Helpful Student Resources
The resources here are recommended to be used by students studying English to supplement formal instruction.
Useful Student Links
Comparing Cultural Differences: Mexico with the United States and Canada.
This website provides a table comparing the major differences between the United States/Canada and Mexico. It covers the major areas of religion, work, personal appearance, values, etc.
Adjusting to Life in North America: Guide for International Students
This website provides a thorough look at North American life for the international student. It covers such topics as making friends, adjusting to American life, handling complaints, dealing with prejudice, staying healthy, and enjoying North American cuisine on a budget.
. The Daily Princetonian: Adjusting to America
This article, published in the Daily Princetonian, discusses the adjustment to American university life from the perspective of various international students. It highlights the differences in the reality of the social scene, the legal drinking age, making friends, connecting with other international students for support, and studying for classes.
Understanding American Culture - From Melting Pot to Salad Bowl
This article is designed for the general public and discusses the way that the culture of American society is shaped by its earliest development. It also discusses the way in which the United States' label as a melting pot is being replaced by the term "salad bowl" to signify that the people are living together while still remaining separate rather than melting together as has been traditionally used to describe the diversity of the American people. Geographical importance of each region of the United States is discussed and each of the unique regional characteristics are mentioned, highlighting many of the routes of distinct cultural flavor.
American Holidays: A Brief Overview for International Students
This is a very helpful site discussing North American holidays and the reasons behind them, just for international students.
The Purdue University Online Writing Lab
The Online Writing Lab at Purdue University provides students resources on English grammar, including the use of verbs, adjectives, prepositions, and phrasal verbs (complete with examples of their uses), and also provides valuable advice concerning university termonology (e.g. add/drop, final exam, mid term exam, etc), and gives students practical suggestions for interacting with university instructors, including preferred modes of address and classroom expectations, what students can expect during their college career (use of instructors' office hours, the importance of checking e-mail, and so forth). Click “English as a second language” to access these student resources.
101 American English Idioms: Understanding and Speaking English Like an American
This helpfully illustrated book provides American English idioms (slang) to help ESL students sound more natural when they speak English.
International Students and United States medical Insurance
This web page discusses medical insurance in the United States. This page is designed for international students and gives links to further information on such topics as finding a doctor, finding a dentist, and tips for obtaining health insurance (which may be in addition to any insurance the student already has from his/her country). It defines terms such as premium and deductable, and helps students understand the benefits as well as the significant costs of this service in the United States.
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