Posts Tagged ‘International Students’
Advices for Prospective International Students
Thursday, December 15th, 2011Take a listen as VOA’s Student Union talks about every aspect of the international student experience, from how to get rid of an accent to fears of the impending cold weather.
Navigating American Culture
Saturday, October 29th, 2011This is an inspiring video from Michigan State University‘s international students. They share how they are adapting to the American culture, making friends in the U.S. and their best tips for succeeding at an American university.
Why U in the USA?
Wednesday, October 12th, 2011U in the USA believes everything it does is to help international students discover, see and experience what inspires them so that they all can live out their dreams.
The way we assist international students is by creating services that help them in the following ways:
• Sell their personal credibility, likeability and helpfulness.
• Discover and articulate their personal missions.
• Discover hidden resources and opportunities supporting their passions and causes.
• Define and demonstrate their unique business values to the right decision makers.
• Make positive differences in the lives of others.
• Build a strong support group of professional and personal allies.
• Take calculated risks.
• Embrace the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence.
• Develop a better understanding of people of different backgrounds and cultures.
• Think differently, creatively and independently.
We happen to help international students achieve their career goals in the USA with career, lifestyle and cultural services.
Want to get in touch with us to learn how U in the USA can help you? Contact us here
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Jean-Marc Dedeyne
Founder and CEO
PS : our new website is coming soon.
Her Understanding of American Culture is more Complete
Wednesday, August 24th, 2011By Diana Quinonez-Soto
To provide you with a better understanding of what it is like studying, living and working in the United States, we like to feature international students and foreign young professionals who have done it.
Today, we are happy to share with you the story of Jui-Ling Chiang. She was a Mandarin instructor at South Carolina State University from 2010 to 2011. She will study at Northern Illinois University for the Ed.D program (Doctorate of Education, in Educational Psychology) beginning Fall 2011.
Full name
Jui-Ling Chiang. But, my friends call me “Raye”, as Jui is pronounced similarly to “Ray”.
Provide a brief bio about yourself – where did you grow up, etc…
I grew up in Yi-Lan, Taiwan. Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese are my native language. I studied at St. Cloud State University for my Master’s Degree. I participated in the Ohio State University for Chinese Teacher training program. Finally, I have both studied and taught at South Carolina State University in 2010-2011.
Your home country/ country of citizenship?
Taiwan
Where are you studying or working in the USA?
I taught Mandarin Chinese at South Carolina State University in 2010-2011. I will study at Northern Illinois University for the Ed.D program beginning Fall 2011.
Why did you decide to study or work in the U.S.A.?
I first learn English when I was in fourth grade. I was amazed by people who spoke different language from me, but yet went to school as me. I wondered how they thought, if they enjoyed school, etc. I made up my mind, then, of wanting to study in the U.S.A. and make friends from all over the world when I would reach my maturity age.
What school / university are you studying in or what company are you working for?
I studied at St. Cloud State University for a Master’s Degree and underwent the Ohio State University for Chinese Teacher training program. I also studied and taught at South Carolina State University in 2010-2011. I will be attending Northern Illinois University for the Ed.D program starting this upcoming fall.
How did you choose your university or employer?
I had to have financial support in order to pursue a degree in the U.S. Therefore, I choose a school that is able to fit my need.
How long have you been living in the USA?
Almost 5 years.
What course/degree are you taking? What is your mission (if you are working)?
I received the Information Media Master’s degree and will be working on obtaining the Ed.D degree in Instructional Technology Ed.D. But when I was in OSU, I took several Chinese teaching pedagogy classes. When I was in South Carolina State University, I took Museum Class, Black Issue in Education and Figure and worked in a Museum internship.
What do you like best about your American experience?
Friendship. The experience I received in America did not involve just studying but also in obtaining and building up strong friendships with people as well. I learned Mid-Eastern culture, African culture, Spanish culture, African-American culture, Gullah Culture and Asian culture here in the U.S.
The experiences opened my eyes to seeing things from several different angles as they can be interpreted in so many different ways depending on different ethnic backgrounds one may interpret from. I also learned to never use my own standard to look at things and to never assume people know as my “common sense” may be different from others.
11. What was it like during the first week you arrived in the USA?
Culture shock. I was waiting for “sunset” to have dinner when I first arrived to Minnesota. I felt like I was starving, but wondered why it was still bright outside. I will never forget that. I also remember searching the entire school building to find a “hot water fountain” but never finding one. It surprised me when I found out that many Americans use the microwave to heat up hot water.
Have you encountered any problems while moving and living in the USA?
Yes, transportation and weather. I did not have a car for a couple years. I had to rely on public transportation or friends to go around school or town. It is difficult especially in the winter time.
What has been your best moment while living, studying and/or working in the USA?
I have so many wonderful memories in the USA, such as mission trips to Cebeque, AZ with InterVarsity Christian Fellow St. Cloud State Chapter, studying in the lab, learning to make different country cousins, gaining friendship with others, struggling and being frustrated with research paper but was comforted by friends, and so on. I can publish a book to share these wonderful experiences!
But, last year, I teaching and studying at South Carolina State University was one of my best years studying in the US. I learned the other side of American History that is from the African American perspective. I felt I walked into a hidden history with the story still continuing going on. I felt the overflow of passion for freedom when I visited the Gantt Cottage where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote “I Have a Dream”. I also visited Penn Center, a foundation for African American education. Those are significant, but not as revealed to the world. I am blessed to study at SCSU as I have never felt myself is so close to “history”.
How has your English improved?
Practice, practice, and practice. Similar as I learn Mandarin Chinese.
What I did:
• Checked the dictionary for new vocabulary
• Asked friends/teachers if I didn’t understand the word they would
• Had friends to proofread papers with me. It helped a lot to pick up the American way of speaking and writing.
How have you handled language and cultural differences?
Crying and screaming! No, I didn’t. If I didn’t understand, I asked. Even though I have lived in the States almost for 5 years, I still ask. I don’t feel bad if the question is first grade. I have even asked my ex-roommate to correct my English if I made mistakes, which she did.
How well did you feel adapted to the U.S college life and culture?
Living with American students was a big challenge, but also a great opportunity to learn their ways of living. I lived with Americans since my second semester to my graduation from St. Cloud State University. I build up close relationships with all my roommates, whom I still keep contact with.
From my understanding, most American students have their own social groups since elementary school. They may go to college with their best friends, but a lot of them are open to building up another friendship in the college. Keep in mind that America is big so students from South to North feel the distance and also encounter culture shock as well. So, I do not think my culture shock is that bad at all. I would think a lot American students are just like us, but speak better English.
Which aspects of the American culture have you already assimilated? Which parts remain obscure?
Building up my circle of friends, participate in community service, speak out my mind, agree to disagree… etc.
Are you facing some type(s) of challenges or difficulties while living in the USA?
Challenge is everywhere. Discrimination still exists. However, not everyone has stereotypes. It always takes times to learn a new environment and culture.
What do you like to do outside the school or your job?
Hang out with friends, hiking, reading, watch movies, and road trip with friends!
How easy or difficult is it to make friends?
If you are an open mind person, it is not too difficult to make new friends.
What was your biggest obstacle to live, study and/or work in the USA?
Paperwork. Too much paperwork drives me crazy and is confusing. At Universities, if the Administration Department lacks of communication with other offices, it often causes a lot frustrations.
Would you recommend studying or working in the USA? Why or why not?
I would recommend international student study in the U.S.
How is your U.S. education or working experience relevant to your personal goals and to the needs of your country?
After I receive my Master’s degree emphasis on Adult Learning Theory and Instructional Design, I applied the knowledge and skills into the work field. I soon found out that I could also apply the knowledge across many fields, such as Marketing, Planning, Language Training, etc. In sum, the knowledge strengthens me with flexibility and comprehension ability.
What advice would you give to fellow international students who are yet to study or work in the USA?
Embrace and always appreciate what you have. Never ever compare your situation with others, especially in comparing the U.S. culture and people from your own country. Comparison makes so many international students so unhappy when they study in America.
What are you most excited about right now? What is the next big thing you are looking forward to?
I am excited and scared at the same time in undergoing my first year as a Ph.D student at Northern Illinois University in this upcoming Fall 2011 term. I never thought that I would into scholar field, but now I have the opportunity. I will go with all my strength to learn. It will be great to be called “Dr. Chiang”!
How to connect with you?
Linkedin : here
Read more about Raye here
Join our community of Cultural Ambassadors on Facebook here
Would like to be featured on our blog? please contact us here.
Unique Social Tips From Different American Colleges
Saturday, July 16th, 2011Do you have questions about American colleges? Check out these interesting facts about several colleges throughout the United States. Thank you to Authentic Journeys – Cultural and Lifestyle Mentoring for sharing their resources with us.
At Home on Campus, Not in Country
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011April 6, 2011
Dozens of student affairs officials turned up for a session last week at the American College Personnel Association’s annual convention, where survey results from eight American colleges showed that many international students — despite becoming a larger presence on campuses every year — still struggle with discrimination and are unsatisfied by the degree to which student services helped them make the transition to the cultural and educational systems of the United States.
Peter Mather, an Ohio University assistant professor of higher education and student affairs, and a recent Ohio doctoral graduate, Bethany Schweitzer, along with Gunter Morson, head of higher education and careers at England’s CATS College, set out to understand international students’ process of applying to universities abroad, as well as their expectations for college and how their initial expectations compared with their actual experience when they got here. Another focus was how student services assisted this population in their process of adjusting to American college life.
The researchers invited 100 colleges of differing size, location and public/private status to take part in the survey, but only eight volunteered, with 73 participating international students representing 32 countries. While Schweitzer, Mather and Morson are still conducting follow-up interviews to get more details about the reasoning behind students’ responses, they took a break to present their findings to date at the ACPA convention.
“When we started the process, we hoped our findings would help student affairs professionals understand the international student,” Schweitzer said in an e-mail interview. Among the main issues students face, the survey found, are social and academic adjustment, isolation, racial climate and political ideology. (The crowd at the ACPA session had a good laugh over one student’s response that the biggest adjustment to life in the United States has been “Republicans.”) They also frequently mentioned unfamiliar food, the weather, and capitalism; many Asian students, in particular, were troubled by the cold weather in the Northeast. Continue reading here
We also believe that many international students and foreign exchange visitors to the United States experience a wide variety of both encouraging and negative feelings, such as excitement, surprise, happiness, loss of identity, anxiety, disorientation and confusion, while facing language, academic and integration challenges. However, not all of them are lucky enough to receive the same attention, care and consideration — helping them to improve their experience, develops a better understanding of people of different backgrounds, or even get the tools needed to realize their dreams. For those people, we founded “U in the USA”. You want to know why we do what we do, how we do it and what we do, please contact us here.
Bloggers Talk about Studying in the US
Friday, March 4th, 2011Jihye, Nareg, Alex and Sadia, international students and bloggers at VOA Student Union, were interviewed on Upfront Africa about what it’s like to study in America and about blogging for the Student Union!
Listen to the interview here
F-1 Employment
Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011José Navarro is an international student from Barcelona, Spain. He recently moved to New York City to study International Business at Berkeley College. He loves traveling; it’s his biggest passion. In fact, this is not the first time he lives abroad. He likes learning about new cultures and traditions. He considers himself to be a very positive and active person.
José Navarro attended a workshop about the employment opportunities for F-1 visa students this week at Berkeley College. It was given by K.Rosal, who gave us really useful information. There are many things that are confusing for international students regarding this topic. Are we allowed to work? If so, how, where and when? Are we allowed to work after we got our degree? Can we get paid internships during our studies in the US? All these questions were answered during the meeting and he is going to try to summarize the most important parts.
First of all, we made a distinction between what degree and major means. For non-English speakers, it might be confusing and cause problems when interviewing for any kind of job. The degree is the “level” of your studies, for example, in my case my degree would be “Bachelor” (it could be Associate’s, Master, etc.). Then the major is your field, which in my case is “International Business”. We were told that at the beginning because many students say, “my degree is International Business”, which would be incorrect.
Another issue is the Social Security Number and the working authorization. Students will get the first one whenever they get their first paid job. However, having a Social Security Number doesn’t mean the student has the right to work; it has to be complemented by the working authorization. However, the requirements change depending on the kind of employment we are talking about. Let’s get started with the employment options for F-1 visa owners:
- On-campus job
This is the easiest way to get a job for international students. The working authorization is not required, it is the college that will allow you to work and will assist you to get the Social Security Number. The restriction for this kind of employment is that it can only be a part-time job. The student can work up to 20 hours a week during the school period. There is no need to wait until the 3rd quarter has been completed in this option.
- International organizations
The international department of the school can provide you a list with certain international organizations that allow international students to work for them while being in F-1 status. The challenge here is that the working authorization is required. To get this authorization, the student needs a job offer, but the whole process might take several months. It is hard to find an employer who is willing to wait these months until you can start working. However, if the employer is able to wait for your authorization, you can work up to 20 hours a week after you have completed 3 quarters at school.
- Economic hardship employment
This option allows the student to work in a part-time job (up to 20 hours a week) in any kind of company after receiving the working authorization. However, to apply for this option, the student has to present compelling reasons that prove the financial situation has changed and it is necessary to work to be able to stay in the US. This option is available after having completed 3 quarters at the school and the whole process might take several months.
- Unpaid positions
There are many internships that are unpaid, as well as some volunteer positions. For this option, the student does not need approval. The Social Security Number is not required neither. Even though this option doesn’t allow you to get money, it is a good start point to gain experience in your field and it’s recommendable because you might use this experience in your resume when looking for a paid job.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
This option allows the student to get paid in an internship. It lasts an academic quarter and it’s done before graduation. It can be both, part-time or full-time positions. The job must be related to your studies and it’s part of your academic curriculum. We were recommended to benefit from that the very last quarter of our degree, which is quite logical considering it can give you a job opportunity once you get your degree. To apply for it, students must fill in some forms that are available in the international department, which will assist students regarding this issue.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Finally, the Optional Practical Training allows students to work 12 months after having received their degree. The position must be related to the student’s major as well. The process might take several months, so it’s recommended to apply three months before graduation. This option extends the F-1 status even if the visa has expired. The OPT starting date is chosen by the student, and can be up to 60 days after having received the degree. From the starting point, the student will have 3 months to find a job. The student will be allowed to work until the OPT expires. After that date, to continue working for that company, the employer has to sponsor the student to get another visa. However, additional 12 OPT months can be given after completing a higher degree in the US. For example, a graduate student who just got a Bachelor can use 12 months and then study a Master’s degree. After that one is completed, the student can get 12 additional OPT months.
We also spoke about the challenges we, as international students, might have to fight when trying to get into the job market. First of all, the employers might not be familiar with the immigration issues. As a tip, we were told that we should be confident on explaining them the options we have. Moreover, the immigration issues are always a complicated process that might take long time. The biggest challenge is that the permissions are usually temporary and employers might be afraid of hiring someone who won’t be able to stay for a long time. To overcome the challenges, we were recommended to improve our English skills as much as possible to be able to communicate effectively and to do as much networking as possible, which is always the best way to get into the job market in this country.
Find original post here
If you need help to navigate the U.S. job market to find internships or jobs, we can assist you. Contact us here to discuss your projects. We will help you network your way into the hidden job market.
5 Job Search Tips for International Students
Thursday, February 17th, 2011I was struck by a recent front page story in The New York Times that discussed the steady rise in Chinese students applying to U.S. colleges and universities.
While the article focused on how schools like Grinnell College in Iowa actively recruit in China and how an international students can “have an edge if he or she can pay full tuition,” my mind immediately fast-forwarded four years: Will the same universities that wooed these students and took their money help them land jobs when they graduate? No one seems to be talking about this.
Well, no one that is except the students themselves. On almost every campus I visit, international students from China and elsewhere approach me seeking advice on how to land positions in the U.S. once they receive their degrees.
Here are the tips I share, based on research, conversations with successful international workers and my own experience attending graduate school in Australia and acquiring a visa to work there for an additional year:
1. Start early. This is good advice for any student (particularly in the current job market), but it’s especially crucial for students from outside the U.S. It will inevitably take longer to find a job with an employer that sponsors employees requiring work visas, so the sooner you start to look for positions, the better chance you’ll have.
2. Become an expert on the laws. Take it upon yourself to become an expert on your situation. The more you personally know about visas, work permits, timelines, academic requirements, etc. (check out the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services website for lots of information) the better decisions you’ll be able to make and the more empowered you’ll feel. Yes, this is a lot of work, but it’s more than worth it.
3. Engage with career services. In addition to doing your own research, seek expert help. If you attend a school that has a large population of foreign students, your university’s career services office should have lots of experience helping international students. Take advantage of everything they offer! Attend any event specifically for international students, read all information your career services office publishes and set up an appointment with a career counselor to discuss your individual situation.
4. Network. As more and more international students attend U.S. universities, there is a growing community of alumni who have walked in your shoes. Meet these people and ask for their advice! Using your career services office, professors, LinkedIn and Facebook, seek out people a few years older than you who have come from your home country and managed to find jobs in the U.S. They’ll likely be happy to share some tips and possibly even introduce you to the hiring managers at the companies where they landed jobs.
5. Stay positive and confident. While it can be frustrating to go through an international job search and visa application process, remember that you have a lot to offer an employer. Fluency in multiple languages, knowledge of international business practices and a global perspective are all extremely valuable in the workplace right now. Make sure that you are confident in your own abilities so an employer will want to invest in you.
Are you an international student who has landed a full-time job in the U.S.? Please share any additional tips or advice!
If you need help to navigate the U.S. job market to find internships or jobs, we can assist you . Contact us here to discuss your projects. We will help you network your way into the hidden job market.
Where international students can begin their search?
Wednesday, January 12th, 2011Mr. Hyde from Widener University provides prospective international students with some important guidance as to where to start their search for U.S. college & universities, what factors to consider, admissions tests required, financial aid availability, and more.
You will find the nearest EducationUSA center here.
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