What No One Tells You About Studying in the U.S.

In this informative conversation, Charity Abena Smiling shares her full journey, from securing 100% funding with zero application fees to navigating the visa denial and approval process, dealing with mental health challenges as an international student, and the real struggles of finding work during Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. She opens up about the highs and lows of her experience, offering honest advice and key insights every international student should know before coming to the U.S. Whether you're just starting your study abroad journey or preparing for life after graduation, this video serves as a complete guide to help you avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions. Video Chapters: 0:00:00 – Intro 0:02:12 – How She Got Full Funding and Paid No Application Fees 0:09:20 – Her First U.S. Visa Denial Experience 0:12:15 – Visa Approval: What Changed the Second Time 0:21:40 – Traveling to the US as an International Student 0:27:40 – What She Wishes She Knew Before Coming to the U.S. 0:42:10 – Mental Health Struggles and How She Coped 0:50:15 – Working at a TV Station in the US 0:52:39 – Founding an Association, Other Works, and How That Helped Me Get Full Funding 1:01:36 – Study Abroad Tips and Recommended U.S. Schools 1:08:57 – How to Make Your Graduate School Applications Competitive 1:12:41 – Navigating the OPT Process After Graduation and Big Tips to Get a Job 1:37:09 – Final Words of Encouragement #studyabroad #scholarship #f1visaInterview #usvisa #studentvisa #internationalstudents #graduateschool #fundingopportunities #studyintheUSA ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 🎯 How to connect with Abena 🔗: LinkedIn:   / charityodarkwa   TikTok:   / abenasmiling   ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 🎯 How to connect with me (All links) 🔗: https://linktr.ee/shaipod ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 🎯 Check out these playlists ▶️ : 🎙️ The ShaiPod:    • The ShaiPod   ✈️ Study Abroad:    • Study Abroad   🌍 Living Abroad:    • Living Abroad   🇺🇸 Visa Interview:    • Visa Interview   ✈️ Full Scholarships/Assistantships Guide:    • Full Scholarships/Assistantships Guide   📜 Application Materials:    • Application Materials   📝 Big Information/Advice:    • Big Information/Advice   📚 Being a Student:    • Being a Student   💰 Internships & Jobs After School:    • Internships & Jobs After School   ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ study abroad, study in usa, study abroad success story, us visa interview experience, study abroad tips, how to study in usa, student visa usa, graduate school usa, scholarship usa, study abroad journey, african student in usa, student in usa, university admission tips, statement of purpose tips, sop for masters, how to get funding for masters, teaching assistant funding usa, rejected university application, study abroad motivation, international student visa interview, studying in america, international student life usa, study abroad interview, visa approval story, how to get admission in usa