Tips for Success as an International Student

Long post alert - I don’t care if it gets zero engagement because I wrote it specifically for one person. 💌 Dear Oluwanifemi Ayodele, Grad school is hard. But for a self-sponsored international student, it’s a different kind of hard. It’s balancing 20+ hours of work a week with a full academic load, juggling research deadlines while worrying about rent, tuition, and visa restrictions. It’s the exhaustion of knowing there’s no safety net—just you, your resilience, and the determination to make it through. ↳ Here are some practical strategies to help you navigate this challenging journey: 1). Master the Art of Financial Planning: ➜ Break down your tuition and living expenses early so you know exactly how much you need each semester. ➜ Look for assistantships, scholarships, and emergency grants—some schools have hidden funding pools you won’t know about unless you ask. 2). Find Work That Works for You: ➜ Prioritize jobs that align with your career goals & interests so you gain experience while earning. ➜ Network with professors—they often have short-term projects or funding opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised. 3. Optimize Time Like a Pro: ➜ Set clear boundaries—dedicate specific hours for work, study, and rest to avoid burnout. ➜ Learn to say no. Every commitment outside of work and academics should add value to your growth or well-being. 4). Build a Support System: ➜ Don’t isolate yourself. Even if it feels like no one understands your struggle, connecting with peers in similar situations will make a huge difference. ➜ Join student organizations or communities that support international students—they often share insider tips on jobs, funding, and mental health resources. ➜ Find mentors—professors, professionals, or alumni who have walked this path can offer invaluable guidance. 5). Take Care of Your Mind & Body: ➜ Sleep is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Poor health can cost you more than any paycheck will cover. ➜ Use campus mental health resources. Many international students struggle in silence—don’t be one of them. ➜ Schedule downtime, even if it’s just a walk, a hobby, or a phone call home. A reset can boost productivity and motivation. ↳ You’re Not Alone in This! Self-sponsoring grad school as an international student is a test of endurance, but it’s also a testament to your resilience. The skills you’re building—time management, adaptability, financial discipline—are shaping you into a powerhouse. I am rooting for you! Yours in Faith and Determination, Amaka Ifeduba, Ph.D. Feel free to repost ♻️ to help other international students in this situation. #elevateyourprofessionalpresencewith_Amaka

Every August, countless #students move to the United States to pursue their educational aspirations and dreams of a better future. As someone who's been through this journey, here are some things I wish I had known when I first moved here: ♦ Build a Support Network: Make friends – lots of them. Homesickness & loneliness are the first challenges you'll face. The friends you make in university will become your new family, supporting you through difficulties and celebrating your successes. ♦ Be a Savvy Spender: Research before spending money. Whether it's phone plans, health insurance, or loans, there's often a more affordable alternative to mainstream options. ♦ Network Relentlessly: Start networking from day one. Set up a #LinkedIn profile & prioritize it over other social media platforms. Connect with experienced professionals, set up 1:1 coffee chats, & absorb as much knowledge as possible. Apply for summer internships & co-ops as soon as your semester begins – they're crucial for post-graduation job prospects. ♦ Utilize University Resources: Make the most of your International Student Office & Designated School Official (#DSO). They're invaluable, often underused resources that can guide you through your immigration journey. Additionally, take advantage of your university's Career Services Center for resume help, soft skills development, & networking opportunities. ♦ Understand the Immigration System: Educate yourself about #OPT application deadlines, unemployment time frames, & alternative visa routes. Knowledge is power in navigating this complex system. ♦ Explore Alternative Visa Routes: #H1B isn't the only option. Consider #O1 and then #EB2NIW/ #EB1 pathways. Start building your profile during your Master's program by gaining research experience & publishing papers. Document everything meticulously – it will be invaluable for future visa applications. Interestingly, you can start your own company on a student visa & work for your company during your OPT. ♦ Plan for the Long-Term: Recognize that the wait times for a Green Card in America are exceptionally long – potentially decades. If immigration freedom is a priority for you, consider alternative countries. While the US offers excellent earning potential, be prepared for long-term immigration challenges. ♦ Choose Part-Time Jobs Wisely: Stick to on-campus jobs limited to 20 hours per week. Avoid off-campus employment, which can jeopardize your immigration status. Be cautious about high-risk jobs like working at gas stations, where some #F1 students have unfortunately been victims of crime. As a personal commitment, I'm volunteering my time to support new students transitioning to #America. If you're a new student seeking guidance, feel free to reach out & schedule a call with me. There are no fees associated with this service. While I may not have all the answers, I'll do my best to help you navigate your challenges & point you in the right direction. Link in the comments!

𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 When I first arrived in the U.S. for my master’s in 2021, I was carefree and unorganized, thinking I could handle everything easily, just as I did back home. But reality hit hard, and surviving alone became a completely different challenge. Living without the support of family and friends made things intimidating, from managing finances and cooking to handling assignments and dealing with mental health. But I quickly realized that I had to be ultra-strong—both mentally and emotionally—to thrive. 𝐒𝐨, 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐈 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝: ➡️ Adopt an extroverted mindset: As soon as you arrive, push yourself to be outgoing and make connections. ➡️ Talk to everyone: Whether you're fluent in English or not, communication is key. Don’t hesitate to speak with others. ➡️ Explore your university: Familiarize yourself with the campus and comfortable spaces where you can relax and study. ➡️ Learn about the local food culture: Get to know the food scene and find options that suit your taste. ➡️ Make friends from different backgrounds: Don’t limit yourself to one nationality—build connections with people from all over. ➡️ Leave your ego behind: Be open-minded, as holding onto ego can be a barrier to making real connections. ➡️ Build a diverse social network: The people around you are all working towards their goals, just like you. Learn from them. ➡️ Start financial planning early: From day one, plan your finances, search for part-time jobs, and meet seniors who can offer guidance. ➡️ Master time management: Time management is essential—learn it early to balance academics, work, and social life. ➡️ Finance management: Save from your part-time earnings after covering essentials like rent, bills, and groceries. ➡️ Be professional: Make it a point to meet your professors in person—whether remote or in-class—to build a professional rapport. ➡️ Focus on academics: Don’t neglect your projects; they are crucial for your career. Put effort into your studies and work on them honestly. 👍 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞, 💬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 🔄 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨'𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭! 🌍✈️🎓 . . . . . . . #linkedin #post #yashramakantmishra #YRMpostings #thoughtoftheday #postftheday #community #sharingexperiences #experiences #rememberthispoints #important #updates #practicalexperiences #liveitjamsan #internationalstudents #stuentlife #finance #education #abroadstudies #foreigncultures #networking #people #professors #strategies #strategist #exposure #OPT #CPT #students #lifeinabroad #friends #newculture #bestpost #postoftheday

10 golden rules of graduate School for International Students (Avoid Costly Mistakes) A new country, system, and culture. There’s a lot more to figure out than academics. Having mentored many students over the years, here’s what I believe every F-1 student needs to know. 1️⃣ Never Accept a PhD Offer Without Funding → Rule of thumb: If a PhD program doesn’t offer funding, walk away. → Accepting an unfunded offer can lead to unnecessary financial stress and even dropout. 2️⃣ Don’t Assume Fees Will Magically Be Paid → Coming to the U.S. as an F-1 student without a clear plan for funding is risky. → Some students think opportunities will appear after arrival, but I’ve seen far too many drop out or transfer to cheaper community colleges when reality hits. 3️⃣ Protect Your F-1 Visa Status → Violating your visa conditions can lead to termination of your F-1 status and, worse, making you illegal in the U.S. → This can have long-term consequences for your career and immigration prospects. → Stay informed about the rules and follow them strictly. 4️⃣ Don’t Work Without Proper Authorization → Whether it’s on-campus jobs or internships through CPT (Curricular Practical Training), ensure you’re authorized to work. → Working without authorization is a severe violation. 5️⃣ Explore Loan Options if Necessary → While taking on loans isn’t ideal, it can be a lifeline in worst-case scenarios. → ensure you choose a school with a track record of supporting international students and strong employment outcomes. 6️⃣ Stay 10 Steps Ahead → As an F-1 student, you need to think beyond the present. → Plan your next steps—whether it’s OPT, internships, or post-graduation opportunities. 7️⃣ Be Part of a Community → Isolation can make your journey harder. → Find a community that supports you. 8️⃣ Beware of Well-Meaning but Misguided Advice → Many of your family members or friends here might mean well, but they don’t understand the nuances of the F-1 visa. → Be careful who you listen to—always verify advice with experienced international students or the Office of International Services (OIS). 9️⃣ Understand the Academic Expectations → The academic culture in the U.S. may differ from what you’re used to. → Learn the grading systems, participation expectations, credit hour requirements, etc. 🔟 Focus on Networking as Much as Academics → Beyond your coursework, the connections you build can define your career path. → Attend events, connect with professors, and leverage platforms like LinkedIn. ********************* Bonus point: Get Health Insurance! → Health care in the U.S. is expensive, and without insurance, even a minor medical emergency can lead to significant financial stress. → Ensure you’re covered by your school’s health plan or secure private insurance. → This is non-negotiable! #InternationalStudents #HigherEducation #F1Visa #GradSchool #Mentorship

Dear international students, I know it hurts right now. But trust me, it gets better :) The first semester as an international student is brutal. It's a pressure cooker of new experiences & growth. - You face culture shocks (toilet paper was a big one for me!) - You're exposed to a new way of learning - You have to network 🙃 and attend career fairs - You gotta do your laundry, make food, & clean dishes - You sleep at 4 AM (and wake up at 10 AM to attend classes) - And somewhere, amidst all this, you also have to find a job. In short: you're thrown into the deep end of the pool, when you're just learning to swim. It's easy to look around & feel like you're going nowhere. E.g. It took me 245 (painful) days from when I started grad school to actually get my internship offer. 80% of my peers had something by then. Every day felt more painful than the previous one. "Will I EVER win one?" But trust me: you will. But, but, to win one, you have to stop doing some things (& start doing others). You have to STOP doing the following: - Constantly compare yourself to a peer/friend - Keep scrolling through social media mindlessly - Apply for jobs without a strategy - Send the same connection requests to 50 people/day on LinkedIn You have to START doing the following instead: - Ask for help. If there's a friend who got an offer, go ask: "How did you do it? What do you think I should be doing that I'm missing?" OR make a post on LinkedIn sharing what you've tried so far & asking for ideas. - Go outside your room. Don't be stuck within the 4 walls sending connection requests all day. Take a walk. Look around. Say hello to someone. Acknowledge the amazing place you're in. - Attend events in-person. Look for events on Meetup or Eventbrite happening in your city. Attend them. Meet people. Ask good questions. Build a relationship. - Believe in yourself. You got into your uni for a reason. You're here for a reason. You've done the hard work. This is the last mile. :) Have that foolish optimism that you're gonna get the job. And put in the work required to make it happen. All the best 💚 If you have any q's, comment below. I'll try to get to as many as I can. 🌿 Please re-share this to help another intl. student. :)