#Study in US

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

I love you Safety Wizard.

(Inspired by @keroascrazy)

[theboxfort]

Peace and love

[asgardian--angels]

Planet's Fucked: What Can You Do To Help? (Long Post)

Since nobody is talking about the existential threat to the climate and the environment a second Trump term/Republican government control will cause, which to me supersedes literally every other issue, I wanted to just say my two cents, and some things you can do to help. I am a conservation biologist, whose field was hit substantially by the first Trump presidency. I study wild bees, birds, and plants.

In case anyone forgot what he did last time, he gagged scientists' ability to talk about climate change, he tried zeroing budgets for agencies like the NOAA, he attempted to gut protections in the Endangered Species Act (mainly by redefining 'take' in a way that would allow corporations to destroy habitat of imperiled species with no ramifications), he tried to do the same for the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (the law that offers official protection for native non-game birds), he sought to expand oil and coal extraction from federal protected lands, he shrunk the size of multiple national preserves, HE PULLED US OUT OF THE PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT, and more.

We are at a crucial tipping point in being able to slow the pace of climate change, where we decide what emissions scenario we will operate at, with existential consequences for both the environment and people. We are also in the middle of the Sixth Mass Extinction, with the rate of species extinctions far surpassing background rates due completely to human actions. What we do now will determine the fate of the environment for hundreds or thousands of years - from our ability to grow key food crops (goodbye corn belt! I hated you anyway but), to the pressure on coastal communities that will face the brunt of sea level rise and intensifying extreme weather events, to desertification, ocean acidification, wildfires, melting permafrost (yay, outbreaks of deadly frozen viruses!), and a breaking down of ecosystems and ecosystem services due to continued habitat loss and species declines, especially insect declines. The fact that the environment is clearly a low priority issue despite the very real existential threat to so many people, is beyond my ability to understand. I do partly blame the public education system for offering no mandatory environmental science curriculum or any at all in most places. What it means is that it will take the support of everyone who does care to make any amount of difference in this steeply uphill battle.

There are not enough environmental scientists to solve these issues, not if public support is not on our side and the majority of the general public is either uninformed or actively hostile towards climate science (or any conservation science).

So what can you, my fellow Americans, do to help mitigate and minimize the inevitable damage that lay ahead?

I'm not going to tell you to recycle more or take shorter showers. I'll be honest, that stuff is a drop in the bucket. What does matter on the individual level is restoring and protecting habitat, reducing threats to at-risk species, reducing pesticide use, improving agricultural practices, and pushing for policy changes. Restoring CONNECTIVITY to our landscape - corridors of contiguous habitat - will make all the difference for wildlife to be able to survive a changing climate and continued human population expansion.

**Caveat that I work in the northeast with pollinators and birds so I cannot provide specific organizations for some topics, including climate change focused NGOs. Scientists on tumblr who specialize in other fields, please add your own recommended resources. **

We need two things: FUNDING and MANPOWER.

You may surprised to find that an insane amount of conservation work is carried out by volunteers. We don't ever have the funds to pay most of the people who want to help. If you really really care, consider going into a conservation-related field as a career. It's rewarding, passionate work.

At the national level, please support:

The Nature Conservancy

Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

Cornell Lab of Ornithology (including eBird)

National Audubon Society

Federal Duck Stamps (you don't need to be a hunter to buy one!)

These first four work to acquire and restore critical habitat, change environmental policy, and educate the public. There is almost certainly a Nature Conservancy-owned property within driving distance of you. Xerces plays a very large role in pollinator conservation, including sustainable agriculture, native bee monitoring programs, and the Bee City/Bee Campus USA programs. The Lab of O is one of the world's leaders in bird research and conservation. Audubon focuses on bird conservation. You can get annual memberships to these organizations and receive cool swag and/or a subscription to their publications which are well worth it. You can also volunteer your time; we need thousands of volunteers to do everything from conducting wildlife surveys, invasive species removal, providing outreach programming, managing habitat/clearing trails, planting trees, you name it. Federal Duck Stamps are the major revenue for wetland conservation; hunters need to buy them to hunt waterfowl but anyone can get them to collect!

THERE ARE DEFINITELY MORE, but these are a start.

Additionally, any federal or local organizations that seek to provide support and relief to those affected by hurricanes, sea level rise, any form of coastal climate change...

At the regional level:

These are a list of topics that affect major regions of the United States. Since I do not work in most of these areas I don't feel confident recommending specific organizations, but please seek resources relating to these as they are likely major conservation issues near you.

PRAIRIE CONSERVATION & PRAIRIE POTHOLE WETLANDS

DRYING OF THE COLORADO RIVER (good overview video linked)

PROTECTION OF ESTUARIES AND SALTMARSH, ESPECIALLY IN THE DELAWARE BAY AND LONG ISLAND (and mangroves further south, everglades etc; this includes restoring LIVING SHORELINES instead of concrete storm walls; also check out the likely-soon extinction of saltmarsh sparrows)

UNDAMMING MAJOR RIVERS (not just the Colorado; restoring salmon runs, restoring historic floodplains)

NATIVE POLLINATOR DECLINES (NOT honeybees. for fuck's sake. honeybees are non-native domesticated animals. don't you DARE get honeybee hives to 'save the bees')

WILDLIFE ALONG THE SOUTHERN BORDER (support the Mission Butterfly Center!)

INVASIVE PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES (this is everywhere but the specifics will differ regionally, dear lord please help Hawaii)

LOSS OF WETLANDS NATIONWIDE (some states have lost over 90% of their wetlands, I'm looking at you California, Ohio, Illinois)

INDUSTRIAL AGRICULTURE, esp in the CORN BELT and CALIFORNIA - this is an issue much bigger than each of us, but we can work incrementally to promote sustainable practices and create habitat in farmland-dominated areas. Support small, local farms, especially those that use soil regenerative practices, no-till agriculture, no pesticides/Integrated Pest Management/no neonicotinoids/at least non-persistent pesticides. We need more farmers enrolling in NRCS programs to put farmland in temporary or permanent wetland easements, or to rent the land for a 30-year solar farm cycle. We've lost over 99% of our prairies to corn and soybeans. Let's not make it 100%.

INDIGENOUS LAND-BACK EFFORTS/INDIGENOUS LAND MANAGEMENT/TEK (adding this because there have been increasing efforts not just for reparations but to also allow indigenous communities to steward and manage lands either fully independently or alongside western science, and it would have great benefits for both people and the land; I know others on here could speak much more on this. Please platform indigenous voices)

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS (get your neighbors to stop dumping fertilizers on their lawn next to lakes, reduce agricultural runoff)

OCEAN PLASTIC (it's not straws, it's mostly commercial fishing line/trawling equipment and microplastics)

A lot of these are interconnected. And of course not a complete list.

At the state and local level:

You probably have the most power to make change at the local level!

Support or volunteer at your local nature centers, local/state land conservancy non-profits (find out who owns&manages the preserves you like to hike at!), state fish & game dept/non-game program, local Audubon chapters (they do a LOT). Participate in a Christmas Bird Count!

Join local garden clubs, which install and maintain town plantings - encourage them to use NATIVE plants. Join a community garden!

Get your college campus or city/town certified in the Bee Campus USA/Bee City USA programs from the Xerces Society

Check out your state's official plant nursery, forest society, natural heritage program, anything that you could become a member of, get plants from, or volunteer at.

Volunteer to be part of your town's conservation commission, which makes decisions about land management and funding

Attend classes or volunteer with your land grant university's cooperative extension (including master gardener programs)

Literally any volunteer effort aimed at improving the local environment, whether that's picking up litter, pulling invasive plants, installing a local garden, planting trees in a city park, ANYTHING. make a positive change in your own sphere. learn the local issues affecting your nearby ecosystems. I guarantee some lake or river nearby is polluted

MAKE HABITAT IN YOUR COMMUNITY. Biggest thing you can do. Use plants native to your area in your yard or garden. Ditch your lawn. Don't use pesticides (including mosquito spraying, tick spraying, Roundup, etc). Don't use fertilizers that will run off into drinking water. Leave the leaves in your yard. Get your school/college to plant native gardens. Plant native trees (most trees planted in yards are not native). Remove invasive plants in your yard.

On this last point, HERE ARE EASY ONLINE RESOURCES TO FIND NATIVE PLANTS and LEARN ABOUT NATIVE GARDENING:

Xerces Society Pollinator Conservation Resource Center

Pollinator Pathway

Audubon Native Plant Finder

Homegrown National Park (and Doug Tallamy's other books)

National Wildlife Federation Native Plant Finder (clunky but somewhat helpful)

Heather Holm (for prairie/midwest/northeast)

MonarchGard w/ Benjamin Vogt (for prairie/midwest)

Native Plant Trust (northeast & mid-atlantic)

Grow Native Massachusetts (northeast)

Habitat Gardening in Central New York (northeast)

There are many more - I'm not familiar with resources for western states. Print books are your biggest friend. Happy to provide a list of those.

Lastly, you can help scientists monitor species using citizen science. Contribute to iNaturalist, eBird, Bumblebee Watch, or any number of more geographically or taxonomically targeted programs (for instance, our state has a butterfly census carried out by citizen volunteers).

In short? Get curious, get educated, get involved. Notice your local nature, find out how it's threatened, and find out who's working to protect it that you can help with. The health of the planet, including our resilience to climate change, is determined by small local efforts to maintain and restore habitat. That is how we survive this. When government funding won't come, when we're beat back at every turn trying to get policy changed, it comes down to each individual person creating a safe refuge for nature.

Thanks for reading this far. Please feel free to add your own credible resources and organizations.

[nobody-expects-the-inquisitorius]

Hey, historian here. No such thing as a """Roman salute""". Ever. In any record of Roman history.

🙃

[experteducationglobal]

STEM OPT Extension: Boost Your Career After Graduation in USA

The STEM optional practical training facility helps students to get practical experience in their chosen career field. There are diverse career fields you can explore as a student after graduating in the USA.

[evgar]

i need them badly

[fls-international]

About FLS Boston Commons

One of America’s most attractive cities, Boston offers a unique blend of historical sites, such as the fascinating Freedom Trail, and modern attractions, like the innovative Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Considered America’s education capital, Boston hosts the world’s largest college student population. Prestigious universities such as Harvard, MIT, Tufts, and the University of Massachusetts are just a few of the many educational institutions in and around the city. Boston is also home to some of the best sports teams in the nation, giving students an opportunity to catch the Red Sox at Fenway Park or experience American football at a New England Patriots game. 

Our Boston Commons center is ideally located in the bustling Downtown district, overlooking America’s oldest park, Boston Common, which residents consider to be the heart and pulse of the city. Students can step outside to hop on the subway at the conveniently located Government Center station or stroll across the street for a quick bite or shopping trip in Quincy Market. 

Our partner agreements with numerous nearby colleges and universities give students many options for pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree after completing their studies at Boston Commons.

Why Study at FLS International Boston Commons?

Small class sizes ensure individual student attention

College and university placement assistance at no additional charge

Programs using the immersion method of language instruction emphasizing spoken English

Structured Pathway programs to effectively prepare students for college entrance

Eighteen levels of English study

Expert academic counselors

Accreditation by CEA (Commission on English Language Program Accreditation)

Centers located in safe and secure environments

Monthly Language Extension Day, letting students use their English in new settings

Highly qualified teaching staff with all faculty holding Master’s Degrees or TESOL credentials

Programs Offered

General English

Intensive English

Academic English

TOEFL Preparation

Executive Business

English

Concurrent Enrollment

High School Completion

Discover Boston

[dangeroustaintedflawed]

[vhalesa]

Perspective exercise but with snoms

[henrymarkus]

Dreaming of an exciting study abroad adventure? Look no further than the USA! Walk International brings you the ultimate guide on why the US should be your top choice:

✨ World-Class Education: Immerse yourself in prestigious universities known for academic excellence and groundbreaking research.

Diverse Programs: Explore countless programs across all disciplines, from cutting-edge tech to sought-after business degrees.

Global Network: Build lifelong connections with talented peers and esteemed faculty from around the world.

Innovation Hub: Be at the forefront of discovery. The USA is a leader in research and development, offering unique experiences.

Vibrant Campus Life: Discover a dynamic social scene with clubs, activities, and events to fuel your passions.

Ready to unlock your full potential?

Head over to Walk International's blog post to explore these reasons further and get started on your US study abroad journey!

[mapmystudypacasia]

Study Abroad Consultants: Study in the UK

Study Abroad Consultants: Study in the USA

Choosing the ideal destination for your higher education involves considering various factors. Whether it's prioritizing quality education, economic opportunities, or seeking a cost-effective option, every student deserves access to the right information to make informed decisions about their study destination. This is where consulting with study abroad advisors becomes crucial. A reputable consultancy, well-versed in the nuances of international education, can provide invaluable assistance.

MapMyStudy stands as a trusted name in the study abroad arena, boasting over 25 years of experience in guiding students towards overseas education and student mobility. With a deep understanding of the industry, we are committed to addressing students' needs and helping them navigate the complexities of studying abroad.

MapMyStudy brings you closer to your USA dream.

- No i20 Deposit* - SAT/ GMAT/ GRE Waivers* - Quick Offer Letter

Talk to our expert counsellors at 88004-07108 / 8287309226 To register visit: https://www.mapmystudy.com/

Are you looking for Study in the USA? - Make a brilliant career in the country of your choice. Get Study abroad expert advice for personalized guidance at every step

Do visit- https://www.mapmystudy.com/usa-student-visa-study-permit-consultants

[bluegiragi]

i think simon's hair would get pretty scruffy when it grows out on leave...

(speedpaint under the cut!)

[notgreengardens]

[experteducationglobal]

Optional Practical Training: Work Opportunity for Students in the US and how to acquire it

OPT is a temporary job opportunity for international students studying in the U.S. on an F1 visa. It can last for 12 months and can be taken before or after completing your degree, but any work done before completing your studies will reduce the total 12-month period available post-graduation.

What is the eligibility for obtaining an OPT?

Any F1 student with a valid F1-student status pursuing a degree for one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that has been certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will be eligible to obtain up to 12 months of OPT work authorization.

The student must fulfil these conditions to be eligible for obtaining an OPT:

Maintain a valid F1 status at the time of application.

Be enrolled on a full-time course in the US that lasts for a minimum of one academic year.

Be physically present in the United States when the student submits the application by mail or online.

How to be eligible for F1 status as a non-citizen student?

For obtaining a F1 status:

You must hold the qualification to pursue a complete course of study.

You must enter the U.S temporarily solely to pursue a full-time course of study (for at least one academic year) at an institution that has received certification from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)to admit non-immigrant students.

You must hold a foreign residence with no intention of abandoning it.

You should hold a certificate of eligibility for Non-immigrant student status (Form I-20) issued by your DSO (designated school official).

You should hold sufficient funds to support yourself during the course.

You need to provide proof that you have paid the SEVIS fee on payment of Fee Remittance for F, J and M non-immigrants if applicable (form I-901). 

What are the types of OPT? 

You are eligible to receive OPT authorization only in your major study course.

As an F1 student, you will be eligible for three types of OPT:

1. Pre-completion OPT

Once you have been lawfully admitted to a full-time academic course (a minimum of 1-year course) at a university, college, seminary or conservatory certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for enrollment in F1 students, you can apply for pre-completion OPT. 

Even if you have not had the F1 status for the full academic year, you can fulfil this requirement with any other non-immigrant status you may have held during your academic period. Once you receive the pre-completion OPT authorization, you can work 20 hours a week when your school is in session and full-time when your school is not in session.

2. Post-completion OPT

You can apply for post-completion OPT only after completing your degree. You can work part-time (20 hours per week) or full-time if you are permitted for the same.

3. STEM OPT Extension

If you have graduated in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), you are eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT employment period. You need to fulfil these conditions to apply for the same:

You are an F1 student who has received a STEM degree included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List (PDF).

You are under an employer who is enrolled in and using E-Verify.

You have already received a post-completion OPT employment authorization based on your STEM degree.

How to apply for OPT?

To apply for OPT:

You need to request the DSO (Designated School Official) of your academic institution to recommend you for OPT. By endorsing your form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status and making the suitable notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), your DSO can make the required recommendation for your OPT. 

Properly file the Form I-765 application for employment authorization with USCIS. You can provide this form along with the prescribed fee and supporting documents mentioned clearly in the instruction form.

What are the timing considerations to obtain OPT?

There are different timelines to consider while applying for the multiple types of OPT, depending on whether you are a STEM student or a non-STEM student.

For STEM students:

1.  For pre-completion OPT

Apply after your DSO enters your OPT recommendation into the SEVIS record.

You can apply up to 90 days before completing a full academic year, only if you do not start your OPT employment before you complete a full academic year.

2. For initial post-completion OPT

After your DSO enters your OPT recommendation into the SEVIS record, apply within a period of thirty days.

You may also apply up to ninety days before your degree is complete and within a maximum of sixty days after completion of the degree.

3. For STEM OPT extension

Apply within sixty days after your DSO enters your OPT recommendation into the SEVIS record.

You may also apply up to ninety days before the expiry date of your OPT employment authorization.

For NON-STEM students:

1.  For pre-completion OPT

After your DSO registers your OPT recommendation into the SEVIS record, you can apply for it.

If you do not start your OPT employment before you complete a full academic year, you can apply up to 90 days before completing a full academic year.

2.  For post-completion OPT

After your DSO enters your OPT recommendation into the SEVIS record, apply within a period of thirty days.

You may also apply up to ninety days before your degree is complete and within a maximum of sixty days after completion of your degree.

Some other important points to keep in mind:

Transferring to a different school or beginning study at a different educational level

If you either transfer to another institution or begin your study at another educational level. For instance, your OTP authorization will be terminated automatically if you started your master’s degree after completing your bachelor’s degree.

Eligibility for CAP-GAP extension

If you are an F1 student who has filed on time an H-1 B petition and a request for a change of status, and your F1 status and OTP authorization expires before the change of status to H-1B occurs, you will be eligible for a CAP GAP Extension.

Limited unemployment

Non-STEM post-completion OPT students can accrue a maximum of 90 days of unemployment cumulatively.

STEM post-completion OPT students can accrue a maximum of 150 days of unemployment cumulatively

Volunteer work and unpaid internships in OPT

For the initial 12-month post-completion OPT period, you can report even volunteering and unpaid internship work in SEVIS as valid OPT employment. The volunteering or training opportunity has to comply with all the state labour laws and applicable federal laws. The Department of Labour website contains a set of criteria and resources to evaluate what constitutes valid employment (if the unpaid internship or volunteer activity is legitimate).

Applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a brilliant way for students to enhance their practical skills and knowledge, and prepare themselves for the professional world. It provides a huge competitive edge over any other student who has not received the same. With proper planning and applying at the right time, you can successfully apply for OPT.