Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalms 37:5 (NLT).
The last post was on gratitude, and you can find it here I got accepted, what’s next?
Pray and prepare.
Did she say prayer? Yes, I did. Prayer is a God-given life tip on how to do anything. You have come a long way and praise be to God for His favors, you got accepted! How exciting! Prayer seals the deal. This phase becomes overwhelming and without adequate preparation you may miss some vital details that could sabotage your efforts. The aftermath of gaining an admission especially for international students is a period of an intense preparation. The past research you did such as searching for schools, finding a suitable program, contacting the right PI and lab to join, a source of funding and so on does not end there. Now, you need to be thorough about your predeparture to-do list. Hey, from me to you how about these?
1. Educational information and advising centers.
Transitioning to a new country could be daring especially if it is for education purpose. The experience is quite different from an international student point of view. I never left the shores of my country prior to grad school. Due to that, I did not know a lot of things, but I am thankful to have been educated at a predeparture orientation I attended. To avoid anxiety or at least minimize it, a good orientation is important. Advising centers like EducationUSA and UKEAS are present in most countries around the world to help students with their transitioning. They help you to have a picture of what is going to be like with resources and authentic information, some even connect you with current students!
2. Documentation.
The required documents to submit or receive after admission like your I-20, official transcripts, proof of funding, medical records, vaccines must be arranged. Time becomes a big factor in obtaining and updating documents for a smooth travel. Be punctual and meticulous with them. Remember you need these for your interviews!
3. Contacts.
You need to establish some interaction with people from your school right from when you are still in your home country. Veteran students give practical advice about settling in while officials like the DSO should not be left in the dark each step of the way. A practical question to ask veteran students includes an estimate of a reasonable rent before you end up signing a lease with a rent that takes up 80% of your stipend😳. The international student office could help with possible accommodation arrangements for you.
Keep prevailing in prayers until your joy is full.
WHAT PREDEPARTURE TIPS HELPED YOU FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITIONING?
Special note: Would you give your life to Jesus Christ? He is the way, the truth and the life. If yes, please pray the prayers below:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your death and resurrection for the salvation of my soul. Please forgive all my sins. I choose you today to follow and to obey. May your love and the holy spirit lead and guide my purpose for your glory. Thank you, my Lord and savior. Amen!
Grace and blessings,
Olushola.
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