Insights on International Student Experiences

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 year, over one million students leave their home countries in pursuit of a dream. They arrive in the U.S. with a belief that’s been sold for decades: 🎓 Get a U.S. degree 💼 Land a job 🌎 Build a stable, successful life abroad But that narrative? It’s broken. Over the past few months, I’ve spoken to dozens of international students, many of whom are in their first or second year, who are struggling to secure internships. Some have applied to 1000+ jobs with zero traction. Is it the job market? Partly. But the real issue runs deeper —it’s a combination of mindset, missing strategy, and misaligned expectations. Here’s what no one tells you before you book that one-way ticket to JFK or SFO: 🔹 The number of international students coming to the U.S. has increased by 10–15% year-over-year for the past decade. $1.2M Last year. 🔹 More than 50% of them pursue Computer Science or Engineering. That’s over 500,000+ CS grads entering the workforce annually. 🔹 Companies need people with skills to grow revenue, whether directly or indirectly, not just a Degree. Now pair that with: Fewer entry-level jobs AI automating junior roles Preference for Tier-1 schools Reluctance to sponsor international talent It’s a tough game. And yet, most students rely on one method: apply online and hope. The truth? A U.S. degree no longer guarantees a job. So what actually works? Doing what 95% won’t. ✅ Start early — Your strategy, planning, and execution for your first job begins day one of your college, not post-graduation. ✅ Diversify — Explore non-engineering courses in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, energy, finance, construction, and design, where competition is lower and demand is real. ✅ Network relentlessly — Online and offline. From week one. At events, cafes, and libraries. Growth lives in discomfort. ✅ Lead with value — Volunteer, help small businesses, offer skills for free. People remember hustle and heart. ✅ Build your voice — Share what you’re learning. Pick a niche. Post on LinkedIn, Substack, X, and Reddit continuously for 2 years. Not summaries — real deep data and insights. ✅ Own your network — Identify 100+ people you admire. Engage weekly. Not to ask — but to share, provide value, and engage. ✅ Break your bubble — Don’t just hang with people from your home country. Learn from diverse and senior minds. Surround yourself with people smarter than you. Be the 5% who choose differently: 🔹 Learn real-life problem-solving skills, not how to score a high GPA. 🔹 Start conversations with your target audience and offer value. 🔹 Stay consistent — even if it means learning by day, Ubering by night There are no guarantees. But when you take the hard path — the one no one else chooses — you earn something far more powerful than luck: leverage. To every international student wondering, Is it still worth it? Yes — if you're willing to think and act differently and grind for 18 hours a day for only 2 years. #internationalstudents #job #career

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!

🎓“Graduated… Now What?” – What No One Tells International Students About Life After the Ceremony Every spring, thousands of international students walk across that graduation stage full of hope… but also full of anxiety. The truth? Most don’t have a plan beyond “I need to get a job.” And when that job doesn’t come quickly, reality hits hard. Panic. Visa deadlines. Uncertainty. It’s a terrifying position to be in and I know so many people who have been there So to all of you graduating this spring (and those coming after), here are a few things I wish someone told me faster: 🔁 1. Don’t Just Have a Plan A, Build Plans B, C, and D Don’t make “get a job” your only plan. Explore: * Graduate school, masters --> PhD, Bachelors --> Masters, etc (if it fits your long-term goal). * Entrepreneurship (did you know there are ways international students can build ventures while on F-1 or through other visa categories?) * Self-petition green card options like EB-2 NIW, EB1's and yes, it’s possible even early in your career if you build strategically. 🤝 2. Don’t Just Apply --> Connect Some jobs come from résumés. Most come from relationships. * Build your LinkedIn presence. * Get visible in student clubs, conferences, and online communities. * Let your professors and mentors know your goals; they may open doors for you. 🧰 3. Build Your Portfolio & Not Just a Resume That class project, that case competition, that volunteer experience: it all matters. * Document your work. Curate your wins. Show future employers your impact. ⏳ 4. You’re Not Behind. You’re Becoming. If you’re unsure of the next step, know this: It’s okay. * Everyone’s path looks different. Just don’t stay stuck. * Keep moving. Learn. Try. Ask for help. Bet on yourself. Remember this: it will work out, it always does!! #InternationalStudents #Graduation2025 #LifeAfterGraduation

Studying abroad in the US is a dream for many, but the reality comes with challenges that few talk about. We chose this path knowing it wouldn’t be easy. But that doesn’t make the struggles any less real. It comes with challenges - visa stress, financial pressure, cultural adjustments, and the toughest one: job hunting. I remember sending out 100s of applications, facing constant rejections, and refreshing my inbox daily, hoping for a breakthrough. The uncertainty was overwhelming. Seeing others succeed while I was still struggling made it even harder.  Looking back, the journey wasn’t easy. But every challenge taught me valuable lessons that helped me grow into the professional I am today. But through this journey, I’ve learned a few truths that I hope will help: 1️⃣ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠. The biggest mistake? Waiting too long to start the job search. If you’re an international student, start early. Networking, building skills, and preparing applications take time - don’t wait until the last semester. 2️⃣ 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞. Your connections will open more doors than your resume. Reach out to alumni, professionals, and peers who’ve walked this path. Informational interviews, LinkedIn outreach, and networking events can make all the difference. 3️⃣ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐬. The job market has completely changed from how it was back in 2021. Not every company sponsors international students - but that doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It means you need to be strategic about targeting the right companies, those who see the value of global talent. 4️⃣ 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟. There’s no room for hesitation. Cold-email professionals, connect with recruiters and ask questions. Many people are willing to help, but you have to take the first step. 5️⃣ 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝. The job market is evolving, and so should your approach. It’s not just about working hard - it’s about working smart. Show impact, highlight your skills, and demonstrate results. To every international student feeling lost, frustrated, or overwhelmed—you are not alone. The journey is tough, but it’s worth it. Every rejection, every challenge, every late-night struggle is shaping you into someone stronger. If you’re still in the process, keep pushing forward. Your breakthrough is coming.  If you found this helpful, feel free to ♻️ repost it with others who might benefit. Follow Mohammed Wasim for more job search tips, resources, and advice tailored to international students! #jobsearch #internationalstudents

If you're an international student who just graduated, this post is for you. I came to the US on an academic and athletic scholarship at 18. I’ve been on an F-1 visa, done the whole STEM OPT thing, and built my career from scratch here. No family, no connections, no favors. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: You can’t afford to move like everyone else. Most students start figuring things out after graduation. For international students, that’s already too late... So here’s what I’d be doing right now if I were you: 1. Get clear on the companies that will even consider you. Use tools like MyVisaJobs or H1BGrader. Cross-reference with LinkedIn filters (E-Verify, visa sponsorship) and stop wasting time on dead ends. 2. Make your LinkedIn undeniable. Your profile should do three things: → Tell your story → Prove your skills → Make someone want to message you If it doesn’t, fix it. 3. Treat DMs like applications. I've never seen someone get hired because of a "Hi, can you refer me?" message. I have seen it happen after thoughtful, well-timed outreach rooted in value. 4. Document, don’t perform. Show the work. Post the project. Share the lesson you just learned. Visibility > perfection. 5. Track everything. Build reliable systems. If you’re serious, treat your job search like a job. Know your timelines. Know your next step. The most dangerous place to be on OPT is passive. It’s tough. I know. I’ve lived it. But the ones who win are the ones who move different. #InternationalStudents #JobSearchTips #OPT #STEMOPT #CareerAdvice #DataScienceCareers #LinkedInTips #EarlyCareer #VisaSponsorship #WorkInTheUS #H1B #Graduation2025 #LinkedInNews

The 90-Day Countdown: The Silent Struggle of International Students 🚨 You won’t see it on a resume. It won’t come up in an interview. But every international student in the U.S. knows this struggle all too well. 📅 From the moment they graduate, the clock starts ticking. 💼 They have only 90 days to find a job—or they have to leave the country. 🚫 And unlike domestic students, they can’t just take any job. And here’s the frustrating part: - These students are highly skilled, yet many employers rule them out before even reviewing their qualifications. - No sponsorship is required for up to three years (thanks to OPT & STEM OPT). - Hiring them is just as easy as hiring a U.S. citizen—no extra paperwork for most roles. Yet, despite all of this, international students are often forced to leave—not because they aren’t qualified, but because companies assume hiring them is “too complicated.” Meanwhile, employers continue to say: “We can’t find enough skilled candidates.” “We need diverse perspectives and problem-solvers.” The talent is here. The drive is here. The qualifications are here. But, too many doors are closing before they even get a chance. At Northbridge, we’re making sure international students don’t miss out on opportunities just because time is against them. Because talent shouldn’t have an expiration date.

Thinking of doing a Master’s in the US in 2025? Read this before you decide: Let’s be brutally honest: the job market right now is cutthroat—and for international students, it’s even worse. Layoffs are everywhere. AI is eating into entry-level jobs. Visa restrictions are tighter. And yes, auto-rejections happen just because you selected "OPT/CPT" on an application. Students are: - Graduating with $70K–$100K debt and going home without jobs - Crying on calls with their families because they feel helpless - Taking unpaid internships or volunteer gigs just to stay active - Feeling isolated, depressed, and unsure whether it was all worth it Even grads from top schools like CMU, Cornell, Duke are struggling to get callbacks. Consultants in India push you to apply. Universities see you as revenue, not responsibility. And if you land unprepared, you’ll miss the first hiring cycle and spend the rest of your program catching up. But here’s what’s also true: ✅ Some students are getting jobs at Meta, Tesla, and great startups ✅ Many are breaking in because they worked relentlessly, built portfolios, networked, and played smart ✅ The path is still there—it’s just no longer automatic If you're planning to pursue a Master's in the US: Don’t treat it as a magic ticket—it’s not Start preparing before you arrive: resume, LinkedIn, interviews, referrals, clarity Pick cost-effective universities that support career services, not just fancy buildings Don’t rely on consultants who sell you the dream—they're not the ones paying off your loan And take control of what you can. Here’s what I’ve seen make the biggest difference for students who succeed:  1. 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆. No one’s coming to push you. You have to move first.  2. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀. Still non-negotiable and the base.  3. 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝘁. 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝘁. 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝘁. When things get hard — and they will — this is what keeps you going.  4. 𝗔𝗜 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀. Use them to go faster, learn smarter, and build sharper.  5. 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. Build real products. Share what you learn. Let people see how you think.  6. 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. Get out of your comfort zone. Stay on the radar.  7. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸. Portfolios, GitHub, open source — let your work do the talking. It’s not about discouraging you. It’s about making sure you don’t arrive blindfolded.

I am a 2 time international student and I know some things you should know. While many may not consider Ghana “abroad” for Nigerians, it was home to me for 4 years and I was categorized as an international student. I like to tell people I had the time of my life in undergrad. It was a place where I bloomed and began the journey to self discovery. 3 years after graduation, I found myself in the US doing it all over again in a starkly different setting. So, here are my top 3 tips for navigating your time abroad as an international student! - 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲: Find your tribe. It’s my number one advice to thrive abroad. Find your people and hold them tight. Struggle to make friends? Be willing to extend a hand of invitation. In my first year, I was willing to host other Nigerians in my apartment for a Thanksgiving dinner even though I did not really know them. Be the first to ask someone to lunch or to say yes to an evening out. Their friends become your friends and slowly but surely, you will know your people. - 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦: My friend in secondary school told me, “bloom where you are planted”. International student life is tough but we can bloom, we can grow, we can let our lights shine. Please bloom, it is hard, I know but embrace the chance you get to bloom. 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭! - 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲. You will agree with me that a global education is a true lifetime experience. There is always something to do. Please engage and enjoy with what your school offers. Go to events, volunteer for random things, talk to random people. The years will pass quickly, use them well! 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬: Connect with people like me who are authentic and share the realities of this life that we have chosen.  ------------ 𝐌𝐲 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐲𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐈 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝. Are you an international student? I would like to connect with you, please leave a comment. Are you a prospective? What questions do you have for me? Share below!

🌟 Unlocking Success: A Midway Journey of Pursuing MS in the USA - Unveiling the Life of an International Student 🌟 Midway through my 1st semester in the USA, pursuing a Master's in Business Analytics, I'm a mix of excitement and nostalgia. As an international student at The University of Texas at Dallas, I've navigated the challenges of academia, culture, and career, shaping me into who I am today. 🛫 A Flight of Dreams ✈️ Leaving for the USA, I carried more than just a suitcase - a world of aspirations and the overwhelming anticipation of what lay ahead. 🏫 Academic Odyssey 📚 Fast forward to my first day on campus, and I met with a whirlwind of orientations, new acquaintances, and stacks of syllabi. Navigating a new academic environment, especially in the realm of Business Analytics, comes with its share of challenges. The rigors of coursework, case studies, and the drive to stay ahead in a classroom filled with brilliant minds tested my mettle. Yet, it's in these challenges that I discovered resilience and determination I didn't know I possessed. 🗺️ Cultural Connections 🌎 Beyond the classroom, embracing American culture has been just as enriching. From exploring American football, local cuisines to immersing in cultural festivals, and building friendships across borders, I've learned that diversity holds a treasure trove of perspectives. Every interaction is a chance to break stereotypes, challenge assumptions, and embrace the beauty of differences. 🌠 Discovering Lesser-Known Wisdom 🧠 Throughout this journey, I've discovered these invaluable lessons: 1. Adaptability: Surviving requires flexibility - adapting to new cultures, academic systems, and career landscapes. 2. Networking: Building a professional network is vital. Attend events, connect with professors, and collaborate with peers. It's a powerful tool that opens doors. 3. Time Management: Balancing academics, work, and life is a puzzle; effective time management solves it. 4. Exploration: Embrace the unfamiliar - new dishes, & languages. It's all part of the learning experience. 5. Celebrate Milestones: From assignments to internships, celebrating milestones keeps the journey rewarding. 💼 Paving the Path to a Promising Future 🚀 At the current juncture, I can reflect on the bigger picture. Pursuing a Master's in Business Analytics is about more than exams; it's about unlocking the potential for a promising future. Networking, career fairs, and internships have taught me to balance academics with career development and create a brand in a competitive landscape. Join me in this journey as an international student pursuing Business Analytics in the USA. Let's connect and learn together. What's the most exciting part of pursuing your dreams abroad? Share your thoughts and experiences! 🌍 #MSinUS #InternationalStudentLife #StudyinUSA #BusinessAnalytics #DataScience #CareerJourney