International Students Q: How do I adjust culturally? A: Be yourself. You do not have to be American from the first day. America want to have diverse groups in every society, every community and every university. That is one reason why you are here. This is similar to all countries. Don’t try to become British from the first day you arrived in UK. Most of these developed countries value respect, equal justice and equal opportunities. Don’t hesitate to communicate with others and try to learn something every day. Get involved in club activities of your college and make few good friends from your batch mates. Join few study groups. don’t be scared of being judged. Learn their culture and share your views with your friends. points with them. You may learn a lot about cultures online and by reading books. Q: How do I overcome the language barrier? A: When international students migrated to other countries where they have to study in English Language always struggle in their studies if the language capabilities are not in accordance to the level of studies they are in. If you are in an elementary school level with your guardian, your language issue will not be a big issue and you still have time to improve your skills. But the problem is if you are in a middle school or higher. That is where most of important subjects starts. Only few people can come out with their own efforts by working hard and others need help from somewhere. Your school may have some programs to help you to improve your English Language skills but remember that is only up to a certain level and you got to overcome this with a private study. If you contact SUPPA’S with your all circumstances we would be able to guide you more than this. We are happy to assist you to improve your skills. However, SUPPA’S always advise international students to learn English in your country before you arrive in another destination. In one way, it is easier to study English with a native lecturer than learning from a foreigner. It’s not only the language, until you familiar with their accent, you have to struggle to understand what they said. On the other hand, you may be highly efficient in your subject, but how can you perform if you are not prominent in English? Other important factor is do not hesitate to explain your thoughts and feelings even if you cannot find the accurate words. Communicating in English as you can would help you become more confident and improve your oral communication skills. Q: What do I do if I have difficulty understanding the lecture? A: Try to understand that some professors are always difficult even to local students. All international students find this issue and it will take some time for you to get used to it. Also, remember that, most of Professors are very helpful, if you inform them your difficulties. You also can find help from your friends for class notes and also from peer students. As we have discussed in another page, join few study groups and that will give you a great relief as you can discuss with your friends about your views and difficulties. You also get some hints from them about easy study methods and tools. Q: How do I become better at academic writing? A: You will need to do a lot of practice. Apart from that, you can take help from a research writing service. Such services not only provide you with assignment writing help but also offers free samples to help you understand the formatting and structuring of an assignment or dissertation. Get involve in writing projects and magazines. Find a study group involved in academic writing. Reading may give you a super knowledge as how to compose sentences and make presentations in an academic way. Find a good language teacher where the help would be very handful. There are online free tools as well, you simply can improve your skills Q: How do I manage my living expenses? A: Look for a part-time job if you have the authority to work, Get in to a sharing room for low cost closer to your university to cut down the traveling expenses. Buy a Bicycle which also reduce the travel cost, help you maintain your health and body. Also, will help you to visit places nearby within a short time. Cook your own meals and if join with few friends, your cost for food will be reduced further and also could go for advantages of buying things in bulks. Find help to earn online such as teaching, playing and teaching music gardening and many more opportunities. Always inquired from many different people before you buy things and they will tell you the lowest offers. Make your payments and bills in time to avoid all surcharges and fines. Q: How do I manage my living expenses? A: There are few different routes an immigrant could become a Citizen of the United States. Most importantly, a student is a non-immigrant and non-immigrant visa category do not have a path to become a Citizen without becoming an immigrant first. Student shall become a H1-B work visa holder or any other work visa holder or OPT visa holder first to become an immigrant. An immigrant who become a Permanent Resident lives and complete five years in the US could become a citizen. If you became a permanent resident on the basis of a spouse of a US Citizen, then you need only three years to complete to become a citizen. You are subject to the US Government background check and fingerprinting. Further you are subject to the USCIS English & Civics test and the Interview and only successful Permanent Residents will be awarded the Citizenship. If successful, Certificate of Naturalization will be issued to you. Q: Is International Student a Resident Alien? A: Alien is the ‘former term’ for a permanent resident. Earlier “Permanent Resident Cards” or “Passport Cards” are now called as “Green Cards.” Students are not aliens. Q: Can Students vote in the US? A: No, Students do not have the voting right and only a Citizen above 18 years have the right to vote. Q: Can a Student serve as a Juror? A: No, only Citizens will be called for Jury Service. Q: Can Students obtain driver’s licenses in US? A: Yes, Requirements and process of issuing driving license is different to each state law. Twelve states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont and Washington) and the District of Columbia permit unauthorized immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. Applicants must provide documents such as a foreign passport and proof of state residency. Q: How many immigrants have been deported recently? A: It’s interesting to analyze this answer as follows. Trump: 295,000 immigrants were deported from the U.S. in 2017. Obama deported about 3 million immigrants between 2009 and 2016. Bush deported about 2 million immigrants between 2001 and 2008. In 2017, the Trump deported ONLY 295,000 immigrants, (The lowest total since 2006) Q: What US States attract more International Students? A: 10 Best States for International Students in 2015/2016 Academic Year can be named as follows. California hosted 150,000, New York hosted approximately 115,000, Texas hosted about 82,000, Massachusetts hosted almost 60,000, Illinois hosted 50,000, Pennsylvania hosted little over 48,000, Florida hosted about 43,000, Ohio hosted Almost 38,000, Michigan hosted about 30,000, and Indiana hosted approximately 7,000 international students. Q: If I have difficulty speaking and learning English, how can I fit in? A: When immigrant families migrated to other countries where they have to study in English Language always struggle in their studies if the language capabilities are not in accordance to the level of studies they are in. If you are in an elementary school level your language issue will not be a big issue and you still have time to improve your skills. But the problem is if you are in a middle school or higher. That is where most of important subjects starts. Only few people can come out with their own efforts by working hard and others need help from somewhere. Your school may have some programs to help you to improve your English Language skills but remember that is only up to a certain level and you got to overcome this with a private study. If you contact SUPPA’S with your all circumstances we would be able to guide you more than this. We are happy to assist you to improve your skills. Q: How am I supposed to help my children succeed in school? A: This is a good question if you have come from a different country. Your question has a wide scope and we find difficult to give you a direct answer, first we need to know what grades your children are and then only we have to start advising you. Also, we need to know whether they have any issues. At present we would like to say please go through our webpages and see whether you can get any support, if not write to SUPPA’S with all your questions and your circumstances. Then we will be able to assist you in the right direction. Q: How can I secure work, is it even possible? A: if you are a permanent resident or green card holder you have the right to work in the US. If you do not have the employment rights then your first goal is to get the employment rights. Once you have the employment rights then you are eligible to come into the job market. In the job market there is a process to apply, to get into an interview and to obtain a position. Each one of these has step-by-step process that you can find from elsewhere in our website or if you send SUPPA’S direct questions, we will be able to help you putting you into the right direction. Q: What’s the easiest way to obtain a driver’s license, given the barriers we face, like language? A: Procedures of getting drivers licenses are different to each state. Each state will tell you what their requirements for you to get ready to obtain a driver’s license. IF you have a driver’s license previously obtained from a foreign country then it is one process. If you have a driver’s license issued from any of the US states then it’s another process, If you do not have any driver’s license previously, then a different process where you have to start from a learners permit. If you are thinking of any issues with your language skills especially when facing a driver’s license exam, you will be able to get a translator support if you make a request to the authority. Q: Can SUPPA’S guide International Students to a Structural Study Plan in an Organized Manner? A: This is common to US Students as well as International Students. Everybody must have an organized structure even an organization must have an organized structure to be successful in their missions and goals. SUPPA’S going to guide you for a “Highly Successful Structure” as one of our ‘mottos’ is “Well began is Half Done.” a. Bring Everything to the table? If we talk about students this is very important how can you organized your studies. Not only studies, you must organize your personal life matters with your family and loved ones as well as your friends. You got to consider your religious matters, volunteer matters as well as social and economic activities. Put everything on the table. b. Plan for 1st Year Let’s see how could we do it. This is the most important thing to understand when you’re trying to organize a structure for you. First you have to think of every activity ahead of you for one whole year. It could be your studies, your family, your loved ones, or your religious activities. Everything must be in line for one year. If you have any special activity that you have to complete in the next three years, separate events that you have to complete in first, second and third years. Bring down what to be done in the first year as we are going to concern about your next year. Now you have everything listed what you have to do in one whole year, which is 12 months. Now you have to separate each activity and bring all your activities dividing in 12 months. It is now clear that what you have to perform every month on monthly basis. Check again, for an example, if you have to work in your club for the annual trip which only comes in the month of August, this does not need to go to each month. Trip would be in the month of August and the preparation would be in the month of July and the main activity will be on the month of August. So, this activity you need to focus and bring it only to July and August. Similarly, you try to bring all your activities in months basis giving adequate time to each commitment depends on how it required. c. Separate in Monthly Basis You must do this carefully. Now you know what you have to do every month. Now pay attention to the first month. Analyze all work to be done in the first month. You may identify that you cannot do all in in one month and then take out one commitment. By doing this you are able to push additional work to another month, or you will realize that one project has to be stricken off. Then decide which to be stricken off. (Do it first and then do not forget to inform the relevant parties that you are quitting from it or whatever necessary to inform.) d. Bringdown to Weekly Plan System Now you have a better knowledge of what to be done during your first month now it is time to bring down to weekly basis. Do this carefully giving priorities to each matter and also some may consume a lot of time and some may just few minutes. Keep it in weekly basis. If you are very smart, you may go down to daily basis too. e. Daily Plan with School Now you have a list of work to be done every day. You must be very careful to all daily targets. If you are a student, you have to go to the school all week days. And also remember you need to reserve time for transportation and time to get ready. Once you come back from school you need to have your lunch or have a rest. You need to keep sometime free for fundamental things. f. Daily Plan Challenges You also must remember that some of your work you have to attend outside from your home. Then you have to reserve time again to get ready and also transportation. As you now aware about your daily availabilities try to analyze how many hours left each day to do your work or Studies or any other work what to be performed. Then consider priorities first and place them in appropriate order. Try to add all daily targets and try to finish every work within the given time. If you give priority to one matter for Monday and postpone another matter, you cannot repeat the same on Tuesday. On Tuesday you have to prioritize the matter you did not attend on Monday. g. Review your Plan After you complete your weekly schedule for the first time, do an assessment to see issues and short comings. If you feel an adjustment is required, you may do it and continue for one month and analyze your work after one month. h. Enjoy the Super Plan with no deadline and timing issues If you are happy that everything happened in a very methodical way, you can continue it. At least after every month you have to check your progress and your structural plan. You will be an expert of doing everything in a timely manner, in which you never getting into any troubles or any deadlines. Q: What do I do if I get poor grades or if I’m not studying or reading enough? A:: if you are getting poor grades there’s something wrong with the way you are studying and the way are answering your exam questions. May be the way you’re handling your assignments are not the appropriate way. The very first thing that you have to do is to meet your Professor. Discuss with the Professor and the Professor will guide you in the right direction. At least the Professor will tell you what your problem is and accordingly you have to adapt to new systems to overcome your issues and earn good grades. Talk to your friends. Discuss with them. You might be able to realize your weaknesses. Q: How can I avoid developing sleeping habits? A:Doctors always suggest that everyone need at least 8 hours sleep every day to continue a healthy life. There is a serious issue that you have to understand. When you are in your higher studies, of course, you need more time to study. In that event, at least 6 hours sleep is must for a student. But, do you know what doctors say about this. Doctors says if you have issues, you need more sleep and more sleep only improve your memory and learning power. Therefore, you are in the middle of this issue. However, if you think that you need medical advice, it is absolutely wise to consult a Neurologist. SUPPA’S suggest that since, majority of students are suffering from sleeping disorders, all universities must have helping system for their students to overcome all sleep disorders. Q: How do I prioritize my daily targets? A: Check the comprehensive answer given above to have a structured plan. You can achieve everything in your life, once you have a proper plan. Q: How can I Volunteer to SUPPA’S? A: We are happy to see that you will join our volunteer group. We have different volunteer programs in different locations. Visit the ‘Volunteer Page” and complete the consent form. We will get in touch with you soon.. Q: If I don’t get any College from my College Application, then what will be my position? A: When SUPPA’S handle college applications, we will guarantee a college for every applicant. However, if none of your preferred colleges, chosen you it is a question. In that situation, please get in touch with us as soon as possible and we will give you the best advice and if there’s nothing barred us particularly, we will find a university for you. May be from the same State but if not, from any other State.. Q: How can I join SUPPA’S “Gun Violence” Club? A:We are happy to see your application. Please fill the application at Gun Violence page or any other volunteer link. Q: I need your support to find a Volunteer Place to cover my SSL Hours A: We are happy to assist you find an employer for you to get a volunteer position. Please fill the application at Gun Violence page or any other volunteer link. Q: I need to go to a Foreign Summer Camp A: We are happy to see your application. Please fill the application at Summer Camp page or any other link for inquiries or send us an email and let us know what you really like to do. Q: How can I chose a major that will benefit both my interest and my future? A: It is true that, you have to choose your degree which is best to make your path for a bright future. SUPPA’S have answered in elsewhere about how to choose your degree and major in colleges. It is true that, your major must be something you interested, as otherwise you will be in that mess for your life time and sooner or later you will withdraw from it. You have then wasted your entire life for something you don’t like and now you need to start a new path where no educational qualifications and experience. People may tell you many things. But remember this is your future and try to get the right decision at the right time. If you need further assistance, get in touch with SUPPA’S. Q: Can SUPPA’S help me to get a US University, if I fail in all my attempts? A: Well, we do have to investigate what went wrong in your application. In that event, please get in touch with us as soon as possible depending on merits of your application, and if there’s nothing barred us particularly, we will find a US university for you. We cannot guarantee as we do not know your circumstances. Q: Match the possibility of Migration Plan A: This is a main difference from US Students. If the student’s desire is study, work and migration, your course and the qualification should allow you to continue to the migration processThis is a main difference from US Students. If the student’s desire is study, work and migration, your course and the qualification should allow you to continue to the migration process Q: I have some issues with my College, how can I get professional help from SUPPA’S? A: Well, first of all, you must let us know the issue you faced at your earliest possible. If you wait for so long, there could be a time bar that nothing we could do to save you. This could be with the school authorities or with another student or with a third party which involved in the school environment. May be already investigations and inquiries taken place and also decisions too have been taken. Earlier the better you get in touch with This could be a violence, abusive action, bullying, or no matter whatever it is , if you find it is bothering you, you better contact SUPPA’S for professional help. If the situation leading to any health emergency, you better first get admitted to a hospital or any emergency of a crime, you better seek the assistance of police. However, we need full information to give you the best advice and to decide whether we can get involve in your matter or not. As long as you are not involved in any crime, we do not have any issues. If it is anything to do with a crime, you better let us know your story for us to understand where we shall start your issue. Q: How can I get SUPPA’S help for my College Application? A: SUPPA’S are happy to help you, no matter which year you are in. But we advise always to join us from your freshman year. (Grade 9). Q: Do I have to pay for any of SUPPA’S services? A: SUPPA’S are mainly focus on 12 projects and further over 30 activities to assist US Students, Immigrants and International Students. Most of our projects are innovative and invented by us to implement in the United States. Even though SUPPA’S is not a non-profit organization, most of our projects and activities will be provided and served for FREE of Charge. If there’s a fee or charge involved, we will tell you in advance without hiding any of our terms. You do not have to worry for any reason as if there’s a charge or fee, we will not commence it until you make the relevant fee to us. There is another issue that arise as we are opening most of our services to International students from all over the world. Our service will be varied for US students from International student perspective. (Handling Australian student application for a US student is a free service but for a student in Indian continent may have to pay us a very nominal fee as handling cost if not the student is genuine in all aspects SUPPA’S are comprise with Consultants, Advisors, Coordinators whom are highly qualified in many professions and not all are volunteers. We need funds to continue all our services and without your generous donations, we will not be able to continue all of them for the benefit of the general public. We are expecting sponsorships from counties, state agencies, states and federal government. We also like to see how you and generous donors will support our projects.. Q: Can I study in a foreign University? A: SUPPA’S represent more than 300 universities in over 40 countries as of now and we could simply get you an offer from one of the world class university in your desired country. You just need to get in touch with us. Remember that, getting an offer from a high standard foreign university is not a big issue like how it is of the USA. Especially with the expert knowledge of SUPPA’S and as per the high International reputation of SUPPA’S, every step will in the admission process will be handled in a high professional manner satisfying all university requirements and you will be privileged to get an offer within a short period, if everything goes well. . Q: If I am not happy with my current university, Can SUPPA’S help me to find another university? A:Surely, we will find another university in your State and if not another in another state. Make sure that you were not involved in any disciplinary procedure or got in to an eligibility issue. In that event, we may first attend to it, if you like. And also, if the time permits. However, we will not let you go with empty hands. As long as you are genuinely seeking to continue your studies, SUPPAS will try our best to find another university for you.