What is it really like to be a student in the United States? Is the academic pressure as intense as people imagine? How do students interact with their professors? These were some of the questions explored during Let’s Understand Better: Living and Studying in the United States as a Student, organized by the UGM Library and Archives on Tuesday (June 9) at the Library and Archives Seminar Room.
Featuring Vishvarupa Sivam, a Neurobiology & Physiology student at the University of Maryland, the event provided an informal discussion space where UGM students from various faculties could engage directly with an international student currently pursuing higher education in the United States.
Moderated by Safirotu Khoir, Ph.D., Coordinator of Public Relations and International Affairs at the UGM Library and Archives, the discussion was warm and highly interactive. Unlike a typical formal seminar, the event was designed as a fun, informal conversation, allowing participants to ask questions about various aspects of student life in the United States.
Participants raised a wide range of questions, including academic systems, campus culture, challenges faced by students, and everyday life at university. Many were particularly curious about the academic workload at the University of Maryland, communication with professors, and strategies for balancing academic responsibilities and personal life.
“At my university, communication with professors is usually conducted through email. Students need to get used to checking their email regularly and communicating their questions or academic needs professionally through email,” said Vishvarupa.
The discussion extended beyond academic matters to more personal and lighthearted topics. Participants asked about Vishvarupa’s hobbies, the figures who inspire him, and his future aspirations. Questions about whether he hopes to become a lecturer, a researcher, or even a president sparked laughter and helped create a relaxed atmosphere throughout the session.
Safirotu Khoir, Ph.D., explained that the event is part of the UGM Library and Archives’ effort to create broader and more inclusive learning opportunities for students.
“Through the Let’s Understand Better program, we aim to create a discussion space that connects students with speakers from diverse backgrounds and international experiences. We hope students can gain a broader understanding of education, culture, and life in other countries directly from those who have experienced it firsthand,” said Safirotu.
The event also reflects the UGM Library and Archives’ commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education by providing inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through strengthening international networks and cross-border knowledge exchange.
Through this simple two-hour conversation, students gained a closer understanding of campus life in the United States while realizing that educational experiences can serve as a bridge to a broader understanding of the world. Sometimes, a casual conversation can open perspectives that cannot be found inside a classroom.
Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh