Adarsh Koirala
Greetings! My name is Adarsh P. Koirala, and I invite you to join me on a journey filled with challenges, growth, and cultural exploration as I adjust to life in the United States. As a licensed lawyer in Nepal with a background as a teaching assistant in a law school, I have always been passionate about pursuing advanced legal studies and broadening my horizons. This led me to the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law in Concord, New Hampshire, where I embarked on an exciting adventure to obtain my Master of Laws (LLM) degree.
The decision to leave my homeland and enroll in an LLM program in the United States was not one I took lightly. It marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter in my life, filled with rich experiences and encounters with people from diverse backgrounds. In this blog, I will share my personal journey of adjusting to life in the US, including the trials and triumphs I faced along the way.
From battling jet lag to navigating cultural differences, from the unique shopping experiences at Walmart to the undeniable need for a car in this vast country, my story encompasses the essence of adapting to a new environment while pursuing academic excellence. So, fasten your seatbelts as we delve into the highs and lows of my life as an international LLM student in the United States. It's a tale of perseverance, cultural immersion, and the pursuit of the American dream.
1. Weather
The weather in Concord, New Hampshire when I arrived was very much like my hometown in Nepal. When I arrived, the weather welcomed me with its unique charm. The daytime temperatures were moderate, providing a pleasant backdrop for exploration and academic pursuits. However, as the sun dipped below the horizon, a gentle chill in the night air reminded me that I was far from home, adding an extra layer of excitement to my journey. I have been looking forward to the fall season’s most awaited moment; the turning colors of leaves. I have seen some photos of New Hampshire in the Fall, and it is majestic! It gives away the sensation that the whole of nature is trying to enjoy the last moments of summer before the winter comes where the only thing visible is snow.
Adarsh Koirala and friends in Concord.
2. Jet lag
As I embarked on my journey to pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in the United States, my excitement was accompanied by a formidable adversary: jet lag. The 28-hour flight from my home country left me disoriented, with my internal clock in disarray. For the first few days, I found myself wide awake at odd hours, nauseous, heightened sense of smell and struggling to stay awake during lectures. Overcoming jet lag required patience and adapting to a new time zone, which was my initial lesson in adjusting to life in the US.
3. Navigating Cultural Differences
One of the most eye-opening aspects of my experience was navigating the maze of cultural differences. While my prior research had prepared me to some extent, nothing could truly prepare me for the nuances of American culture. From the casual greetings and friendly smiles to the open conversations, it was a whole new world. One unique aspect of American law schools is the freedom to eat in the classroom. It is a small yet significant cultural difference that added to the overall informality and inclusivity of the learning environment.
In addition, I was often unable to describe certain things because some words in American English are different from other parts of the world. I remember asking my roommate something about the sidewalk, but I intuitively said, “foot path.” Embracing these differences allowed me to connect with my peers and appreciate the diversity that makes the United States unique.
4. A Unique Shopping Experience
Full disclosure, I have only been to Walmart, and that is the only reason I am excluding every other supermarket for this blog’s purposes. Walmart is a ubiquitous presence across the US and was an entirely new shopping experience for me. The vastness of the store and the sheer variety of products were overwhelming at first. But what left the most lasting impression were the checkout lines. The queues seemed to stretch on forever, a stark contrast to what I was accustomed to back home. However, this experience became a lesson in patience and adaptability. I soon discovered the convenience of self-checkout lanes, which allowed me to navigate the shopping process with ease.
Furthermore, I needed a laptop for my studies, and there were countless options available. After some research, I discovered that I could find a laptop with better specifications and a more affordable price compared to different stores. This experience taught me the importance of thorough research and price comparison, which helped me make an informed decision and save money.
Adarsh Koirala and friends in Concord.
5. The Need for a Car
One crucial aspect of life in the US, outside of a major city, is the need for a car. Public transportation options can be limited, and the distances between places significant. I feel immensely lucky that I got to know good people from around the world, but it became evident that having my own vehicle is essential. If you are an international student like me, chances are you would want to buy a car right after you come to the states. This will give you the freedom to explore new places and participate in opportunities that come along the way.
6. Food
America’s diverse culinary landscape was a delightful discovery. The plethora of food options, both in restaurants and grocery stores, was astounding. What truly stood out to me was the affordability of ingredients and goods for home-cooked meals when compared to the American lifestyle in general. This allowed me to explore and savor a taste of home even when I was thousands of miles away, which has made my American journey even more enriching.
7. Different Legal education system.
There is a stark contrast in teaching styles between law schools in the United States and my prior experiences as a teaching assistant in Nepal. In the US, the emphasis is not solely on rote memorization and regurgitation, but rather on critical thinking, class participation, and in-depth analysis of legal cases. Professors encourage students to engage in lively debates and challenge us to question legal principles. This is a significant departure from the more lecture-based approach I have previously experienced. While adapting to this new way of learning has been challenging at times, it has also been incredibly enriching. I find that this teaching style deepens my understanding of the law and hones my communication and analytical skills. I am confident this will help prepare me for a more dynamic and practical approach to the legal profession. Navigating the classroom provided a valuable lesson in the adaptability required for international students like me to thrive in the American education system.
Conclusion
Adjusting to life in the US as an international LLM student has been a transformative experience. From battling jet lag and navigating cultural differences to embracing the uniqueness of Walmart shopping and recognizing the need for a car, each challenge has been a steppingstone in my journey. It's been a journey filled with personal growth, cultural enrichment, and the acquisition of life skills that go beyond the classroom. I am excited to see what the future holds in this land of opportunity as I continue to adapt and thrive in this diverse and dynamic environment.
If you want to learn more about Adarsh's experience, join him for a virtual chat on Friday, November 17 at 8am. Register here!
To learn about LLM programs at UNH Franklin Pierce, please visit https://law.unh.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions or email admissions@law.unh.edu.
