Surname 2 Name Instructors Name Class Information June 5, 20
Surname 2nameinstructors Nameclass Informationjune 5 2015studying In
Surname 2nameinstructors Nameclass Informationjune 5 2015studying In
Surname 2nameinstructors Nameclass Informationjune 5 2015studying In
Surname 2 Name Instructor’s Name Class information June 5, 2015 Studying In America Each pursuit for a dream starts with a conviction that there is a tall tale holding up toward the end. On one day when the daylight filtered through the green leaves on the trees, in my high school years, my American classmate told me tales about his family in the United States, tales about the great house with a swimming pool, and a vineyards that was trotted on with gallant horses back in California. My friend’s depictions of America painted an imaginary wonderland in my head, more like a promised land of orts. At that tender age, my fantasies about America marked the epitome of my brimming dreams about the invaluable opportunity it would be to study in America.
Fantasies from my classmate’s depiction of America highlighted the height of my aspirations to attain an education in a foreign culture. Being the first child among five siblings, my father, a man who held foreign culture at high esteem, made it his sole endeavor to make sure that I secured an American scholarship in one of the American Learning Institutions. My father was particularly interested in learning about foreign culture, considering the fact that he actually studied in England. I grew up, gaining my father’s zeal of learning foreign cultures such as Japanese, Spanish, Italian particularly American, all by myself. As fate would have it, I got a scholarship in mechanical engineering.
This was particularly an added advantage for me, towards a successful stay in the United States. I had a particular interest in the fields of science such as, chemistry, physics, math, anything identified with science. Also, I had general education classes, which was mostly about sociology, psychology and history. I particularly appreciate learning dialects, and truth be told, I contemplate fitting in perfectly in the American Culture. However, my perspective of the American culture and people seemed to have been inaccurate.
What I had once believed to be the land of plenty, was not what it seemed to be from the outside. From the frequent walks I took down the streets on my weekend when I did not have any classes, I realized that not everybody was living a good life here in America, the land of dreams. As time progressed, the occasional sight of a homeless man sitting by the alley corner next to a trolley of junk was not as surprising as it was in the first days. I was at first struck with utter dismay having seen these were American citizens who had no roof and shelter over their heads. Days in the General Studies classes only helped me to understand the American Culture even more.
Both at school and in the streets, I saw adult individuals who did not give the slightest care about their parents and their family relations. These observations only made my heart quiver in disappointment, as what I had long considered to be the land of free, was like any other country in the world. It is such distressed feelings that made me realize that although America was still the land of dreams, not everybody in this culture has it easy as I had imagined. Furthermore, I learnt that not everyone in the American culture behaves well, and has a successful life.
Paper For Above instruction
Studying in America: Dreams, Realities, and Cultural Insights
The aspiration to study in America has long been associated with the promise of opportunity, prosperity, and a better future. For many students across the globe, America embodies the ideal destination for higher education owing to its renowned academic institutions, diverse cultural landscape, and the promise of the American Dream. However, firsthand experience often reveals a more complex reality — one that includes both the allure of opportunities and the stark realities faced by many Americans. This essay explores the contrasting perceptions and realities of studying in America, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural diversity, social inequalities, and the societal fabric of the United States.
The narrative begins with the inspiring stories from an American high school classmate, who depicted the United States as a land of wealth, leisure, and eternal opportunity. Such stories often shape the dreams of international students, fueling their desire to become part of this seemingly utopian society. The image of sprawling houses with pools, vineyards, and gallant horses paints an enchanting picture, embodying the American Dream—a promise of success and prosperity through hard work and perseverance. These perceptions motivate students like the narrator, especially those from developing countries, to pursue educational opportunities abroad, seeking to harness the wealth of knowledge, cultural exposure, and personal growth that the United States offers.
The narrator, being the eldest among five siblings and inspired by his father’s high regard for foreign cultures, managed to secure a scholarship in mechanical engineering. His background in science and general education, coupled with his fascination for American culture, underscored his eagerness to immerse himself in a new environment and assimilate into American society. His initial excitement centered around the opportunities for academic and personal development, believing that the American cultural landscape would be welcoming and easy to navigate.
However, the reality of life in America unveiled itself gradually. The first signs of disillusionment emerged through observations of social inequality—an aspect often overshadowed by the country’s reputation for wealth and opportunity. Walking through American streets, he encountered homeless individuals, a stark reminder that not all Americans enjoy the benefits of the so-called land of plenty. These sights challenged his preconceived notions, revealing that systemic issues such as poverty, homelessness, and social disparity are prevalent even within a nation renowned for its economic strength.
Further insights into American society were gained through academic exposure. In general studies classes that covered sociology, psychology, and history, the nuanced realities of American life became clearer. The entertainment of ideals such as individual freedom and personal independence often contrasted with social practices, where some adults exhibited indifference towards familial bonds. Such observations exposed the complex social fabric of the United States, characterized by both opportunities and disparities, success and failure. The realization that not everyone in America achieves the American Dream was a pivotal moment, prompting a more realistic and nuanced perception of the country.
This experience underscores the importance of cultural understanding and critical thinking for international students. While America offers remarkable opportunities for education and personal growth, it also presents social challenges that can undermine its reputation as a land of equality and prosperity. Recognizing the realities behind the idealized image fosters a more holistic understanding of American society, preparing students for the complexities they might face and encouraging them to contribute positively towards societal change.
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