Špela Falatov
Undergraduate: University of Central Arkansas
Finance, Marketing Major
Why did you choose to study in the United States?
It seemed interesting. You get to go away and experience something completely different to what you were used to here. Also, study abroad programs during high school were very popular at that time and the new “matura” made it difficult to be away for the 3rd of 4th years of high school; hence a university degree study seemed like a better option.
It seemed interesting. You get to go away and experience something completely different to what you were used to here. Also, study abroad programs during high school were very popular at that time and the new “matura” made it difficult to be away for the 3rd of 4th years of high school; hence a university degree study seemed like a better option.
What was different about studying in the U.S. versus studying in Slovenia?
Given, that I have experiences studying in both Slovenia and the U.S., I can tell that it is completely different. Large American universities offer loads of different classes. Also, at U.S. universities, you can change your major focus of the study once you realize you would prefer to study something else. Hence, changing your mind on what you want to study does not cause any major setbacks.
Also, professors at the University of Central Arkansas tried to establish friendly relationships with their students and encouraged class discussion. Professors at my school also shared their contact info and welcomed students in their offices in case we needed extra help.
Another difference I noticed was class size. The classes at my school generally had 20-25 students. Classes that involved heavy in-class debates only had 8-10 students.
The overall experience of living on campus also adds to the whole student life experience. It is very lively, dynamic, fun, and interesting environment.
Given, that I have experiences studying in both Slovenia and the U.S., I can tell that it is completely different. Large American universities offer loads of different classes. Also, at U.S. universities, you can change your major focus of the study once you realize you would prefer to study something else. Hence, changing your mind on what you want to study does not cause any major setbacks.
Also, professors at the University of Central Arkansas tried to establish friendly relationships with their students and encouraged class discussion. Professors at my school also shared their contact info and welcomed students in their offices in case we needed extra help.
Another difference I noticed was class size. The classes at my school generally had 20-25 students. Classes that involved heavy in-class debates only had 8-10 students.
The overall experience of living on campus also adds to the whole student life experience. It is very lively, dynamic, fun, and interesting environment.
Was there anything you found surprising about the U.S. in your time there?
I was definitely amazed at the friendliness of the professors and their openness to student thinking.
What was your most memorable experience, either socially or academically?
I would say the attitude of professors and how they involve you with the studying. As soon as you show them interest in something, they will find a way to get you involved in it. They really go out of their way to offer their students the best education and knowledge that they can. You feel like they really like what they are doing and teaching is not just a job for them. That was a great surprise.
What advice would you give students who are interested in pursuing some form of higher education in the U.S.?
It will probably be the best decision you’ve made thus far. Don’t be held back because of the higher cost of education. There are several kinds of scholarship available for international students – especially academic scholarships (for good academic performance). Go to an advising center or do some research online. Also, don’t worry about the language, your American classmates will probably have just as many spelling problems, plus there will be many other international students as well.
How did your experience studying in the U.S. contribute to your career path?
Besides improving my English, it gave me significant advantage in knowledge within the
major (economics) as well as broadened my horizons in other areas. The concept of study in U.S. universities is a lot broader – it goes outside your major and offers you insight into other fields, you may not even know before. That can trigger a new interest in you and bring you closer to what you really want to do in your life.
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