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Beyond PTE: Tips for People Moving to the US to Study

If you’re reading this article, chances are the weeks you spent on intensive PTE training have paid off, and you’ve passed the high-stakes exam. If so, congratulations! You’re all set to continue your studies in the US. Read on to get helpful tips to make your big move as stress-free as possible.


  1. Research the place you’ll be living in
    Yes, you’re moving to the US, but which state exactly? Find out everything you can about the state you’ll be living in and the college you’ll be going to. Not sure where to begin your research? Start with the following questions:

    • Where exactly are you going to live in when you move to the US? Is it an apartment, a condo, or a dormitory? Or, are you going to stay with some friends or relatives?
    • How’s the climate in your state?
    • What stores and amenities surround your soon-to-be residence? Where’s the nearest grocery or convenience store? What are the food shops near it?
    • If you’re not going to stay in the school’s dormitory, how near is your residence to your college? Is it within walking distance or do you have to commute? What stores and amenities are in or around your college?

    Keep everything you research organized. Then, save a pdf copy of it on your mobile phone or print them out.

  2. Bring the essentials
    Consider your answers to the questions above when you make a list of all the things you want to bring with you abroad. Like the weather for instance. Assuming that the US, in general, is a cold place can lead you to a lot of inessential baggage if, let’s say, you’re moving to Florida or Texas. Make sure you pack everything you need.

  3. Learn American slang
    If you secured excellent PTE review packages to train for the exam, your English communication skills are definitely honed enough to help you thrive abroad. PTE instructors will help you hone you academic and social linguistic abilities. What they can’t teach you, however, is American slang and other local expressions. So, you’ll have to learn about them on your own.

  4. Learn your state’s laws
    Here’s another thing that your PTE training instructor can’t teach you. There are a lot of crazy laws in the US. For instance, it’s illegal to ride a horse in Colorado if you’re intoxicated. Swearing in public places in Mississippi can get you a fine of up to $100, and it’s illegal to share your Netflix password in Tennessee. Better find out if your state has any unusual laws before you move in.

  5. Master the US currency
    Know how US currency differs from Philippine peso. Study fare, product, and service prices so you’ll have an idea of how much you’ll spend abroad. Estimate how much money you need based on your needs. Download a money tracking app or design your own expense and savings tracker.

Expect that your first few weeks abroad will be difficult. Aside from adapting to a new environment, you also need to adjust to your school’s academic, cultural, and social expectations. Make the experience less overwhelming. Consider these tips before the big move.

Still preparing for the PTE exam? Looking for PTE review packages that can arm you with the communicative skills to ace the exam and thrive in the US? Enroll in one of our PTE review courses today! Click here to learn more about our programs.

    References:
    • "10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Studying Abroad in the US." Top Universities. August 16, 2017. Accessed March 01, 2018. https://www.topuniversities.com/blog/10-things-i-wish-id-known-studying-abroad-us.
    • "21 Things to Know Before Studying Abroad in America." Student Flights. Accessed March 01, 2018. https://www.studentflights.com.au/travel-mag/2017/04/21-things-to-know-studying-abroad-in-america
    • Clayton, Noah. "WorldTrips Blog." 5 Tips You Need to Know Before Studying Abroad in the U.S. Accessed March 01, 2018. https://www.worldtrips.com/blog/5-tips-you-need-to-know-before-studying-abroad-in-the-us.
    • "How to Adjust to a New Life in the U.S.: Five Tips for International Students." The Fox Call. October 17, 2012. Accessed March 01, 2018. https://www.ccaurora.edu/blogs/fox-call/academic-support/how-to-adjust-to-a-new-life-in-the-us-five-tips-for-international-students/.
    • "Guides and Practical Tips for Students Interested in Studying in the USA." Hotcourses International. Accessed March 01, 2018. https://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/study-in-usa/.
    • “The Craziest Laws That Still Exist In the United States.” HuffingtonPost. Accessed March 2, 2018. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/weird-laws-in-america_us_56a264abe4b0d8cc1099e1cd
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