Post on 18-Jul-2016
description
Final Paper- Applied Research Paper
A Blog Post for the Centre for International Students- Kean University
Blogging I must admit is not my biggest strength it however is not my weakest either.
Upon reading the research instructions I kind of knew exactly the department I was
going to address but I however did go through the Kean website just to be sure I was
not jumping the gun. I however was not disappointed because nothing had changed
pretty much in this administrative department since my last visit, even though there
had been major changes to the website. I guess you are wondering which department I
am referring to. Drumrolls please… The Centre for International Studies!!! Definitely
yes!!! This administrative department is in dying need of a blog that addresses a lot of
questions for the varying international students new to campus. I know for sure
because I had challenges in my first few weeks when I arrived to school to begin my
graduate program. I always had to rush to the Office of International Student Services
at least three times a week and I had Miss Anna the secretary on speed dial. I admit it
was that bad but I realized most of my questions could have been answered if there
was a student blog that addressed specifically International students. That would have
been very helpful and informative. In my research with other schools I discovered
Montclair State University was actually the only school closest nearby that had a
student blog dedicated to the International Student community. The rest which I came
across were mostly out of state schools that included Truman State University, The
University of Texas at Austin and James Madison University and so after going
through all these blogs I concluded on a blog post for the International Students in
Kean University. Below is the post titled “ The 5 Things every New International
Student Must Know”;
The 3 Things Every New International Student Must Know
Being a green horn in any new environment specifically school can sometimes be a
bit frustrating in your first few weeks. There are mostly orientation programs ahead of
the official start of the semester but these orientations are sometimes very basic and
do not address the day to day activities of how to get by aside academic work. Today I
am addressing three basic things every International student must know and gear up
for after you step foot into Kean campus, be it an undergraduate or graduate student.
1. Know the use of Google maps and get at least 2 Transport Apps
This first one sounds a bit a basic and commonsensical in nature but it can be a bit
tricky especially in the New Jersey area you find your self. Certain routes have no
access to some buses at certain times of the day provided by Google as the app can
sometimes get the schedules very wrong. To help better understand the help provided
by the app go to the nearest Bus and Train station you can find ( I used Newark Penn
Station) and get every bus schedule you can lay your hands on. Do this so you can
double check certain routes Google maps will provide for you incase you must go
somewhere. Also get the NJ Transit app, HopStop Transit app and the Uber app
incase you will need a taxi sometime (it can be a life saver sometimes). The last but
not the least get a portable cart with wheels when you can I will explain this last bit of
advice as I go along.
2. Get ready to diversify your Taste Buds and Skills
One major problem I had with food when I got here is that the American taste bud is
more on the sweeter side than mine, which is more of a spicy savory side as an
African. Some cultures will have no problem adjusting to the American cuisine but I
struggled with it and I still do when I decide to eat out sometimes. The best solution to
this is to ask a lot of questions when you are ordering food or cook yourself like me. It
is way cheaper and much healthier when you prepare your own meals. So try cooking
or learn how to do so if you don’t with meals you are more conversant with. You can
explore bit by bit as you go along beginning with Asian cuisine, which is a little bit
more diverse. Remember the portable shopping bag or cart I mentioned earlier, that
could be of immense help if you grocery shop once in a while since you cannot
sometimes carry all the bags at once with your hands. The bag at least puts everything
in one space and it is easy to move around with if the stores you shop in are close by.
My mom advised I eat everything organic so my favorite grocery shop is Whole
Foods market but I also swing by Shoprite once in a while. Another option is to shop
online and have your groceries delivered to you but I prefer to see and pick what I eat,
reason I prefer shopping with my cart.
3. Learn the act of Budgeting and Explore every Savings opportunity
This latter part was a habit I learnt when I got here and I think it was one of the
reasons my parents wanted me to travel out and school so I could learn practically.
They will always complain and try to teach me but I never got it till I got here. I now
appreciate every lesson they thought me, which I think you can learn too. Budget
every thing you need monthly. Your first few weeks will comprise a lot of unknown
expense but after that you should be able to decipher between your needs, wants and
expenses for every month to be able to survive. One thing you must also have on
lockdown is where you will intend to live, either on campus or off -campus. I chose
the off – campus option which is always much cheaper and also went for an already
furnished apartment which is slightly more expensive than an unfurnished one.
However I chose that option because I thought it was more convenient and cost
effective as compared to if I had to rent a place and buy all that furniture needed to
make my life a bit comfortable. You must however know that most places up for rent
will require a credit history which most of you will not have, so find a place that pays
cash. It is much convenient and you will save yourself some application fees.
In conclusion a lot of things can be figured out using the Internet so use it. Even the
school WIFI is free by the way so make use of it and enjoy every minute of your
school experience. Also make friends and I mean good ones and you will be just fine.
Refrences:
https://blogs.montclair.edu/internationalservices/
http://blogs.truman.edu/isao/three-reasons-why-you-should-study-outside-
your-home-country/
http://sites.utexas.edu/isss/2014/08/international-voices-finding-your-first-
home-in-austin/
http://jmuiscblog.com