International students considering studies in the U.S...

Check out this virtual international transfer student college fair at 7pm Morocco Time. It's a chance to learn about opportunities to transfer from community colleges into 4-year universities. The fair is being offered by my alma mater! I went there for 2-years before transferring to UNC Chapel Hill. 

If you attend, please let me know!
web.peralta.edu/international/event/international-student-university-virtual-transfer-fair

So many colleges to pick from in the world, and especially in the United States. And so many types of colleges. There are public state universities, private colleges, 2-year community colleges, trade schools, and more. This "plug" recommendation is for the Peralta Community Colleges.

Community colleges are good choices for loads of students. This is why:
* They offer 2-year Associate Degrees, and allow you to transfer to 4-year public and private colleges
* If you earn good grades, it is possible to transfer into 4-year institutions that are highly selective, and to increase your odds of admission
* Community colleges tend to be more affordable than state and private ones
* If your grades in high school were not perfect, you can restart with a 'blank slate' and find success for yourself
* They tend to have free career counseling to help guide your career path if you're uncertain about what you path you might find most rewarding.

I wrote to my Alma Mater to thank them for a Twitter followback, and this was our correspondence, which I told them I'd share because they provided some links that could help some of you international students who are eager to explore more! 

Here is our conversation! I told them:

​And they responded:

More Info:
The Peralta Colleges are a network of 4 colleges around Oakland, CA, which is near San Francisco. It's an area that welcomes diversity with open arms. A wonderful place for international students! You can study a large breadth of programs there. 

The main obstacle I'd warn about, honestly, is that while tuition is reasonable, the Bay Area is very expensive to live in. Make sure you research cost of living there, and rents, before seriously considering applying to this network of colleges. I'm happy to share guidance! And there are many other community colleges throughout the United States that welcome international students, have easier admissions standards than some of the 4-year colleges, and are in locations with more reasonable costs of living. 

More ideas coming soon, but one way to get involved and to gain access to some leadership opportunities is to join a local Rotary Club. For those in Tetouan, look into joining the Tetouan-Tamuda Bay Division, for example. Rotary Clubs also can link you to grant funding for international studies abroad! 

What is a Rotary Club? Their website explains:
"Rotary is a global organization of over 1.2 million members from the business world, the liberal professions and the civic world. Members of Rotary clubs, called Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage the observance of high ethical standards in the workplace, and help develop goodwill and peace throughout the world." 

Moroccans who are interested in learning more: If you want to speak to a rotary member, I do know one in the Tangier division, and can ask whether he can advise you. I may also have access to some contacts in the local Tetouan division. Contact me if you'd like me to look into this. 

Some notable upcoming deadlines include:

Fulbright Post Doctoral Research Grant due November 15, 2018
If you currently hold a Ph.D, you may qualify for the Fulbright Post-Doctoral Research Award, which provides a three to six-month research period in a U.S. university or research institution. 

SAT Exam Dates Vary for Undergraduate University Entrance in the United States: Depending upon availability, remaining test dates are November 3, Dec 1, March 9th, May 4th, and June 1st. Ideally you should sign up about 2 months in advance for international testing. 

University of California College Application Deadlines - due November 30th Each Year
For the 2019-2020 School Year, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and all University of California colleges have an application deadline of November 30th, 2018.

Other College Application Deadlines due Typically Around January 1 Each Year
Most highly selective private universities in the United States have application deadlines during the first week of January. This includes Harvard, Duke, U Penn, Wellesley, etc. 

Fulbright Joint Supervision Grant due December 15, 2018
If you are currently enrolled in a doctoral program at a Moroccan university, you may qualify for this program, which allows you to conduct your research under the joint supervision of a Moroccan and an American university professor. 

Fulbright Study Grant: Due May 2019 for the 2020-21 School Year
If you have a Bachelor’s degree (licence) or you hold the equivalent of a 3-year university degree, you can apply for this grant to have all of your travel, education, and living expenses covered while you study at a US university.

GRE Exams for Graduate School Entrance - these exams are offered 2x/year in Morocco. You'll want to check with AMIDEAST to find out when they are offering the exams next. 

Getting Help

Read up! There is so much information that is free online, and there are books you can order that can walk you through the process. Admittedly, you'll probably want some extra help though. In American schools, students have counselors or experienced family members to walk them through the application process. For those living abroad, attending non American schools, extra help can be, well... helpful! 

For students who want to apply for admissions or scholarships for U.S. Universities, many deadlines for the upcoming school year are approaching. For student advising if you are in Morocco, North Africa, or the Middle East, probably you can contact AMIDEAST for free advising. I strongly encourage students to start with free help, and then come to me if they want more in-depth support. 

For extra personalized advising, I do offer individualized or small group coaching. I can sit down with you in-person in or near Tetouan, or on Skype or Zoom if you live further away, and we can walk through your options, plans, and application together.  Please contact me for more information if that interests you.