african professionals Archives

While Studying in the United States

Students who study abroad often regard it as the experience of a lifetime. It’s a time when you can learn almost as much outside the classroom as within it. It can also be a time of extra expenses. But by creating a sensible budget and sticking with it, you can easily manage the financial side of studying abroad.

Covering the Direct Costs of Education

When looking at the cost of studying in the United States, it’s important to distinguish between Direct Costs—tuition, room and board, and any special fees—and indirect costs, which are more flexible, and cover just about everything else. Taking care of the direct costs should be your top priority. Funds for these could come from private or family sources, scholarships or loans.

Although it may seem obvious, it’s important to remember that the best types of college funds are scholarships and grants because they do not have to be paid back. Be sure you apply for every scholarship for which you feel you are qualified.

After you have exhausted funds that do not need to be repaid, you may want to consider student loans to cover your remaining direct costs. As an international student, you will not be eligible for low-cost loans sponsored by the U.S. government. However, a wide variety of lenders, including Sallie Mae®, offer private, credit-based student loans that may be available to you.

Once you have your direct costs under control, make a budget for indirect costs, which are essentially living costs while you are in school. Because there are strict limitations on off-campus employment for international students, you will need to show that you have enough funds to cover the entire academic year when you apply for your student visa.

Managing the Indirect Costs

Housing. After you have been admitted, your institution’s housing office will contact you with information on the availability of on- and off-campus housing. If you decide to live off campus, you’ll want to arrive several weeks ahead of the start of classes to begin searching for a place to live and get settled.

Depending on the type of housing you need and the location of your college or university, the cost of off-campus housing can vary considerably. In general, housing in large urban areas and on the West and East coasts is the most expensive. In addition to rent, you should also budget for furniture and other household essentials because most rentals in the United States are not furnished.

Saving tip: Consider getting a roommate to split the cost of rent.

Transportation. If you will be using a car while you are in school, you should budget for operating expenses such as fuel, parking fees, and routine maintenance that will be incurred commuting to and from your institution. Carpooling can help reduce these expenses. But also look into the availability of public transportation—it may be more economical than having a car, particularly in urban areas. As an international student, you might also want to budget for airfare home during holidays and other academic breaks.

Saving tip: Many universities offer a free or low-cost shuttle bus service both on-campus and for the areas surrounding the school. Take advantage of it when you can.

Meals. If you’re an undergraduate, your college or university probably has a meal plan, and you should definitely use it. The food may not match home cooking, but it’s convenient, nourishing, and could be the most economical way to eat while you’re enrolled. If you have a family, meals may occupy a larger portion of your budget. If money is tight, try to eat as many meals at home as possible rather than at restaurants.

Savings tip: Use generic products instead of name brands; clip coupons; and pack a lunch rather than eating out.

Entertainment. A big part of studying abroad is what you do outside the classroom. Be sure and budget some money for movies, snacks, concerts, short trips to visit friends, and other activities. A well-rounded student is one who effectively balances study and play.

Saving tip: Your student activity fee may entitle you to attend concerts, lectures, movies, and sporting events at a discount. Take advantage of these on-campus events.

Textbooks and school supplies. The best way to keep textbook costs low is to buy used ones. Most campuses have stores on campus or close to campus that sell used books, and you can also check campus bulletin boards for ads offering texts for sale. Be sure that the edition of the book you are buying matches the one that is required for the course.

Miscellaneous costs

The international student advisor at your institution can help you with miscellaneous expenses such as health insurance (usually available at a low cost from your college or university) and visa processing fees. In addition, it’s a good idea to budget for items such as utilities (if they are not covered by your rent), a mobile phone, clothing, Internet service, and even a small, general emergency fund.

Managing credit cards

Even if you have the best intentions, a credit card—used freely—can ruin even the most carefully planned budget. Use your credit cards sparingly and only for items you really need. Try to pay the full balance off each month. And make sure you know what the interest rates and fees are. Sometimes just knowing how much extra you’ll be paying if you make a late payment or carry a balance from month to month can provide the incentive for fiscal discipline.

This is an exciting time in your life. Make sound financial management a priority so that you can fully enjoy the uniquely rich learning experience of study abroad.

Read Part 1 of this series

(The International Student Guide to the USA)

Patrick Coomer

Pursuing your education in a foreign land poses a mix of positive and negative feel. On a good note studying abroad will open up a lot of new opportunities. You will need to meet new friends and experience diverse cultures. However, timid students may consider this idea unenthusiastically. Certain types see this point as something awkward, lonely and tangled. Whatever the case, international students will naturally feel the pressure and anxiety of living their student lives away from their families and usual lifestyles. Nevertheless, here are the ultimate tips that will equip you in surviving international school amidst the lack of monotony.

There are many things you have to get used to when you live in another country. With this experience, you will find out that there is something more to what you used to see back in your hometown. One adjustment that must be made is the change in weather conditions. If you were raised in a tropical country and is migrating to a chilly land, might as well prepare for it. Gear up with winter tools and proper acceptance of the change. Also, you have to take into consideration the new work culture you need to live by. Understand that different people have different attitudes in fulfilling their tasks. Adapt to the local customs but stay focused on your true values.
To help you function well in this new environment, you have to in shape holistically. This means that you are well-nourished physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. Even if you are drowning from school works and deadlines, you still have to attend to your other necessities. The key to achieving all that’s needed to be done is balance. You can excel in school and still join an interest club of your choice; deadlines could be met without sacrificing a 30 minute meal time. Maximize your time and energy wisely. You can make it happen.
You are what you think. Even if you are faced with a troublesome situation, look up and smile! Sulking in one corner will further enhance your negative feeling. Rise above the situation and be positive. Problems must be faced with solutions, not by crying or cursing. A kind nature will always maintain you wavering. Keep your attitude to its amiable quality and see your luck dash through and through.
not by crying or cursing. A kind nature will always maintain you wavering. Keep your attitude to its amiable quality and see your luck dash through and through.
Your work will never be productive if influenced by a deep sense of hatred. If you have personal issues, resolve them first before working on your term paper. You will see that thought and ideas will easily come to you if you are worry-free. To help you gain that relaxed state, seek help. You could go to a trusted friend and ask for advice. If you feel like, you need a professional, go to your infirmary doctor or subject supervisor involved. Sometimes, all you need is a listening ear to ease the issues.
Before you start with anything drastic, know how your school system works first. It will only be a waste to spend too much time on preliminary quizzes if it only amounts to 5% of your whole final grade. Know the distribution of grades, methods of computations, requirements, student rights, etc. It pays to be informed.
Be a planner. Have yourself a daily or weekly calendar where you can jot down all your schedules. Organize your tasks and set time tables. It doesn’t matter if you accomplish little as long as you are following your time frames. Before you know it, your planner will be filled with check marks.
As a promising professional-to-be, you have to keep in track at all times. Set short and long-term goals. Make them realistic, specified and time bound. Be clear with the following things:
a. Aspired career after graduating

b. Ways on achieving the specified aspiration

c. Your education’s role in helping you reach your goal

d. Other actions to take

e. Impediments to reach your goals and how to manage them

Tag: african professionals

Surviving as an International Student Pt II: Being Money-Wise

Surviving as an International Student, Part 1