In this article, we hope to inspire those who consider the US as their study destination, whether this upcoming Spring intake or in the near future.

Last week from 15th to 19th of November, International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, celebrated its 22nd year. IEW is designed to both prepare Americans for a global environment and to encourage future leaders from other countries to study and experience learning in the country. The week-long celebration was a great reminder of the nation’s commitment to supporting international education.

“This International Education Week, we celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. The U.S. recognizes that international education is an integral part of building and sustaining a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The US remains to be one of the most sought-after study destinations for several reasons including being home to the best-ranked institutions in the world, cultural diversity, and innovative classroom experience, among others. Though reasons for studying abroad vary from person to person, there is one most common shared goal and that is advancing one’s skillset for a better future career.

Pursuing a Degree in the US

We are privileged to get exclusive insights from a former international student and, now, a green card holder to share his life-changing journey in the States. 

Meet John Ramos. John embarked on a career transformation journey after finishing his nursing degree and taking up Architecture for his second degree in the Philippines . Sharing about his main goal in earning a degree abroad, he said:

“I decided to study in the US because I got scared of being dependent on my parents and I was looking for something that can advance my career.”

Prior to deciding on pursuing a postgraduate degree in the US, John had considered Australia, however, had a sketchy experience with an agency. Determined on achieving his goal, he eventually found an education agency that he was comfortable and confident with.

“I processed my papers within one month, got an offer letter, and enrolled in an MBA program. I finished my 2yr MBA program in Washington D.C.,” John commented.

As for any aspiring students, one of the major concerns of studying abroad is how to manage their “living conditions”. Luckily for John, he had relatives in the US, like many Filipinos, and lived with his family during his studies. On any challenges that he encountered on the first few days or weeks of being an International student, John said:

“At first I was shocked because I wasn’t used to doing household chores, I didn’t know how to cook and do my own thing. It’s a learning process, I got to learn a lot of stuff from YouTube. I learned to do things on my own and I learned to be assertive and be much more vocal.”

Overcoming challenges and focusing on his objectives, John finished his MBA with High Honors-Magna Cum Laude. With a nursing background from the Philippines, he landed his first job in the US in a nursing home and aims to grow and advance in his chosen profession by either taking certificate classes or by taking the Nurse Practitioner program.

For those considering to study in the US, here are John’s words of encouragement:

“There’s always room for improvement… so never be tired of looking for things that can benefit you especially when you’re still young, like advancing your career and education.”

Thank you, John, for sharing your inspiring story and cheers to dreaming and living it!