You may be used to thinking of your teachers as intimidating, distant figures who hold all the power in the classroom. 

However, in America, this couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, professors are much more like peers than bosses. They want you to succeed. They are willing to go the extra mile to help you get there.
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Here are 8 things nobody has ever told you American professors and some meaningful questions that you can ask them!

1. Professors are very different in America: In many other countries, professors are seen as the ultimate authority figures in the classroom, and students are expected to show them respect. However, in America, the power dynamic is much more relaxed. Professors are more like mentors or advisors, and they are usually open to discussion and debate. They want you to feel comfortable when asking questions and challenging their ideas.

2. Professors are more like a peer than a boss: They are here to guide you, not to boss you around. They are willing to work with you to help you succeed, and they are open to hearing your ideas and suggestions. They want you to feel like you are part of a team, working together to learn and grow as a class.

3. There is a lower power distance between student and professor: In your home country, there is a large gap between professors and students in terms of power and status. However, in America, the power distance is much lower. Professors are more approachable and willing to listen to your ideas and concerns. They want you to feel like you are on equal footing with them.

4. Professors want you to succeed: With a relaxed power dynamic in the classroom, American professors are still there to teach and guide you. They want you to succeed, and they are willing to put in the extra effort to help you get there. They will reward the students who make the extra effort and build a relationship with them. So, don't be afraid to ask for help or seek out extra guidance.

5. Professors want you to utilize office hours: These designated times are when professors are available to meet with students one-on-one to discuss course material or answer questions. Don't just use office hours to beg for better grades, but to build relationships and get mentoring. Professors are usually more than happy to chat with students and offer advice or guidance. These are the perfect spaces to begin developing a meaningful relationship with your professor.

6. Professors will choose the students that make the extra effort: As you work to build a relationship with your professors, keep in mind that they will often choose the students that make the extra effort and who they know relationally for a research assistant (RA), teaching assistant (TA), or graduate assistant (GA) roles. These positions can be a great way to gain valuable experience and build your resume, so make sure to put in the extra effort to stand out.

7. Professors will refer students they have a relationship with to local companies: Professors often have connections to local companies in their field, and they may be willing to refer students they have a relationship with for internships or job opportunities. Building a relationship with your professors can be a valuable asset in your job search.

8. View professors like an older sibling: They are there to guide and mentor you, not to be an angry, demanding boss. They want you to succeed and are willing to go the extra mile to help you get there. Don't be afraid to ask for help or seek out extra guidance as you would with an older sibling.

Now that you’ve learned more about the unique relationship between students and professors in America, here are some intentional questions that you can ask your professors. Keep in mind that these questions should be asked respectfully within the context of a relationship. The relationship makes all the difference!

👉 “Can you connect me with alumni and local professionals?”

Professors have a wide base of connections to alumni and local professionals in their field. They can be a valuable resource for networking and getting advice about career paths or job opportunities.

👉 “Can I go with you to your next conference or seminar?”

Professors often attend conferences or seminars in their field, and they may be willing to take a student or two along with them. This can be a great opportunity to learn more about your subject, make connections with professionals in your field, and get some quality one-on-one time with your professor.

👉 “Which club or student organization should I join?”

Professors are often involved in clubs or organizations on campus. If they know you and your goals, they will be sure to have recommendations for you. These organizations can be a great way to get involved and make connections on campus.

👉 “What tips or lessons learned do you have about getting a job?”

As you near graduation, you may be thinking about your job search and what steps you should take to find the right career. Professors can be a valuable resource in this process. They have gone through the job search process themselves and can offer tips and advice based on their own experiences.

Professors in America are very different from what you may be used to. They are more like peers than bosses, and they are willing to go the extra mile to help you succeed. They have a lower power distance and are open to discussion and debate. Utilizing office hours and building a relationship with your professors can be a valuable asset in your education and future career. Don't be afraid to ask for help or seek out extra guidance, and view your professors as a mentor or an older sibling. Once you take the step to develop a relationship with your professor, you'll be surprised to find out how willing they are to help you succeed!

Who has been a favorite professor of yours?

What makes them so special to you?

Happy connecting!