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To What Extent Will Your Place of Study Affect Your Future Employability?

7/24/2020

 
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Choosing a university, you should know that your place of study is still a significant factor that will determine your future employability. Those students who pursue higher education in countries suchas the U.S. and the UK are usually preferred by their domestic countries. Many companies find it easy to recruit candidates from local universities. For example, Amazon started their businesses in Seattle, where they had access to human resources with degrees from the best local universities. Graduates from American and British universities can easily get a job in most developing countries. 

Below are some essential reasons why the place of study will have an impact on your future employability. 

Flexibility in the Programs Offered
Every major university located in the United States offers its own kind of educational experiences to students. American universities are said to be more creative in designing their educational curricula. Their programs are also revised regularly, relying on the latest research findings and developments in each industry. For example, a student who has applied for almost any program can take a basic programming course in his or her first year. A few universities even allow students to take courses ranging from engineering to history as a part of their basic program. This flexibility in the courses that are offered gives students a perfect opportunity to receive a degree that will further meet their employment requirements. 

World-Class Research Facilities
Companies operating in technology-related sectors desperately need candidates with a solid research background in many emerging areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and blockchain. As most of the developments related to these technologies are still ongoing, companies search for mature candidates who can undertake independent research and have a sense of direction. PhD students from American universities have access to advanced research labs where contemporary equipment and research approaches are applied. Facilities such as supercomputers and electronic microscopes are highly beneficial for those students who wish to pioneer research and development (R&D). It goes without saying that studying at such a university will surely improve your employment prospects. Regardless of the frightening stereotypes, the degree of competition among applicants to American universities is relatively low because the demand for higher education is getting lower among the younger generation in the U.S. Only 48% of Americans in the 25-34 age group have a college degree.

Bright Entrepreneurial Prospects
The place where you study also makes it possible for you to improve your entrepreneurial prospects. Having participated in entrepreneurial projects or real businesses, many students begin to understand the key challenges associated with running their own business and the overall entrepreneurial career. Some of the most popular entrepreneurs from the U.S. such as Elon Musk started their businesses immediately after graduating from universities. The experiences gained by Elon Musk in his internship programs at college helped him in planning his entrepreneurial future. Nevertheless, another well-known American entrepreneur, Mark Zuckerberg, had to withdraw from his university courses to start an entrepreneurial career. Even though university programs do not necessarily raise entrepreneurs, they do equip them with some basic knowledge and useful social connections.
 

Demand for American Graduates in Other Countries 
Graduates of American universities are welcomed all over the world for their advanced skills and deep knowledge. Many foreign students who finish American universities leave for their home countries and immediately receive their dream jobs. Some graduates prefer working for a few years in the U.S. and then return home. The spectacular growth of many Asian economies over the past few decades is also explained by the inflow of skilled and knowledgeable human resources from developed countries. The number of graduates applying for work permits in the U.S. after finishing their colleges has fallen from 34% in 2016 to 8% percent in 2017. This may be partially explained by the tightening immigration rules issued by the U.S. government, but graduates from developing countries are still interested in finding a well-paid job in their domestic economy after receiving an American university degree.

American universities offer outstanding academic experiences that can be further converted into brilliant careers. Contemporary labs, access to practical knowledge, and a fruitful learning atmosphere will provide you with a holistic understanding of the subject you wish to specialize in. However, it is still your attitude, persistence, and efforts that will determine your success as an employee. 

Ellie Richards is an online marketing manager for Original PhD, specializing in Ph.D. research paper help. Her focus is research, content and article writing on various topics, including education, marketing, and technology.

Resume Tips for ESL Students

7/22/2020

 
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It is not always easy to put together a resume in your own country, but it may be even more difficult to put together a resume as an ESL student. Luckily, there are tips widely available for ESL students who are looking to land their dream job. Use the following tips to put together a resume as an ESL student.

Start with an Objective
An objective section is an optional part of a resume, but it is still a section that is found on many resumes. The purpose of the objective is to briefly state your career goals. If you are posting your resume online for various employers, it is best to add an objective. However, you may not need an objective if you are applying for a specific position.

List Your Work Experience
Your work experience is an important part of your resume, and it should include your paid and unpaid positions. If you have held multiple positions, be sure to list the jobs in reverse-chronological order. You want to include your position, company name, dates employed, and responsibilities.

Include Your Educational Experience
It is also important to include your educational experience, especially as an ESL student who is looking to obtain a specific career. You can use this section to show that you have experience in learning another language. This section should include your school names, relevant courses, majors and certificates or degrees. You can also include activities, clubs, and competitions that are relevant to your career.

List Your Available References
You also want to list your available references. If you are posting your resume online, you can simply add “References available upon request” to keep the personal information of co-workers, teachers, or peers offline. Otherwise, each reference should include their name, company, job title and contact information. Their contact information should include their phone number, email address, and address.

Look Into Professional Resume Writers
If you are still having trouble getting started on your resume, you may want to hire a custom executive level resume builder. They are professional writers who have years of experience in building resumes for their clients. A professional can highlight your strengths, qualifications, and experiences to help you reach your career goals.

Putting together a resume as an ESL student does not have to be an intimidating or stressful task. You are sure to land a job in your preferred career field if you keep the above tips in mind.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger who lives in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, find her on facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or on Twitter @BrookeChaplan.

How Career Opportunities Can be Opened Up by Being Multilingual

6/30/2020

 
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Not only is the world smaller than we think, but technology and affordable travel make it possible for businesses and people to come together more than ever before — and it’s all possible due to internet availability and e-commerce. But no matter how advanced technology becomes, understanding language is still required to bridge the gap.

We’re living in the times of global citizens who travel and trade freely with others, and within these times, speaking more than one language is an invaluable tool. Although English may be considered a universal language that brings people together, having more than two or three additional languages under your belt can give you an edge in your future endeavors, whether they be professional or personal. If you are currently studying English as a second language or you’re committed to developing fluency, there are many opportunities available to use your language proficiency to get ahead in a career, no matter the industry. Let’s take a closer look at how language can help you advance your professional goals.

Expanding Employment Opportunities
“Remote work” is the new catchphrase in the employment world, especially as the coronavirus has pushed many companies and their employees to telecommute for safety purposes. For some companies, the global-scale experiment of working from home was a success — and there are even some, such as insurance provider Nationwide, who have decided to continue and expand remote work programs for all employees, even after closures end.

Employers aren’t the only ones seeing the benefits of a team that works from home. Many individuals have realized that working remotely expands their chances of employment. Specifically, telecommuting breaks down the geographical barriers and limitations of having to work for a local employer within a certain distance from your home. All you need is an internet connection and a computer to work for an employer half across the world. And being able to speak a second or third language — especially if it’s English — only improves those opportunities available to you.

For example, a growing number of international firms use English as the main language of communication, even if they’re based in Asia or Europe. It's entirely possible to work for a Japanese firm these days from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It’s also growing more common to join a video conference that includes remote workers of many nationalities, checking in from all parts of the world — and the unifying language is usually English. 

Promoting Better Human Connections 
Using the scenario of a multinational company hosting a company teleconference between the headquarters team and the remote workers worldwide, the ability to communicate in English creates a higher level of understanding and unity between the employees. 

If you aspire to a higher management position in a multinational company, ESL may be especially crucial. Clear communication fosters connection, essential for building trust and loyalty between individuals, and one of the important pillars of emotional and cultural intelligence is the ability to manage relationships. Being able to communicate effectively with others will help you better understand their cultural mindsets, regardless of the career or industry you’re in.

Having multiple language skills can be helpful for more than leadership, too. For example, if you’re in sales or wish to work with the public, being able to speak with someone and connect with them on a personal level before you pitch them with a product or service will likely improve your odds of closing a sale. 

You don't need advanced language skills to personally connect with someone, either. In fact, casual conversations about family, travel, favorite foods, or other friendly, engaging topics that tend to break the ice and build relationships are some of the earliest forms of a language you'll learn. In fact, casual conversation is a great way to improve your English all around. Small talk may not be an advanced language skill, but conversations about a person’s day to day life are essential in the business world, no matter where you’re from. They’ll serve as the stepping stone to improve your interpersonal skills to be a better salesperson, customer service representative, or public-facing employee.

Improved Cultural Awareness
Being able to speak a second language, even if you don't have full mastery of it yet, can open you up to a world you may not have experienced or noticed before. This proves especially true as you travel or go abroad for a study abroad program or business meeting. 

Being able to speak with others in their native language, or connect with someone through a shared language such as English, can provide you insight about the culture or the place you're visiting you wouldn’t have had access to before.
 

ESL and Expanded Career Opportunities 
Nearly every type of industry or business these days could use employees who are multilingual. There isn't one specific career or field that couldn't make use of someone with good language skills. If you’re searching for a job, being able to communicate with others in their language or a shared one, such as English, may set you apart from the competition. Make sure you continue honing your ESL and foreign-language skills and showcase your efforts, so that employers are aware of your dedication to better communication.

Adrian Johansen is a freelance writer in the Pacific Northwest.

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Does Education Have the Power to Impact Your Future Success?

6/24/2020

 
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My only childhood memory from my school days is working on my mathematics homework until late night and waking up early to run back to school. School is a time where you learn a lot about life and people. It is in school that you learn how to tackle problems, whether it is math problems or physics equations. We had to do it. 

If you remember your school days, you’ll realize that education is far more than the knowledge you gained. Education gives us perspective on life. The opinions we build over time are due to our education. 

People still debate if education is the only medium of gaining knowledge. Some assume that education is merely a process of obtaining information about the world, while experience is something different. It is also true that information cannot be converted into education without knowledge. 
 
That’s the fundamental difference between humans and animals. Humans are born dumb, while animals are born smart. Have you seen how a chick runs away when he sees an eagle or a bird? It’s instinctive knowledge. Humans, on the other hand, are evolving beings. They learn by imitating others. They learn by following the footsteps of the people around them. 

Let’s look at some of the significant advantages that education can give us that can create a better future.

Education Gives Awareness 
Do you think Newton would’ve suggested the law of gravity but by sitting all day under a tree? Not at all. Sitting under a tree was relaxing the mind. It was awareness. The work was already done before sitting under a tree. We live in a world where consciousness is the only medium of survival. 

Whether it is taking a client onboard, getting married, or shifting to a new home, if you know enough information, you’ll be well aware of making the right decision. An educated mind will reason and calculate the outcome before taking any action. 
 
Separate Right from Wrong 
In childhood days, the private elementary schools in the Bay Area were the places where kids used to learn things about life. I was fascinated about how gaining knowledge about something changes our perspective about it, and then it gives us the ability to separate right from wrong. 
It is education that can help us know the world and people in a far better way than anything else. 

It Builds Progress 
The world of today is quite competitive. If you don’t evolve, you’ll be left behind. When you educate yourself — do professional development today — it helps you grow a little further. The technology of today can help you educate yourself and open up new opportunities with no geographical boundary at all. 
 
A Healthy Lifestyle 
Research by OECD concluded that educated people at the age of 30 live eight years longer than uneducated people who haven’t completed their secondary education. Evolution is the primary source of survival for humans. And if you are educated, you can surely adopt the lifestyle of others and live a healthy, happy, and longer life. 

Helps Us Know Our Neighbors
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Education has helped students to mingle with other students from neighboring countries. This has opened a whole lot of opportunities for everyone. In this regard, digital education played a vital role. For instance, now, a professor in America can easily teach and inspire students in Afghanistan or anywhere across the world just by using technology as a medium. 
Offers Empowerment It is with an education that you can turn your weakness into a strength. When you are well aware of yourself, you can easily take steps to overcome the weakness and become dominant. Education helps people make better decisions in life, and via social media, they can connect with experts from all across the globe, making the students feel more empowered and mobile. 

In the End
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In school, I didn’t even realize what education did for me. It was in later years of life that I realized that schooling kept me going when nothing else was working in my life. 

In life, you’ll get stuck a lot. At times there will be problems which look impossible to solve. But as Marie Forleo puts brilliantly in her book, “everything is figureoutable.” Sure, you might not be able to solve a problem instantly. But, if you take some time and do research, you’ll be able to devise a solution for many problems in this world.  

Consider education as a bamboo tree. Initially, it takes three years to take care of the tree. When you are just about to lose hope, the tree starts growing rapidly, and from then onwards, there is no going back. 

Similarly, when you begin your education, it might seem that it will not give you any benefit. But as you age, you’ll realize that education made a promising impact on your future life. Everything you make demands to learn, and it is learning that makes your life worth living even when nothing seems to be working out. 

Questions to Ask Yourself Before a Year Studying Abroad

6/19/2020

 
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Deciding to study abroad can be an exciting challenge and new adventure. However, there can be limitations to studying elsewhere, before making the decision you should ask yourself some important questions. 

What Will the Location Be Like?
Choosing to study abroad is a great excuse to live temporarily in a different country. You get to experience a  brand new culture and meet new people, but is it the right place to study and learn? What sort of environment are you looking for? Every country and city has its pros and cons, New York is a huge, densely populated city, but so is London. Australia has fewer people, but still has popular cities with still a lot going on. Do you want to be in the heart of the city, or will you vibe better living just outside? Do you think you want to live closer or further away from your campus? Research and educate yourself about the campus life and culture and familiarize yourself as much as you can as this is the information you need to make a well-informed decision. 

Can You Afford It? 
Studying abroad will cost you money, depending on accommodation and the cost of the university term or year, books and other expenses will be a deciding factor on whether you can afford it or not. You can however apply for compensation through scholarships and grants. Most universities offer aid for students, so don’t be disheartened by this fact of expenses and the cost. Also, you could plan your year abroad to be just one semester instead, which will save on money and other costly expenses. A top tip is to apply for aid and grants early on to guarantee that you have a better chance of receiving it. 

Will You Be Able to Cope? 
Even if you are only moving abroad for a semester, homesickness is commonplace. Making new friends and feeling comfortable can be difficult when you’re out of your comfort zone and far away from home. “Staying in contact with friends from home is important but also try and push yourself and put in the effort to make new friends while you’re away. If you put in the effort to try something different and study abroad, it will also help you get closer to your dream job and show others your willingness to persevere,” writes Tina D. Helms, an educator at 1Day2Write and Write My X.

You will go through some initial shock when you move away, but you’ll never regret trying something new. 

Will It Be Easy to Make Friends? 
Making new friends can be tricky but being in university can make it easier as there are more people in the same situation and place as you. “Chances are that you’ll go to the same social events and classes as them, being around new people in the same classes you’re bound to have similar things in common. In a different country you can feel like an outsider, but making the effort to introduce yourself to others, being open, and starting new conversations will help along the way to making lasting friendships,” writes Jennifer B. Duffy, college blogger at Brit Student and NextCoursework. 

Does the Course Align with Your Values? 
Teaching courses are not always going to be the same as they are in other universities, equally some universities have different priorities and values. To make sure that you agree and align with the university's values, do all your research before making the decision to study abroad. Depending on what your values align with — if you want to get involved with the community, learn about the culture, and give back — should be a defining feature of the choice you make. You want to get the most out of your time abroad and make it count. 

Deciding where to study abroad and how long to go for will take some time, research as much as you can before making a decision. Also talk to your student council or other advisors about the best program for you, and reach out to other students who have studied abroad to find out their experiences and time abroad. 
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Michael Dehoyos is a content marketer and editor at PhD Kingdom and Coursework writing services, and is a writer at Essay Help. He assists companies in their marketing strategy concepts and contributes to numerous sites and publications. 

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English Phrases ESL Students Should Learn in the Event of a Car Accident

6/15/2020

 
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​When people learn a new language, they often start by reviewing the basics, such as words related to food, clothing, or the days of the week. However, learning language related to emergencies could help to save a life. In the event of a car accident, the ability to use certain phrases can prove quite useful.

Requesting Emergency Assistance
One of the main concerns is knowing how to request emergency assistance. In the event of a major accident, a decent chance exists that someone would call 911 regardless of whether or not a request to do so was made. However, many individuals might drive by a smaller accident that does not seem to have caused a great deal of damage. Even if the accident seems small, the people involved in the accident could be injured. Therefore, you want to make sure you know how to ask a helper to call emergency services.

Directing People How to Handle the Situation
In the event that you are injured in a car accident, a helper might stop and try to offer assistance. Moving your body in a certain way could cause more damage, and you need to know how to make people aware of this information. In other words, you should know how to tell people not to touch you or to move your body as you wait for help from medical professionals.

Asking for Photos
At some point after the situation, you may need to speak with an auto accident lawyer. If you are injured in the accident, however, you may not have the ability to take pictures for yourself. Getting pictures of the immediate damage can prove useful later. Therefore, you may want to ask someone else who is in the car with you or someone who comes to help to take certain photos. You should ensure that you aren’t asking someone who could use the photos against you.

Phone Calls to Relatives and Friends
A car accident, even a minor one, can make you feel frightened. Even when serious damage or injuries do not occur, you may still want to call a relative or a friend to come help you or to chat. You should think about whom you might call in the event of such a situation. Then, you can direct the person who is helping you to call those individuals directly. Make sure that you have the numbers memorized or that you can easily instruct the helper as to how to navigate your phone.

A car accident is an upsetting scenario, and you might feel even more frightened when you and the people helping you do not speak the same language. Knowing some key phrases can bolster your confidence.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan.

Lu The Linh, Who Goes by Linh and is from Vietnam, is Studying at Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica campus

6/5/2020

 
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WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO STUDY IN THE USA?

At first, my mother wanted me to try to come to the USA to study because she thought that if I study abroad that I will have more opportunities for my future. I was 14 when I came to the USA. I felt excited because I heard about American as a dream of many people. She also felt less worried because I have a relative in the USA.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PARTICULAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY? 

I choose Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) because tuition is not expensive like the university. MVCC is near where I am living, which is great because I am not driving and I am walking to school every day. My high school made a couple of trips to visit MVCC. Moreover, MVCC has the major that I want to study, and I have many free lectures. 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR PROGRAM OR UNIVERSITY?

What I like the most about MVCC is its holistic student support office that helps students with their schedule. The school has a career and transfer office to help students work on their resume when they are looking for jobs on campus. My school also protects the privacy of students from health officials, for example, students need mental help, they can walk through into the room but other people think that they get hurt, not because of mental help.

WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT HOME?

I have been living in the USA for almost 6 years, but I never have a chance to go back to my country because the ticket is too expensive. I miss my family a lot, street foods, and my best friend.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST SURPRISE ABOUT U.S. LIFE AND EDUCATION?

I was surprised about the culture, about foods, and how people dress when they are outside of their house. Education is lighter than my country, one subject takes one year instead of my country, students need to take about 12-13 subjects each year, and they have no choice what they want to learn.

... YOUR BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT?

My biggest disappointment is I was not trying my best while I was in high school so I can get more scholarships. I did not make a lot of friends, but I will try to at MVCC and I did have a lot of friends at MVCC, after a year.

HOW HAVE YOU HANDLED:

... LANGUAGE DIFFERENCES?

I felt stress when I started my life in the USA. The pronunciation is completely different from what I have learned in my country. Other people could not understand what I wanted to say, and I was not able to get their points, either. However, at MVCC they provide ESL for anybody where English is their second language. 

... FINANCES?
I do not have any finances but for native American students, especially at MVCC, they provide not only finances but also some more help, some programs on campus are free for students, provided needed for students.

... ADJUSTING TO A DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM?

I love the education system in the USA. They do not rank the students who are better, but they reward good students. They let students choose what the students want to take this year, next year, and they will set up the plan in the future for students. Therefore, students will feel more comfortable and balanced between their studies and can take part in the sport in school, without any burden.

WHAT ARE YOUR ACTIVITIES?

One of the many ways quickly to get to know or join college life is clubs and programs. I am involved with the International club, PTK club, and Kidz-N-Coach club plus the Food Recovery Program.

HOW EASY OR DIFFICULT IS MAKING FRIENDS IN THE USA?

Asians eat everything inside of pigs or chickens or fish, so it is hard for some people to accept that smell, just kidding. Most people are friendly, so it is easier to make friends with them when we have the same things to talk about. This means some of them feel our culture is interesting so they asked about that, I feel happy to share and let more people get to know about us. In the beginning, my English was horrible so it was hard for me to find friends who had the patience to listen and understand what I wanted to say. Friends helped me improve my English skills a lot.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS? HOW IS YOUR U.S. EDUCATION RELEVANT TO YOUR PERSONAL GOALS AND TO THE NEEDS OF YOUR COUNTRY?

Vietnam is a small country, but these couple of years there are more schools that have connected with foreign as an exchange student program. In my study field, my career goals are to help students to understand more about other countries and what they will be facing. I can give them a general point of view and my experiences, and I hope to help them gain more confidence.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO OTHER STUDENTS FROM YOUR COUNTRY WHO ARE CONSIDERING A U.S. EDUCATION?

We are humans, we will find some way to community with others, we do not need to feel worried or scared. The school will provide what you need. Make some friends so you will not feel lonely. The teachers will understand that English is not our first language, they may give you extra time for the tests or quizzes, but talk to them to let them know. The school will help you to look over your essays, fix your grammar, and avoid plagiarism. Someone will be there for you if you need help. Do not feel stressed, relax, and try your best.​
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Lu The Linh, who goes by Linh, from Vietnam.

4 Ways Playing Sports Can Motivate You in Other Areas of Your Life

5/29/2020

 
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Most people agree that working out and staying in good physical shape is obligatory for living a long and productive life. However, some experts suggest that playing sports may have multiple advantages in comparison with visits to your gym or joining a yoga class. Soccer, tennis, and basketball allow you to burn more calories while also providing a stimulating social environment. Interaction with other people in competitive sports or martial arts may also improve your self-confidence and teach you how to succeed in anything that you do. This article explores the four ways of how these activities can motivate you in multiple areas of your life. 

1. Quality of Life and Productivity
While the positive impact of physical activities on the overall well-being and longevity has been widely discussed in the past, recent studies have established a positive link between playing sports and maintaining a positive outlook on life. The sense of achievement and improved appearance are a powerful factor affecting the sense of self-worth, self-confidence and anxiety. People actively engaged in sports are more productive in their studies and work life, which creates a self-sustaining cycle of perpetual overachievement. This also leaves more time for other activities such as spending time with your family or going out with your friends. Muscle toning also influences your appearance, which can help you feel great in your skin. Combined with the social benefits of sports, you feel better and avoid the feeling of loneliness as you are part of a team with common interests. If the frontman of Iron Maiden had the time between the world tours to win silver at the Summer Olympics of 2012 as a fencer, chances are that most of us can find the motivation to invest several hours a week in our future longevity!

2. Strategic Thinking and Losing to Win
As opposed to something like arm-wrestling, in sports your victory does not entirely depend on your strength or agility. In many cases, you can win by thinking strategically, using your team members to assist you, and feeling the ‘rhythm’ of a game. This is highly similar to real-life situations where you cannot always predict future challenges and thoroughly prepare for them in advance, which is different from doing weights at a gym in accordance with a predefined plan. Playing sports can teach you these skills while also helping to decrease how long it takes you to respond to challenges off the field. This ‘rapid-fire’ approach may be an interesting change for students relying on thorough thinking to balance their thinking patterns and studies. Another valuable advantage is the capability to actually lose a game and learn from this experience. In real life, you cannot win every time and may face situations where even your best efforts do not produce the desired outcomes. Playing sports prepare you for these challenges while also showing how individual failures can be the foundation for ‘winning a war’ in the long-term perspective.  Learn from your past mistakes, and do not give up too early. 

3. Teamwork 
The previous element is closely connected with the concept of teamwork. Quality leaders know that effective cooperation with others can make your team more productive than the sum of its individual members. Sometimes, this requires being able to cut your ego down in size, respect the authority of more competent peers, and accept supporting roles wherever this is necessary to win the game. Collective mentality may not be suitable for all people and all areas in life but exploring its benefits and disadvantages in a relatively safe setting may be highly beneficial for understanding the way people cooperate. As a leader, you can also learn how to manage your team members productively and mitigate resistance to your suggestions. These experiences, as well as the aforementioned sense of ‘losing in a game,’ are not available in individual training, which makes playing sports more beneficial for your development as a person. Teamwork is also a wonderful experience for children who can socialize more effectively and learn more about personal responsibilities and mutual support.
 

4. Socialization and Networking
Team-based activities facilitate socialization because you have to communicate with your team members and engage in collective practices. If you want to become both physically fit and socially active, you should choose to play sports. Stress relief from physical activities and integrated social interactions allow people to ‘break the ice’ easily, which is why many team members become friends and enjoy spending time together. Joining a certain club or society at college may have an element of networking, which could prove useful to your studies if your team members are specialists from your course. It is not a coincidence that many elite colleges include collective sports into the curriculum. This way, they build student memberships where future alumni support each other and maintain the earlier developed sense of a single team. However, this works both ways. If possible, try to not purchase annual memberships to sports clubs before learning more about the people visiting them and making sure that you enjoy the atmosphere of the club. 
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If the benefits listed above have convinced you to play sports and join a team, we would suggest several extra recommendations to help you get the most from your time. Try out a few different teams before you find one you love. Talk about your current physical condition with the team coach and get some friendly pointers. In many clubs, these consultations are provided free of charge, and you will learn more about how you need to work out to become the best at your chosen sport.You might require some strength and agility training before engaging in group activities to prevent injuries, but you will improve quickly if you stick at it. You need to always be intuitive and monitor your health. Remember to stretch properly, or you may feel a little sore for a few days! Competitive sports may have a toll on your body while you adapt to a new cardiovascular and strength routine. Try to befriend the experienced members which can provide friendly guidance. But lastly, remember to have fun!

Ellie Richards is an online marketing manager for Original PhD, specializing in Ph.D. research paper help. Her focus is research, content and article writing on various topics, including education, marketing, and technology.

5 Ways International Students Can Deal with Cultural Shock

3/5/2020

 
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Every year, an increasing number of students leave their home countries behind in the pursuit of better education. According to the UNESCO report published in 2017, over 5.3 million students got enrolled in graduate and post-graduate programs in other countries.
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While such a step is significant for one’s career and knowledge bank, it doesn’t mean that it is easy. More often than not, international students find themselves in the midst of a foreign culture, language, and atmosphere. The cultural shock, if not dealt with properly, can affect academic performance, lead to homesickness and insomnia.

If you are an international student, you would want to make the most out of the exciting experience of studying in a foreign university. To ensure that the cultural shock doesn’t disorient you, here are some steps you can take.

1. Begin by Accepting that Your Feelings Are Valid

Invalidating your feelings and emotions and thinking that you are overreacting can end up backfiring. The best way to deal with culture shock is accepting that the concept is normal and occurs to a lot of people. Recognizing the presence of the issue is the first step towards recovery!

Remember, it is not about you. There is nothing wrong with you. You are not incapable of fitting into the environment. Instead, you just need to give yourself time to adjust. You will be surprised that even the natives of the country can experience cultural shock.

For instance, there are a lot of excellent universities that offer executive MBA in Florida. People from various states of the US, along with international students, opt for such programs. US citizens from places like California or LA experience a culture shock in Florida too! Any place that is unfamiliar and has its own way of living can produce this effect. So, you are not alone.

2. Keep in Touch With Your Loved Ones

A great way to combat homesickness that comes as a symptom of culture shock is to stay in close contact with your family and friends from back home.

And don’t just talk to them about the weather. Instead, let them know about your inner turmoil and feelings. This will help you in letting it all out. Not to mention that your loved ones can provide you with a better escape route since they know your personality in and out.

One of the greatest things about living in this era is that we can easily connect with our loved ones back home. Think about the days when the sole way of communicating cross-country were letters and expensive phone calls!

With the rise of the internet, you can now video chat with your family. Make use of the various apps around you. The more you feel familiarity around you, the easier it would become to overcome the culture shock.

3. Never Miss Out on Orientation Day and Programs

The culture shock international students experience stems from the unfamiliarity that is around them. If one is able to combat this, it is automatically easier to feel better.

This is why it is highly advised that you attend the orientation sessions and programs organized by your university. Every university dedicated a day or week in introducing the new batch to the campus life.

These sessions tend to include ice-breaking programs, game nights, campus tours, informative talks about the different programs at the university etc. Various top universities further take it up a notch and tailor a separate program for international students. These programs aid in acclimatizing the students to the culture of the country as well as building a support network.

When you are feeling down and frustrated, you might think about missing such programs. But don’t do so. Fight the feeling. Put on a brave face and attend it all. You are bound to feel better by the end of it.

4. Try to Socialize

Regardless of whether you choose a university in your home country or a foreign one, you need a support system to make it through the four years. And this support system must be from the university. After all, no one else can understand and help you with your everyday struggle as good as someone who is going through the same thing!

This is why it is essential to make friends. By socializing and making friends, you can deal with the culture shock as well. How so? Well, suddenly, you will feel that the country doesn’t feel as complicated and new to you anymore. This is because you now have someone to turn to at times of need!

Socializing in a new country and college can be hard. An excellent way to break the ice is by joining the different clubs and societies. Some places even offer specific clubs for international students.

By becoming an active member of any society, you are passionate about will allow you to find like-minded people. Try to befriend international students specifically. They will be able to relate to your culture shock struggle as well as offer solutions that worked best for them.

5. Understand that Isolating Yourself is Not the Answer

One of the first things you would want to do when you start feeling the cultural shock is shutting yourself in your hostel room. Getting out of bed and making an effort to explore the city and your university may seem like the ultimate struggle.

But, isolating yourself from the world will only make it worse. The more time that goes by, the harder it will be for you to gel into the environment.

You are not alone. There will be various other students in your university going through the exact same struggle as yours. Reach out to them. Learn the native languages if you have to. Making an effort to overcome the culture shock is actually all it takes to overcome it eventually!

You Can Manage It!

With these five tips and a positive outlook on the situation, one can undoubtedly manage and overcome culture shock.

This feeling is fleeting. It will pass.

Professional Communications Etiquette Tips for English-Language Learners

2/28/2020

 
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Learning the English language is no easy feat. Apart from the actual language itself, you must learn the various etiquette tips for using it. When it comes to a professional work setting, here are a few of the most common etiquette tips.

Tips for Emailing

Email is a very popular way to get into contact with others without having to pick up the phone. Due to the easy accessibility of email, you can send a message around the clock. You should always ensure that you’re using a professional email address when talking with business associates. Never use personal email addresses as it can seem unprofessional to the recipient. Make sure that when you reply to messages, you’re only replying to those who need to read your response. Don’t reply to all the people included in the first message if there isn’t a need to.

While much online communication tends to veer towards the casual and ungrammatical, professional emails should be reread and follow standard English rules. Begin with a salutation or greeting like “Hello (name),” and end with something like “Best, (your name)” or “Sincerely, (your name).”

Tips for Phones

The phone has always been the traditional form of contact for businesses. However, the way the phone is used is a little different these days. Instead of just talking, you can now text associates throughout the day. You can even implement a text message system for business purposes to respond to customers. While texting casually, people often use emoticons and abbreviations, but in a professional situation it’s best to limit abbreviations and misspellings. Abbreviations like ‘u’ can seem very informal in a professional environment. However, texts do not need to begin, or end, with greetings or names if the person already knows you. If contacting someone for the first time through text, it is standard to begin with a brief introduction: “Hello (name), my name is (your name), from (business).”

Tips for Skype

Skype is a very popular video chatting software that is utilized by many businesses who are having meetings with various people. It’s always important that you have your Skype chat set up in a quiet environment where the person on the other end doesn’t have difficulty hearing you. You should always look at the camera when you’re talking with others instead of your screen. This helps to appear as if you’re talking more directly with the person than when looking down at your screen. Skype is used by many businesses for remote or initial interviews, so learning good Skype habits can help you in your professional goals. Practice and make sure your microphone can pick up your voice.

Tips for In-Person Communication

When it comes to talking with a person face-to-face there are some necessary etiquette tips you need to be aware of. First, in America especially eye contact is seen as respectful and necessary. You want to ensure that you’re making eye contact. Don’t divert your eyes to your phone, a television, or another area as it will have the other person thinking that you’re not fully listening to them. Don’t be afraid to use hand gestures when talking. However, be mindful of the other person’s personal space and ensure your gestures aren’t invading it. If you are unsure of how you’re coming across, remember that mirroring other people’s tone, volume, and pose can help establish connection. Practice beforehand with native speakers who can notify you of specific communication quirks you may not be aware of.

Professional communication etiquette is something that every country has. When it comes to those in the United States, we have some cultural etiquette practices that define how we talk to one another. The above four groups of tips should help you to succeed in the professional world as an English-language learner.
~
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger.She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
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