If you’re a foreign student coming to the United States for the first time to study, there’s a few things you may encounter on your first days at school. Here’s some terms you should be familiar with to make your transition easier:

1) Computer - Generally when people say this, they mean a portable small computer called a laptop that you bring with you to take notes or do assignments in class. The term laptop derives from the fact that the computer can rest on your lap when you work on it.

2) Poster - A poster is a large piece of paper that generally contains a visual picture describing the topic you are talking about. For example, if you are drawing the steps of your project, it may sometimes be appropriate to draw a large diagram on a poster to present to your peers. Materials such as posters can generally be found in local stores or by using education printing services for a more professional look.

3) Textbook - This is the large book that is generally associated with the each class or subject you take and is the main thing the class is usually based around.

4) Curriculum - Each class usually has a listing of all the things the teacher plans on teaching you along with the dates and times. You should study this on your first day of school (or even before your class) to know what you are doing.

While starting out as a new student in a new country may be tough, America is a very encouraging and accepting place to study, so don’t worry! You’ll fit right in in no time!