Adjusting to US Culture - Settling In

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Adjusting to Living in the U.S.

Some Tips to Help You Settle In

Explore Your Surroundings

1. Schedule a campus tour.
2. Explore the area including the Champlain region, Vermont and Montreal, Canada.

Get Involved On Campus and in the Local Community

1. Take a look at our campus Events Calendar for listings of upcoming lectures, seminars, panel discussions, workshops and "brown bag." This often includes international, multicultural and club events. There are activities on issues of diversity including lectures, movies series and mentoring.
2. Join intramural sports, the fitness center, the Student Association and other campus activities.
3. Socialize with fellow students, faculty and staff; get involved in class activities and residential hall activities along with those conducted by the Office of Dean of Students.
4. Contact the local community centers (North Country Cultural Center, YMCA, Chamber of Commerce, etc.) to see how you can become involved in volunteer activities in the local Plattsburgh community.

Stay Up-to-Date With News in the U.S. and at Home

1. Read newspapers and magazines to keep up with news, events and to get a picture of some aspects of U.S. culture.
2. Become a careful observer to make yourself aware of some of the subtle social nuances in American society.
3. Continue to follow news and events in your native country, so that you feel connected to your culture.
4. Email, phone, mail are effective ways of keeping in touch with family and friends in your home country.

Observe and Be Open to Cultural Exchange

1. Develop and maintain a healthy balance between retaining your home culture while adapting to new customs in the United States.
2. Observe the local customs and traditions. Pay special attention to the language used and how people interact among themselves.
3. Notice the social customs as it might provide insight into both the similarities and differences among your culture in comparison to that of the host culture and other cultures. You may find that some thoughts, beliefs and traditions are very similar in many cultures.
4. Be a cultural ambassador for your country. People you meet may not know much about your country and will be curious to know more.
5. Have a good combination of friends from your own country and other countries so that you do not feel home sick and are exposed to a new cultural experience.

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?

If you have any questions about international admission or financial aid at SUNY-Plattsburgh, please contact:

International Student Services
State University of New York at Plattsburgh
Kehoe Administration Building, Room 209
101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, New York 12901 USA

Phone: (518) 564-3287
Fax: (518) 564-3292
E-mail: iss@plattsburgh.edu