₦airaland Forum

What You Can Do When You Receive Suspicious Job Offers
1. You should ask friends and colleagues to review the contract or offer.

2. Google search the potential employer, location, and reviews.

3. You can use Google Maps to search for business locations.

4. Check the website for non-working links and other questionable information or redirecting.

5. Check for spelling and grammatical errors.

6. Check the profile picture of social media platforms. Many scammers use stock photos that do not relate to their industry.

General Guidance: Employment scams can happen through texts, emails, social media messages, and phone calls, including school email accounts. Please note that you must not pay to get any job abroad.

Many schools warn students about employment scam letter that comes as rewards, incentives, or tuition discounts. Scammers target international and exploit cultural and language barriers. Therefore, you should not allow desperation to get you into trouble.

How to Avoid Visa Fraud as an International Student?


1.Nobody can Guarantee a Student Visa

The only body that can offer you a student visa is the consular or immigration officer. They offer you a visa based on their discretions. An agent can help you improve your chances of getting a visa but cannot assure you of a visa. You must meet the criteria required before you can have a visa. If you default on any requirement, you will lose your visa.


2.Research before Applying for a Visa

You must understand that visa policies often change. Before you apply for a student visa, you should visit the country's immigration website to learn about their requirements and policies. With this information, it becomes easier to apply for a visa, and the documents you are presenting are the same as the website requirements.


3.You Should Verify Agents

You can easily verify agents online by checking their customer reviews and what they display on their websites. Word-of-mouth recommendations have become what many people consider before they use agents online. The reviews left behind cannot be faked,

especially on reputable platforms. Go through customer reviews and agents' websites to avoid pitfalls.

3.Agents say Different Things from the Official Websites

You must not swallow everything the agent tells you without doing your research. Ensure that the agent says the official school website is displaying, especially its clear guidelines on different aspects of your studies abroad.


4.You Received Unconditional Offers

A major red flag happens when you receive an unconditional offer from a school you didn't know. If you have allowed the agent to search for schools for you, that's understandable. However, a red flag is when your agent assures you of admission to a school before application.


5.Agents Can’t Answer Academic-Based Questions

If your agent cannot answer your academic questions and course requirements, you should take a step backward. Don't consider agents who don't want to know about your academic qualifications before discussing work opportunities abroad.


6.Lack of Accountability

You cannot claim ignorance of enrolling into a fake university abroad. You don’t stand a chance if you relocate abroad and discover that you have a fake admission. The country will deport you without offering you another admission opportunity. First published at https://pay4me.app/blog/169/how-to-avoid-student-visa-scams

What are the Warning Signs to Look for to Avoid Student Visa scams?


1.The University is Non-accredited or does not exist

International students should thoroughly check out the schools they want to apply to. They must ensure that the school is accredited and legal. Red flags show when you realize the school's website has no information about its classes, student organizations, or alumni.


2.Agents Promise Full-time Work without Attending Classes

Many students fall for this juicy student visa package offering full-time jobs without attending classes. These students love the fact they don't have to study when they relocate. They erroneously believed that the student visa was a means to relocate abroad.

Unfortunately, when you relocate with a student visa, you must study and work for a few hours, depending on the country. For instance, you don't work more than 20 hours during school periods in the United Kingdom and can work more during vacation.

In addition, most companies would not employ students or sponsor them for a work permit.

What are the cheapest universities in the UK offering Bachelor’s degrees?
· London South Bank University

· The Scottish Association for Marine Science

· Robert Gordon University

· Queen’s University Belfast

· Anglia Ruskin University

· Glasgow Caledonian University

· Technological University Dublin

· Brunel University London

· University of Brighton

· University of Birmingham

· Edinburgh Napier University

· University of Central Lancashire

· Teesside University

Leeds Trinity University
International students who want to save costs attend Leeds Trinity University, offering a year-round programme of workshops, a strong focus on employability, and employer events for its students.

Teesside University
Teesside University has become home to more than 27,000 students from around 120 countries and still counting. The university is among the cheapest universities in UK, with two locations.

University of Suffolk
The University of Suffolk is situated on the picturesque Ipswich waterfront, which makes it a beautiful destination for studies and relaxation. The school offers an advanced, entrepreneurial curriculum that equips its students to face the changing world.

Royal Veterinary College
The Royal Veterinary College has become a popular destination for international students who want to handle public and animal health. The school offers students the best of two worlds; its rural setting, Hertfordshire campus, and the modern central London campus. The school has a fantastic selection of animals to work with during students' time there.

Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts is a work-based learning school that offers students techniques to put them through their working years. Its campus provides intensive weekend workshops, interactive learning, and online study opportunities.

Liverpool Hope University
Liverpool Hope University offers international students affordable tuition fees and a range of enticing postgraduate courses. International students have the opportunities to boost their career prospects, make new friends, and enjoy a peaceful campus life. First published at https://pay4me.app/blog/163/top-12-cheap-universities-in-uk-for-international-students

We have compiled a list of the most budget-friendly schools for those seeking affordable options for their postgraduate courses in the UK.

University of Cumbria
The University of Cumbria is a renowned research institution in the United Kingdom, with an enrolment of at least 10,000 students worldwide. The university is among the cheapest schools in the country, with five campuses, offering international students endless possibilities for their dreams.

University of Hull
The University of Hull allows international students to spend less on their studies. Most full-time taught Master's degrees offered by the Faculty of Cultures and Education, Arts, Department of Politics, and the Law School are affordable. The University of Hull boosts International students from over 100 countries and has become a culture hub for its residents.

Middlesex University
International students searching for cheap schools in the UK can attend Middlesex University. With one of the lowest fees in the country, the school equips students with the skills that can help them gain work experience after their studies. Students can quickly pay tuition compared to some schools in the same region.

Ontario Trillium Scholarship
International students pursuing their PhDs can take advantage of the Ontario Trillium Scholarship. To be nominated by the school, you must have received an average of 80% every term for the previous two years. In addition, you have to display remarkable research potential.

After approved nomination, students must apply for the Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada. Potential students should include their letters of recommendation, transcripts, academic intent, and supporting documentation.

However, students cannot combine this scholarship with another scholarship from any Canadian foundation or organization.

Scholarship Amount: CAD 40,000 for four years

Eligible Degree: Full-time doctorate degrees at Ontario-based institutions

Deadline: Varies

Karen Mc Kellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award Scholarship
Karen Mc Kellin Prize is an undergraduate scholarship for international students, offering funds to intellectually gifted students. In addition, students who still need to complete their first baccalaureate degree can apply.

Scholarship Amount: Proportional to financial need

Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s degree at the University of British Columbia

University Of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) offers meritorious, excellent Masters's or Ph.D. student scholarships. A minimum GPA of 3.0 or more is considered based on respective departments.

Scholarship Amount::

1. CAD 14,000 a year for 1 to 2 years for Masters students,

2. CAD 18,000 a year for 1 to 4 years for Ph.D. Students

Eligible Degree: Full-time Master’s and Doctorate degrees at the University of Manitoba

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) attracts doctoral students in Canada and offers them an opportunity to make their dreams come true. The scholarships are created for doctoral degrees (or combined MA/Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D.) at participating Canadian Universities, worth $50,000 annually for three years.

The Vanier CGS, which the Canadian government funds, is the most outstanding scholarship for exceptional students worldwide.

1. Scholarship Amount: Value of CAD 50,000 per year for three years

2. Eligible Degree: Doctorate

3. Deadline: November

Ontario Graduate Scholarships
The Government of Ontario partners with schools to provide a merit-based stipend to graduate students at specified Ontario universities. The scholarship lasts at least one year and a maximum of two years for full-time graduates.

Scholarship Amount: CAD 10,000 for two terms to CAD 15,000 for three terms

Eligible Degree: Master’s and Doctorate degrees at Ontario based Institutions

Deadline: Varies

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
The Pierre Elliot Trudeau Scholarship subsidizes the Ph.D. studies of 16 students who focus on one of its foundation's four topics. In addition, potential scholars must have gained admission into a Canadian doctoral program. Some factors considered include agility &resilience, leadership & involvement, dedication, and academic achievement, leadership.

Scholarship Amount: CAD 40,000 a year for three years

Eligible Degree: Full-time doctorate in Human Rights and Dignity, People and the Natural Environment, Reliable Citizenship, or Canada and the World. First published at https://pay4me.app/blog/166/top-10-canadian-scholarships-for-international-students/

With scholarships for international students in Canada, it has become easier for students from third-world countries to study without financial constraints. Here are our top 10 Canadian scholarships for international students.

Are Co-Signers Required for Prodigy Finance Loans?
No, you don’t need co-signers in applying for a Prodigy Finance loan.

Is Loan Pre-Qualification Available?
Yes, you need to pre-qualify by filling out an application to get a provisional loan offer valid for two weeks.

Prodigy Finance Loan Approval and Disbursement Period
Prodigy Finance adds international students to a funding waitlist after their pre-qualification filling and loan offer. The waitlist can take a week to be reviewed before a funding match is offered.

Pros
1. No co-signer, collateral, or credit. You don’t have to struggle with a co-signer or producing collateral. Prodigy Finance offers loans based on your future earning ability.

2. 7 to 20 years repayment loan period. Note: A longer term will lower your monthly payment but increase your interest rate—unless you pay off the loan early.

3. Lots of assistance with funding.

4. Quotes for some programs

5. Assistance with funding, visas, admissions, and other supports, especially when using Pay4Me App for your study loan application.

Cons
1. Funding is limited to certain schools, countries, and degree programs

2. Only available for international graduate students

Loan Eligibility and Approval
1. Be at least 18 years old

2. Be from an eligible country and study in a different eligible country.

3. Be accepted into an eligible graduate degree program and college

First published at https://pay4me.app/blog/161/study-abroad-loans-for-nigerian-students

Many students need to realize that they could use study loans to fulfill their dreams of studying abroad. While some Nigerian families have bad experiences with refinancing loans, here is what you need to know about study-abroad loans for Nigerian students.

Prodigy Finance
Prodigy Finance offers Nigerian students loans without a co-applicant or collateral to help them realize their study abroad dreams. With the loan, students don't have to worry about their educational expenses. For instance, all costs, including living expenses, tuition, and a few fees, are covered.

Life abroad could be challenging for international students, and Prodigy understands this. You can begin refinancing your Prodigy student loans six months after graduation, and this payback period is up to 20 years.

However, students must take approved courses in schools before qualifying for this loan. Furthermore, Prodigy Finance accepts medicine, law, public policy, science and technology students, and business.

Primary Documents Required:

1. Proof of identity (your passport)

2. Proof of income

3. Proof of savings (if applicable)

4. Proof of admission

5. Proof of address

6. Proof of scholarships or company sponsorship (if applicable)

7. Financial aid form (if applicable)

How to Apply for a Canadian Visa in Nigeria

Follow these seven steps to apply for your Canadian Visa.

Step one: Choose the type of visa you need to apply for based on why you're visiting (tourist, business, research, etc.).

Step two: Gather all required paperwork for the visa application. These might include a current passport, a filled-out application form, photos of the size of a passport, documentation of your financial stability, etc.

Step three: Complete the relevant Canadian visa application form. Make sure to be truthful in your responses.

Step four: Pay the visa application charge, which is not refundable. Depending on the sort of visa you're seeking, the price varies.

Step five: Make an appointment to provide your biometric data and submit your visa application at the Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Step six: Visit the VAC at the designated time to submit your application and biometric data. Bring the necessary paperwork, remember.

Step seven: After submission, your application will be handled. Your application can be followed up on the web. When you apply for your visa, you must include your passport.

Canada Visa Application Requirements
As a Nigerian planning to move to Canada, presenting these required documents during your application is essential.

- A valid passport with at least one blank page aside from the last is required.

- Application Form Completed: The visa application form must be completed.

- Financial Resource Proof: You must provide documented evidence, such as bank statements, that you have the money necessary to support your stay in Canada.

- Passport-sized Photos: Two current passport-sized photos that adhere to strict requirements for size, background color, etc.

- Travel Itinerary: A description of your trip’s plans and documentation of your arrangements, such as confirmed flight reservations.

- Proof of Ties to Nigeria: Records attest to your strong ties to Nigeria, such as a job or property ownership.

- Invitation letter: If you're visiting someone, you might need a letter of invitation outlining the purpose and length of your trip.

- Medical Exam: A medical exam may be required, depending on the intended length of your stay or your home country.

- Biometrics: As part of the application procedure, in some cases, you must provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo).

- Application Fee: Most visa applications require payment of a non-refundable processing fee.

- Proof of Health Insurance: Proof of having medical coverage for your stay in Canada.

- Letter of Explanation: In some cases, a letter explaining the purpose of the visit and providing details about the planned trip can be beneficial. This is particularly useful if the standard application forms and documentation must address the situation.

Types of Canadian Visa
The following visas are the most common Canadian Visas you can get.

- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): This short-term visa is approved for family reunions, business trips, or tourism. It prohibits working or studying.

- Study Permit: This visa enables international students to attend approved educational institutions in Canada for the duration of a specific course or program.

- Work Permit: Visitors can work in Canada with this visa. Usually, it's connected to a specific employer and employment offer.

- Super Visa: A lengthy, multiple-entry visa that permits visits with extended family to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

- Permanent Resident Visa: This visa provides a path to Canadian citizenship by allowing foreign nationals to live, work, and study there.

- Business immigration visas: This visa is for foreigners with abilities that can benefit Canada's economy, such as investors, business owners, and independent contractors. First published at:https://pay4me.app/blog/160/canada-visa-application-in-nigeria-requirements-process-and-types/

Applying for a Canadian visa can be stressful and overwhelming, but by mastering the process's dos and don'ts you can increase your chances of success.

This thread will discuss the right steps, correct application requirements, types of Canadian visas, costs, payment options, and other important details you should know.

Guide for International Students to Find a Job
Finding a job abroad as an international student could be a strenuous task that requires consistency in the job hunt. Here are some questions that can determine your employability:

1. How would you describe your ideal job?

2. What do you look from a career?

3. Do you want a job that should fit around your schedule?

Prepare for the Interview
The job interview determines whether you will get the job you applied for. It takes more effort and time than other aspects of the job process. You should put in your best effort if you want the job. Here are a few tips to use:

1. Do some research about the position and know why you want to take that position

2. Write some facts about the company that you are applying to

3. Practice some common questions that you might be asked

You should speak up during the interview and display your skills and personality. You use your voice to amplify your maturity and professionalism.

Customize Your CV
Discard that CV you brought from your country and learn how your present location. You need a CV tailored to the position description and the company you want to apply for. Ensure that your resume is error-free, easy to read, and up-to-date.

In addition, some companies may need essay writing or cover letter for certain positions.

Check Job Applications
The internet has job boards with location-based that can help you find a student job. You must not limit yourself to a particular niche when searching for your first job. It might take time to get a job but continue applying.

Get a LinkedIn Profile
If you don't have a LinkedIn profile, you should get one and list all your work experiences. With a LinkedIn profile, it becomes easier for companies to search for you as an international student when you apply via the platform.

Choose a Company that Matches Your Goals
While you may be desperate to get a job, you should find a company that matches your career goals, educational background, experience, and interests. We understand that this could be challenging, but nothing stops you from giving it a trial.

How to Get a Job with No Work Experience as an International Student

How do I work abroad? Many international students ask this question before they embark on their educational pursuits. As an international student, you have the opportunity of working abroad. However, with no work experience, finding a job could be a nightmare because of barriers like cultural and language differences.

International students enjoy access to employment resources when they use their university's career centers. Career counselors can help you make the correct study and work decisions.

Networking Is Key

Many international students don’t pay enough attention to professional networks. Networking should begin the first day you arrive at your destination. Most jobs gained happened because students took advantage of networking. How to travel and work abroad can begin with these three networking tips:

· Speak to your professors and faculty – Someone may have information about on and off- campus jobs and internships you can use to land your first job abroad. In addition, you can get references or recommendation letters from your professors or faculty.

· International alumni network – Find out when your school's international alumni meet. The alumni have become a solution center for thousands of students who have no idea what to do with their lives outside the classroom.

· Research companies that recruit international students – Use the internet to connect with companies that recruit international students. You can attend their job fairs or link up with them via LinkedIn.

First published at: https://pay4me.app/blog/157/how-to-get-your-first-job-as-an-international-student-a-guide/

Can I Work Abroad Without a Degree?
Yes.

You can apply for service or seasonal-based jobs abroad. However, finding a job abroad without a degree or work experience could be incredibly difficult.

What is the Easiest Job to Get Abroad?
. Hotel front desk clerk

· Server

· Nanny

· Hotel breakfast attendant

· Cleaner

· Event planning intern

· Tour guide

· Landscape labourer

· Hotel housekeeper

This thread will discuss some of your questions about getting jobs abroad as a student. We'll also discuss tips to help you land your first job.

Can International Students in the UK use the NHS?
Full-time international students whose study would last more than six months can make use of NHS services. Students staying under six months must take out private health insurance coverage.

How much does it Cost to Use the NHS as an International Student?
International students must pay for an immigration health surcharge (IHS), which costs at least £470 per year of students’ intended stay (subject to new policies that can change this price. Kindly check for the new price). Students staying at least a year and six months would pay an extra fee for the extra months.

When you make your IHS payment, you are eligible to use the NHS services free of charge, which can cover the following areas:

· Covid-19 tests and treatment

· Sexual health, family planning, and contraceptive services

· A&E (accident and emergency) services

· NHS hospital treatment

· GP services

· Diagnosis and treatment of certain infectious diseases

· Domestic violence or sexual violence treatment

· Palliative care services

· Psychiatric treatment or treatment that a court has ordered

However, prescribed drugs would be your responsibility if you are sent to a local pharmacy for collection.

In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free of charge in most cases.

What Does Health Insurance for International Students Cover?
· Emergency medical evacuation.

· In-patient medical treatment includes anesthesia, surgery, hospital room, and ICU.

· Prescription medication.

· X-rays and lab work.

· Out-patient medical treatment.

· Dental emergencies.

Some insurance plans can handle the following:

· Local ambulances.

· Mental health.

· Injuries as a result of playing sports.

· Non-emergency dental coverage (checkups, fillings, etc.)

· Maternity.

· Pre-existing medical conditions.

This post was originally published at: https://pay4me.app/blog/156/health-insurance-for-international-students-a-guide/

Why Do I Need International Student Health Insurance?
International students need good health insurance policies because they may be unable to afford healthcare abroad, especially in the US, UK, or Canada. In addition, as an international student, you are not protected under a government scheme that can take care of your health. Hence, you have to pay more when you need medical attention.

Because of this, international students must pay for their health insurance before they can relocate to their new destinations.

What Is the Best International Student Insurance Plan?
A good international student insurance plan should cover medical treatment, medication, and emergency evacuation. The best plan depends on the most preferred that can suit your medical needs. Therefore, you should shop around before you can make up your mind.

Here is a list of what to consider before you pick a student insurance plan:

· What’s the insurance policy maximum? The policy maximum is the amount of money that an insurance company can cover.

· How much is the deductible? Deductible or excess is the amount of money an international student must pay before an insurance company covers the rest of the expenses.

· Does it have international coverage? You should consider the international coverage of your insurance, especially if you intend to travel to other countries.

· Does it cover all the items you need? You should check pre-existing conditions and other areas that your insurance can cover.

· Does it meet your school's requirements? An insurance plan should cover your school’s medical policies.

Let's talk about why you need health insurance as an international student.