My Study Abroad Journey in the USA: Navigating the Challenges and Embracing the Beauty

If I were to summarize my experience of living in the USA for a month, I would say it’s been about learning to find balance amidst chaos. 🚞 I have come to accept the unique challenges, such as taking a train to school, only to be abruptly told to change trains, or frequently dealing with public transport delays due to events happening in Connecticut. I’ve had to accept unexpected morning calls to retrieve packages and have even braved encounters with the eccentricities of late-night street life.

Managing my finances can also be a source of stress, particularly when I convert my spending from Australian dollars to RMB. The heartbreak that follows can be daunting! 😅 I often find myself juggling multiple responsibilities, fueled by the belief that my opportunities here are more plentiful than back home in China. I aspire to intern while studying, dive into hands-on experiences, and explore part-time jobs. Thankfully, luck has been on my side, as I recently landed a part-time position. I look forward to sharing my work experiences and insights in the future!

Facing Uncertainties in My Academic Journey

Despite landing a job, I still feel overwhelmed about the future. There’s a constant tug-of-war in my mind: will the internships affect my studies negatively? I keep applying for remote internships back home, but the silence is deafening. The academic hurdles seem relentless—quizzes piling up, new data analysis concepts that I’ve never encountered, and the ongoing challenge of preparing for CFA exams. 📚

Beautiful Moments Amidst the Struggles

Yet, amidst the whirlwind of chaos, moments of beauty shine through. Whether it’s wandering through the botanical gardens, gazing at the stunning blue sea, or watching the breathtaking sunsets, I find solace in nature. Even casual trips to the supermarket with my roommates, cooking together, and sharing laughs add a touch of warmth to my experience, making life here feel vibrant and full of life.

Embracing Cultural Adjustments

Interactions with locals have been mostly positive, with many friendly faces around campus. However, my expectations of forming deep friendships with people from diverse backgrounds sometimes clash with a natural inclination to seek comfort in familiar cultural ties. Speaking English can be a struggle; I often feel like I’m losing my voice. In group discussions, my thoughts struggle to translate into coherent speech, compounding the feeling of isolation. I’ve also heard stories of peers facing discrimination simply due to their ethnicity. 😔

A Bittersweet Conclusion

Overall, I don’t regret coming to the USA for my studies. However, I can’t help but imagine returning home someday. The convenience of transport, the ease of shipping packages, and the comfort of expressing myself in Chinese make me feel like I would thrive better in a familiar environment. While I can manage to work in English, the thought of navigating a fully English-speaking day is a daunting one! 🥲

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