Types of Student Accommodation in Canada and USA

If you are looking forward to study in places like Canada and USA, you will also need to search for accommodations and decide where you want to stay. However simple it may seem, deciding where to live is a very crucial choice. One should research all the options thoroughly and take a suitable decision. Here are a few options for accommodation that may help you.

Dormitory – Many institutions provide accommodation in the campus itself. In some cases it may be near the campus as well. Sharing facilities like kitchen, common area, laundry and bathroom is common amongst students. The room size generally depends upon the institution. The dormitories are generally close to the college cafeteria and other eating joints with ample food and flexible timings. Staying here has its own perks. You can always save time which otherwise would have been spent on transportation.

• Canada: $3,000 – $7,500 CDN per school year.
• USA: $4,500 to $9,500 per school year

Off Campus Renting – Some institutions have groups like “off campus housing society” which can help you find accommodations off campus. But all institutions do not have these facilities. If you are going outside for the first time and your institution does not provide you with any such facility, it is better you opt for a campus stay. Know the place for some time and then move out. You can check the local newspaper columns or websites for rentals. Also college notice board for students may have good options where students search for roommates for off campus stay. Sharing place gets cheaper for students.

Canada -

• Small town - $820 a month for a 1 bedroom apartment
• bigger city - $1085 a month for a 1 bedroom apartment

USA –

• $14,904 for on campus stay per academic year
• $10,239 for an off campus stay per academic year

For further query related to immigration, consult the best overseas consultant for immigration in northern India. Vinay Hari is the name one can trust for student immigration. With maximum success rates for visa, Vinay Hari helps you make your dreams come true.

How to Find the Best Scholarship for Yourself to Study in USA

All those who wish to study abroad, try getting a scholarship for themselves. Filling forms, writing a statement of purpose, planning visit dates and preparing for scholarship interviews keeps us occupied. But not all of us get the prestigious benefits. In this blog, I have discussed the main aspects to focus while hunting for scholarship offers, and how to proceed with it. 

Basically, how do international students start searching for scholarships? They Google it! Most of them write them all down and look for the due dates, to apply. It’s a waste of time actually. There are many scholarship organizer worksheets online; one can have easy access to. It is a compilation of all the information you need on a scholarship. From the amount it is offering to the due dates, and how long will it be valid, everything is covered. You can also have a monthly planner version highlighting the important updates. 

Now that you are updated about all the scholarships, here are three steps to pick the best scholarship for yourself if you wish to study in the USA -

1. Scholarship Sites: Sites like SALT, College Board, and Doit.com are few of the best sites for international students. You just have to be cautious enough to fill your details. Be specific with what you want. More specific, more relevant! 
2. Website Survey: Look for particular categories while searching for your dream scholarship. It helps you to narrow down the number based on your requirement and eligibility. Also take advantage of the following categories if you fall in them, like – Females going for IT and engineering courses, missionary kid, Kids whose parents worked for US army, and several other categories. Find at least 5-6 scholarships you are eligible for.
3. Scholarships form native countries: There are also many scholarships offered by the native countries, for international learning and exposure. So please check that as well. These are mainly given by the government to maintain good global relations and promote student exchange programs. 

Refer a financial aid counselor or an immigration consultant who could give you a deep insight regarding the investment plans and various other procedures! So don’t delay and buckle up to make your dreams come true. For further student immigration consultation, consult one of the most renowned overseas immigration consultants, in northern India, Vinay Hari. With thousands of success stories and 100% hassle-free immigration guarantee, Vinay Hari is a name you can blindly trust.

Job Prospects in USA as an International Student

Whether you are experienced or not, finding a perfect job is no easy task. Things can get quite stressful if you are a fresher. Being an international student can add a few more hurdles in the way. One of the major concerns is the job, complying with the immigration rules and visa regulations. But there are a few tips which may help you for the job search abroad. Your visa’s employment regulation plays a major role in your job hunt. Before joining a job you need to make sure what are your rights and restrictions being an Immigrant. There are mainly 5 categories under which immigrants get jobs

• OPT
• CPT
• On-Campus Employment
• Severe Economic Hardship
• International Organization Employment

If you have previously checked the category in which you fall, go ahead and start preparing for the job with dedication and preparation. Taking just a few extra steps can make a big difference in your job search success. Here are a few tips you should follow when searching for a job -

• Use power words in your resume.
• Send a thank you letter to your interviewer after the interview.
• Practice your answers to frequently asked interview questions.

Things to be avoided are -

• Not telling the truth on your resume or during an interview.
• Criticizing former employers.
Not practicing a normally used US business salutation: a firm, confident, handshake.

Once you find a job you will be required to extend your visa with proper procedure. In such cases consult a specialist who has been dealing with cases where study visas are converted into work visas. For best results and successful visa upgrade, consult one of the best overseas consultants in northern India. Vinay Hari Immigration Consultancy has a track record of many successful stories and they give their best to make your dreams come true.

Basic Adjustments faced by International students in USA

Being an international student has its own advantages. You witness the rich cultural diversity and rituals of different places. USA is very much like India, having a diverse culture and mixed weather throughout the states. There is a suitable place for everyone in the US. Therefore, it is one of the most famous educational hubs for global crowd. Today we shall highlight a few adjustments, international students have to make, while studying in the US. 

• Rules are Rules: Many international students who migrate to the States are between the age group of 18 to 30 years. The students below 21 are considered to be minors for many things like legal alcohol consumption and car renting. Breaking such rules even unintentionally is considered as crime in USA. 
• Sports Life, Best life: Sport is the heart of student life in USA. Well yes! What you saw in those movies about American schools are actually true! Sports are like festivals, they enjoy every year. Whether you participate, cheer or just sit and watch, you will always be pulled by the amazing festivities and celebrations pre or post matches. There is something for everyone when sports are considered. The football is on for the fall season, followed by basketball in winters and baseball in the spring season. The Americans take sports very professionally. There are sports clubs and organizing team, and a sponsor making sure the practice goes on all the time. There is also a culture of getting to the stadium’s parking lot early with friends, setting up the grill along with some cool drinks, playing loud music and getting all eager for the game to begin.
• Because Food is life: The size of servings in the US is always more than the standard amount. Trust me this is valid for dining mess as well as the restaurants. The quality of food is also good in colleges and universities.  You will not be able to finish even one plate of dinner initially. But by the end of one semester you will have the capacity to have two plates along with desert. Other good news is that most of the places give you free refills. So enjoy the delicious food but also make sure you work out to stay fit.
• Climate and Distance: It is very difficult to keep the track of the weather in United States. It is very random. But being Indians we are somewhat used to it. Make sure you study the geographical area around your college and beyond. The colleges are mostly located outside the big cities. So 1or 2 hours travel is very common here.

Experience the change and challenges while you live on foreign land. Learn from them. Grow. And yes, don’t be shy to join those grand sports celebrations on campus. One last tip: Always keep a jacket and a pair of sandals handy. You may not understand now, but you will thank me later for this!