Category: Get certified

The Number One Challenge for Foreigners in Japan?

Alexander R. Ford Leave a comment
Bubbles in the air
Language Bubble

Challenges in Japan

 

Every foreigner that moves to Japan will experience challenges including a language barrier. However, there is no reason to feel distraught or despondent. With discipline and constant studying, you will improve.

Highlights:

1 : 40 – The language barrier

2 : 50 – Learning a foreign language

3 : 46 – Being illiterate

4 : 23 – Manga as a resource to learn Japanese

4 : 46 – Pimsleur is a great way to learn Japanese

5 : 50 – Japanese beginners should start with hiragana

6 : 00 – The Let’s Learn Japanese series

8 : 17 – Genki1 is the best book for Japanese beginners

9 : 30 – Being overwhelmed by Japanese

10 : 09 – Doing the JLPT test and passing

10 : 40 – Know and set your goals

 

Things to Note :

Start with hiragana and katkana by using the let’s learn series and then move on to Genki Volume 1. This plan of action will help you too if you are serious about studying Japanese.

Japanese can be a very difficult language to learn however do not become overwhelmed. Set small goals and have an idea about the type of speaker that you would like to be. Good luck.

How to Write Cover Letter That Converts To an Interview

Alexander R. Ford Leave a comment

                            Cover Letter Tips

Newspaper Classifieds

Can I submit a resume without a cover letter?

No, you may not. I am sure none of you asked this question. But yes some people would love to submit their resumes without a cover letter, but this would be a great mistake. A cover letter is a like a defense lawyer because it allows you to state your argument and explain why you are worthy to be given an interview.

In this episode, I outline some musts for a cover letter. If you follow these I can assure you that you will always be in the running for an interview.

The following are the highlights from the show:

1 : 01 – What is a cover letter

1 : 53 – Tailor your cover letter for the organization

2 : 33 – Write down the list of your accomplishments before writing the cover letter

3 : 23 – Have an introduction

3 : 57 – Get to the point

4 : 47 – A conclusion is your time to put your enthusiasm on show

5 : 30 – How to make a great impression with your cover letter

6 : 27 – Edit your cover letter

7 : 08 – Use www.hemingwayapp.com to help your style guide

7 : 36 – Simple is best

8 : 09 – Keep it clear

8 : 30 – A cover letter is answering a need

8 : 50 – Companies are only asking a big question

Tips to Note :

Make sure that you introduce yourself from the get-go. Then after your introduction get straight to the point. You can ensure that your content has a clear style by using the ‘Hemingwayapp’ to help with editing.

However, even if the contents of your cover letter is weak, your conclusion should be enthusiastic and expectant.

 

 

 

Five resume Tips

Alexander R. Ford Leave a comment

         Get Your Next Job With These Resume Tips

 

Resume Pointers

Do you like to write resumes?

Good for you if you do because I certainly don’t. Over the years, however, I have had to write several. It is for this reason that I know that my resume writing skills can be of much help to persons who are novices to the art or who are simply just uncertain about the process.

Resumes should be viewed as clothes and in this episode, I talk about what best to put on.

Here or the Highlights:

1: 25 – My experience

 

1: 43 – Do your research

 

3: 08 – Tailor your resume for the job

 

3: 44 – Make your resume keyword rich.

 

5: 30 – Get to the point; don’t use fillers

 

5: 56 – Write a strong objective. It’s your pass to getting an interview.

 

Tips to Note :

Before sending your resume please do some research. Your research will the inform your process of creating a resume. With that said you must use as much knowledge about the job to tailor your resume to it. Oh, and forget about fillers, just get straight to the point.

 

Teach English in any Country; If You Are a Native English Speaker You Can Get a Job

Alexander R. Ford Leave a comment
Blackboard for ESL Class

Are you a native English speaker ?

 

Native Speakers should consider teaching English regardless of their profession. The experience can be one of self-discovery and great travel. If you are unemployed this could be a wonderful new beginning for you.

The following are some of the highlights from this episode :

 

    : 22 – A list of a few places where native speakers and teach English

 

1: 27 – Career background of an English teacher

 

2: 10 – What is needed to teach English in a foreign country

2: 52 – Certification to Teach English

 

3: 45 – The demand for English teachers

 

4: 17 – Where can native speakers really teach English

 

5: 05 – TEFL and TESOL explained

 

5: 43 – Being an English teacher can be great

 

7: 13 – Teaching English VS being unemployed

 

8: 14 – You should start in this country if you are nervous

 

8: 20 – Teach English in Japan

 

Tips to Note –

 

Confidence is the number one thing a potential teacher will need in order to start teaching. The more confident you are the easier the opportunity will be. TEFL/TESOL training will improve your teaching ability. However, many persons start teaching without it even though their options are limited because of this.

A whole new world will open up if you decide to teach English even for a year.

 

 

 

J2 Visa; Life as a Spouse in the United States

Alexander R. Ford Leave a comment
J2 Visa holders need activities
A man and a woman walking the city holding hands.

Who Can Get a J2 Visa?

A J2 visa holder must be an immediate family member of a J1 Visa holder. With this said what can a J2 holder do in the United States. Igol, my special guest shares his experience as a J2 Visa holder in the United States.

These were the key points:

1 : 45 – How to become eligible for a J2 Visa

2 : 42 – J1 Visa review

3:08 – J2 Visa application process

6 : 05 – What to do before leaving your home country

8 : 06 –  What J2 Visa holders can do to get their social security number quickly

8 : 40 – Contact information.

Tips to Note:

Take a bit of home with you when you go to the United States as a J2 Visa holder. This will help you to keep your sanity while your spouse is away at work ( they will more than likely be working longing hours -after all that is why they got their J1 Visa).

Listen to “J2 Visa; Life as a Spouse in the United States” on Spreaker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J1 Visa Advantages and Disadvantages

Alexander R. Ford Leave a comment
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.

Demand and Supply Dictates the Earnings of Teachers

Alexander R. Ford Leave a comment

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.

How to Move to Canada and Attend University

Alexander R. Ford Leave a comment
students walking to class

Studying in Canada is Easier Than You Think

Highlights :

 

1: 47 – Laferne’s reason for going to Canada.

 

2 : 35 – Canadian college application process

 

3: 23 – What is a TRV ( Temporary Resident Visa)

 

4: 04 – What can you do with a Canadian visiting visa

 

5: 21 – Documents needed for college application in Canada

 

8: 00 – Prior studies should not be ignored

 

10: 53 – How to search for a college in Canada

 

12: 24 – The Canadian college system

 

14: 00 – How to send your transcripts to Canadian colleges

 

14: 50 –  How long does application process for a Canadian college?

 

15: 28 – What is the cost of college in Canada?

 

Pro Tip – Check the colleges for budget information. This is usually spot on.

 

17: 40 – Challenges faced

 

19: 30 – Laferene’s advice to people who want to move to Canada

 

Important Tips –

Do a thorough research before applying to a school. Make sure to research the school’s website which can be very helpful especially with budget plans and so on. Organize all your important documents because the Canadian authorities will want to check them.

 

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.