How to Manage a Car Accident

Essay and photo by Soujin Nam

Are you a driver? Instead, you may take a bus to go to the school. Maybe, though, you will also need a car to carry groceries, to move at night, and to go on a trip as an international student. Driving a car is quite essential and a pretty comfortable way to live in the United States. However, what if you get into a car accident? Actually, I have had a car accident in College Station. You may be curious about how to manage a car accident. Here are some steps you might want to know.

First, it’s the step of being inside the car. You need to stop, turn on your hazard light, and stay in your car, not get out of it. And then call or ask someone to call the police or an ambulance (mostly 911). But you have to be careful about it because you must pay quite al lot of money after calling for an ambulance. This is why you need to purchase health insurance. Just briefly look at the conditions of you and other passengers in your car.

Next, it’s the step of getting outside of the car. If you decide the circumstance is safe, and if you weren’t injured, so you are able to move, it’s good to take pictures of damage of the cars and how they are placed. You don’t have to argue with the other party’s driver, instead, keep calm and take pictures of the accident. After taking pictures, you might want to move the cars to the side of the road so that you are not interrupting the flow of traffic if the cars are still functioning. If the car was seriously damaged, or you were injured, you can get into an ambulance, and your car will be towed. Until then, keep your hazard light on, and if you have one, put a warning sign out on the road so that no other crashes happen.

Third, it’s the step of reporting to police. When police and ambulances arrive at the accident site, they will ask if you are injured or not. If you are injured quite a lot, you had better get into an ambulance. If you can stay in the accident site, it’s time to report to police about the accident, which usually takes 20 minutes or so. After the police finish recording the accident, they may explain about what they recorded for you to check, and you will need to write your signature on the police report.

At last, it’s the step of collecting information from the other driver(s). Make sure that you keep the report number and the paper containing each other’s information including insurance and addresses. If your car was towed, you should also collect the business card or telephone number of the towing company.

To sum up, just follow four brief steps and you can deal with a car accident quite smoothly though you might be embarrassed about the unexpected accident. You all must be safe drivers. However, life is unpredictable and something happens suddenly. You can carry this paper in your car, just in case. Of course I hope you all never use this paper in your lifetime. Be safe in your driving!

How to Meet American People

Essay and graphic by María del Mar Gómez Rico

International students enrolled in the English Language Institute (ELI) of Texas A&M have the opportunity to learn English in different skills, such as grammar, vocabulary or writing, among others. Teachers are professionals who are specialized in different academic subjects, so they are the best reference to learn this language in the proper way. Moreover, international students have the opportunity to get in touch with people from so many different countries. This is an amazing chance to practice English and to learn about different cultures. Additionally, meeting American people can be an incredible way to live a complete university experience and to interact with native speakers. In spite of the fact that it is not easy, it will help international students to achieve their goals of learning English and knowing American culture. If you want to know how to meet American people, please follow these two steps: join organizations and attend events in Texas A&M.

First of all, join an organization in Texas A&M. This is part of the college experience and it is an amazing manner to meet native speakers with similar interests. All the information is included in the website http://studentactivities.tamu.edu/, and these are the main steps that you should follow. First, go to organization search to find the right association following one of the three search criteria: by letter, keyword, or category. The latter is more intuitive and useful for a general approach, especially if you do not know the name of the organization. Second, decide which group could be more relevant based on the classification into thirty different categories: academic, art, military, recreation, sports, religious, or community/volunteer service, among others. Third, read the relevant information included in each organization: purpose, year founded, membership dues, admit members, meeting location, contact or activities. Once you have already checked all the options, you will be able to decide which organization you would like to go into. This last step is really easy, because there is a direct access to enter any association.

Second, Texas A&M also offers other opportunities to meet American people. Please, subscribe to announcements about different events such as performances, films, lectures or workshops, and prioritize them according to your own interests. The schedule is available on the TAMU app, so that you can obtain accurate information at any time. This app can be downloaded on any smartphone from APP or Play Store. Then, in the tab of events, the different alternatives are available and organized in nineteen categories. Although there are not events for all of them, you will be able to see detailed information for those that have been already scheduled.

To sum up, even though most international students have a strong desire to meet American people, many of them probably think that is a difficult process. Meeting American people is a fantastic manner to live a complete college experience and to talk to native speakers. If you follow the steps above, you will have the opportunity to interact with American students. I encourage you to analyze several alternatives and, finally, to focus on those organization and/or events that are more relevant for your own personality and way of life.

Managing Your Financial Expenses in the USA

Essay and graphic by Sami Aladalah

Moving to USA is a big change. One of the changes that I am concerned about is the change of a life style related to managing a person’s financial budget. New arrivals don’t have to suffer or get into many commitments that they will be obligated to meet in the future. Whether you are a full time student or a part time student, fully funded by a scholarship or self-sponsored, planning your budget carefully and wisely could result in a wonderful stay in the USA.

The first step of planning your financial expenses is making a monthly financial budget where you can estimate your monthly financial incoming and outgoing money. I would recommend using an Excel file or a similar application due to its mathematical built-in solutions such as totals, adding, subtracting, changes by percentages and many other different arithmetic transactions to make it an easy process. The financial budget would be prepared as follows:

There are two aspects of the financial budget: the incoming, which means the income you are expecting to receive, and the outgoing, which are the expenses that you will spend. All of the budgeted elements should be written in one column- please refer to the picture at the end of this article to have a better idea- to reach the net (differences between income and expenses). So first list the budgeted income, such as a fixed monthly salary, in addition to any other expected income that you might be getting for a certain month. Then you will have a total income for the month by adding the two or more of above components. In case you don’t have a monthly income and you have a bank balance for your whole stay, then you could skip this part for the income, but be sure that you plan your expenses carefully to manage your whole stay in the USA. For example, your bank balance should cover your monthly expenses budget for the months you are staying in USA with some emergency budgeted expenses such as an additional 10% to 20% of your whole stay budget.

Secondly, below the total income, you will prepare a monthly expenses budget by having expenses components separate in each row as follows: rent expense, utilities separately (water, electricity, and internet), monthly tuition, groceries expenses, dinning at restaurants, transportation, laundry, purchases (such as cloths), entertainment, books, medical expenses, any other known monthly expenses and other expenses (for unexpected expenses). Then you will reach a total of monthly budgeted expenses. This total amount will be deducted from the monthly budgeted income. The result should be a zero or a debt balance (plus sign) in the budgeted column.

Third, you will make another column next to the budgeted column named “actual” where you will list against each element the actual income received and expenses spent. The third column will be named differences that will be prepared by deducting actual expenses from budgeted expense. This where your planning accuracy and commitment to your budget will show. Of course, the idea of the financial budget is not to be so strict that you will not differ at any time. Expected that emergencies and inaccurate planning will happen and that you will have to adjust your budget accordingly to be reasonable based on your living style and your income.

In this regards, the whole goal of preparing your monthly budget is two main things: first, not to have any surprises and spend over your income and be in a stressful situation (debt) and second, to monitor you actual expenses against your budgeted expenses throughout the month to know where you stand and when should you spend less not to exceed the budget. This monitoring could be on a weekly basis. In this way you can skip some of the unnecessary expenses if you have already spent a lot compared to the budget like skipping dining out or entertainment. On the other hand, if you are below budget, you can treat yourself with whatever you wish to spend. Also, remember the economic principle ‘the opportunity cost’ which could be applied to decision making for expenses spending, in which any spending on an option is a missed opportunity for another option. In other words, let us say that you have an opportunity to renting an apartment for USD $1000 and another option is to rent another apartment for USD$ 600, so the missed opportunity for renting apartment #1 is USD$ 400 monthly which will be over 10 months USD$ 4000 that could be spent on other things if apartment #2 is rented. Again, all aspects should be considered, and it differs from one person to another, but it is always better to have all the information in mind before making your decision.

How to Get Conditional Admission

by Eshtar Aluauee

Education is definitely important for people because it provides them a future. They will have a good career and become a respected part of the society. Getting admission from a famous university opens up opportunities to get a high level education. There are many steps which the student must pass to obtain admission. Obtaining conditional admission is significant. It means that applicants should get English requirements while learning English in an institute until getting full admission. I got conditional admission from Texas A&M University after I passing many stages.

The first stage, before applying, should be thinking about tuition of study. Can you get a scholarship or can you provide the payment of the tuition and fees? As for me, I got a scholarship from the Iraqi government. Obtaining a scholarship is very difficult because I had to compete with many students. Earning a scholarship requires having good grades in your academic study, meeting the English requirement, and an interview.

The second step is to apply to the US universities related to your major. Look at the requirements of your department because some of the universities have a high English requirement. Then find out the academic ranking of the university which is selected. Next, send an email to your coordinator’s department. Mention in your email that you need a conditional admission, and attach of your all academic certificates and your resume to it. After you receive the email from the university which grants you conditional admission, start to apply with the application form. Apply to more than one university until you get admission to more than one. I applied to ten universities and I obtained about five conditional admissions.

The final step is after you get conditional admission from many universities. Select one of them which has the highest rank and determine what is the location of university, whether in a quiet city or in a crowded city. Also, check the weather of the city. Finally, find a safe place to live that is not too expensive because the prices of living differ between cities.

I faced challenges to get a scholarship and to apply to US Universities. I intend to pursue a graduate degree in physics at Texas A &M University. There are three reasons I applied to a United States (US) university for my Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Firstly, I wish to expand my knowledge base in Physics science and secondly, to prepare myself for a budding future career as an academic and I wish to be a contributor to the progress of my country, Iraq. In addition, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at Texas A&M University because the Physics program offers many exciting research opportunities that will provide me with an intellectually satisfying experience.

How to Learn English

Photo and essay by Omar Baghlaf

Nothing can be more frustrating than knowing that one cannot enter a top university in a home country or a different country without knowing the English language. Nowadays, many universities all around the world require their students to know how to speak and write in English. Many universities, such as in Saudi Arabia, require their students to learn English before entering a university. One way to learn English is to travel to another country where one can find English speakers. Another way is to enter an institution in one’s own country that can help one to learn English. The last way is to learn English on one’s own.

Learning English is not as hard as it might seem. Nowadays, many students in Saudi Arabia travel to other countries where the people speak English. They enter an English institution to learn English. After they spend several months learning English, they get the ability to enrol in top universities. Sometimes, it gets really hard because one has to leave one’s country and one’s family to do that, but it gets much easier after two or three months.

Many people cannot leave their families because of some family issues or financial issues. Traveling to another country can be very expensive, and some people cannot afford it. In this case, people try to enter an institution that provides English for students as a special program. It is not as good as traveling to a country where one can find people who speak English as a first language, but one gets to learn something. It is better than staying at home unoccupied.

Universities in Saudi Arabia have free tuition to get enrolled in, but first one must be good in English. Some people cannot speak English, and they cannot afford to go to an institution in Saudi Arabia, or other countries. People need to enter a top university to get a good job. The last solution, and it might be the hardest one because it would take a long time and a great effort, is to learn English on one’s own. Nowadays, it is really easy to use the internet to find everything one wants. By using the Internet especially Youtube, one can find many different channels that teach English, and most are really helpful and fun.

Learning English is really important. English is considered as the first language in the world. People need English to get into a top university and to get a good job. There are many ways to learn English and most of them are available for everyone. The first way is to travel to a country where one can find English speakers. The second way is to enter an institute in one’s own country that can help one improve their English. The last way is to learn English by oneself.

Zimride

 Photo and essay by Abdulshaheed S AlQunber

As spring break approaches, one may want to spend the vacation or even the weekend out of College Station (CS), or visiting friends or family near CS, but one may not own a car. Texas A&M University (TAMU) gives one the option, by becoming partners with many services. In this process essay, this author will focus on a special service called Zimride.

Founders of Zimride define it this way: “Zimride is a fun and easy way to share the seats in your car or catch a ride. With Zimride, you can find TAMU friends, classmates, and coworkers going the same way you are.” This is not all. “Aggie Zimride helps you offer or request rides for commutes, road trips, and popular events. If you own a car, split costs by offering rides. If you don't have a car, find rides where you need to go.” This writer knows a student who had experienced this service, and overall, what they say about it is that it is a convenient way to get to your destination as well as preserving money.

How does one get the benefit of this service? Initially, go to a search engine for “Zimride TAMU”; perhaps use Google to do this step. Click on the first link. Once in the Zimride website, the page is only for Aggies. Then login with your NetID and create your profile, or you can connect your Facebook account for a quick profile. That is the first step.

Second, start by searching for a ride by selecting from point a to point b and the departure day. If you do not have a car, then post a ride. However, if you possess a car and want to split the cost and protect the earth from excess CO2 (taking care of the environmental aspect), this is a good way to do it. During the search, one can read the feedback and comments from other Aggies for a driver. Also, if you have any questions, one has the ability to text the driver; further, one can see who the riders will be in the car with you. For the payment method, you have two choices: cash or credit card. Finally, choose the driver and book the ride. In the meantime, wait for the day, and when it arrives, the driver will pick you up.

To sum up, Texas A&M provides diverse excellent transit options for their students. Zimride is a helpful service, with reasonable prices even cheaper than one would expect. Ultimately, have a safe trip and enjoy the holiday time.

How to choose your child’s car seat

 Photo and essay by N.A.

International students may face many ominous problems because of their lack of knowing the laws in a foreign country. Parents need to know one important law here in Texas, which is that all children under 8 years old must be in an appropriate car seat. Therefore, in this essay you will learn the process of choosing a child car seat.

First, before you start looking for a child car seat, you must check your car’s owner’s manual. It should give you some information on what kinds of car seats are compatible with the car. The manual will specify the height and weight of the car seat to be installed.

The age and weight of your child will determine how to install your car seat and which type of car seat is the most suitable. Rear-facing car seats are for newborns until 1 year or 20 pounds. Front-facing car seats are for babies who are over 1 year old and till their shoulder level is above the top harness slot. Booster seats are for children up to a weight of 40 pounds and until they become 8 years old. This is when they are ready to sit in the car’s back seats using adult seat belts.

Finally, choose a car seat that is easy to clean, has accessories like cup holders, or are easy to move to be installed on a stroller. In addition, do not forget to choose a car seat that is certified.

If you are still not sure what car seat you should buy or how to install one you just bought, find a Child Passenger Safety technician. You can find them at hospitals, fire stations, police stations, and more. The website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can aid you in finding one in your city.

Overall, I am sure choosing a car seat is not easy. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 2000 children died in car accidents in 2005. Consequently, to help protect children in car accidents, you should try your best to buy a safe and proper car seat for your child. I hope you have enjoyed reading this essay and do not forget to drive safely.

Resource:
Mahone, T. (2015). 8 Tips for Choosing a Child's Car Seat. Retrieved February 18, 2015, from http://www.parents.com/baby/safety/car/8-tips-for-choosing-a-childs-car-seat

Steps of the University Admissions Process

Photo and essay by Ammar Abdullah

If you have a strong desire to pursue your studies abroad, especially in the United States, you should follow many steps. These steps are required at most universities in the United States, except in some universities or departments which may have special requirements. I have listed the five main admissions steps here.

First, select the major in which you are interested. This step is very important. You can choose from a variety of majors or programs that are available in many universities and institutes. It depends on what is right or suitable for you. If you have not selected your program, you can go to the program finder to look for the majors and programs available on the university website. You can filter your search alphabetically, by academic area, or college.

Second, look at the requirements of specific programs in which you are interested to see if they correspond with your qualifications. You can find these admission requirements by clicking the admission requirements links on the individual program or major websites. You can also find them at the bottom of the program descriptions.

Third, assemble all the documents that relate to your admission and are required by the program to which you want to apply. For example, you might need transcript(s), recommendations, tests scores, a statement of purpose letter, and proof of financial support.

Fourth, fill out and submit the application and supporting documents that are required for the program you are interested. Today, there are online applications, but some universities still accept hard copies. Practically speaking, using online applications is faster than submitting paper applications. You will also need to upload supporting documents. If you are a graduate applicant, you will need to upload your score from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). If you are an international student, fill out either the I-20 or DS-2019 visa application, and make sure it is accompanied by a financial support document.

Fifth, to check the status of your application, review your admission status by logging into the website using the username and password that you created when you initiated the admission process. Most universities let applicants know the status of their applications soon after they complete them. This process may take six to ten weeks, and some programs take more time to evaluate the application. You should be patient while you wait for your admission decision. It is recommended that you fill out more than one application for different programs or universities. If you wish to postpone your enrollment, notify the university or graduate program administration as soon as possible.

To sum up, although most students have a strong desire to complete their studies in universities, many of them have no idea about the admission application process. Students have to follow these steps to ensure the acceptance of their application. Choosing your program, examining the necessities which match your qualifications, accumulating the papers that are needed in your admission, filling out and submitting requested documents, and reading through the status of your application are the most significant stages that you need for every application process, unless some programs have a different application admission process.

Familiarizing Yourself

by SH.A.Q.M.3.H.M

Have you ever thought about studying abroad? It is wise to familiarize yourself with the structure of a city in which you want to live. I recommend using Google maps and social media for learning about the city. Also, knowing about the university events where you want to attend helps you expect what is going to happen there.

First, Google Maps is a trustworthy map which gives you an overview of anywhere in the world and guides you. Google Maps is a detailed map which gives you names of streets, distance between two points, and pictures of everywhere. One bright feature of Google Maps, which I recommend, is “browse street view images” which makes you explore anywhere through 360 degree. This feature makes you feel that you actually there. It looks like a real game, and you are a driver which helps you to see what life looks like in other parts of the world.

To use the “browse street view images” you need to follow several steps: first, you should go to maps.google.com. Then, you can search anyplace you want to see. In our case, we will choose College Station. After that, you should use your mouse to click on a small yellow man on the screen which is located in bottom right angle, and you should hold the click and move the man anywhere you want. Finally, you can move your location with your mouse or keyboard like a game. The “browse street view images” has several benefit to users. First of all, the structure of the city will be known. When you arrive, you feel knowledgeable with the map, and you guide your friends. And the most important benefit is you won’t feel lost.

Second, social media is an easy way to learn about other places. One benefit of social media is it helps you to know about news in this place that you want to visit. For example, before I arrived in College Station, I read on Facebook that College Station will face cold weather for the next two months. However, people in my country were saying that Texas is hot. They implied that I don’t need winter clothes, but thankfully the Texas A&M pages on Facebook clarified this point. Second, if you like entertainment, it helps you to know about new events in the city. Before you come, I recommend to like or follow Facebook pages. All in all, familiarizing yourself can have an impact on your new life in a new place by giving you confidence and knowledge about a place. Google Maps and social media are two simple ways you can use before going someplace that you don’t have any idea about.