BEFORE YOU CHOOSE WHERE TO RELOCATE TO
Consider these important factors when selecting schools in the US or Canada
BEFORE YOU CHOOSE WHERE TO RELOCATE TO: Consider these 7 factors when choosing where to relocate to.
When I first applied to study abroad in 2016, nothing else mattered to me, but that I secure a fully funded. I just wanted to “japa” as we call it back in my country.
The only websites I kept checking, were that of schools. I spent hours, working on my admission essays. I did not research about the cities, in which the schools I was applying to were. None of my friends abroad gave me that clarity.
It was when I moved to the United States, that I realized that there is life after you secure a fully funded.
Also, many African scholars get excited about schools with application fee waivers, but you see, many of us regret going to schools only because of application fee waivers. Let me clarify further, it is important to choose schools with funding and application fee waivers, or other kinds of benefits.
But, there are very important factors to consider aside these two that many of us only concentrate on.
So as you turn in those applications this fall or in the Spring, let these tips guide you:
Post-graduation opportunities: When you finish your college, graduate or professional education or even a Phd abroad, your next plan is to get a job, most likely. So ask yourself, how many job fairs or internship opportunities are available in the city in which you are planning to go to school at?
I just graduated with a graduate degree in communication, and I must tell you: graduate school is draining. When I say draining, the academic life sucks you in, and it will be hard to travel outside of the city in which you university or college is, except for two-three times a year of conferences or paper presentations. You only attract what is at the level of your awareness.
Bus systems: Make sure to consider cities with effective bus systems, as a new immigrant. I lived in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, when I came to the United states. The city does not have an effective bus system. It was mostly frustrating to move around, as I often had to car pool. If you are the type who does not like to be a burden, you may incure additional costs from using Uber or Lyft. Another benefit of an effective bus system, is that it allows you time to save money to buy your own car.
Shopping malls: While the bus system make moving around easy, the buses will not take you everywhere. So be sure the shopping malls are in close proximity to your university. For instance, at the University of Chicago, there is Hyde Park Produce and a few other grocery stores a few miles from The 53rd street.
Food banks: I need to be honest with you. American bills for a new immigrant can be a lot. But, you can leverage on the food banks and save money. The food banks allow you access free groceries, especially if your stipend is below $2,000. The Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) is a great resource, and they provide great options. If you use this resource for some of the items on your shopping list every month, you can set aside a budget to purchase African foods.
African food stores/restaurants: If you are an African food lover, go to school in a city where you can easily access African food. When I was at the Unversity of Alabama, we would wait until someone was driving to Atlanta, before we can purchase African items. This is not a big deal for some. But,if African foods (especially the spicy taste) is something important for your survival, take my advice.
Religous and cultural groups: You need community, and going to study in a city, that is rich in culture and religious activities, is important. Studying here is daunting, and you need a community to keep you alive and sane. The Tuscaloosa International Friends (TIF) at the University of Alabama, is one of such great resource I had in graduate school. When I moved to Chicago, I also discovered that not only the universities there have such religio-cultural groups, but also the city.
Fitness centers: You may trivialize this, but I will tell you this: You need to be physically fit to also succeed in your academic work. Being in school and the sedentary nature of that life, can make you add weight too quickly, and taking care of yourself includes, working out. Find a school that provides such resource. Not only that, make sure this facility is accessible or a few miles from where you will be renting apartment or close to your department.
It is my hope that these points, will help you succeed in this journey, as I hope that you will make the best choice for you and your situation.
Are you interested in learning how to apply to study or work or simply relocate completely with your family abroad?
Here is a compiled list of Frequently Asked Questions on how to move abroad.
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If you find the video/article useful and you intend to get into the fully funded school, consider visiting www.ideyforyou.com/fullyfundedschool to preorder a copy of my book.
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Abundance is here!
This was really helpful, thank you so much!!!