like "Hello."How are you?  What is your name? is intended to provide basic English excercise.

Gen took his English guide book and walk around campus looking for some one who might help him with his English. His technique was simple. He walked up to another student, one he did not know and said, Do you have time to help me with my English?  When he found some one, which he did, he showed them his book and asked them to read through it with him.

It worked. Since he began using this method Gen has made several friends who are willing to get together with him to practice his English further.

If you are an International student who feels alone on your campus you might consider using Gen 's method. It worked for him. It may work for your.  Remember asking for help can be really helpful.

If you are wondering , " What do I say?" , it's simple.  Just say, " Could you help me with my English? " 

Good Luck!

All Alone And Far From Home

International Students have  traveled far to get their USA college degree.  International Students have for decades bravely left family and friends to pursue the advantages of andAmerican College degree.

While here these students have seen that America offers many attractions, sites, events and people to help an international student fill the void left by residing far from home.  Yet even this myriad of opportunities does not always completely close the gap International Students feel.

While it may not be 'cool' to be homesick sooner or later many International Students realize there really is no place like home.  While contact with home can now be easily achieved through smartphones, texting and even skype there is really nothing like being there.  And at times there is nothing lonelier that NOT being there. Loneliness sucks.

When an International Student feels this pointed lack there can be a solution right on campus. Other students, even American students, are often far from home and feel this same lack. And they may miss their friends and family, too.  Particularly now, during Summer Term, there are a wider variety of students on campus, possibly even International Students. At times it seems awkward, very awkward, for an International Student to approach another student not known to them.

It takes courage to do this. but one student found a way to use his limited English to his advantage.
Read the next post to find out how.