Moving to, and living in the U.S. for school or research is exciting, but figuring out all of the logistics can feel overwhelming. Cell phones can be complicated and expensive – between contracts, SIM cards, and endless fine print, it’s hard to know where to begin. We’ve created this short guide to help you find […]
How to Build Your FICO Credit Score Without a SSN
Moving to the U.S. as an international student is exciting, but there are some things you might not expect (like how important your credit score is). In many countries, credit scores don’t exist or are not important. But in the U.S., your credit score plays a huge role in everyday life. It affects your ability […]
How to Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) as an International Student in the U.S.
If you’ve recently landed in the U.S. as an international student and you’re planning to work, maybe an on-campus job, a paid internship, or an off-campus OPT/CPT, you’ve probably heard people mention a Social Security Number, or SSN. At first, it might sound a bit intimidating (especially if you’ve never had anything like it before), […]
The International Student’s Guide to Stress-Free Banking in the US
Studying in the U.S. is exciting, but managing money in a new country can be stressful. One of the first things you’ll need to do is set up a bank account. Having a U.S. bank account makes life so much easier. You won’t have to worry about crazy foreign transaction fees, and paying for things […]
Your Guide to OPT — and a Free Tool to Help You Pick the Perfect Dates
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a great opportunity when studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa. It allows you to gain practical experience in a job directly related to your field of study for up to 12 months after graduation — and if you’re in a STEM field, you may be eligible for an […]