Traveling Preparation Process

photo and essay by Abdulla Alshebli

Do you have any trouble preparing for traveling? Many people have a number of problems when they are preparing for traveling. What should they take with them? What are the things that they should not take with them? I have been studying abroad for two semesters, and I can help. There are several steps you should consider before coming to the US.

There are many things you should expect before coming here. Initially, you should be aware of the American immigration laws. Many students came to the US without being aware of those laws, so they had a number of issues with maintaining their status. The American Immigration Agency requires international students to attend not less than 83% of their classes. Many students were forced to leave the US, because they had less than that percentage. Another thing that you should be aware of is the huge amount of assignments that you are going to have when you come here. Most of the instructors here in the English Language Institute believe that the more assignments you have, the better level of English you will have. Consequently, they give the student a lot of assignments.

In addition, before departure you have to do several things. The most important thing that you should do is pack your luggage one week before departing. You should be sure that you pack everything you need. Many people do not know what to take and what to leave. First, you should bring all of the important documents you will need, such as your I-20, the passport, and any additional ID. Many people think that an additional ID is not important. In fact, last time I came to the US, an immigration officer asked me about one. However, I did not have any additional ID with me. Consequently, he delayed me, and I could not solve this problem without calling the UAE embassy. To add, it is recommended to leave anything that you can get here in your home, because it will add weight to your luggage. Furthermore, there are some items that you should not bring with you, such as pets, food, guns, and drugs.

After travel in foreign country you have to do several things in order to adjust the new environment. One of the significant things that you should do is to keep yourself as busy as possible. Many students who study abroad get homesick, and making yourself busy is a successful way to avoid this issue. Another thing that will help you to avoid homesickness is making new friends. At the same time, making friendship with native speakers can improve your English. Also, in order to have a great time here and to avoid any problem, you have to understand the new culture. Celebrating in the ELI cultural activities is going to help you to do this as well as asking the ELI teachers.

In order to prepare for studying overseas you have to do several things. I advise students who plan to study in the US to avoid thinking negatively, focus on the good aspects, and not to be worry. I hope that you have an amazing time in the ELI.