You're leaving for a US education in just one short month, but are you truly ready?

Do you know where you'll stay when you arrive? Will you struggle with homesickness or adjust quickly?

Is it easy to earn employment on-campus? What about after graduation, will you find a job?

Kanchana Suggu, former US student, described her experiences abroad in a July 4th, 2007 chat. She discussed being away from home and how to find lodging and employment.

For those of you who missed the chat, here's the transcript:

Part I -- 'US education style is more interactive'

Ashish asked, Hi kanchana...i have 2 years of IT experience and my gmat is 600 and toefl is 250...can u plz suggest some good uni. where i can get admission for MBA?????

Kanchana Suggu answers, Try the second-tier MBA schools. Remember to pick a mix.

trew asked, hey no yaar, v do have speaking part in the newly modified toefl. alright, but how did u manage with the accent n such stuff there? did u find it difficult at any point to understand the professors' english..?

Kanchana Suggu answers, In the beginning it was a little hard, but you get used to it in absolutely no time.

avi asked, please first answer my question coz this is really very important to decide my career. plz answer my question first. hi i am a computer engineer. i want to do further study in U.S. but i want to study my own in U.S. so can u tell me please that can i earn money there together study and will that money will be sufficient there for my study and living also?

Kanchana Suggu answers, You definitely need to have some money to start off. You should have enough to take care of your first semester tuition and living expenses. If you get a research assistant position or an on-campus job, it should take care of your living expenses. It will be hard to cover your tuition with that money, since you'll only be working 20 hours a week.

ankur asked, which uni u in? u got nee scholarship? any racism problems? howz d lifestyle... is it clean(in d sense drug free)?

Kanchana Suggu answers, Yes, I got a scholarship. There's always stuff happening, but you can choose to stay away from it. Surround yourself with others who think like you.

ADas asked, Hi Kanchana Thanks..HELP PLs..I mean what are the Job Prospects in US MBA coll. ranks 25-50.>>the 2 tier colleges...Thanks

Kanchana Suggu answers, I know a lot of people working in good companies who graduated from universities ranked 25-50. To reiterate, you will have to work doubly hard. Start networking and meeting people from your industry at least six months before you graduate. Also, it's important to choose a school in a city where there will be job prospects after graduating.

ramesh asked, i am B.Sc .can i complete MS in2 years.i have 2 yrs of work ex. also.plz reply

Kanchana Suggu answers, Yes, you can.

trew asked, Kanchana,a really important qn...does a sibling living there pose any threat in obtaining visa (for reasons like not intending to return to India)? thank u 4 replyin 2 previous qn...

Kanchana Suggu answers, No, it shouldn't be a problem. I also had a sibling here.

RajaReddy asked, Is it that tough to change visa status from H1B to F1 ?

Kanchana Suggu answers, No, it shouldn't be a problem. I can't speak on the visa process in-depth.

harikanth asked, how is the life style in US

Kanchana Suggu answers, It depends in which city you live. It's different in NewYork, DC, Ohio, Texas, etc.

n asked, hi...i am joining univ of south florida for my masters this fall.. i also have a graduate assistantship in my department there.. would it be easy to manage studies & job simultaneously?

Kanchana Suggu answers, It's absolutely possible. A lot of students do two on-campus jobs apart from a full course load. You have to work hard, but it's completely manageable.

tobe asked, PLEASE ANSWER PLEASE ANSWER Hi I about to fly to Us in 3 months time Can u tell me the accomodation facilities, like is it Paying guest or lodge and how much does it cost? It can be a round figure. Please answer. I don't want to high fi comfort but medium. I mean what could be the cheapest modes of stay during initial days? And how would one Know the vaccancies in accomodation facilities

Kanchana Suggu answers, You should get in touch with the Indian association on campus if they have one. Request to stay with students who live there until you find accomodation. Most people would be more than happy to help. Try not spending on a hotel when you just land. Definitely get in touch with current students from the university.

Azay asked, Hi Kanchana I have done MA in Economics.If I am going to US to find a suitable job then what kind of job will suitable for me?

Kanchana Suggu answers, Are you interested in research or consulting? Are you planning on studying further in the US? Job prospects are definitely harder if you don't graduate from a US university.

anup asked, how is it easy or difficult for indians to adjust in america?

Kanchana Suggu answers,  It can be a little hard in the first semestre and you miss things that you take for granted back home. But the best part is that you have so many people around you who are in the same boat and you draw support from one another. Soon, it'll be fun and you'll get used to your new life.

dst asked, At the age of 35 can one go for MS?

Kanchana Suggu answers, Yes, you can.

Vinoth asked, Is a SSN mandatory to find off-campus accommodation in the US? Do you know any solid reason behind it? Or is it just another step in the red-tape rigmarole?

Kanchana Suggu answers, Yes, Social Security Number is mandatory. Without one you cannot get paid.

MS asked, I want to do MS what r entry methods

Kanchana Suggu answers, Have you taken your GRE yet? That is the first step.

gud asked, I have got 5 yrs of work experience and i am inteerested in MS.Do i get F1 visa after having so much of work exp ?

Kanchana Suggu answers, That would not affect your F1 visa at all.

nara asked, hi , iam 37 years can i do masters, now i am doctor will americans laugh at me

Kanchana Suggu answers, Nobody will laugh at you, especially not in the US. Go for it!

gud asked, is it possiable to get scholarship from an of the universities from us?

Kanchana Suggu answers, Yes, it is definitely is possible. Start writing to your graduate admissions office and ask them for prospects. Also, start writing to professors at the university and ask for research assistant and graduate assistant possibilities. It's definitely a good idea to start the process while you're in India itself.

tobe asked, What's the life style in California? Please answer

Kanchana Suggu answers, California is supposed to be beautiful with a lot of outdoor activities because of the great weather. It's more laid back than New York.

Vijander asked, Was the GRE difficult?

Kanchana Suggu answers, No, it wasn't. Taking classes might not be a bad idea.

KishanKanaiyya asked, What are you studying and which university?

Kanchana Suggu answers, I got my Master's Degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University.

Vijander asked, Kanchana, do you think studyin abroad was a wise decision?

Kanchana Suggu answers, It was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Part I -- 'US education style is more interactive'