Practical Wisdom for a Successful Life in America
Moving to the United States is more than just getting on a plane—it’s starting a whole new life. Whether you’re preparing to study, work, or raise a family, this book gives international students the real-world advice they need to thrive, not just survive. From navigating visa rules to managing stress, from choosing what to eat to learning how the U.S. credit system works, this book provides clear, accessible guidance on the things no one tells you—but everyone needs to know.
This book is written specifically for young international students and professionals who are new to the United States. If you’re planning to study in the USA, have been here for a few years, or have just landed your first job, this book is for you. Without this guide, I believe you can still do fine as long as you work hard. However, if you read and apply most of the tips here, you’ll move forward faster and save money sooner. Over time, you might save tens of thousands of dollars—or even more—simply by knowing these tips early. The key focus of this book is time: the earlier you learn these lessons, the better your life will be—for yourself and your family.
Table of contents
Get a look at all of the content covered in the book. Everything you need to know is inside.
Chapters
5
Coming to America
47
A Brief about Visa Policy
69
Credit Cards and the U.S. Credit System
81
What to Eat
97
Stress Management
117
Money-Saving and Renting Tips
About the author
Tom Nghia Nguyen
Dr. Tom Nghia Nguyen is an engineer, philanthropist, and first-generation immigrant who has successfully navigated life in the United States for over a decade. He builds electrical hardware for rockets, satellites, and AI infrastructure, and he currently lives in Silicon Valley, California. With a background in advanced engineering and a passion for helping others, he draws on personal experiences as an international student and professional to guide others on their journey abroad. As someone who understands the challenges and opportunities of starting over in a new country, Dr. Nguyen offers practical advice, cultural insights, and encouragement to students and families pursuing a better future through education.
What readers said
★★★★★
This book gave me the knowledge and confidence I couldn’t get from any orientation.
★★★★★
It’s not just about student life. It taught me how to build credit, plan a future, and even help my spouse find work.
★★★★★
There is a lot of good information there and I am sure much of it would be useful for international students moving to the U.S. (in fact, much of it would be useful for any young person, even from the U.S.).
Must Read for Newcomers to America 