Oluwaseye Sangorinde CCSS’ Post

One challenge I faced when starting graduate school was adapting to a new social and cultural environment, on top of the academic demands. It's one thing to catch up on academic knowledge, but navigating social cues and unspoken rules can be equally challenging. This week, I'll share two tips I learned from my experience. 1. Friendly, Not Necessarily Friends This was a tough one for me. Coming from Nigeria, I was used to a culture where people generally don't smile at strangers or engage in casual conversations. So, when I saw people in America being friendly and chatty, I naturally assumed they were interested in friendship. I remember once saying hello to a classmate on campus, only to be met with a cold shoulder. At first, I thought it was a personal issue. But then it happened again with a different person, and I realized something was different about American social norms. I eventually learned that while Americans are generally polite, they often maintain a distance between friendliness and friendship. This was a bit of a shock, as I was used to my classmates in Nigeria being my close-knit community. 2. Finding Community with Other International Students It took me about a year to adjust to American society. During that time, I noticed a pattern – many international students were feeling the same way I did. We were all searching for a sense of belonging. And where did we find it? With each other! I found it easy to connect with other international students, regardless of their background. We bonded over shared experiences, cultural exchange, and the challenges of being away from home. I had a friend who became committed to learning Pidgin English and started greeting me by saying “How far?”. That was so cool!  With my international friends, I didn't have to worry about modifying my accent, explaining my culture, or feeling out of place. I felt seen and understood. While connecting with locals is important, don't underestimate the value of bonding with other international students. They can offer a unique support system and understanding as you navigate your new environment. #gradschool #internationalstudent #studyabroad #gradstudent

The Nigerian Student Abroad. I'm that Nigerian student that had the shock of his life in some of my experiences. Moving abroad for my studies has been an incredible experience, but let me tell you, the culture shock is real! As a Nigerian student, there are certain things I’ve experienced that would never happen back home. Let me share a few: 📚10-minute breaks after the first hour of every class – Yes, you read that right. If the class is longer than an hour, we pause for a break. Back home, we can sit for a three hour lecture without blinking an eyelash. You're lucky if you even get to leave the lecture hall early, I remember the struggles of juggling classes and Agric farm (The Great UNIBEN students can relate). It seemed so much easier here, maybe that's why we always have Nigerian students doing well abroad because the academic pressure here might just seem like a piece of cake compared to our former struggles. 📚No "Sir/Ma'am" culture – Here, everyone is a mate. I call my lecturers, and even my Vice Chancellor, by their first names. Try that in Nigeria, and the story will be different. In Africa generally we believe it's disrespectful mentioning the name of an elderly person, even if you're older than your lecturer, you should never mention his/her name! 📚Many "thank yous" for paid work – People genuinely thank you for doing the job you’re paid to do. It’s polite, but as a Nigerian, I can’t help but find it amusing. 📚"Are you alright?" instead of "How are you?" – This one still throws me off sometimes. It’s their way of saying hello, but every time I hear it, I think I look unwell. There are so many more, but I'd like to hear yours in the comments if you're also an international student irrespective of where you migrated from. What did you find shocking about your new community? So far, it’s been an interesting adjustment, but these little differences have taught me to embrace change and appreciate diverse cultures. Happy Tuesday! #dataanalysis #cultureshock #studyabroad

🌟 Empowering Conversations on Scholarship Success🌟 Last Saturday, I had the honor of hosting Rhoda Kafui and Precious Ampomaah, two inspiring Erasmus Mundus scholars from Ghana, on the Dear Young Graduate Zoom and Facebook platforms. The session focused on their incredible journeys to winning the prestigious Erasmus Mundus scholarship, offering invaluable insights for prospective scholars. During the discussion, Rhoda and Precious shared practical strategies and personal stories that illuminated the pathway to scholarship success. Their advice extended beyond applications, touching on life lessons that resonate universally: Key Lessons Networking: Rhoda and Precious highlighted the power of building meaningful connections. Networking involves creating relationships that foster mutual support and collaboration, whether by joining relevant forums, reaching out to alumni, or seeking advice from professionals. These networks not only guide but also open doors to new opportunities. Mentorship: Having a mentor is invaluable. Both scholars credited mentors with refining their applications and offering unique perspectives that set them apart. For anyone pursuing a scholarship or professional goal, a mentor’s guidance can be a catalyst for success. Personal Branding: Personal branding is critical in competitive spaces. Rhoda and Precious stressed the importance of presenting oneself authentically and compellingly, showcasing one’s strengths, values, and aspirations in a way that resonates with decision-makers. For those who missed this impactful session, the recorded version will soon be available on the Dear Young Graduate YouTube channel—stay tuned! A big thank you to Rhoda Kafui, Precious Ampomaah, and our audience for making this event meaningful. Let’s continue to empower and inspire each other to achieve greatness! #ErasmusMundus #Networking #Mentorship #PersonalBranding #ScholarshipSuccess #DearYoungGraduate

Creativity and productivity increases when students study programs that align with their interests. In my next article, I’ll let you understand why students studying programs they don’t like negatively affects job creation in a country. Join the movement, let’s help our students discover their interests and make the right choices. 👍🏽

Tarand's courses are developed in collaboration with U.S.-based educators and experts, bringing a global perspective to African students without the need for international travel. Understanding the diverse economic realities across the continent, Tarand ensures that course fees are affordable. Additionally, Tarand's revenue-sharing model reinvests a significant portion of its profits into local universities, supporting their efforts to enhance the quality of education and university infrastructure. "Education is a tool for empowerment," says Hajizade. "We provide students with a competitive advantage in the labor market, enhancing their confidence as professionals and increasing their opportunities for career fulfillment." #Education #Africa

🌟 Testimonial Tuesday – Lessons from Kelvin Madzongwe 🌟 More than a decade ago, Boston University shared a video featuring Kelvin Madzongwe, a Zimbabwean student, titled “Tips for BU’s Newest International Students”. His message still resonates today, offering timeless advice for navigating life as an international student. Kelvin talked about the initial challenges of adjusting to life in a new country, especially when English isn’t your first language. The fear of making mistakes or wondering if others would judge him held him back at first. This feeling is something so many international students share, but his approach to overcoming it is a masterclass in persistence and courage: ✅ Read and Immerse Yourself Kelvin emphasized the importance of reading—novels, articles, and anything that helps you pick up vocabulary and build confidence. Reading not only improves language skills but also deepens your understanding of the culture around you. ✅ Watch and Listen He also shared how watching TV and listening to music helped him adapt to American culture. Entertainment can be a gateway to understanding slang, tone, and cultural nuances while giving you topics to connect over with peers. ✅ Push Yourself to Connect “Go out there and meet people,” Kelvin said. He encouraged students to take the leap of faith to talk to others despite fears of making mistakes. People are often more kind and willing to help than we might expect. This advice is vital—not only for improving language skills but for building meaningful connections in your new environment. These steps are small yet powerful ways to overcome language barriers, build confidence, and integrate into a new culture. Kelvin’s reminder that “learning doesn’t end” is a mantra we should all carry with us. Mistakes are part of the process, but the growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone is immeasurable. 🎥 Here’s the exciting part: Kelvin Madzongwe will soon share his story with SLS Ambassadors! We’ll hear firsthand how he navigated the demands of being a student-athlete, balanced academics and athletics, and built an incredible career in professional sports. Whether you’re a future Boston University student, a current international student, or simply navigating your own journey in a new place, Kelvin’s words are a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the rewards of embracing new experiences. 📅 Stay tuned for his inspiring story, coming soon to our platform! #TestimonialTuesday #InternationalStudents #CulturalImmersion

This is a long post on BEST TIP to winning a Scholarship✈️ a fully funded one! If there is only one winner then it will be me! These words I uttered to my mom as I made my scholarship application last year in May. And I was one of two… two people were selected to my school from my country out of 25 applicants from Malawi and that’s an 8% chance of being selected. Now how do you stand out from 25 people to top 2? Sometime in 2022 I came across several posts about the importance of a personal motivation statement by Ugochukwu Madu I must say I was not looking or even thinking of applying for a scholarship because like many people… until it happens to you, you think its impossible. But this guy posted and posted and I only paid much attention because these posts were always top on my homepage until one day I read and kept reading, this guy shared all links to scholarships with details and he was studying for a PhD. I often wondered why he cared so much about strangers… about me! Even though I did not know it at the time, reading his posts and learning how to write a good personal statement is probably how I ended up here. Think about it… everyone applying for the scholarship probably has the necessary requirements. Everyone can get those 10 documents ready and apply but you… why must it be you of all the 25 people? How can you be the top 8%? I assure you research the best way you can, read lots of personal statements from successful applicants… it is not luck, there are certain things you must address and how you address them ultimately can be what sets you apart… or at least that’s what I believe. And keep writing content that inspires others… you never know who benefits Lucky for you, I have told you something that can help you and if agree with me then start doing your research now, you have about four months, I only had 4 days. But that’s a story for another day. Let me also take a moment to thank Ugochukwu Madu somehow i am here because you taught me something very important 👏 Let me also thank the people who are being inspired by these posts. I will assist you wherever I can so don't be lazy #studyinchina #scholarshiptip #inspirationpost #gratitude

✍🏿 A success for one is a success for all. That's why we have created THE GRADADMISSION to help other people rise. Get in touch and find out how we can help. Link to full video: https://lnkd.in/eUN_KygE

What does it take to turn dreams into reality? Meet Wonah Martin Odey, a determined Nigerian whose relentless pursuit of education and growth led to winning not one, not two, but THREE fully funded scholarships across the USA and UK. 🎓 Discover: ✅ The strategies that made this success possible. ✅ How resilience and preparation opened global opportunities. ✅ Practical advice for anyone seeking scholarships abroad. Watch the full documentary on YouTube now: https://lnkd.in/eeYpFwvd Produced by Akinwale Fayemiro Moyosore S. Olayinka Oladipupo Inyang Edoho #Documentary #FullyFundedScholarships #StudyAbroad #StudyInUSA #StudyInUK #Inspiration

I recently came across Itofa Ivarah’s interview with Oluwaseun Ajayi AMRSPH, and one part that truly resonated with me was when she was asked about the most phenomenal thing about studying abroad as an international student. Her answer? Opportunities. I couldn’t agree more. Leaving my home country for a developed one to continue learning has been an eye-opening experience. It exposed me to a wealth of knowledge and opportunities that might have taken me much longer to access back home. During my undergraduate years at one of Nigeria’s best institutions, I believed the opportunities I had were exceptional—and they were. But studying in the UK and U.S. revealed an entirely new world of potential and growth. From conducting research in functional and well-equipped laboratories to learning in digitized and automated environments, I’ve seen the immense focus on actionable skills over grades. These systems are designed not just to impart knowledge but to prepare students to be problem-solvers and innovators in real-world settings. Temilade Salami once pointed out that the Nigerian curriculum is outdated and needs to be revised. I wholeheartedly agree. The world is moving forward rapidly, and if Nigerians want to thrive and contribute meaningfully on a global scale, they need access to the same tools, resources, and information as their international peers. Nigerians are incredibly intelligent and resourceful people, with the potential to lead in the global community. But the current curriculum in Nigeria doesn’t meet international standards. When Nigerians study abroad, they see the massive gap—and it’s time to bridge it. Thankfully, I recently learned that the curriculum has been revised and is set to take effect in 2025. I’m looking forward to its implementation and I hope it drives the positive impact that will shape a generation of global leaders equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive on an international stage.