OLE MISS #2

How to study in the States

Before I start I just want to mention, all the following is my own and subjective view. Here in the States, the way of study is a little different. At my home university my focus always was on the final exams. But here at Ole Miss I have to do every week homework, assignments, in some courses I have every two weeks a little quiz in other courses I have monthly exams, and all of that tests are a significant input to the final grade. For me it is much easier to learn this way, but I also have to say that you don't have to know as much as in german exams. Another thing is that in Germany I had all my finals in one month but here all the finals are in only one week. So, all the time I worked toward the thanksgiving break – which is one week and at the end of November – and after thanksgiving the semester is almost over and everyone is learning for the finals.

Goodbye Ole Miss

I'm not a person who can make big friendships in this short time. I met two or three people who spent their time with me on campus. All of them were international students and I really feel like it was much easier to connect to the internationals than to the American students. Somehow it makes sense, because all the international students have a lot in common. They have the same problems, most doesn't talk the best English, there is a different currency, a whole new university, and so on. In the first week I met a Chinese girl and it turned out that we live at the same place, as we talked she told me that she is a little afraid, because she thought it is a dangerous city. But Oxford's people are all very friendly, some say this is just the way southern people are.

Semester break

Most of the international students wanted to stay here – in the States – a little longer, as well as me. Since I am here living with my boyfriend we decided to make a road trip right after the finals. Oxford, Mississippi – Dallas, Texas – Albuquerque, New Mexico – Phoenix, Arizona. We still have a lot to drive, but I can say it already does worth it! It is just incredible how spacious this country is, while you drive it seems as you drive towards an endless horizon. Probably the most magical thing what I saw happening on the way to Phoenix. I suddenly saw three shooting stars in a row, this all seemed a little strange, so I searched it up in the internet, and I found something, it was a special night with a meteor shower over New Mexico. So we parked our car at the roadside and could see a stunning sky and over 15 shooting stars. (At some point I stopped to count). We had the luck to be there. In the right place at the right time. Thank you.