I hope you guys have been enjoying the beautiful weather and the sports season at the U of A! As we explained during the Football 101 program in August, American Football is a big part of the U.S. culture!

The first game was on Saturday, September 3 and I believe some of you guys enjoyed watching the game at the stadium! How was it to call the hogs together with 70,000 people? The next game in Fayetteville is scheduled on Saturday, September 17th at 6:30pm.

After I enjoyed the Pep Rally several days ago, Ruben, a former Holcombe resident, asked me to go to the volleyball game the other day. It was fun to watch the game together! We’ll keep inviting visiting students to different sports events soon again!

Stay tuned!

 

 

 

 

 

 

How is your first week going? Have you finalized your classes? There is a lot of information that you need to process during the first a few weeks, but don’t get overwhelmed, stay positive and you will get settled in soon!

The other day, we had a meeting in the Crowne Apartment for visiting students who live in the apartment complex. It was great to see American roommates’ faces there too. One American student shared a story with me that she traveled around the world on a boat for her study abroad experience! I could tell that she had been very inspired by different cultures and was so looking forward to spending a semester with her roommates! No matter where you live in during the semester, please stay open-minded and try to soak up every single experience!

On our way back, we all took a bus to campus. Public transportation is one of differences you have been experiencing, I assume. Do you miss convenient subway systems in your country? Are buses in Fayetteville less crowded than those in your country?  Do people in your country walk a lot? Yes, indeed, the U.S. is a car society. You may have been surprised by how big the parking space is at the shopping mall!

It may be fun to think about the U.S. culture from the point of view as a car society. Tell us if you have any thoughts around this topic!

Thanks! — Nami

I believe that most of you are arriving in Fayetteville this weekend. Remembering my own first week in the United States, you must be very nervous, excited, motivated or having all mixed feelings to get your semester started!

International Students & Scholars office has planed many activities during the orientation so that you can prepare yourself before the Fall semester starts. It includes all kinds of important information and fun activities to experience some American culture. Please check the orientation schedule carefully!

ISS organized Dinner in an American Home for graduate students on Saturday, August 13. The story was covered in the local news station, KNWA. You will have this program on Saturday, August 20th. Don’t forget to sign up!

By the way, at the Graduation Orientation Welcome, Cross Cultural Mentors (CCMs) shared a part of the U of A culture, Call the Hogs.

Are you wondering “What does that mean, Woooooo… on this picture?” or “What do you mean by Hogs?” Don’t worry! You will learn this once you get here!

Take a good rest over the weekend and show your smiles to us on Monday!

— Nami

Welcome to Fayetteville! International Students & Scholars office is very excited to have you all here at the U of A!

If you have any questions, please let us know!