Okay, you’re a Nigerian scholar with bigger dreams of studying and working in America? Great! Ignore the illusion that only wealthy kids study abroad. There are genuine and free avenues for outstanding Nigerian scholars like yourself to make that happen.
This is how you can find legitimate, zero-cost routes to study and work in America, nail those applications, and position yourself for success.
1. Scholarship Gold Mines for Nigerian scholars
There are numerous scholarships out there just waiting for Nigerian scholars eager to pursue their bachelor’s, master’s, or even doctorate in America. Some of the most well-liked ones are:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Oh, come on, it is a very big deal. Your school fees, air fare, living allowance, and medical insurance are all covered by the American government if you are doing your Master’s or Ph.D. You need to be an outstanding scholar and demonstrate that you are a leader. Applications are processed by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria.
- The United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships: If you are a younger scholar, that is, in high school, then read on. There are UWC campuses in the U.S., and if you get a scholarship, then you are eligible to apply to American colleges after you graduate.
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program: They collaborate with the top universities in the U.S. to sponsor top African scholars. This means everything: tuition fees, accommodation, travel, textbooks – the whole package. They are looking for those who will be leaders, do good in their communities, and come back to Africa to give back.
2. Target U.S. Universities That Offer Serious Aid
An interesting fact here: there are some U.S. universities that don’t mind if you can afford it or not. They accept you based on how intelligent you are, and then they provide you with sufficient funds to cover what your parents can’t.
Some of the best U.S. universities for their scholarship to international scholars:
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Princeton University
- MIT
- Amherst College
These colleges are tough to get accepted into, no doubt. But if you’re a Nigerian scholar who is basically a rock star with great grades, test scores, and activities, you’ve actually got a chance.
3. Take Advantage of Free Guidance from EducationUSA
EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State center, and their mission is to assist scholars all over the world who want to study in the States. They have facilities in Lagos, Abuja, and other locations in Nigeria.
They offer services such as:
- Helping to choose the right U.S. universities
- Help to find scholarships and write those horrible essays
- Preparing for the TOEFL, SAT, and GR
- Visa guidance and departure checklist
The best part? It’s free or almost free.
4. Explore Exchange Programs Like the Mandela Washington Fellowship
You’re a young professional or a young scholar(age 25-35)? The Mandela Washington Fellowship is what you need. The U.S. government funds it under the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)
- Six weeks of leadership training and professional development in the U.S.
- Networking, cultural learning, and a chance to keep learning after the program
It’s great if you want to build leadership skills, professional experience, and education in America.
Working in the U.S. While You Study (Legally!)
Since you’re an international scholar, you can work in the U.S., but there are rules. To learn about them will help you earn money and get experience.
Legal work options:
- On-Campus Work: Most F-1 visa scholars can work a maximum of 20 hours of their week on campus in the cafeteria, research assistantship, or library.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): It permits you to work or internship off campus if it is related to your degree. You will need authorization from your college international student office.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): You are allowed to work upon graduation in your field of practice for one year. If you are in a STEM field (science, tech, engineering, or math), you can have two more.
Big tip: Never break visa laws. It may destroy your status as a scholar.
Avoid Scams and Fraud!
Unluckily, Nigerian scholars are often scammed with scholarships or visa offers. To be on the safe side, follow these tips:
- Only use genuine government or university websites.
- Never pay an individual who guarantees you a visa or admission to college.
- Always use reliable sources such as EducationUSA and the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria.
Quick Tips for Success
- Get an Early Start: Get in at least a year early.
- Knock Your Studies Out of the Park: Get phenomenal grades and ace those benchmark tests (SAT, GRE, TOEFL).
- Pen a Superb Essay: Describe your aspirations, leadership skills, and what you are going to do.
- Obtain Superb Recommendation Letters: Ask for recommendation letters from teachers or mentors who are familiar with you.
- Be in the Know: Make use of scholarship groups on social media and look out for news from embassies.
Conclusion
There you have it. It’s no fantasy for Nigerian scholars to work and study in the U.S. without a problem. Provided you play your cards well, it is definitely possible. From exchange programs to lawful immigration channels of working and even scholarships, there are a couple ways to accomplish the feat on a shoestring. Be shrewd, be persistent, employ the resources in your favor, and you’ll be halfway to a higher education in the United States of America.
Ready to make it happen? Your adventure begins today!
