Why is there a special office for international students—won’t my university treat me the same as its other students? 
The office is intended as a service for you, an addition to the regular campus resources serving all students rather than a replacement. International students usually have to deal with special issues and concerns that U.S. students do not face. Of course the extent to which you use office services is up to you.

 

I have U.S. citizenship as well as Iranian citizenship. Do I still use the international student adviser? 
You may want to, especially if you have spent a significant part of your life outside the United States. The international student adviser helps not only with visa concerns but also with practical and cultural adjustment issues.

 

In the United States, to what extent do men and women have separate facilities? 
Most commonly, men and women mix in all public activities, including work and school. Some private colleges do exist that enroll only women and there are a large number of private single-sex private schools at the secondary and elementary levels. Availability of single-sex dormitories or floors on college campuses is common (though not universal) and campuses generally do not assign men to be roommates for women or vice versa.

 

Bathrooms, toilets, and gymnasium changing rooms at public facilities are usually entirely separate by sex. Bathrooms and toilets in private homes and on some campuses are shared by both genders, but privacy is expected to be provided to individuals using these facilities. Most campuses have special activities and facilities for women, such as “women’s centers” and “women’s groups” where female students can spend time together and get help regarding gender-specific issues. All-female exercise facilities also exist, sometimes on campus and commonly in the community, especially in urban areas. On-campus Muslim groups will often offer separate prayer rooms and wash areas; public mosques generally do.

 

How can I find other Iranians and/or Muslim students on campus? In the U.S. community where I live? 
Almost all U.S. colleges and universities have an organization designed to allow international students to meet and interact with one another. Some universities also have groups specifically for Muslims on campus and/or for international students of particular nationalities.

 

A list with links to some specifically Iranian student associations at U.S. universities can be found at FarsiNet

Links to some broader community organizations organized by and for Iranians can be found on our U.S. Life Resources page, as can a listing of the larger U.S. Muslim community organizations. Many of these groups have local chapters around the United States that hold meetings or offer other resources.

 

What about opportunities to meet Americans and explore American culture? 
Typically both U.S. college and university international student advising offices and U.S. English language programs offer activities specifically designed to connect international students with U.S. students, such as conversation/international friendship programs partnering international and American students, special events involving both groups, and trips to learn more about the local region and American culture. U.S. campuses also generally offer dozens of student extracurricular clubs and organizations, where you can meet American students who share your particular interests in areas from sports to politics, the arts, chess or computer games, particular academic specializations, and so on. Consider becoming part of the American tradition of individual civic service and volunteering to spend some time tutoring a young student or adult learner; working to support the poor, elderly, or disabled; or becoming involved in whatever other cause interests you and may help connect you with the broader community beyond the university. Also ask your international student adviser about “student ambassador” programs that may be available providing you with a chance to speak to interested groups about your country and culture, and about “host family” programs where you can spend time with a U.S. family and visit or perhaps even live for a period in their home.

 

Can you tell me about homestays? If I want to try a homestay, will it be a difficulty? 
Homestays offer a chance to live for a time with a U.S. family. They are primarily an opportunity to develop friendship and understanding across cultures and will not typically be a long-term housing option, though some homestays can also provide more practical benefits for instance when you first arrive on campus or during university vacation periods when some dormitories close or provide fewer services.

 

Some colleges and universities will help arrange homestays for international students, or your international student adviser may be able to refer you to a community group that offers such opportunities.

 

Can I get housing that is for men or women only off-campus? 
Yes, and it is culturally acceptable (and common) to specify that you wish to share housing with your own gender only. Most colleges and universities have a housing office that is designed to help students find appropriate accommodations, or your institution’s international student adviser can help. You can also place an ad on campus or in a local newspaper specifying the type of housemate that you are seeking, or you may be able to find suitable roommates through international student associations or campus/local Islamic organizations.