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.

Adjusting to Texas A&M

By taking such a big decision, as is leaving your country to build a future and become a professional there are many things that bind us to our country and culture. And others make us feel afraid to leave. How will this new country be like? Will I be able to make new friends? How would the food be like? What else can I do besides study? These are things that we all wonder before we leave our beloved home. As a current student in the ELI program, I feel it is my duty to pass certain knowledge that I have learned in the last months. Coming to the United States is scary and exiting at the same time, but no one can escape the American charm. Texas A&M is an incredible institution and it has everything you need. College Station is much bigger than we imagine when we think of a student village, there are many places you can go to eat, and activities for fun.

First thing I recommend to do before you come to the United States is to read a little about American culture. It is much easier if we already have an idea of what we will find when arriving at our destination. For many people culture shock can be a major obstacle when adjusting to a new city. Watching American programs can be helpful. No matter if it's a comedy or a show with a more intellectual content. The important thing is that you can see through this how American’s live, and how they interact.

At the same time you should do a little research about any places that you would like to visit, or restaurants you want to try. After your arrival, you should visit the school immediately. An incredible institution. Texas A&M thinks about everything that students may need, they even has campus tours and is an excellent way of getting to know things around. It has a recreational center where you can go whenever you want, it's great to release stress and stay healthy. Has many sports and clubs which you can join. Has an excellent health center you can go whenever you feel sick. And there is lots more of places and activities.

College Station is a great place to study and focus on your career. But it is also a great place to make friends and create a life away from the one you had at home. Sooner than later you will feel at home and you'll be enjoying all the good things and suffering from the not so good. But everything will be worth it.

From Home to That Home

by Meshal Mitaab

Studying abroad is a great opportunity to improve yourself in many ways, so to benefit the most from your trip, you ought to embrace every chance. You can make it possible by doing the following steps, which were helpful for older international students. Those steps are related to the period of time before your adventure.

After applying and receiving your acceptance letter from your educational destination, you should begin the process of finishing your official document and any legal ones, Such as renewing you passport, issuing your visa, and for some countries having a financial support letter. During that time, you should also make copies of every important document you might need, (for example, your certificate letter, last educational transcript, and personal pictures.)

Next, research your destination. Gather as much information as you can about that place. For instance, learn about the weather there, the restaurants in the area to have an adequate meal, where you can go to entertain yourself, and the most suitable living districts for you. Another important factor you should cover in your search is the time difference, and of course the closest international airport to your city. In addition, learning the norms and rules of the region is very crucial. You might try to find a friend or relative that has been there and ask him or her as many questions as you can.

Third, based on the research you have done, and as soon as your official documents are done, you will be able to start the booking and reserving step. You should book your flight based on the information from the research, such as, time difference and weather. Next, you have to book a hotel room for the first week, so you can see the area and find a good apartment. Third, make sure you have a ride or a way of transportation from the airport to the hotel.

Last step, you should know the maximum luggage weight you are allowed to have and avoid any other restrictions, so the procedures do not take longer at the airport. Pack your belongings and any item you might need. For instant, bring a charger for your phone, snacks, and wear comfortable clothes. In addition, bringing things from your home with you is very comforting. Food, clothes and similar things are a very great example. Finally, go to the airport three hours earlier. Check your luggage and check in as soon as it is possible.

In conclusion, based on previse experiences from international students, issuing your official documents, researching your destination, booking and making your travel schedules, and finishing the airport procedures are the most important steps that you should know. It will reduce a great amount of stress to know what you should. Finally, “after a great work comes a great reward,” and best wishes for your adventure.