₦airaland Forum

Book Early (But Not Too Early)
Airlines can either lower or increase fares based on demand. As a result, you don't have to wait until the last second before you book your flight. However, do not book far in advance. You can book your flight at least two to three months before departure.

If you are travelling abroad for vacation, you can book five months ahead if you want a cheap flight.

You can avoid busy travel days like Sundays, Mondays, and Fridays because of the crowd, while the shoulder season (May through June and August through September) is your best friend.

Meanwhile, you spend more on your flights during the peak summer and around Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Who doesn't want to find cheap flights, especially with flight prices skyrocketing? A flight fare takes a chunk of your expenses when planning a trip. However, you can find cheap flights like a professional by using money-saving tactics, the right mindset, and tools. This thread will show you how.

4. Not Getting Off Campus Enough
Universities abroad have their uniqueness. Some are situated in urban areas, while others stay in rural areas. You must consider how to move around between your house and school. Find the simplest and fastest means of attending lectures. You can talk to the upper-level students about how best to move around your environment.

5. Not Asking for Help Enough
You should learn to ask questions. When you don't understand local law or university procedures, you should not feel embarrassed to seek help. You can miss out on life opportunities or trouble if you don't ask questions.

3. Poor Work-Life Balance
With the ease of study and conducive environment that encourages excellence, many Nigerians focus more on academics or have more fun than studying. However, you should find a work-life balance if you must stay insane and learn more.

Balance work and school activities with hobbies, religion, and your social life. When you plan, it becomes easier to manage your time.

If you succeed abroad, you should be realistic about your time and learn how to compromise.

1. Hanging out with Nigerians only
Humans are naturally drawn to people with similar traits or beliefs. As a result, we feel safer around these people and tend to develop relationships with them. As a Nigerian, you can quickly get more attracted to other Nigerians, but breaking out of this cycle to meet other nationals can be challenging if you spend more time with Nigerians.

University has become the ideal place to mingle with people who share different cultures, perspectives, and lifestyles. We recommend making friends from other countries to help you adapt better abroad.

2. Too Much Communication From Home
During your first few months abroad, you may be distracted, disoriented, or homesick because of culture shock and loneliness. However, the safest place to find solace is often with your loved ones in Nigeria.

With social media, you don't miss anything and find yourself drawn to people at home. However, the more you distance yourself from reality, the more you lose touch.

One of the reasons why you came abroad to study is to broaden your horizons. You can set a communication calendar to help you balance your relationship with everyone.

This is a thread of common mistakes you should avoid as a first-year international student.

2. Work Part-Time
Working part-time jobs is an excellent way to make money while studying abroad. Part-time jobs such as teaching assistant, library attendant, research assistant, and barista are easy-to-do roles that pay per hour. And in most cases, they can advance you into long-term roles if you’re a resourceful worker.

To get started, visit your school's study abroad office and inquire about part-time openings or ask your classmates who are already working in similar roles. Meanwhile, keep in mind that certain terms apply to your study visa and, by extension, may affect your preferred job. Therefore ensure to recognize and adhere to them.

3. Become a Tutor
Tutoring offers you many options to make money. You can do it on campus, off campus, and even on the internet. Since the teaching mode has changed and people are more willing to attend classes from anywhere, you can switch to a virtual class, teach, and get paid accordingly.

It’s simple. Pick a subject you know, register on a tutoring platform like Preply, and set your course model. Alternatively, you can seek recommendations from your teachers to know if any tutoring schemes are available at your university.

Regardless of the approach you take, you’ll make money, increase your knowledge base, and add extra work experience to your résumé. continue reading here: https://pay4me.app/blog/94/how-to-make-money-when-studying-abroad

1. Become a Freelancer
Do you have any skills? Coding? Graphic design? Photography? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then freelancing is your ideal place.

Freelancing allows you to work under flexible schedules without hampering your studies. Beyond that, it helps you improve your skill sets for better future opportunities. And because of its flexibility — you can increase your workload or reduce it depending on how much time you have on your hands.

For starters, research platforms like Freelancer, Upwork, and AngelList, to begin your freelancer pursuit. Set up a profile and create a portfolio to start bidding for jobs. Ultimately, in no time, you’ll land your first client and get paid for your skills.

Studying abroad as an international student involves many expenses. Aside from tuition fees, you’ll also cater to costs such as accommodation, travel, rent, and food. For this reason, knowing how to make money while studying abroad is imperative.

This thread will cover several ways you can earn extra money while studying abroad as an international student.

XAUBulls:
Very insightful.

Glad you like it.

Pyhonist:
Great info. Thanks

You're welcome

ObalendeCMS:
Thank you.

You're welcome

kelvine:
This is useful

Glad, you found it useful.

Your accommodation is "closed."
You must not accept from a cab driver that your accommodation is closed or overbooked. Don't accept to use another hotel or hostel, but the one you booked. Remember to rely on your Google map.

The shell game
Do not play any card games with strangers. It might be an old travel scam we often see in movies. You may end up losing all your money.

“Come in for tea and help me write a letter!”
In Arabic countries, this type of scam is common among the locals. Therefore, you should stay away from such situations.

The flirtatious local
Don't be carried away by flirtatious local girls in bars or clubs. You may end up paying for drinks you cannot consume or make payments because they had their bills on your head.

Your attraction is closed for lunch.
Be mindful of people telling you that an attraction has closed during your tour, and don't follow them to places you don't know.

The ATM scam
You should not allow anyone to talk to you about the new ATM with no associated charges. Always use indoor ATMs inside a bank and check the ATM for a card skimmer.

Child or injured beggars
Be mindful of injured or child beggars that may approach you for money. Sometimes, the beggar's accomplice may watch where you keep your wallet.

Fake Wi-Fi hub
Scam hackers may use free Wi-Fi to steal your data. So never you an unsecured network abroad, and consider using a VPN.

Be Wary of Distractions
It would help if you were careful of scuffles, fights, or distractions because scammers, thieves, and pickpockets capture your attention with them to rob you.

Dishonest people and scammers have devised smart ways to take your money during the travel abroad process. But not to worry, we've put together a list of hidden scams you should know when travelling

The taxi overcharge
A driver may tell you that his meter broke, while others may want to charge you more. You can avoid such a situation when you know the ride cost if you check online or ask hotel staff or locals. If a driver tries to start a fare negotiation, you should let him know the correct rate. Avoid entering an unlicensed cab, no matter how tempting the fare may seem to you.

Free rosemary/bracelets/anything
Be careful when someone places a hat on your head or a bracelet on your wrist, including offering you a sprig of rosemary. The person may demand that you make payments for the gift.

The spill on your clothes
Some accidental spilling on your clothes could be challenging, especially if you have a date. Pickpockets often disguise stealing from you with such a trick. source

Motorbike scam
Be careful of the place you rent a motorbike to avoid making an additional payment or expensive repairs. Pay4Me recommends taking pictures of the motorbike before you leave with it.

Send Transcript to WES via Direct Submission

The direct submission method involves receiving electronic documents via licensed channels of institutions and third-party providers in partnership with WES. These channels are secured and allow institutions to transmit documents to WES instantly. Institutions can send transcripts via either the secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) or the application programming interface (API)

There are three primary ways to send transcripts to WES. However, before we get to these methods, understand that your university or academic institution is responsible for sending your transcripts to WES for evaluation. Therefore, ensure to ascertain whether they support WES electronic transmission option.

Here are three methods of sending transcripts to WES:
1. Online Platform
2. Direct submission
3. Email submission

Send Transcript to WES via Online Platform
The online platform is the most convenient way of sending transcripts to WES. Not only is the method fast, but also safe for sharing documents. The documents are usually transmitted as certified or electronically signed PDFs. And in most cases, institutions share them via their own online portals or third-party providers.

To send a transcript via the online platform, log in to your account and choose WES as the recipient of the documents. Once WES receives the link to read the papers, they’ll capture them and continue with the evaluation. Source

This thread will show you how to send transcripts to WES and other important things you should know.

Make sure to ask questions if you have any.

dandrogba70:
Good Day, I just got letter of Admission from University in canada to study Cell Biology and Genetics as undergraduate through DE. Although I first attended College of Health in Nigeria where I have ND in Medical Laboratory Technician which made me apply through transcript. Here are my questions now-:
1. Will age not be a barrier when applying for student permit?
2. Is it adviceable to take someone family along or not?
3. What's are other requirements need to tender so as not to be denied of the student visa.
Thanks

Hi dandrogba,

Here are your answers:

1. Age is not a barrier but you have to prove why you are applying, what course you're studying and the duration

2. Going with your family depends on whether you're ready to relocate with them immediately. However, note that most masters students relocate with their families

3. Read the requirements of your host country and ensure you have the correct information and requirements

How long does the application process take?

We recommend you begin your application process at least a year in advance to give enough time for your applications to be processed and prepare for your overseas time.

Remember that the academic year begins at different times in other countries. Therefore, semester dates tend to run as follows:

Australia
Semester 1: starts late February/early March to late May/early June
Semester 2: starts late July/early August through to November.

New Zealand
Semester 1: from February to June
Semester 2: from July to November

UK
Term 1: from September to December
Term 2: from January to April
Term 3: from April to June

USA
Fall Term: from August to December
Spring Term: from January to April
Summer Term: from May to August

Note: The above dates are a guide only. You should always check the exact dates with the university or college you are applying to.

Can I get a student loan abroad as an international student?
Yes, financial platforms like Pay4Me offer international student loans to Africans in collaboration with a major student loan company, M Power Financing. But other than Pay4Me, you can check other loan platforms for international students and see if they meet your financial needs. Whichever you take, make sure to research and vet them before taking their loan. source

If you have further questions, do well to ask them below and we'd be happy to answer

How do I correctly submit a letter of reference?

Put in the name or names of the person you want to write you a reference letter on your application form. The university will now send them an email with a link where they will submit the reference letter. Note that you do not submit the letter by yourself unless the school states otherwise.

What is an offer letter or LOA?

An offer letter or letter of acceptance is a confirmation that the university sends you if you have been successfully accepted to study in their school. When you get this, it means you are now a bona fide student.

Can I study abroad if I have a low grade?
Yes. Although most universities have a required grade for international students, students with low grades can still study in them. However, you may be required by the university to do something to make it up.

Must I fill out a university application form to study abroad?
Yes. Filling in an application form is the first and most important thing you should do while applying to the university. This form is how the admission office contacts you and collects your personal information.
source

Must I write a letter of interest to a university?
Writing a letter of interest, letter of intent or personal statement is your one chance to convince the university's admission board that you indeed have what it takes to be accepted as a bonafide student of their university. So you must write one, it is crucial.

What should I include in my letter of interest?

When writing your letter of interest, it is essential to include why you want to study at that university, why you want to study your chosen course, what personal or professional experience interests you, and why you are a good fit for the course.
Some schools give specifications for writing a letter of interest, and you can use the points they gave.

What do schools look for in international students?

Schools usually look for students who show a personal or professional interest in a course and are passionate about it, with a solid reason for wanting to study at the university. Your reason could be the university's ranking or the facilities provided to students.

Can I combine two courses at once?
Yes, you can do that. Certain universities abroad offer students the option to major in two or three courses simultaneously. You can study all the course combinations at once.

How do I know if my grades are good enough to gain admission?

To know if your grades are high enough to gain admission to a university, use a Grade Conversion Tool like WES to convert your grades to the acceptable grading system of the country you are going to.
You can also submit your results to the school, and the course faculty you want to study will determine if your grades are good enough.

Can I process my visa to another Country while studying abroad?
Yes, you can start making arrangements to go to another country while you still an international student in another country. However, it is better to do so toward the end of your program of study.

Can I decide to reside permanently in the country I studied in?
Yes, you can. If the country has the option for international students to become permanent residents in their country after their studies, then they can apply for a residential permit to stay in the country.
source

Can I stay back after my studies and work as an international student?
Yes. As long you have your work permit, you can decide to get a job in the country. Find out how certain permit works should you want to extend your stay after your studies.

Who is an international student?
An international student is a student who is not a citizen of the country they want to study in. For instance, a Nigerian student studying in Canada is an international student.

Continuation...


What are the documents needed to study Abroad?

Birth Certificates, SSCE Results (Certificate and Statement of Results), BSc Certificate or Statement of Results (For Post Graduates), Academic Transcripts, Valid Means of Identification, Reference Letters (Personal and Academic), Recommendation letters, Essay Write-ups, GRE/GMAT or TOEFL/IELTS (Differs from Schools), etc.

Do I Need To Be Able To Speak The Language Of The Country?

Language proficiency is not compulsory in many countries. However, you need to try to understand that country's basic words if it's not an English-speaking nation.

Must I have IELTS or TOEFL before studying abroad?


While having an IELTS or TOEFL result is a necessity for Studying Abroad in various countries, most countries can wave these things if you studied in a country where you were solely taught in the English language or previously completed a study in a major English-speaking country like Canada, UK, or the USA. But, again, check the school's admission requirements to be sure you don't need these things.

Having requested your report, it’s important to note that standard delivery within the US takes three to five business days, while shipping to other countries takes 30 business days to complete. Meanwhile, to know if WES has successfully sent your report to the selected university, look out for an update from them stating that they’ve shipped your documents.

How to Send WES Report to University Electronically

To send WES report to a university electronically, you need to make a request on the WES platform once your evaluation has been completed. For example, to send WES report to a university in the US, you must:
--Login to your account on wes.org
--Navigate to “Completed” and select “Order Duplicate Standard.”
--Click on “Select Purpose” and select “Professional License/Certification.”
--At “Add Recipients,” choose the name of the university to send the WES report to
--Navigate to “Delivery Options” and select “Standard” (this lets WES share your documents electronically with the selected university)
--Re-evaluate your request, pay your fees, and submit. Source

If you’re looking to gain admission abroad but are confused on “how to send WES report to the university,” this thread will show you how. Stay with me.

Have further questions, ask them below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does WES Evaluation Cost
A WES evaluation costs between $163 to $200. Extra charges may apply if a student wants an urgent or express delivery service.

How Do I Pay for WES?
You can pay for WES in less than 10mins using a cross-border payment platform like the Pay4Me app. Start by downloading the app on Play Store or App store. Then, register and verify your details. Next, choose a payment type and provide Pay4Me with payment instructions. Finally, make your payment using a bank transfer, card, or cryptocurrency.

How Many Days Does WES Evaluation Take?
WES completes your evaluation in seven days or less. However, your evaluation might extend if you require additional verification, correspondence, or research.

How to Apply for WES Evaluation?

Step one
--Create an account on WES and fill in your details
--Obtain a WES reference and include it on all documents sent to WES
--WES may not evaluate documents without a reference number

Step two
--Send your documents to WES
--WES does not accept documents from students or individuals.
--Your university is responsible for sending your document to WES (learn how to send transcripts to WES on our blog)
--WES will review your documents before evaluating

Step three
--WES evaluates your documents and verifies their authenticity
--WES will deliver your report within seven business days

Different Types of WES Evaluation Reports

The WES evaluation report comes in three different formats:
1. A Course-By-Course Evaluation
This evaluation contains a list of your courses, grades, US GPA(grade point average), and the US equivalency of your credentials. It's most suitable for graduate university admissions, transfer, and licensing boards except CPA.

2. A Document-By-Document Evaluation
This evaluation provides the US equivalency of your credentials and is more appropriate for US immigration, freshman university admission, and employment.

3. A CPA Supplemental Report
This report evaluates businesses and accounting courses for Certified Public Accountant boards.