University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

Everybody speaks English, so if you go to the US, the language will be more or less familiar. In the first weeks I had difficulties understanding some American students (who actulally don't speak real English), but after a while I even started to think in English. The crucial thing for me was housing: If you live together with students from other countries (like in a dorm), your language skills will definitely improve much more!

I had an American Bank Account, but you have to count on some charges when you transfer money form abroad.

not being afraid to talk in a different language, both in class and in social life, is the most important thing. instructors understand all kinds of accent. Local students are rather surprised about the courage and skills of international students who communicate without any timidy. by participating in class the instructor will recognize you as a foreigner but at the same time respect and appreciate your language skills.

first, I lived in a dorm where every first year student has to live. It was a lot of fun, I got to meet a lot of people outside sports (athletic scholarship). Second year I moved to an apartment. It was better because in the dorm the other girls were younger and not so mature, plus I had a different time management due to daily sports, conditioning and weights

is not good connection between chicago and champaign and expensive

no