Success of the life depends on the Decisions that you take at each and every stage of your life. And the decision can be perfect when it is taken at the perfect time.
Most of us have the fear of taking decision because we are afraid of its results and though we take a decision we are careless about the Time that we are taking to implement it. Everything you do is an investment of time.

Here are some specific suggestions for those who aim to pursue MS Degree from the reputed US University, and if you have

•Appeared for GRE and searching for Universities:
The perfect time to start FALL applications is in the month of September/October but still it is possible to apply for FALL 2010.But do not delay the things as you delayed and did not start applications in September. Understand the importance of time and have professional guidance as soon as possible.

•Just decided to pursue MS Degree from US University:
Remember one thing that this process takes minimum 6 months to maximum 2 years from GRE preparations till you get Visa. If you don’t want to miss golden opportunities, it is mandatory to have a proper schedule. The problem is, your life is already full, and you end up busy with all the day-to-day things, unable to find time for what you really want to do. And how often have you reached the end of the day, and had no energy? How often has something unexpected cropped up that steals away the time you were going to spend working towards your goal?

Here are some ways to make the time that you need:

1.Take the first hour of your day and use it for what really matters to you. Everything else can wait for just one hour.
2.List your activities according to the importance level and follow the hierarchy.
3.Instead of wasting time to just chat with friends on unnecessary matters You could ask a friend to keep you accountable by checking up on your progress, whether that’s through a weekly phone call or a quick daily check-in on Twitter. Sometimes, it’s easier to stay motivated when you know that someone else is cheering you on. So friends can also be a great source of encouragement.

There are Chances that you will be tired, and want to do something else like answer your emails, or watch television, or sleep in. You will be able to enjoy all these things also if you arrange your activities from initial stage rather than doing the last minute show.

In many ways time is more valuable than money. You’ll always have the opportunity to make more money, but once time has been spent it’s gone forever. When you think of time as a commodity, and all of your actions as investments, it changes the way you approach every day decisions.

Ultimately “DECISION IS PERFECT WHEN IT IS TAKEN AT PERFECT TIME”

So Many things have changed! I can’t believe how many big shops have closed down and clubs have changed their music and style and new things have opened. You really have a heightened awareness of everything that is different, so it almost feels like you are coming forward to something new rather than back to something old. Another thing that is completely different is the style of assessment and work at University. I will now mainly talk about what its like being a Glasgow Student again!

It is just over a month since I have been back as a Final year Psychology student at University in Glasgow. I am definitely settling back into the routine now, but the process of adapting back to this system has not been a particularly smooth one. I definitely remember many feelings of overwhelm, excitement, frustration and anticipation. I will share a bit of my experience with you now.

As a Psychology single honors student you get to choose 9 subjects out of around 25. This freedom to choose what you are interested in was definitely a treat. However, don’t worry about it too much, because once you get the time table of subjects you still have a couple of weeks to change your mind. The first thing that struck me about this process was that the majority of classes had finals worth 100% of the grade. Classes also only run for around 5 weeks and we have 4 lots of 5 week classes, BUT the exams for ALL of these classes are right at the end of the year. I think this seems daunting for any student, but for an EAP student who has just come back from the American system, where everything is continuous assessment and the exams and finals are rarely worth more than 20% (and believe me you get used to it that way – you have to!) it seems crazy to be doing it the way they are here!! But, although I havn’t survived the exams yet, I’m definitely feeling less at a disadvantage now as I realize we really are all in the same boat.

There are things that we are NOT in the same boat for. I went through a whole process of discovering on the 23^rd September that I would have to do a level three Critical Review because I did not do it while I was away. This was right in the middle of trying to figure out my topic for my 10000 word level 4 CR and my Maxi project and having just began getting my head around the amount of classes, so I did not welcome this news (especially sprung upon me this late in the game). I was frustrated that I wasn’t given any warning before hand and I hadn’t been given any direction as to how to go about it. I didn’t feel supported and I didn’t feel like my extra hard work and projects at Berkeley were being recognized. I was told that this would help me as practice for my level 4 CR and that I needed to be treated the same as the other Psychology students, but I felt strongly that it was not the same making me do this one on top of my level 4 work, while everyone else spent the whole of 3^rd year doing a practice on and then gradually building up a topic with lots of supervisor support in order to finish a second CR. So I began emailing and trying to find out about it. After much confusion (as they actually didn’t yet have a system for EAPs) I have actually managed to adapt the research topic and paper that I did in Berkeley into the format of a Critical Review. However this will be different for Psychology students to come as after the confusion this year I think they will figure out what to do before hand ext time.

I have been told by prospective study abroad students that they were warned that studying away would mean they missed out on good CR practice and this may affect their performance in fourth year. I was asked if this was true? I do not think this should be something that puts you off! I have now completed my level 3 CR and also had a look at some CRs of friends and something that I learnt from the process is that CRs can be in very different formats, but that if you put in the time and effort to know the subject and listen to the feedback your supervisor is giving you (they are there for you to ask questions) then there is no reason that you shouldn’t do well. You may have more questions to ask, you may feel like you have to put a little more effort in.. But I sware it feels worth every second of it. There has not been one single time that my frustration at the Department or the daunting workload has made me wish I didn’t study abroad.

Some more tips on settling back into being a Glasgow student. One of the main things for me that seemed daunting was the Maxi project (our final year thesis style write-up). My biggest piece of advice is get in touch with your supervisor asap. They are there to help you formulate your ideas. (Also look at supervisors while you are away, and choose one early as they do get booked up quickly). I was very lucky that I got a supervisor (Steve Draper) who is doing projects in a topic that really interests me [although I did find him on the internet ad approach him with enthusiasm myself] and as I did not have a particular topic in mind I was able to join up with him and another professor to be part of an experiment that is carrying out an intervention on the first year computer science students. But generally whether you are a Psychology student or not, Be Vocal. Get to know who is there to support you.

 This is a short Final Year! I only have 5 months until ALL my classes are over (in March!) And then only about a total of 7 or 8 months until I will no longer be a student! Or for me, I like to think that within a year from now I may be back in California – as I loved it there and I have every intention of returning, at least for a few months. So, this will be a BUSY year. But it will be a full year for everyone, and if you study away you will complete it not only with a Degree, but also with a years study at an American University on your transcript and MORE importantly a year of experiences, friends, and growth that you would never have got otherwise.

I feel like I sound like a salesperson. Haha! that wasn’t my intention!. It was just that I have had a few people tell me that they felt like the workload on return and what they would miss here was a ‘put off’ to studying away and I strongly think that it is a real shame to look at it like that. And that I guess you cant really know what I’m trying to say until you do it yourself, but studying away for a year (and having the visa and study paid for you) is an incredible opportunity that I am really surprised that only two people in my department actually took.

So Many things have changed! I can’t believe how many big shops have closed down and clubs have changed their music and style and new things have opened. You really have a heightened awareness of everything that is different, so it almost feels like you are coming forward to something new rather than back to something old. Another thing that is completely different is the style of assessment and work at University. I will now mainly talk about what its like being a Glasgow Student again!

It is just over a month since I have been back as a Final year Psychology student at University in Glasgow. I am definitely settling back into the routine now, but the process of adapting back to this system has not been a particularly smooth one. I definitely remember many feelings of overwhelm, excitement, frustration and anticipation. I will share a bit of my experience with you now.

As a Psychology single honors student you get to choose 9 subjects out of around 25. This freedom to choose what you are interested in was definitely a treat. However, don’t worry about it too much, because once you get the time table of subjects you still have a couple of weeks to change your mind. The first thing that struck me about this process was that the majority of classes had finals worth 100% of the grade. Classes also only run for around 5 weeks and we have 4 lots of 5 week classes, BUT the exams for ALL of these classes are right at the end of the year. I think this seems daunting for any student, but for an EAP student who has just come back from the American system, where everything is continuous assessment and the exams and finals are rarely worth more than 20% (and believe me you get used to it that way – you have to!) it seems crazy to be doing it the way they are here!! But, although I havn’t survived the exams yet, I’m definitely feeling less at a disadvantage now as I realize we really are all in the same boat.

There are things that we are NOT in the same boat for. I went through a whole process of discovering on the 23rd September that I would have to do a level three Critical Review because I did not do it while I was away. This was right in the middle of trying to figure out my topic for my 10000 word level 4 CR and my Maxi project and having just began getting my head around the amount of classes, so I did not welcome this news (especially sprung upon me this late in the game). I was frustrated that I wasn’t given any warning before hand and I hadn’t been given any direction as to how to go about it. I didn’t feel supported and I didn’t feel like my extra hard work and projects at Berkeley were being recognized. I was told that this would help me as practice for my level 4 CR and that I needed to be treated the same as the other Psychology students, but I felt strongly that it was not the same making me do this one on top of my level 4 work, while everyone else spent the whole of 3rd year doing a practice on and then gradually building up a topic with lots of supervisor support in order to finish a second CR. So I began emailing and trying to find out about it. After much confusion (as they actually didn’t yet have a system for EAPs) I have actually managed to adapt the research topic and paper that I did in Berkeley into the format of a Critical Review. However this will be different for Psychology students to come as after the confusion this year I think they will figure out what to do before hand next time. (You may even be told to do it during your year with distant supervision – which would reduce amount when you return)

I have been told by prospective study abroad students that they were warned that studying away would mean they missed out on good CR practice and this may affect their performance in fourth year. I was asked if this was true? I do not think this should be something that puts you off! I have now completed my level 3 CR and also had a look at some CRs of friends and something that I learnt from the process is that CRs can be in very different formats, but that if you put in the time and effort to know the subject and listen to the feedback your supervisor is giving you (they are there for you to ask questions) then there is no reason that you shouldn’t do well. You may have more questions to ask, you may feel like you have to put a little more effort in.. But I sware it feels worth every second of it. There has not been one single time that my frustration at the Department or the daunting workload has made me wish I didn’t study abroad.

Some more tips on settling back into being a Glasgow student. One of the main things for me that seemed daunting was the Maxi project (our final year thesis style write-up). My biggest piece of advice is get in touch with your supervisor asap. They are there to help you formulate your ideas. (Also look at supervisors while you are away, and choose one early as they do get booked up quickly). I was very lucky that I got a supervisor (Steve Draper) who is doing projects in a topic that really interests me [although I did find him on the internet ad approach him with enthusiasm myself] and as I did not have a particular topic in mind I was able to join up with him and another professor to be part of an experiment that is carrying out an intervention on the first year computer science students. But generally whether you are a Psychology student or not, Be Vocal. Get to know who is there to support you.

This is a short Final Year! I only have 5 months until ALL my classes are over (in March!) And then only about a total of 7 or 8 months until I will no longer be a student! Or for me, I like to think that within a year from now I may be back in California – as I loved it there and I have every intention of returning, at least for a few months. So, this will be a BUSY year. But it will be a full year for everyone, and if you study away you will complete it not only with a Degree, but also with a years study at an American University on your transcript and MORE importantly a year of experiences, friends, and growth that you would never have got otherwise.

I feel like I sound like a salesperson. Haha! that wasn’t my intention!. It was just that I have had a few people tell me that they felt like the workload on return and what they would miss here was a ‘put off’ to studying away and I strongly think that it is a real shame to look at it like that. And that I guess you can’t really know what I’m trying to say until you do it yourself, but studying away for a year (and having the visa and study paid for you) is an incredible opportunity that I am really surprised that only two people in my department actually took.

Importance of foreign education:
Globalization is the word today. International business has risen, cultural exchanges are taking place. As a result, number of students wanting to study abroad to gain valuable international exposure is increasing day by day. Also, increasing scholarships abroad and easy availability of loans have added to this trend. Hence, foreign education is on the rise and will keep doing so in future. But there are few important points which have to be kept in mind by both students and their parents while taking the important decision of foreign studies.

a) Selection of country –

A wrong country selection can be detrimental for your career. Many Indian students expect jobs after studies in foreign countries. But this is not possible in many countries. Jobs are given depending on the vacancies in a particular field.

b) Easiest is not always the best –

If a student is guaranteed admission within 15 days or without any exams or on less marks,then there are chances of fraud and exploitation of the student.

c) Go with the flow –

It is always better to go with the course which is most preferred while going for abroad education.

d) Contact your Indian counterparts –

It is always wise to contact your Indian counterparts at the university which you have selected because many times their advice will be valuable to you in making decisions.

e) Choose your counselor carefully –

Counselors for foreign education have mushroomed today. So it is imperative that you
be watchful at every step while choosing your counselor. Consider his/her qualifications, experience in this field. Many agents play with the students career by sending them to wrong universities just for the sake of making money.

f) Financial Responsibilities –

Many parents are unaware of the total financial estimates associated with foreign studies and many end up getting duped by this commission agents. Hence, parents must always contact universities and confirm the total amount of money required for the course.

Considering the number of Indian students going abroad every year for education, the number of institutes have also mushroomed up. Some are genuinely in the business of making the careers of these students while some are just for exploiting the students for filling their own pockets.

FEW TIPS FOR PEOPLE GOING FOR USA STUDIES :

1. USA universities stress on research work and academic studies equally. That’s why students get scholarships while doing research work. Hence American education is considered best today with students from various countries studying there. In that also, the percentage of Indian students is far higher. This is coupled with the easy availability of loans from Indian banks thus enabling the middle class to dream of studying in USA.

2. When you approach any counselor who is into sending students abroad, be sure to ask the following things : Which field to study ? Which university to select ? How to raise funds, get scholarships and financial issues ? Guidance for VISA . Ensure that these things are properly addressed by the counselor.

3. If you don’t get proper guidance, then you can be playing with your career.Here, parents should be more cautious and alert. It is very important to understand that two types of counselors exist. First type are the one who act as commission agents for certain universities and send students to those universities only. Second type are the ones who donot act as commission agents and send students to universities solely on their merit. Since the First type counselors get commission from universities, they do not charge the students. But before approaching such counselors, parents and students must ensure whether the university and course offered fits his/her choice.

4. Foreign education builds students career but also involves investment from parents.So it was very necessary to get proper guidance. Think wisely before taking any decisions while choosing your counselor.

Consider the following factors for selection of your counselor :

- Experience of counselor in the field
- If the organization is certified or registered.

Foreign Academic Consultancy & Training ( FACT ) is organising Seminars in Mumbai on 20th September 2009 at Thane,Vashi,Dombivli,Andheri,Borivali and Dadar.

The seminars are for participants interested in pursuing education abroad in USA. The seminars will give info about scholarships in USA as well as opportunities for Post HSC,Post Graduation and Medical field.

FACT has placed more than 5000 students abroad in the past 8 years with most of them availing scholarships.

Seminar Schedule for 20th September 09:

Borivali : 11 am
Andheri : 2 pm
Dadar : 6 pm
Vashi : 11 am
Thane : 2 pm
Dombivli : 6 pm

Interested ones wanting to attend the seminars can register themselves on http://gurukulonweb.com/register_mumbai_seminar.html at the earliest..

Do spread the message !!!

F.A.C.T. students rock Foreign Universities !!!

Engineering Careers

Engineers traditionally have been the largest community of students going abroad. However, the overexposure to the system results in mechanical approach to planning careers and as a result, though most engineering students get admissions, very few get scholarships and research opportunities in their area of interest.You need to have a clear strategy, an ability not just to collect information but “Analyze” the information to your advantage and work in a disciplined manner right from the third year of engineering. Moreover, at every stage of preparation, the students should know its likely impact on the admissions and scholarships decision. This will result in reducing the cost of education to a substantial 75%.

Guidance is given by FACT (centers in Borivali,Nashik,Pune,Thane,Dombivali,Vashi,Andheri,Dadar) on how to plan a career path right from third year of engineering, the technique of selecting right universities and right program and most importantly, how to manage finances.

Education Abroad… the Doctor Factor

Planning for career opportunities abroad for the Medical and Para Medical graduates is a complicated process. Most countries like to have stringent and complex rules structure for the ever sensitive health care sector. However, it is also true that many medical and para medical graduates want to fly abroad partly because of lucrative opportunities and partly because of intense competition and rising cost of post graduate education in India. These graduates often make a quick and ill informed decision and then regret for the lost time and money.

In order to assist young graduates from medical and para medical branches, FACT provides career guidance for education abroad.

In order to help the engineering students plan a successful career abroad with scholarships,  Foreign Academic Consultancy and Training (F.A.C.T.), a professional career guidance organization, is actively conducting research for availability of various career opportunities and scholarships abroad. The organization has 9 offices spread all over Maharashtra . In the last 8 years, FACT has guided more than 5000 students  for higher education abroad with maximum students getting scholarships.

Globalization and Internet revolution has shrunk the world into a global village. Boundaries of the nations are only politically important now. For the trade, commerce and industry, the world has become one market place. In such times, we need to have global compatibility to survive and grow. We need to have exposure to the various cultures and business practices of various countries.

Advantages of studying in USA ::

Quality:

U.S. colleges are known worldwide for the quality of their facilities, resources, and faculty. Accreditation systems ensure that institutions continue to maintain these standards.

 Choice:

The U.S education system features many types of institutions, academic and social environments, entry requirements, degree programs, and subjects in which you can specialize.

Value:

A U.S. degree offers excellent value for the money. A wide range of tuition fees and living costs, plus some financial help from colleges, make study in the United States affordable for hundreds of thousands of international students each year.

 Flexibility:

U.S. universities and colleges offer flexibility in choice of courses, but more importantly there is also the option for students to move from institution to another. Completing the first two years of a degree at one institution, usually a community college, and then moving to another, is very common.

visit FACT to know more….

I just tried to request a book at the library and discovered that my record cannot be used because I am under as exchange out. I was sent to the membership desk (outside beside the security gate thing) then to student services then back to the library. So heres a tip, go to the membership desk ask them to re-register you because in the end thats what I had to do.

Well I have been back in Glasgow for over a month now and I am still waiting for it to kick in that I am not headed back to Boston soon. The last weeks in Boston were amazing. After the exams were over the sun was out and all the exchange kids (as the Boston students liked to call us) started making the most of our time left, which included last minute trips out of Boston to various places (Rockport and NYC for me but there were other things arranged).

After getting back I spent a long time at my parent’s house in Prestwick. Going from a great amount of independence (surviving for yourself in a different country) to having your parents round 24/7 was a daunting thought for me despite having missed them greatly while away. As it turned out it seemed that my parents respected that I needed my own space for a while so things went smoothly.

I have recently moved back to Glasgow properly and I am now working in New Look. It is still taking some adjustment but its good to get back to the pub and see my friends here. At the end of this month I am going to visit some friends that I made in Boston in Ireland; a mini reunion with 3 Irish people, 1 English and even an Australian coming!

Even though my year in Boston is over, the friendships I made there are lasting, and my international adventures are continuing…

Lauren

Miami is a great tourist destination and is famous for its beautiful long

Attractive Miami

beaches. Since Miami has a subtropical climate, you will get to explore variety of tropical attractions as per the weather waves.  Miami University is renowned for it’s high-class academic reputation and quality.  If you’re visiting Miami as a student, then it’s prudent to buy student medical insurance that suits the university requirement.  Read on to know more about life in Miami…

- Miami has a subtropical climate that provides adequate of sunshine all year round. Moderation in the temperature brings cool sea winds but it is prudent to wear the sun-protection. Miami becomes the most humid city in US during the summers as the humidity levels increase to 30 degree celsius.

• In Miami, the rainfall occurs mainly during early autumn and summer and thus, it’s advisable that you avoid the Miami visit during the monsoon.
• There is a highest risk of hurricanes striking Miami during the period of June to November and it is best to keep the plans off.

• Preferably exchange your foreign currencies from the places listed below:

1. Miami Currency Exchange – 101, Lenape, Dr Miami Springs

2. Abbot Foreign Money Exchange – 230, NE, 1^st St, Miami

3. World Money Exchange -1631, Collins Ave, Miami Beach

4. Universal Exchange- Miami Inti Airport Ste, F2

5. Moneyfast Corporation- 17 E, Flagler, St Ste, 209, Miami

6. Lenlyn Limited Incorporated- 782, NW 42^nd Ave, Miami

7. Dharamsi Hanif – 1330, West Ave, Miami Beach

8. Western Union – PO Box 997329, Miami

- Miami Beach is the most popular destination in Miami where majority of the events take place. Though the best hotel rates are available in the low tourist season, the hotel rates vary as per the season, day of the week, how full the hotel is and if there is major event going on. Always research before you plan a tour to Miami because comfortable and convenient accommodation matters the most.

- Miami enjoys dynamic nightlife and it is better to find a hotel that has sound-proof windows if you prefer peaceful and light sleep; accommodate yourself little away from the main town to avoid such distractions.

• You can save good amount of money and time if you take advantage of your hotel’s amenities such as free continental breakfast or free access to beach chairs and umbrellas that saves almost $8 to $15 per person per day.

• You can also try seeking discounted self parking at municipal garages that is much cheaper and special access to clubs where you don’t have to pay cover charges. Ask the hotel caretakers to make dinner reservations or bookings for boat tours for you, which will save your time and energy.

• You can visit some places that showcase Miami’s culture. Miami Art Museum is located at 101, West Flagler Street offers free entree on all second Saturdays. You get to see cultural exhibitions and at collections that boast of Miami culture. Another place you can visit is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens of Miami that offer reasonable entree rates (starting from $10 per person) and free parking.

• The local wine and food events are very popular in Miami from November to February. You get to taste variety of wines and the events offer you tastings that fit in your budget.

• Miami Spice is an annual event in which involves participation of over 70 of Miami’s finest restaurants. During the months of August and September, guests can eat a 3 course meal for lunch and dinner. There is a fixed price for lunch of $23 and for dinner at $36. Along Miami’s beaches, from South Beach to Sunny Isles and on the mainland, from Coral Gables to Downtown Miami and as north as Aventura, locals and tourists take advantage of this great opportunity. You can eat a full meal for a reasonable price at restaurants that are usually quite expensive.

• Miami has a history of crimes related to mob activity, drug activity, and a high rate of poverty. Miami is reported as a city that has one of the highest crime rates in the country and it is very important to be aware of surroundings to keep safe all the time.

•  

• Places like Miami Beach or downtown are very safe during the day but avoid wandering at the same place during the night. Also, stay away from areas like Liberty City, Overtown, Carol City, Opa Locka that have highest level of time and it could be dangerous to travel in these areas.

•  

• Plan your travel route in advance and make a checklist of safe places, restaurants, stores and timings before you start traveling. Always keep a map with your and avoid discussing your travel plans with strangers.

• Driving rules differ in Miami. You have to drive from left and avoid drunk driving at anytime. Driving in Miami traffic is considered quite troublesome and thus make sure that you always keep a tour book with you.

• Refrain yourself from arguing with Miami drivers as they officially have worst road rage in the country. Park your vehicle in a safe area and lock it fully before moving out of it.

• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying a costly gadget. Be careful with your luggage and belongings. Avoid leaving any valuables in the hotel room and make sure you lock the room well.

• If you’re approached by somebody in a wrong way or if you believe someone is following you then it is wise to quickly move ahead and locate yourself in a well-populated place.

• Call 911 in case of any emergency.

(Reference resources – http://www.worldtravelguide.com,

http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/visitors/attractions.aspx)

I never got home sick when I traveled out to California, but I definitely got dose of it when I arrived back in Scotland. There are many things to adapt back to once you return home, I’ll just mention a few and how they affected me:

Firstly, the weather… In this case I was very lucky, because although it was beautiful weather in California before I left, I actually returned home to a couple of weeks of gorgeous Scottish sunshine and I am grateful for that to soften the blow.

Secondly, the work… I did not work in my year away because I wanted to use my time enjoying where I was living and because the visa made it complicated. I was able to manage through the savings I had made before going out and the funding help I recieved. However I had asked my old job (at the SECC) to keep me on the books and I was very lucky to be able to return to work as soon as I wanted once I was back in Scotland.. As I am not living back in Glasgow until September (I’m staying up north in my mums house for the summer) I have been traveling up to Glasgow for an intensive weeks work for a conference and then coming back home after that. It is good to be doing something to get some money again and seeing my old work friends and realizing that nothing has changed. But after having so much free time outdoors with my wonderful new friends in California, it is strange to be stuck indoors for a 10hr shift without them.

Thirdly, the lifestyle and friends… It’s a complete lifestyle change. I had been getting into regular Blues dancing and a steady circle of friends and that was all whisked away from under my feet. I felt so cut off from everything that had felt so comfortable. I didn’t even really feel like sharing too many of my stories with some of my friends at home; because, although they asked, I didn’t want to brag about what I had been doing. Especially when their answer to how their year was often revealed that not much had changed or happened. There are some things that probably just take a little time. I would feel the most homesick after watching some cheesey dance movie that reminded me of a life I had out there and didn’t have here, or some facebook invitation to something in California that I couldn’t make.. Its better now, it just took a little time. I still miss California, but I know that I have a different and busy year ahead of me and that there is nothing stopping me from going out and visiting after this year (or possibly staying longer than that). . .

My Visa ran out the day that the term officially ended. That was the 21st of May (I actually finished on the 19^th)… so I booked a ticket home 30 days later on the 20th June (you get a 30 day grace period on your visa which allows you to stay in the country).. I later found out that if I had traveled out of the country in that 30 day grace period, my visa would have expired, but I would probably have been able to return into California on the normal holiday visa-waiver giving me 90 days and any date I wanted to return home. . . So that is something to keep in mind. However, its probably a good thing that I thought I had to return when I did, otherwise I would have found it even harder to leave and I did have things to do once back in Scotland (like find a home for the following year and see relatives and friends as I had been away for almost a full year).

So in order to give you an idea of what my last month in California was like I am attaching various photos (after all a picture speaks a thousand words). If you want to know more about the stories behind these photos have a look at my personal blog (cleo345) or feel free to get in touch with me.

Here is a photo of some of the 700 residents at the International house. A big resident photo is taken at the end of the academic year (a time when many residents are about to move out).

 Photos of Yosemite (a magical place 4 hours from Berkeley) in a spring thunder and lightening storm and only a couple of hours earlier having just walked through the rainbows of the Mist-trail.

Below: Wake-boarding on a lake in Northern California.

Climbing indoors in Mission cliffs San Francisco  and bouldering outdoors at Indian Rock near Santa Cruz.

Doing acroyoga in the light of the sunset in the hills behind International House (my home during term) in Berkeley.

The one bad thing about this amazing month after my study was that I did not want it to end. I was getting very comfortable with all my free time, not spending too much, but having so much fun and I was even making new friends in my last month in the country. This all made it even harder to leave California behind and gave me a serious dose of home-sickness for California when I returned to Scotland.

My Visa ran out the day that the term officially ended. That was the 21st of May (I actually finished on the 19^th)… so I booked a ticket home 30 days later on the 20th June (you get a 30 day grace period on your visa which allows you to stay in the country).. I later found out that if I had traveled out of the country in that 30 day grace period, my visa would have expired, but I would probably have been able to return into California on the normal holiday visa-waiver giving me 90 days and any date I wanted to return home. . . So that is something to keep in mind. However, its probably a good thing that I thought I had to return when I did, otherwise I would have found it even harder to leave and I did have things to do once back in Scotland (like find a home for the following year and see relatives and friends as I had been away for almost a full year). 

So I want to tell you about my last month in California after my exams finished. I completely recommend either traveling or staying on in California after term is over. It is a different experience living in a place while you are not basing your social life around classes and assignments. I decided not to travel far in my last month as I wanted to spend the time with the friends I had made over the year… and fortunately for me many of my friends were PhD students or professionals who were not leaving California as soon as term ended (as many EAP students do). It is definitely nice to know that when I return (which I have decided to do after my final year in Glasgow) there will still be many people I know in Berkeley… So I moved out of the I-house and into my friends flat near the center of Berkeley and got in touch with friends allowing different opportunities to arise.

Here is an end of year resident photo of some of the 700 residents at the International house. 

 I had planned to do a road-trip up north with a few friends (but it was delayed). Even though I did not end up going on this trip this time, I have heard great things about northern California (above SF) and would like to go up to Washington, Seattle and even as far as Vancouver in Canada on a trip one day (perhaps next time). Instead I was offered to go to Yosemite again for a friends birthday and to camp and do a 16mile hike up half-dome. I have been to Yosemite in mid summer and once when it was snowing in winter. This may have been my third time, but it was a very different group of people and a completely different experience due to the season as well. It is a magical place only 4 hours from Berkeley. In spring the waterfalls are gushing with water and the half-dome hike and mist trails are amazing. I completely recommend going, even more than once if you get the chance (it’s not expensive if you share a car load down and a camp site).

On the day we hiked it was beautiful blue skies and sunshine, but we could hear thunder. It turned out that the dome we were hiking up to was underneath a huge thunder and lightening storm. Here are some pictures. One is a silhouette of me on top of half dome in that storm (shortly after which we got down as my hair was starting to stand on end from static electricity!)… and the other is a photo of the mist trail that we just climbed.

 I also managed to do a lot of blues dancing in my last month and absolutely loved it. In fact a blues dancing friend of mine is coming to Edinburgh to teach a weekend Blues workshop in October and I will definitely be going to join in that (it is nice to be able to meet with people in different places in the world!) and it was through this group of friends that I went wake-boarding and wake-surfing with some friends too.. In my time in California I managed to get out on the water this way, and also kayaking and sailing with friends on the bay. It’s a wonderful climate for doing water sports.

Another past time that I took up in that last month in Berkeley was climbing. I went to the climbing gym with some friends on a few occasions and had a lot of fun (there are climbs for every level). Here is a photo from Mission cliffs climbing gym in SF, but there are various gyms called Ironworks in Berkeley and Oakland too. I also went down to an outdoor bouldering and climbing rock known in the climbing world as Indian Rock. The pictures of climbing outdoors are from there.

Between doing these activities, there were so many places in nature to go and beautiful weather to get out in. The bay area is stunning and I am glad that I took the time to get out and appreciate it. However, I was able to get down the coast during my Christmas break and spring break and I do recommend making it to Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara and even San Diego if you get the chance. The road-trip down along the 1 is beautiful and often EAP or other groups of people decide to get a carload and make trips down the coast and every time I hear them talk about it, it is positive.

 The one bad thing about this amazing month after my study was that I did not want it to end. I was getting very comfortable with all my free time, not spending too much, but having so much fun and I was even making new friends in my last month in the country. This all made it even harder to leave California behind and gave me a serious dose of home-sickness for California when I returned to Scotland.

I’m not going to lie, it was really hard to come to terms with living in Scotland after spending 9months in Miami.

That place is like a heaven, and coming back to the bad weather was really hard to take.
Obviously everyone has their own interests but mine revolve around sport, nightclubs, beaches, good weather and business opportunities and in Miami all my intersests were satisfied.

It was definately good to come back and see family and friends that I hadn’t seen in so long which makes the transition period easier but i found myself always looking at pictures of my year abroad and wishing i was there.
I think the best advice i got was that that part of my life was over and you just have to remember it for what it was and not live in the past – you know have to look forward to the next adventure.

It is a difficult transition period but it’s a small price to pay for the best year of my life.

Take it easy

Kian

Hi guys,

After exams it is quite common for the American students to clear out there rooms and go back home, they don’t really stick around.
The international students however don’t want to go back home! Everyone makes plans about a month before exams start where we will travel once it’s all over.
With your student visa you get a 60 day grace period in which your allowed to stay in the United States for 60 days before you leave, you can’t however travel out of the US to say Mexico and then re-enter the US within this grace period so thats why most of the students tend to stay within the US.

New York is definately the most popular destination for international students from Miami, there is so much to do there it’s ridiculous and its only a 2 and a half hour flight away.
There was about 10 of us in New York just partyin it up, some students also decide to travel the whole US solo or go stay with friends they have made over the course of the year at Miami.

There are a lot of options for international students and everyone is in the same boat so regardless what you do it is sure to be a lot of fun.
My advice would be not to rush home and make the most of the time you have in the US

Take it easy

Kian

Wow, all I can say is what a year!

In the last 9 months i’ve made friends that will last a lifetime as well as experiences that couldn’t have happened anywhere else in the world.  If I was told I could change anything about this last year I would honestly say nothing.

Firstly, the education i feel was fantastic, Miami is a private university therefore it costs their students $35,000 a year to study business there therefore they obviously employ very knowledgable and dynamic professors.  Furthermore, attendence was pretty much mandatory with it being 10% of your grade therefore i attended all classes and really felt as if I learnt a lot and benefited from a lot of guest speakers such as Burger King’s head of marketing, CEO of McDonalds etc.
Something else which was extremely exciting around campus was the 2008 Presidential Election, i was lucky enough to see John McCain and Barack Obama both speak on our campus due to the political connections our school President has.  After Obama won the election there was just a different vibe around campus, people were much happier and everyone was excited and welcoming the changes which were coming ahead so it was great to be a part of that.

Living in Miami also opened up a lot of doors for travelling, I managed to take short holidays down to Key West, Orlando, Bahamas and Mexico.  These are all short trips and fairly inexpensive that you can make with friends so obviously you will have an amazing time while being to experience different countries and cultures which are all relatively close.

The nightlife was also second to none.  Firstly the clubs are huge and extravagent with celebrity DJ’s and amazing special effects however the drinks are not easy on the wallet but worth it when you take the whole experience into account.  Clubbing is generally very expensive in Miami however if you just get to know a promoter they will get you in free and give you drink promotions… these promoters are also not hard to find they usually find you through facebook because they want your business as they get paid per person they bring into the club.  Additionally, if you were wondering about American house parties it is EXACTLY as you would see them in movies like American Pie and Old School especially with the red cups!  Fraternity parties are also wild so if partying is your thing Miami is definately the place to be!  Getting to know new people at parties was also extremely easy as I found most Americans love the accent and will happily listen to you no matter what you are saying which is always a bonus…

Somewhere i spent a lot of my time on campus was the gym, it is absolutely huge with everything you could possibly want in there, so many full size indoor/outdoor basketball courts, running track, badminton and squash courts, outdoor soccer/football/softball fields, restaurant, huge weight room and loads of cardio machines! If fitness and sports is your thing then the campus gym will be like heaven, I found playing in intramural sports was also a great way to meet new people and arrange social nights.

All in all i had the best year of my life at the University of Miami and i liked it so much that i’m looking into doing graduate school there when i finish up at Glasgow.
If you have any questions or want to see any pictures to visualize what i’m talking about feel free to reply and ask me any questions.

Take it easy

Kian

Maybe you want the very best education available. Maybe you want to put your career on the fast track by perfecting your English and working with top professionals in your field. Whatever your reasons, one thing is clear – your next step is to come to the U.S.A., which will help you achieve your goals and have fun!

You have read about the U.S.A. every day in the news, watched Hollywood films, listened to U.S. songs and music videos and talked to people from the U.S.A. Only by living in the U.S.A. can you truly become fluent in English and gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of U.S. culture.

Life in the U.S.A. will probably be different from what you expect. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that the images from films and television programs are not always true. That is, Americans come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes. Americans in general are very friendly and will be interested in learning about you and your country.

For any international student, the U.S.A. has a lot to offer: the most prestigious, top ranked education anywhere in the world, eclectic cities and beautiful natural parks, artistic, cultural, political and athletic events, and a very multicultural population.

Diversity

The land and people of the U.S.A. are incredibly varied. Wherever you choose to study, you will encounter a regional culture rich in history, local traditions and customs. The U.S.A. is a multi-racial society that is still absorbing new immigrants, which makes it a very dynamic and exciting place to experience. While students must exercise caution in a few locations, in much of the U.S.A., streets and university campuses are clean and safe.

Differences

U.S. universities may differ from those in your own country in several ways. For one thing, classes are generally small. There may be as few as ten to twenty students in a class; an education in the U.S. A. gives you the personal attention you need in order to succeed. While in class, students are encouraged and expected to contribute to the discussion. Professors meet with students in their offices or even share coffee or meals with them. The close relationship between students and faculty serves to motivate students and fosters a personal approach to the curriculum. Studying in the U.S.A. gives you the opportunity to gain a mentor in your given career field, an invaluable resource.

미국 영어 연수와 자동차 사고

자동차 사고(1)
기다리고 고대하던 미국 영어연수를 위한 비자를 받고 얼마나 기뻤는지… 말로 표현을 할 수 없었습니다. 학교도 원하던 학교로 되었고, 가게되면 이거는 꼭 해봤으면 하고 바랐던것이 현실로 되고, 미국인 학교에 미국인 학생들과 나란히 등교하고, 외제차도 타고, 이거 정말이지 꿈만 같은데….
한국에서는 눈치코치로 마음놓고 살수 없는 싸고 좋다는 일본회사에서 생산한 새 승용차를 현금으로 구입해서, 너무나 만족하게 차를 운전해서 등하교를 하고, 방과 후에는 여지저기 가까운 거리를 드리이브도 하고, 마음껏 마음 멋을 내면서 행복하게 지내고 있고, 후회가 없는 하루하루를 보내고 있지요. 오들도 한참 마음 멋을 내면서 차를 운전해 학교에 갔어요. 수업 후 차를 주차장에서 빼 주차장을 나오는 중에 갑자기 난데없이 주차 되어있던 차가 번개같이 후진을 하면서 내차 운적석쪽 뒤범퍼를 꽝하고 받았는데, 얼마나 놀랐는지… 지금도 몸이 떨리고 무서워서 어떻게 해야 할지를 모르겠는데, 다행히 사고를 낸 당사자가 좋은 사람이라, 순순히 자기 잘못을 인정하고, 보험회사에 전화해서 신고를 하고, 자기가 잘못했다고 고백 했어요. 근데 너무 속상해서 눈물이 나와요. 새차 사고에다 일년후 귀국할때 팔려고 하는데, 이 사고때문에 판매가가 떨어지면 손해잖아요. 가격제대로 받지 못하면 어떻게 해요.

자동차 사고(2)
생각하면 할 수록 속상해요. 전화를 해도 말이 안통하니 통역관을 통해서 해야 되고, 설사 통역관이 있다고 해도, 내가 먼저 자동차 보험회사에 전화 한다는 자체가 손에 땀나는 일이잖아요. 누가 무슨 말을 할지도 모르고, 한두마디 알아 들어도 어떻게 대답을 해야 할지도 모르고, 설사 해도 제대로 했는지 조차도 알 수 없고. 보험회사에서 말을 해 주어도 어설퍼게 알아 들으니 그냥 불안하고, 초조하고, 가슴이 답답하고, 피가 거꾸로 흐르는 것만 같아요. 이렇게 힘든적이 없었어요. 그냥 울고 싶어요.
차 수리는 어떻게 해요? 어디에 가야 수리를 할 수 있는지도 모르고, 막상 찿아가도 그기서 차 수리를 제대로 할 수 있는지도 모르잖아요. 그리고 요구사항이 있어도 할 수도 없고, 말이 안통하는데 어떻게 해야되요. 새 차인데 수리를 개떡깥이 해놓고 돈을 바가지로 요구하면 어떻게 해요. 그리고 수리를 진짜로 잘 했는지, 수리비용은 정당한지도 모르잖아요. 그렇다고 따진다는 것은 꿈에도 생각할 수 없잖아요.
지금 내 자동차 보험회사에 전화해서 사고 신고접수 했는데, 왜 그렇게 질문을 많이 하는지 짜증이 날 정도입니다. 내 보험회사고 내돈 받으면서 왜이리 많이 묻는지… 한국에서는 전화하면 보험사에서 알아서 다 처리해 주는데, 여기 미국은 아닌가 봅니다. 그러면 왜 보험가입자에게 비싼 돈을 받는지 도무지 모르겠어요. 돈은 돈대로 받고 일은 제대로 해 주지도 않고…. 그렇다고 당장 찿아가서 따질 수도 없고. 어디있는지 알아야 찿아가든지 말든지 할것 아닙니까. 내 정보 다주고 상대방 정보까지 다 주었는데. 내 보험회사고 내 돈을 받으니까, 상대방 보험회사에 내 대신 연락해서 일처리 해 주면 안되나요?

자동차 사고(3)
지금 얘기가, 상대방이 100% 잘못을 인정했고, 상대방 정보와 보험회사 전화번호, 보험번호 다 주었는데 못할 이유가 없는데, 왜 나보고 상대방 보험회사에 연락을 하라고 하는지 모르겠어요. 생각만해도 손이 떨리고, 얼굴이 화끈거리고, 땀이나는데, 나보고 상대방 보험회사에 전화를 하라고 하니, 진짜 눈앞이 캄캄 합니다. 사고를 당하고도 이런 일을 해야 한다니 이만저만 속상한게 아닙니다. 이런 힘든 사항을 말하니, 그러면 내 보험으로 차를 수리하라고 하는 내 보험사 직원이 얼마나 미운지… 먼저 내 보험으로 차를 수리하고 비용을 상대방 보험에서 받는 방법도 있다고 하면서, 전액다를 상대방 보험사에서 받아낸다는 보장을 할 수 없고, 언제까지 받아낸다는 보장도 할 수 없다는 얘기는 또 무슨 소린지… 이거 내 보험회사 맞나 하는 의구심이 듭니다. 기가 맊히는 일 아닌가요? 아니, 보험료 밀린적없이 꼬박꼬박 날짜 맟추어 다내, 그것도 유학생이라는 프리미엄 포함해서 엄청나게 많이 내고 있고, 사고 난적도 없고, 문화적 언어적 장해 때문에 도움을 청하는데 안된다니. 고객이 청하는데 안된다. 이거 완전히 배짱 장사 하는거 아닙니까? 다 니가 알아서 해라. 보험사는 돈만 받으면 된다. 아니 그러면, 보험사가 고객에게 하는게 뭐가 있나요?
이런 말을 속시원히 하고싶은데, 이거 도데체 말을 할 수가 없으니… 그냥 속알이를 하고 있습니다. 너무 속상해서 챙피를 무릎쓰고 통역관이 통역하는 동안 엉엉 울었어요. 전화기에 대고 엉엉 울었습니다. 울면서 생각 했어요. 내가 지금 왜 울지? 정작 울어야 할 사람은 내가 아니고 보험사 직원이어야 되는데… 아니 그것도 아니네. 울어야 할 사람이 아무도 없네. 이쯤되니 자신이 서글퍼 집니다. 왜 내가 서글퍼 해야 되나 하고 또 생각을 합니다. 아무래도 새차 망가진것 때문에 하소연할 곳이 없어서 속상해서 그냥 울었던것 같습니다. 욕을 하자니 그것도 그렇고, 고함을 치자니 그것고 이상하고, 속시원히 말을 하자니 이건 맨땅에 헤딩 하는것 보다도 더 힘들고, 설사 한다고 해도 피나고 다치는 사람은 다른 사람이 아니라, 내 자신이고, 그렇다고 맨땅짚고 헤엄칠 수도 없네요. 해 봐야 별 볼일도 없잖아요. 앞으로 나가는 것도 아니고, 설사 나간다 해도 상처투성이가 되는게 당연하고, 이렇게 해야할 가치가 없다고 봐요. 한국 같으면, 속시원히 하고 싶은 말이라도 할 수 있을텐데… 이건 평생 다시 탈수 있을지도 모르는 외제차, 그것도 새차를 월부도 아닌 현금으로 샀는데, 이렇게 됐으니 자존심이 구겨진 것은 둘째 문제이고, 다시 팔때 가격이 떨어 진다는 것 생각하면 도무지 잠이 안 올것 같아요. 한국에서도 차를 가지고 있었지만, 국산이었고 월부 였는데…

자동차 사고(4)
차 수리를 어떻게 해야 되는지 개인적으로 통역관에게 물으니, 통역관 법칙상 개인적인 의견이나, 답을 줄 수 없다고 합니다. 그 말은 맞는 말인데, 그래도 같은 한국 사람아니까 개인적인 의견을 듣고 싶었던 겁니다. 그래도 안되다고 하고, 그 얘기를 또 보험사 직원에게 그대로 통역을 하는 것 같았어요. 통역관이 법을 따라서 하는 것을 가지고 불평을 할 수는 없는 노릇이잖아요. 나도 보험사 직원이 하라는데로 따라하고 싶지만, 아는게 없고 집 문밖에만 나가면 부담되는 생활을 하는데 어떻게 할 수가 없어요. 집을 나서기만 하면, 사람 달라, 문화 달라, 나무도 달라, 전봇대도 달라, 전선도 달라, 날아 다니는 새도 달라, 하늘도 달라, 구름도 달라, 아스팔트도 달라, 차도 달라, 듣기는 말도 달라 같은 것이라고는 나 자신 밖에 없어요. 한국에서도 나는 나 였고, 여기 미국에서도 나는 나 이니까요. 이런 상태에서 살고 있고, 다른 사람들과 부딫혀야 되고, 내일을 내가 처리 해야 되는 생소한 문화를 접하고 있으니, 모든게 힘겹게만 여겨 집니다. 다행히 통역관이 지혜롭게 나에게 보험사 직원이 해주는 답 이상으로 많은 팁을 주어서 이해가 되고, 안심이 되었습니다. 통역관을 통해서 들은 팁은 미국에서 오래 살았다고 알 수 있는 그런게 아니었습니다. 차사고와 보험에 관해서 잘 안다고 해서 알 수 있는 그런것도 아니었습니다. 이 두가지를 다 가지고 있으면서, 미국 문화와 한국 문화를 아무 문제 없이 이해하고 한국 말과 영어를 아무 문제 없이 그 언어자체의 뉘앙스까지 문제 없이 이해 하는 사람만이 해 줄 수있는 그런 귀하고, 값지며, 깊은 팁이었습니다. 이런 팁을 받고 보니 새삼 내가 가치가 있고, 차사고 당한게 별게 아니구나 하는 마음읗 가지게 되었습니다. 그리고 처음에 미국에 올때 가졌던 기분을 다시 되찿게 되었습니다.
이제 다시 하늘이 파랗게 보입니다. 자동차 보다는 내가 가진 꿈과 가치가 더 중요 하다는 것도 깨달았습니다. 한국에 있었을 때는 느끼기 힘들었던 가치있는 느낌 입니다. 그래, 맞아. 이게 다는 아니야. 그냥 차동차 사고를 당한 것일뿐. 차는 고치면 되는 것이고. 여기에 내 가치와 삶을 실어서는 안되지. 자동차가 내 삶을 살아 주는 것도, 대변 해 주는 것도 아니니까.
전화 통화를 마치고 나서, 새 사람이 되었습니다. 자기 직업을 걸고 팁을 주신 통역관님께 한 없는 감사를 표현 했습니다. 개인적으로 만나서 감사의 인사를 드리고 싶다고 했지만, 거절을 하셨습니다. 세상에는 이런 감사한 사람들도 있구나 하고 새삼 깨달았습니다. 앞으로는 미국에서 사는 동안 문화적인 충격으로 인해서 울고 불고 하는 일이 상당히 많이 줄어 드리라 확신 합니다.

미국 유학 생활

1막 1장
너무 힘들어서 다 그만 두고 푹 쉬었으면 좋겠어요. 그러면 참 좋겠는데, 그럴 수도 없고… 다 그만 두고 쉬면 누가 이거 다 해 줘요? 다 들 먹고 살자고 이러는데, 쉬면 누가 밥 주나요. 살기 위해 해야죠. 힘들어도 할 수 없어요. 하는 수 밖에는…
힘들게, 아주 힘들게 미국 유학생 비자를 받아서 미국으로 꿈에도 그리던 유학을 온 한 유학생의 호소 입니다. 누구처럼 재정이 풍부해서 마음대로 여행을 다닐 수도 없고, 다른 학국 유학생들이 식당이나 쇼핑을 가도 같이 따라가기도 겁이나고 해서 항상 시간이 없다는 핑계를 대고 가지 않았습니다. 이렇게 계속 반복이 되다보니 본의 아니게 스트레스를 엄청나게 많이 받았습니다. 그렇다고 그야말로 없는 살림에 그래도 자식하나 출세시켜 주시겠다고 하시며, 어렵게 유학을 보내주신 부모님 욕을 할 수도 없고… 한국에서 이런 스트레스를 받으면, 그냥 친구들이랑 떡뽁이나, 김밥집에 가서 먹고 싶은것 실컷 먹고 스트레스를 풀면 되는데, 이건 이것도 저것도 할 수 없으니 여간 짜증스러운게 아닙니다. 그렇다고 미국에 그 흔한 떡뽁이 집이 있는 것도 아니고, 어디 그냥 바람쏘이려 나가려고 해도 차가 없으니, 이것도 안되고, 대중교통이 한국처럼 집 대문 밖에만 나가면 있는 것도 아니고… 생각하면 할 수록 스트레스만 받으니 답답해서 고함이라도 치고 싶어요. 혼자만 이러는 것 같고 해서 서글퍼지기도 해요. 그렇다고 돌아갈 수도 없고… 어떻게 이대로 돌아가겠어요. 아무것도 한 것이 없는데… 그렇잖아요 힘들게 여기까지 왔는데…

1막 2장
올때 단단한 각오를 하고 왔는데, 막상 와 보니 모든게 생각대로 안되요. 하나에서 열까지 다 안되요. 공부도 안되고, 그렇다고 영어가 되는 것도 아니고 그냥 미칠것 같아요. 수업시간에 교실에 앉아 있으면, 다들 제 흉을 보는 것 같아요. 영어도 못하고, 알아 듣지도 못하면서 그냥 갔다놓은 보릿자루처럼 앉아 있는 바보라고 흉보는 것 같아서 괜히 화가나고, 울화가 치밀어 올라와요. 한국에 있었을 때는 이러지 않았는데, 여기와서 이래요. 룸 메이트도 마음에 안들어요. 사람이 나쁘다는게 아니라, 모르겠어요. 때로는 보기도 싫고 그래요. 다른 사람 만나는 것도 짜증나고, 그냥 다 싫어지고 속상해요. 저 이러다가 어떻게 될까봐 무섭기도 하고, 겁나요. 어제는 교실에서 너무나 사소한 일로 짜증이 팍나서 수업시간에 그냥 가방들고 나왔어요. 교수님이 황당해 하시면서 보시더라고요. 그래도 그냥 나왔어요. 머리 뚜껑이 열릴것 같아서 답답하고, 숨이 막히고, 눈에 보이는게 없고, 그랬어요. 아무 하고라도 한바탕 하겠다는 삐딱한 각오로 나왔어요. 나가면 좀 괞잖을 줄 알았는데, 나오니 진짜로 앞이 캄캄하고, 적막하고, 외롭고, 고독하고, 우울하고, 그냥 울면서 막 달리고 싶었어요. 가슴이 터지라 고함치며 달리고 싶었어요. 확 나와도 아무도 없었어요. 그냥 지나가는 차하고 주차된 차들 그리고 나무, 학교 건물들뿐 아는 사람이라고는 하나도 없고, 사실은 아는 사람이 있을 수가 없죠. 저는 여기 미국에 있고, 아는 사람들은 다 한국에 있는데. 숨이 확 막히면서 서글퍼지고 외로워서 눈물이 쏟아졌어요. 한참 멍하니 서 있는데, 갑자기 외로움이 무섭게 엄습해 왔어요.

1막 3장
어떨게 하나? 망설였어요. 글썽이는 눈눌을 주체 할 수 없어서 손바닦으로 닦으면서 엄습해오는 외로움으로 부터 탈출하려고 이리저리 살폈어요. 아무리 살펴도 갈데가 없었어요. 그래서 눈물을 닦으면서 다시 체념한듯한 걸음으로 학교 건물안으로 향해갔어요. 정말 아무도 없었어요. 무서워지기 시작 했어요. 종종 걸음으로 얼른 건물안으로 들어 갔어요. 막상 들어 왔지만, 어디로 가야될지 모르겠어요. 일단, 화장실로 향했어요. 안에서 거울을 보면서 스스로에게 말했어요. “야, 임마. 너 왜이래? 이러면 안돼. 일어서야돼. 알았지? 자 물로 얼굴 닦고, 챙겨서 교실로 들어가자. 그래, 여기까지 왔는데…” 얼굴 닦고, 마음을 가다듬고는 화장실을 나와서 교실로 향했습니다. 씩씩하게 걸어 갔습니다. 교실 문 앞에 막 도착을 했는데, 다시 주춤해 졌습니다. “지금 다시 들어가면, 다들 쳐다볼텐데…” 마음 한 구석에서는, “아니야, 그래도 들어가야돼. 지금, 돌아서면 안돼.” 결국 쑥쓰러움을 무릅써고 교실 문을 조심스럽게 열고, 몸을 구부리면서 교실로 들어 갔습니다. 그런데 이상하게도, 저를 쳐다보는이가 없었습니다. 이상했습니다. 자신이 뻘쭘 해 졌습니다. 괜히 혼자 쑥쓰러웠습니다. 얼른 자리에 앉을려고 서둘렀습니다. 근데 자리까지 가는데 어찌그리도 시간이 많이 걸리는지… 평시에는 한두걸음이면 떡을 치고도 남는데, 오늘따라 무척이나 멀게만 느껴졌어요. 누가 뒤에서 당기는 것도 아닌데… 겨우 자리에 가서 앉았습니다.

1막 4장
자리에 앉아서 안도의 한숨을 쉬고는 가방을 열었어요. 근데 갑자기 눈물이 글썽 해 지내요. 내 유학간다고 친구들이 사준 가방을 봐서일까요? 아니면, 아버지가 사주신 만년필을 봐서일까요? 하옇든간에 눈물이 교실 바딱에 뚝뚝 떨어지내요. 갑자기 교실 바닦이 아몰아몰 거리내요. 얼른 소매로 눈물을 훔치고, 노트와 팬을 가방에서 꺼내었습니다. 그런데 손이 가방을 한번 더 쓰다듬으면서 마음을 달랩니다. 다시한번 소매로 눈물을 닦았습니다. 고개를 들어 앞을 향했습니다. 듣기는 것은 알지 못하는 소리이고, 보이는 것은 잘 이해가 되지않는 글들입니다. 주위에 있는 사람들은 모두 낮선 사람들 입니다. 다시 한번 혼자라는 것이 확인 됩니다. 왼손이 다시 책상 밑으로 내려가 거기에 있는 가방을 살며시 잡습니다. “친구야, 어디 있니? 보고 싶다. 사준 가방을 보고 만지면서 힘을 얻고 있는데… 고맙다. 내가 잘 해야 되는데… 자꾸 눈물이 나오니 괜히 그렇다. 그래 알았어. 울지 않을께.”
마음을 추스리고 또 추스립니다. 이렇게 그냥 일년이 휙하니 지나가면 안된다는 다짐을 다시 합니다. 이제 겨우 시작인데…

1막 5장
시작이 반이라고도 하는데… 근데 미국에서는 아닌것 같습니다. 시작이 반이 아니라, 아예 첫 걸음도 아닌것 같습니다. 미음을 다져먹고 할려고 하는데도, 어디서 어떻게 시작을 해야 되고, 또 무엇부터 해야 되는지 도데체 감이 잡히지를 않습니다. 한국에서 하면 그래도 어느정도 감도 잡히고, 같이 발을 맟추어 할 사람도 있는데, 이건 그것도 않되는 상황이니, 그저 막막 합니다. “그래, 그만 울고 하자.” 하고 시작 하려고 해도 방향 설정이 되지를 않습니다. 그냥 높은 벽 앞에 서 있는 기분 입니다. 혼자만 이러는 것 같아요. 그러니 자꾸 한심한 생각이 들고, 아래로 자꾸 뜰어 집니다. 이게 유학인가 하는 의구심도 들고, 그저 그냥 그런것도 아니고, 자꾸 심각해 지는 것 같습니다. 모르는 사람은 그러면 뭐할려고 유학 갔냐 하고 비아냥 그리겠지만, 현장에 있는 자신은 다른 것 같습니다. 비싼 돈 들여서 왔지, 내가 유학 갔다는 것을 아는 모든 사람들은 알게, 모르게 기대를 하고 있고, 그 기대를 생각 하면, 한숨이 나오고, 자신이 없어지고, 너무 부담이 됩니다. 떨쳐 버릴 수도 없는 노릇이고, 그냥 스트레스 팍팍 받아 뚜껑이 열렷다 닫겻다 합니다. 기대를 하는 사람들은 이런 나의 속 마음을 알리가 없고, 내 속만 탑니다. 그렇다고 이런 이야기를 마음놓고 할 수 있는 사람도 없고. 한국에서 유학온 다른 학생들이 있기는 하지만, 같이 얘기 하는게 좀 이상하게 느껴져요. 모르겠어요. 아마도 서로 모르고, 각각 다른 목표를 가지고 있고, 가고자 하는 길이 달라서 그런거겠죠. 그리고 은근한 경쟁심도 있어서 서로가 눈치를 보고 그래요. 누가 튀어나게 잘 하면 뒤에서 호박씨 까고 그러는거 있잖아요. 미국에 유학 왔다고 다른게 없어요. 오히려 이런게 더 심한것 같아요. 더구나 서로 외롭게 유학하고 있으니 더 심한것 같습니다.
공부도 한국에서는 교수님들이 전달하는 것만 잘 습득을 하면 되는데, 여기 미국은 아닙니다. 교수님이 전달하는 것 잘 습득만 해서는 찍 소리도 못 합니다. 이외에, 내 공부가 반드시 있어야 합니다. 이게 익숙치 않으니, 고생이 하나 더 펄러스가 되는 샘입니다.
일단 여기까지 왔고 시작을 했으니, 무우라도 뽑아야 되잖아요. 그런데 지금은 그 무우 조차도 보이지를 않으니 기가차고 입이 마릅니다. 다시보고 또 보아도 까만것은 글씨고 흰것은 와잇보드이고, 들리는 것은 말인데 나와는 상관이 없는 소리 입니다. 알아 들을 수 없고 읽어도 재대로 이해를 할 수 없으니 그럴 수 밖에요. 언제쯤이면, 가능 할지 그저 까마득 하게만 느껴 집니다. 그렇다고 포기하고 돌아 설 수는 없는 노릇이고… 여기까지 왔는데 포기 할 수는 없습니다. 절대로.

1막 6장
그래, 여기서 물러 설 수는 없는 노릇이야. “고지가 바로 저긴데 예서 말 수는 없다.” 다짐하고 또 다짐 합니다. 그리고 꼭꼭 다지고 또 다집니다. 만년필을 꼭 잡아 보고, 가방도 하번더 만져 봅니다. 그리고 두 눈을 살며시 감고 아버지와 친구들을 그려 봅니다. 만년필을 사 주시며 대견스럽게 나를 보시며, 만족한 미소를 머금은 아버지의 얼굴이, “괜찮아, 너는 해 낼 수 있어.” 하시며, 자상히 내손을 지긋이 잡아 주십니다. 미음이 녹아 내리고 햇살이 비칩니다. 그리고 나를 보내며 부러워서 못살겠다고 야단치던 친구들이 또 나를 보며, “야, 괜찮아. 넌 항상 우리들 중에서도 특별히 공부에 관심이 많았고, 이제 그 뜻을 이룰수 있게 되었으니, 걱정하지 말고 하고 싶었던 영어공부 열심히 하고 건강히 있다와.” 하면서 내 어깨를 툭 칩니다. 어느새 나의 입가에도 미소가 찿아 왔습니다. “그래, 알았어. 근데 사실 너무 힘들어. 한국에서 생각하고 왔던것과는 너무나 달라. 한국에서 오기전에 유학에 대해서 잘 알고, 경험도 있는 사람에게 도움을 받고 왔었으면, 상담코치 같은것 받고 왔었으면… 아니, 지금이라도 성공적인 유학경험이 있는 사람에게 유학 코치를 받아 계획성 있게 잘 해 보았으면… 하는 마음이 간절 합니다. 그런데 과연 유학 코치를 하는 사람은 있는지, 있어면 어떻게 연락을 해야 하는지…”
강의실 수업은 계속 되고 있습니다. 노트와 만년필을 들고 한번 써볼려고 마음을 단단히 먹었습니다. 근데, 무엇을 써야 되고, 받아 적어야 되는지 도무지 암흑 입니다. 하 이거야 원. 기가차고 매가 찰 노릇 입니다. 머리가 저절로 숙여지고, 한숨이 저절로 흘러 나옵니다. 흘러나오는 한숨을 막을 길이 없습니다. 그래서 교수님이 와잇보드에 한 두자 적어놓은 글씨를 노트에 글쩍였습니다. 스펠링 적는데도 꽤나 걸리네요. 한 두자 써고 다시 고개를 들어 보드를 보고, 입으로 스펠링을 읊으면서 느트를 보고 써려고 하는 순간 스펠링이 다 어디론가 사라지고 없어 집니다. 그래서 다시 보드를 보고 스펠링을 읊어 봅니다. 아예 두개 스펠링만 읊고 나서, 노트에 빨리 적어 봅니다. 또 달아나면 낭패 입니다. 스펠링이 도망가기전에 재빨리 적었습니다. 빨리 빨리가 이를때 도움이 됩니다.

1막7장
빨리 적기는 했는데 무슨 뜻인지 통 이해가 되지를 않습니다. 그래서 이곳 유학와서 아주 좋은 친구가 된 전자 사전을 가방에서 꺼냈습니다. 꺼내서 보고는 “야, 반갑다.” 하고는 속으로 속삭이고 영어철자를 떠듬떠듬 찍었습니다. 그리고 들어가기를 치니 사전 뜻이 한글로 나옵니다. 너무나 반가웠습니다. 다른 한편으로는 한숨이 나옵니다. “언제쯤 이거 없이 수업시간에 수업을 들을 수 있을까?” 그저 까마득 합니다. 다시 어깨가 축 쳐집니다. 안그래도 여기 유학 온이후로 어깨가 쳐질대로 쳐져있는데… 쳐진 어깨가 더 쳐지고, 숙여진 고개가 더 숙여 집니다. 하, 이거야 참!? 이러고 있는데 교수님이 뭐라고 하니, 학생들이 전부 교과서랑 가방을 들고는 자리에서 일어서서 교실을 나갑니다. 거의 모든 학생들이 교수님보다 먼저 일어서서 자리를 떱니다. 이거 또한 낮선 풍경 입니다. 한국 대학에서는 거의 없는 일인데… 그래도 교수님이 학생들을 불러서 주의를 준다거나, 주르지는 않아도 눈치를 준다거나, 앉아 있는 학생들이 일어서서 교수님 보다 먼저 나가는 학생들에게 눈초리를 준다거나 하는 일이 전혀 없습니다. 너무나, 아주 자연스럽고 태연 합니다. 내 자신이 어리벙벙 해 집니다. 잘못 한 것도 없는데 뭔가 잘못 한 듯하고 괜히 이상하고, 불안 하고 그러내요. 이런 별일도 다 있네요. 역시 내가 한국에 있지 않고, 왜국에 있다는게 다시 실감 납니다. 예의가 없다고 해야 되나요, 아니면, 내가 고지식 한 것일까요!? 문화차이라고 해야 맞겠죠. 매일 밥먹는 나라에서 매일 빵먹는 나라에 왔으니, 당연히 문화차이겠죠.

1막 8장
그래서 저도 뻘쭘 하지만, 엉거주춤 일어 섭니다. 그리고는 다시 교실 주위를 둘러 봤습니다. 혹시나 해서요. 교수님이 눈총이라도 주면 어떻하나 싶었습니다. 둘러 보고 또 봐도 눈총을 주는 사람은 아무도 없었습니다. 다들 자기대로 움직이고, 갈대로 갈 뿐이었습니다. 황당하니 발걸음이 떨어지지를 않습니다. 이상도 하지요. 한국에서는 강의가 끝나고, 교수님이 강의실을 나서기가 무섭게, 강의실을 박차듯이 나오곤 했는데… 참 알다가도 모를 일 입니다. 배움에 미련이 있어서 일까요 아니면, 그저 황당막막 해서 일까요? 수업시간에 받아 적은 것이라고는 영어단어 몇개 일 뿐 입니다. 생각하면 할 수록 한심하다는 기분이 듭니다. 푸염적인 한숨이 나옵니다. 너무나 허전하고 멍 합니다. 그래도 강의를 듣고 나면, 최소한 두어장 정도는 받아 적은노트가 있어야 되는데, 이건 반장도 아닌 영어 단어만 몇개 글적글적한 것 뿐이니… 배움에 미련은 고사하고, 마음이 멍하니 뚤린것 같습니다.