International students, especially those coming from Asian cultures, may have misconceptions about lifestyles and academics in the United States. For example, “American education is relaxing, full of fun, not exam-oriented,” or “My kid is young, so he/she can adapt to new environment very quickly.” The misconceptions are typically based on factors such as exposure to pop culture images, preconceived notions and even prior visits to the US as tourists. Presenters will introduce common misconceptions and their implications for new students as they deal with misaligned expectations. Presenters will invite attendees to share their own experiences and ideas on effective strategies to address misconceptions and help students adjust emotionally to achieve success in school.
