Older International Freshman - thoughts or advice?

[Message 1 of 2]

Thanks again everyone for your help.

I've left out quoting some people because I think the answer would be contained in another reply I will have done so please don't think I'm disregarding your comment!

That's the biggest thing, and truthfully I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to figure this out and get the ball rolling.

As a lot of people have said, I think it's smartest to begin with a Community College, which one yet hasn't been figured out as there's pros and cons for each.

One for instance didn't offer financial aid to international students, one didn't offer on campus living - so it'll be a tough decision.

I loved it when I came a few years ago. When my brother met me a couple of weeks afterwards and we just hired a car and drove to random places in Texas, it was great.

I think a car is essential at some point. I know I need to wait 30 days after arriving/beginning class (can't remember what it was specifically - but it was 30 days) before I can apply for a Texas licence.

Over here, there's the Sydney CBD - which is the whole city basically incorporating where everyone works, the Harbour Bridge, Opera House etc etc - and within 10 minutes or so of leaving the CBD you're hitting suburbia.

Is it like that when leaving Downtown Houston as well? Or do you need to go a bit farther away from Downtown until you start hitting those small town 'Friday Night Lights' type towns?

That makes a lot of sense. I'm probably worrying too much about it since it's so much of an unknown to me.

I had a thorough look through the website for this University, and I noticed it was a Catholic school.

Is the faith a constant subject for all the students there? Or for those who aren't Christian it's not an issue at all?

Granted, I'm Matthew... and my brothers are Mark, Luke and John. So we are a Catholic family - but it's been a while since I attended church regularly.

Haha I'm sure that guy might've been a bit more interesting than me! All I've got an interest in is The Army, country music, and the Rockets.

I should've never looked at the University of Houston website in depth. It's so damn expensive, but looks absolutely amazing and would be an unreal experience.

I cannot stand 95% of Sydney girls and will swoon big time over the first girl I see in cowboy boots ha!

I suppose it might be the same thing though if you were coming to Australia and being sick of the girls in Houston!

It's reassuring that a few people have said similar things.

Just a question with the older classmate, was he only active in the classroom, study sessions, things relating to the course etc? Or were people happy to actually have him at parties or social events?

 

[Message 2 of 2]

If I'm being completely honest, my only passion work wise was the Defence Force.

It goes without saying that if there was any type of course which could have a 5% chance of doing some type of work for a sports team - then I'd obviously love to have a look at that.

I still think I'm able to be moulded for a new career path.

But I'm actually paying a lot of attention to the occupations which are relevant to the H1B visa - in that a company can sponsor an international for work - and that international can then apply for a Green Card.

It sounds idiotic - but even before I set foot in the United States - I'd always dreamed of living there. It appeals to me so much more than Australia.

Types of jobs:

Occupations in Writing and Languages
Writers,
Editors: Publication, Broadcast, And Script,
Other Occupations In Writing

I would take that to mean a Journalist? Advanced English and Extension English were my two favourite subjects during Year 11 and 12, and a Journalism degree was the only thing I'd ever contemplate about doing in Australia.

Occupations in Finance and Administrative Specializations
Accountants, Auditors, And Related Occupations,
Budget And Management Systems Analysis Occupations,
Purchasing Management Occupations,
Sales And Distribution Management Occupations,
Advertising Management Occupations,
Public Relations Management Occupations,
Personnel Administration Occupations,
Inspectors And Investigators, Managerial And Public Service,
Other Administrative Occupations

I've worked in two office jobs for 8 years total, and have become a senior member in both of those roles - so an office life is something I sort of begrudgingly accepted was my future - ever since the doctor at the School of Infantry said so due to my injury. So I wouldn't have any hesitation in doing courses which relate to furthering those skills.

Medical Science however would be a course I could study that has actual internships which could only help in getting a foot in the door and impressing a company who could ultimately sponsor me with the H1B visa. And with Memorial Hermann in Houston might be a smart path to look at going down?

Thanks Dagger. I actually told my parents about the plan last night. (my mum being a previous lawyer for the government has an opinion - usually negative - about everything)

And she didn't have one bad thing to say about it which is surprising.

I'm not even upset that I need to move back home for the next 12 months to save every dollar I can to make this happen.

I did a bit of research on a few websites and it seems like I could work 20 hours a week on campus.

It's near impossible from what I understand, for an F1 visa holder to work outside of the University. An additional request needs to be made to do this, and only granted apparently to those experiencing financial hardship who aren't able to work on campus.

I look forward to your email mate.

To tell you the truth the more I think about it after seeing everyone's words here, the more comfortable I would think I will be as a 30 year old as opposed to going to college as the awkward 18 year old I was.

I told my best friend and one of my brothers as well about this plan - and neither of them were surprised.

My best mate actually said it'll be a great thing considering how I've been since leaving the Army, and how I speak about going to Houston 6 times a day.

They both did crack the joke though about being the creeper older guy talking to young girls. And I really hope that isn't going to be the perception from others!

Thanks for the warning, I definitely think I will need the car because I'm not so sure I could deal with public transport again!



In addition, I think it'll be best to stay on campus so I can get the most out of the social experience of college. I did come across on the University of St. Thomas website the following:

UST offers two distinct residence halls. Guinan Hall is a “traditional” style residence hall for students of all classifications. Young Hall is an “apartment” style residence hall geared toward upper-class and non-traditional-aged students. Both halls have great amenities and activities that make on-campus living fun.

Do all universities have a couple of living options? Is there any pros/cons to one or the other?

 

I've had a look at the professions which could potentially grant an H1B visa and have narrowed down the list of courses.

However, is there any insight into how difficult it is to gain employment in the following professions:

- teacher (is there a greater need for EC-6, 4-8, 8-12 etc?)
- health care administration
- journalism

For instance, my brother is a high school teacher and he's taken the last year off from his current school after being there for 10 years, because he felt the need for a change of scenery - and there were multiple (9 in the span of 2 weeks) positions available for him.

I would ideally be looking for a career path that has the greatest potential to be sponsored for employment.