Scholarships

Here is the list of resources that can help with financial barriers.

External Scholarships

Last Mile Education Fund: This scholarship is available for STEM students. My last semester was fully covered because of this scholarship. Here is the link to apply. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Wade Scholarship: This is a full ride scholarship available for African American and other black applicants of African descent with a bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline pursuing their master’s degree in STEM. Scholars receive full funding for master's-level coursework (3.3 semesters if on the semester system, or 5 quarters if on the quarter system). The scholarships pay the full cost of tuition, on campus housing, a food allowance, instructional supplies, other academic expenses, a small stipend, and round-trip transportation, to an engineering master's degree program within the Top 30 US graduate schools of engineering (US News & World Report ranking) Here is the link for more information.

Acxiom Diversity Scholarship: This scholarship is available yearly for STEM students. It is always forwarded to our school email during the fall. Watch out for your email or follow Acxiom on LinkedIn to get notified once application open.

UCA Scholarships

Global Citizen Scholarship: https://uca.edu/global/gcs/

APSEC Program: The APSEC program is a scholarship program that supports international students who do not qualify for, or receive, other institutional scholarships or financial aid sufficient to attend the university or continue their education. Here is the link for more.


Jobs

Here is the list of resources that helped me secure an internship and a full time job.

Internships

Tjuana Bryd Internship Program: This program offers a 10-week summer internship program for women of color attending college in Arkansas and pursuing degrees in STEM. Here is the link to their website. Application for the program opens December every year.

Career Fair: UCA career services host career fairs with a large group of employers every semester for students searching for employment opportunities. They also give out free professional attire once an academic year. Emails are sent to students if career fairs are coming up each semester. Watch for emails or flyers!

LinkedIn:

  • Creating a LinkedIn profile has helped me build a digital network with prospective employers
  • Here are a few popular companies that hire international students: Acxiom, Walmart, Tyson Foods, First Orion, WindStream, etc. Look them on LinkedIn, find their recruiter, prepare an elevator pitch and send it to them.
  • Network and put yourself out there.

    • Career Services: They help provide students with career development opportunities. You can visit them if you are searching for a part-time or full-time job on/off campus. They also help with creating resumes, cover letters, and mock interviews. Their office is on the 2nd floor in Bernard Hall right by Student Center.

    Jobs On Campus

  • Create an handshake profile. Oncampus and offcampus jobs are always posted there.
  • Visit the department you want to work for. There are some jobs that aren't always posted but may be available.
  • Check your emails regularly. UCA Employers sends email if there's any job opening on-campus
  • Always ask questions. What you don't ask, you don't know about.

    • Driving

    Below are the information that may be useful for you if you plan to drive in Conway. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

    1. DRIVING TEST
    1. Writing Portion(Knowledge Test): Before a written driver's license can begin, applicants must have 3 different form of identification. Here's the link to the checklist/accepted document. You can also schedule your written test via this link. You will need the manual to study for the written portion.
    2. Driving Test(On the Road): Here's the link to their website.
    2. GETTING A DRIVER'S LICENSE
    1. After passing the written portion, you will be given a Learner's Permit. UCA Global Engagement provided thorough explanation about the steps of obtaining a driver's license.
    2. Here's the address of the Arkansas Revenue Department in Conway: 2455 Washington Avenue #105, Conway Arkansas 72032.
    3. AFTER GETTING A VEHICLE
    1. Insurance
      2. Before you can register your car, you have to get an auto insurance on your vehicle. I use shelter insurance because it is very cheap and affordable. Below are more details about it:
      • Shelter Insurance - Roe Henderson. 1416 Prince St · (501) 327-3888

    2. Register your Vehicle
      1. First, assess your car at the Faulkner County assessor. You must bring a copy of the bill of sale and title.
        Address: 806 Faulkner St, Conway, AR 72034
      2. You can register your car in two ways: online or in-person at the Arkansas Revenue Department.
      3. After, your title and license plate will be mailed to you.
      4. iv. You will always have to renew your registration every year. They will send a reminder mail to your mailing address.
      5. You will have to renew your driver's license depending on the date of your i-20.
      6. Note that when you own a vehicle, you must also pay personal property taxes every year.


    Bank

    These resources has helped me to achieve my financial goals.

    Checking Account: Putting your money in a bank account provides financial safety and easy access to your funds, and you can quickly transfer money to family and friends. I prefer using Discover Bank checking account because they offer 1% cashback on your purchases, and there's no monthly fee required at all, regardless of age. Some other banks, like Bank of America, offer no monthly fee benefit to students, but once you graduate and if you are over 24 years old, they will start charging you a monthly fee. That is why I prefer Discover Bank. Here is the link to their website to apply for a checking account.

    Savings Account: Saving at least 10% of my money in case of emergency has helped me throughout my college years. It’s also beneficial because you earn more interest when you save your money in a savings account. Discover savings account and Synchrony Bank is a good saving tool for your funds. They both offer great APYs[Annual Percentage Yield], there’s no monthly fees or minimum deposit required for both banks. Here’s the link to Synchrony Bank and Discover Savings.

    Discover Student Loan: I took out student loan during my sophomore year. Remember that you would need a cosigner that is a U.S. Citizen or a green card holder. Here is the link.

    Tax Return

    International students are required to file both W2 and form 8843 if they are earning income. You are required to file only form 8843 if you’re not earning income.

    Where to file for free:

    1. Arkansas Asset Builders: This is a non-profit organization that files international student taxes for free. The Global engagement office will provide numerous on-campus sessions where students can come by the office to receive free assistance in filling their taxes as the tax season approaches. Here's the link to their website.

    2. getyourRefund App: Here's the link to their website.

    3. FreeTax USA: Here's the link to their website.

    Graduation Tips

    Faith

    I am a believer and a woman of Faith. Getting plugged into a church relieved me of the stress of being lonely in a different country. I was able to make new friends of my age and hang out with them. I get to meet people that we share the same struggle with and can be vulnerable with each other. Getting myself plugged in helped my spiritual and personal growth. This made my college life more enjoyable. I would recommend you give it a try too :) If you would love to get yourself plugged into a community of young adults and to meet people, I would advise you to visit a church! I attend New Life Church here in Conway. It’s a non-denominational church that welcomes all. If you need a ride, feel to reach out to me via my contact Here is the address: 633 S Country Club Rd, Conway, AR 72034