Dazed and confused, nervous and excited, over 800,000 international students step off the plane each year and into new lives in colleges and universities all around the United States. The journey is exhilarating, but it is not always easy. International students share a number of challenges that can hinder success, including limited English language skills, culture shock, and a lack of familiarity with academic norms and expectations in the U.S.Negotiating through life in a strange new environment calls for a reliable guide – a solid source of information and tips to help international students make the transition to life in the U.S., meet expectations inside and outside the classroom, and reach their academic, social, and career goals.This guide addresses the broad range of questions international students ask about the U.S., with information on everything from what to pack for the trip to how to write papers to why networking is important for career success. Includes detailed, practical advice about culture, language, and the American university system.