Tej Kohli

It’s not just the American pronunciation, but spellings too that will drive you bonkers:

Tej Kohli picks out some common spelling differences :

In usual Parlance                      In America

centre, metre…                                 center, meter…
cheque                                                  check
colour, flavour…                               color, flavor…
grey                                                        gray
dialogue                                               dialog
judgement                                           judgment
maths                                                    math
plough                                                  plow
storey                                                   story (of a building)
aluminium                                          aluminum
traveller                                               traveler

Complied by Tej Kohli

If you find the American education system to be confusing and different from the education system in your own country, this post on Tej Kohli study blog may help you clear some doubts.

The American education system offers international students the most diverse set of education options in the world. In fact, an international student who elects to take advantage of the American education system can pursue anything from nuclear science to film and dance. American education possibilities are almost endless!

The American education system requires that students complete 12 years of primary and secondary education prior to attending university or college. This may be accomplished either at public (or government-operated) schools, or at private schools. These 12 years of schooling (or their equivalent) may also be completed outside the USA, thus giving foreign students the opportunity to pursue the benefits of the American education system and obtain a quality American education. Perhaps one of the most impressive facts is the large number of presidents, prime ministers and leaders from other countries who have experienced the American education system and graduated from a university or school in the USA. In many fields and industries, the American education system offers the most cutting-edge, sought-after programs at the world’s best schools. That is why graduating from an accredited American school and being exposed to the rigors of the American education system is an investment in your future.

Whether you want to study at a top USA university, a top USA college, or at a USA  ESL, vocational or high school, a thorough understanding of how the American education system works is essential. Without a clear grasp of the American education system, an international student will find it difficult to make the right academic choices. The information provided in the Overview of the American education system section will help you develop that understanding. You can also search our list of top universities, colleges, community colleges, graduate schools, and boys and girls boarding schools in the American education system. It is no surprise that the American education system and the American school system hosts more international students than any other country in the world!

Tej Kohli’s dos and don’ts of American student life…

1. Never talk about someone’s weight –”you are very fat”.
2. Never ask “how much did you pay for that” or “how much money do you make”.
3. Never smoke indoors (unless given permission).
4. Never change the TV station, the air conditioner or fan controls in someone else’s home. If you are cold, put on a sweater.
5. Never hit anybody – animal or human.
6. Never talk about the bathroom.
7. Never spend more than 5 to 10 minutes on someone else’s phone.
8. Never bring a friend with you to a party or dinner – unless you have asked the host if it is okay.
9. Never spend more than 20-30 minutes in the bathroom at one time–others may be waiting.
10. Never burp, belch, or pass gas in public – if you do be sure and say, “Excuse me”.
11. If you sneeze in public, cover your mouth and say “excuse me”.
12. Always be on time – between 5 minutes early and 5 minutes late, no more.
13. If you say that you will attend something–attend! Don’t say “yes” to be nice and then not show up.
14. If for some reason you cannot attend, call the host ahead of time to explain.
15. Use deodorant and brush your teeth or use mouthwash. Americans are very sensitive about body odors.
16. Driving – do not honk the horn, except in very dangerous emergencies. It is considered very rude, except in New York City.
17. Do not flash your lights at someone to tell them to hurry or get out of your way.
18. If you are driving on bright lights for better visibility and a car comes toward you, dim your lights.
19. Before 8 AM and after 9 PM Be Quiet. No loud TV or radio.
20. Do not wipe off your cup or silverware in a restaurant. They are clean. If you see that they are not clean ask the waiter or waitress for a new one.
21. When moving out of your dorm room or apartment-leave it clean. always leave a place even cleaner than you found it–people will have fond memories of you.
22. Do not address your school teacher as “teacher”. Call him by name: for example, Professor Brown, Mr. Smith, Ms. Jones.
23. Never throw trash on the ground or out a window–it is illegal.
24. Buy trash bags for your trash and put it out only at the appointment time at the right place.
25. When you have a guest come to visit, turn down, or off the TV set.

Compiled by Tej Kohli