Category: career

J1 Visa Advantages and Disadvantages

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Passports with Visa
The J-1  Visa offers cultural and educational exchange opportunities in   the United States

What is a J1 Visa?

A J1 Visa can be a life-changing opportunity for anyone who is fortunate enough to be given a position. In this episode, I give my opinion about the J1 Visa.

The following are the highlights:

1:00 – What is a J1 Visa ?

1:25 – Who can participate in a J1 Visa program ?

2:09 – Participants by the numbers and percentages.

3:09 – J1 Visa for university graduates and professionals.

3:55 – J1 Visa recipients with a family can get J2 Visas.

5:13 – J1 Visa important rules to note (J1 Visa 212e restriction) You will need a a J1 Waiver.

8:00 – Where to start your research.

Tips to Note:

Before you embark on the J1 Visa position read about the 212e restriction. This is a very important fine print that must be considered before making a decision. The J1 Visa will definitely be a life-changing one but it will be your duty to make sure that it is positive.

Resources :

https://j1visa.state.gov

https://culturalvistas.org/programs/us/j-1-internships-training/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw1-fVBRC3ARIsAIifYOMR3kZgSuKI_5lMpK46C7SQrt-B05EnIznsA8QF_gMK02IUFH2y21EaAptXEALw_wcB

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/jp/jp-niv-typej.asp

How to Become a Nurse in The United States

Alexander R. Ford Leave a comment
Nursing tools
The stethoscope is an important tool for nurses

The International Students’ Perspective

 

In this show, I speak to Nikisha Morris about her journey to becoming a nurse. Nikisha was very kind and forthcoming with information that can help us all.

 Highlights :

2:50 – How she made the switch from an International relations background to a nursing degree program.

3:40 – She speaks about the subjects that helped her to get into nursing school.

4:28 – Speaks about the “fast track program” available to students. Nikisha also encourages students to do a bachelors.

5:50 – How to work a go to nursing school.

7:10 – How to get a visa as an international student to attend nursing school.

8:00 – Nurses usually get jobs before leaving their studies are completed. Jobs such as care tech jobs are available to nursing students.

9:30 – The length of time it takes to get the visa.

10:14 – How to get help with the application for nursing school and F visa.

10:30 – You will need a guarantor.

11:45 – Get your transcripts from our home country accredited.

12:35 – What nursing classes are like.

13:40 – The most difficult subjects in nursing school.

14:09 – Nursing school administration; how to get the information you need.

15:40 – Bypass SATS and other prerequisite courses by transferring your previous university courses.

17:10 – *Pro-tip* How to get in-state tuition.

18:00 – How it feels to be a nurse.

24:24 – How to deal with your setbacks.

Tips to note from this interview

Make sure that you want to be a nurse before applying. Then do your research on the state and school that you need to attend. If you do this you will know how to approach the school admin for help and other matters.

Depression and Unemployment

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Depression halts work and rational thoughts

 

Depression

We all have negative feelings or pains that come from a failure at some point our lives. Being unemployed enhances this feeling even more.  Depression plays serious tricks on the mind that can even sometimes be deadly.

Sometimes we may even feel as if though we are complete failures. However, this thought is an irrational thought. In this episode, I share my personal experience with unemployment and depression.

Highlights –

1 : 07 – Being depressed and unemployed

 

2 : 00 – Unemployed with savings Vs without savings

 

3 : 20 – Deep depression

 

4 : 39 – Desperation and self-pity because of unemployment

 

4 : 54 – Don’t waste a good depression

 

5 : 59 – Irrational thoughts from being depressed

 

7 : 01 – How to restart your job search

 

8 : 05 – Being employed VS Your purpose for living

 

8 : 52 – Tips for the unemployed ( use Khan Academy and Alison.com)

 

10 : 40 – Set a schedule and have a routine for every day

 

12 : 30 – Start a hobby – especially one that can eventually get you paid

 

Tips to Note –

Regardless of how you might feel, know that you will be employed again no matter how long it takes. Good employees are hard to find. Maybe, being unemployed may even spark your own entrepreneurial spirit. So you might even start your own business. However, positive things will not happen until you change your mindset and start to do something productive.

 

 

 

Demand and Supply Dictates the Earnings of Teachers

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The demand for teachers is great in Asia

As of January 2017, the population in Asia was over 4 billion people. That is more than 50% of the world’s population.

It is therefore understandable why the largest job markets for TEFL/TESOL holders are in Asia. English is more than a language for non-English speakers. It is a skill. A skill they must spend years to learn. The level of English a person in an Asian country can speak will decide their wages and mobility level.

The demand for English will always be high in Asia; even with the rise in popularity of other languages, it will be sometime before we see English replaced as the world’s language –It certainly will not happen in our lifetime.

Moving to Asia

It is definitely possible for any native English speaker to move to Asia. However, each country has requirements that an aspirant worker must fulfill. Please look at the chart below to view these.

Chart showing requirements and salaries in some Asian countries.

To get the full picture go here.

In 2018 there is no reason for you to be unemployed if you have a degree. Start your journey today.

You Can Improve Your Career in 2018

Alexander R. Ford Leave a comment

Learn from the Experts

The year is still new; you can still set new goals and achieve them in 2018. Some decisions, however, require good advice and we all know how hard it can be to receive this.

I am always on the lookout for fresh information ( I am a multi-open window-internet-browser), I am proud of this as it has given me tremendous results over the years.

This habit led me to Mandy Menaker, a career expert. Mandy shared some practical ways on how to improve your career in 2017 and I think these are still relevant in 2018.

The following are a few of the tips she outlined:

• Perform an annual career checkup
• Give your online profile a makeover
• Build your professional network
• Learn new skills
• Become an expert in your field

You can read more of what she had to say here.

 Improve Yourself

There are very few things that feel worse than the feeling of being stagnant in life. That is because we all have a desire to succeed — the soul weeps when it is unable to soar.

A person who is a native English speaker with a degree has no reason to feel stuck; there are many jobs for native English speakers with degrees.

What a degree holder need though, is the right advice. Sometimes we need others who have blazed a trail to show the way.

This website is dedicated to helping people improve, especially those who have a degree. I remember what it felt like when I felt hopeless. I felt as if my world was coming to an end. It was not easy to stay motivated (happiness was parallel to my life).

Many of you are trailblazers in your families. You were the first of your kin to break the education barrier. You can still do, you are strong and worthy.

Teaching English in Japan changed my life and I am sure it could do the same for you. When you are unemployed and broke there are great feelings of pessimism and doubt. You will question yourself –Why did I study this? Why didn’t I take the opportunity to do computer programming? Etc, etc…. But the truth is, that was not what you wanted then and no matter how hard you wish or try, you will never regain that time.

You may even question your sanity at times but there is no need to do this. Being broke is just that, being broke. It is not a sentence on your life.

Don’t give up on your dreams or hopes just yet. A little effort can work wonders in your life.

Take the leap, and start the process today.

2018 Is Not Phony, It Will Be Your Best Year

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2018 Will be Your Best

2018 is here and I have great news for you. Yes, you. This is your year to rise and shine.  You can travel the world if you have the will to believe that you can. An ITTT certificate can change your life. In 2012 I embarked on a journey that has been life changing. I moved to Asia and everything in my life changed.

Before moving to Asia I was unemployed. If you are unemployed moving to Asia is one of the best things you can do to change your life. Do not let life pass you by. You are special and you should live a special life. Many persons are being the best them, why shouldn’t you?

 

Via YouTube

Show Me the Money !

Alexander R. Ford Leave a comment

coins

Show Me

Like Rod Tidwell, we have all said ‘show me the money’ (unless you have a money bag like Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather), at some point in life. If you are like me you have said it well over 100 times. Regardless of how you might feel about the money we all need to make money.

Teaching is not an easy job and for this reason, we all need to get the right compensation for our valuable hours. ITTT knows this, and with this, in mind, they have created a money chart.
However, it is also good to remember that money is not the only important thing in life. But in the meantime please feel free to examine the following figures.

TEFL Salaries –

Chart showing the pay rates and cost of living in various countries.
Panoramic view

Thailand is Waiting for You

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Teach in exotic Thailand

Traveling is for the rich and for those of us who are not rich, the next best thing is to teach in locations that are exotic. Thailand is one of the most exotic countries on earth to teach English.

Thailand is ubiquitous in popular culture. In fact, I am currently reading ‘The Beach’ (Great book, absolutely brilliant) and coincidentally less than two hours ago I was at a ‘Thai Festival’.

                                       Thailand Festival

Thai Festival, Food ,

Thailand is one of the hottest destinations for TESOL teachers. Teaching jobs are always available in Thailand. However, like all countries, there are rules mores, norms and basic things that must be learned before the move.

To find out more about Thailand read the following article on www.Ajarn.com.  

 

Start Teaching English in Japan

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 Teaching

Moving to Japan at the start of the decade, was the spark that changed everything in my life.

Teaching English as a second language is often not seen as a career path worth taking. However, no one can deny that it is a skill. The beauty about skills is the fact that you can use them to get paid. Especially if you are willing to hone them. A honed skill will always lead to professional and financial satisfaction.

Starting out

When you are an amateur( at anything) you must practice in order to gain mastery . You will also need an environment conducive to learning in order to improve your skills. For this reason, no place is better to teach English than Japan.

Japan has the third largest economy in the world. Therefore their professionals must learn to speak the language of business( English). Japan is also one of the world’s most traveled destination. Therefore it is an advantage if citizens learn the most popular language on earth.

Simply put the demand for English is great in Japan.

Your options

There are several ways to start teaching English in Japan but your best bet will be to start at an eikaiwa ( conversation school) or as an ALT in a public school.

Both groups are constantly recruiting. Therefore it is possible to be recruited from your home country.

But before we go any further, please note some differences between the two.

Differences:

  • Pay
  • Work Schedule
  • Time off/vacation
  • Facilities
  • Extra obligations

For more  information please watch the following video:

If you still need more information, click here.

Be proactive

You will never teach English in Japan unless you start the process ( ask questions, do your research, wait and ask even more questions). You can teach English in Japan; you can become a skilled professional.

However, if you want to become a professional you must practice. Luckily, you can do this at your own pace with ITTT.

Why worry about jobs when you have options. Start doing your research today and start your new life within months.

 

 

Start Your First Day Teaching With A Smile

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First Day of Work

It is natural to fear the unknown. The first day of work regardless of the position is a venture into the unknown.

We have all been there; dressing our best to make a great first impression; being anxious to meet our new colleagues and hoping that they won’t turn into devils four weeks later.  The wishes, the prayers, and hopes of being able to use your skills to the best of your abilities.

The One Size Fit all Solution

In all new situations one must have an open mind and a positive attitude. This mood will make it easier for you to manifest a smile.

A TEFL/TESOL teacher must always remember the importance of a smile. A smile will put both you and your students at ease. Simply put, a smile is a serum to remove self-doubt.

Winning Attitude

Zig Ziglar says it best, “your attitude will determine your altitude.” I have a friend who absolutely believes this. She says a positive approach will definitely result in a positive outcome. My friend further states that nothing great has ever been achieved with a pessimistic mind. Don’t allow your fears to stop you from stepping into a bright future. Use your fears to propel you.

Please watch the following training video to get some practical teaching advise for your first day on the job.