I want to study in the U.S - But I need your help!

[Vermillion]

Hey, Reborn! Vermillion here.

As my info states, I live in Brazil. But I don't want to! This place really blows!

So, the topic's name speaks for itself. I want to study on the U.S, so that I might get a good curriculum, good experiences, easier access to things, and also enjoy better overall quality of life...

But I need your help... Because I don't know what to do!

I mean, most of it.

I know some places that offer me what I want , but not the way I can get to those places, that's the problem. I'm another creative person, market on the rise, so what I'm looking for are the great Digital Art courses, and I've seen that I can get that at the following institutions.

UC San Diego

Caltech

University of Southern California

Drexel

MIT

NYU

Gnomon

But I don't know everything, so ANY INFORMATION would be greatly appreciated!

I'm confident enough in my abilities to try for a good SAT score, and I've studied English for a really long time, getting a diploma that proves my fluency, but what else would make me a better pick? What could I check, Who could I ask?

How hard is it to grab a half-decent job up there? What about places to stay?

I just want to go away from this place, and actually have a chance to have a good career doing what I want to do, and otherwise won't be able to do by staying around this unsafe hole filled with people that have no standards.

Here, you're either a Lawyer, a Doctor, an Engineer, or poor.

So I'm gonna go out on a whim and trust the "Land of opportunity" slogan. I have the resources, I have the dedication... I just need some help, and I trust you guys can provide me with said help.

Thanks in advance!

Vermillion ~

[Ysera]

Fucking hivemind

[Huggyboo]

In my opinion the US is poop and you should keep heading north to Canada, the land of Lumber and Bacon. But to the topic at hand, what kind of digital arts are you looking at? Like graphic design, simulation, animation, what?

[NeoDarklight]

Canada is actually a LOT harder to get into than the US, and you need to be fluent in both French and English to live there, to my knowledge.

The fact that you are fluent in both English and Portuguese really helps your case in terms of job hunting, as the mere fact that you are officially bilingual helps your resume tremendously. As for places to stay, I don't live anywhere NEAR where you want to go, so I can't help you in the immediate future, but for further down the line, I might be able to help.

If you want to live here in the US as a citizen, you are going to have to study up HARD on our government and history, moreso than natural-born citizens. Part of the citizenship test is 10 questions randomly picked from a pool of 100 questions on that topic. I believe you can find these questions online. The diploma proving your fluency in English helps significantly in that regard as well, as that's another thing that's on the test.

If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

EDIT: Is it okay if I let people on other forums I frequent know of your plight? I'll provide a link to here if necessary.

Edited September 10, 2013 by NeoDarklight

[Maelstrom]

From from what I remember, universities love having international students. But you're still gonna need scholarships and money. None of the places you're looking at are cheap. And cost of living in California is relatively high.

[Vermillion]

EDIT: Is it okay if I let people on other forums I frequent know of your plight? I'll provide a link to here if necessary.

Sure! Every kind of help would be great!

In my opinion the US is poop and you should keep heading north to Canada, the land of Lumber and Bacon. But to the topic at hand, what kind of digital arts are you looking at? Like graphic design, simulation, animation, what?

Graphic Design and Animation, yes.

From from what I remember, universities love having international students. But you're still gonna need scholarships and money. None of the places you're looking at are cheap. And cost of living in California is relatively high.

Oh, yeah, I've heard about that. I'm lucky enough to have the resources to defray the costs.

OH, and also, It's not just Cali I have my eyes on, ANY opportunity I can get would be great.

[NeoDarklight]

Posted your plight here on the rather obscure Muse Gate RP's Tavern (general chat) forum, and here on the MUCH more well known MSPA General Chat forum. Hopefully, we'll be hearing responses soon.

EDIT: First response from the Muse Gate forums-

Gaelri: The first thing PotN will need to do is check up on US immigration policies, given the desire to live, work, and study in the States.

http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Defense/Citizenship.shtml

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis

I will continue editing this post as I hear more responses.

EDIT 2: It seems it cuts out the names when I try to quote them, so I'll modify the quotes a little to include their usernames.

Edited September 10, 2013 by NeoDarklight

[Wish]

I mean I hate to state the obvious, but you should really big through the school websites. Find someone to e-mail that can explain. School websites have a bunch of information. I would try to stay away from big cities though: you might go through some culture shock being thrown into a city and schools near cities are normally more money.

[Huggyboo]

Check out this site:

http://www.animationcareerreview.com/articles/top-100-schools-animation-gaming-and-design?page=0,0

Not all of them are just in the US, but most seem to be. You can then look on the school site itself and see whether it's for you or within your price range.

[Vermillion]

I mean I hate to state the obvious, but you should really big through the school websites. Find someone to e-mail that can explain. School websites have a bunch of information. I would try to stay away from big cities though: you might go through some culture shock being thrown into a city and schools near cities are normally more money.

Haha, well, that wouldn't be any sort of shock to me, I've gone there on a 2 month exchange and didn't feel that much of a difference other than the fact things are way cheaper and the cities seem to be very flat, with little to no ups or downs, which makes it easier to navigate. I've lived nearly all of my years in Brazil's urban center, the Global City of São Paulo, so big cities and high costs are things I'm pretty used to.

Oh, and btw, your forum avatar is overloading with cuteness!

Edited September 11, 2013 by Princess Luna

[Vermillion]

Check out this site:

http://www.animationcareerreview.com/articles/top-100-schools-animation-gaming-and-design?page=0,0

Not all of them are just in the US, but most seem to be. You can then look on the school site itself and see whether it's for you or within your price range.

. Oh GOD YES SHERIDAN, that place, although hosting one of the hardest, most smothering courses ever, gives you one of the strongest diplomas in the digital arts world.... Thanks for the list!

Posted your plight here on the rather obscure Muse Gate RP's Tavern (general chat) forum, and here on the MUCH more well known MSPA General Chat forum. Hopefully, we'll be hearing responses soon.

EDIT: First response from the Muse Gate forums-

I will continue editing this post as I hear more responses.

EDIT 2: It seems it cuts out the names when I try to quote them, so I'll modify the quotes a little to include their usernames.

Also, to respond to the very useful and friendly responses on Muse Gate:

I (by no means trying to be arrogant) am pretty confident about my academic skills, dedication, and am also lucky enough to be able to deal with the expenses around that range. Also, I realize that the whole process is easier said than done, but with enough dedication and tenacity, I believe I can make it. Still, help is always welcome, though it's more about the overall process of studying abroad than anything on a personal level. Once again, I have no intention of being arrogant, I always feel like I need to clarify this to clear out any misunderstandings.

Though, It's not out of ones place to question why I'd want to leave the " tropical wonderland, land of carnaval, samba, happiness, fun and freedom". First of all, I'll confirm that this is a great place to visit, with a lot of interesting landscapes and touristic attractions(Although I recommend against giving our government any more money), but fact is, living here SUCKS. It's FAR from ever being called safe, the taxes we're charged are absurdly abusive for a country that gives nothing back to its people other than the popular brazilian circus, or football (The worst part about this is that people are ok with being economically abused as long as they can watch their team play, and some even decide to go on kill or be killed crusades in the name of a bloody football team... But I digress.). Second of all, I've studied english on my own since I was 5, and to such extent that I find it easier and more comfortable for me to speak/write/think in english than in portuguese, and when I really think about it and several other factors combined, I don't see any reason to think this would be where I belong. Ranging from a racist, homophobic and sexist pastor being the PRESIDENT OF THE ETHICS COUNCIL, which somehow passes the "GAY CURE" project, to hearing a "national idol" like Ronaldo say, when the people ask for better quality of life on the streets, holding up signs for their ideals and demands, for better work conditions for our teachers, that are paid hardly enough to sustain themselves, more hospitals and better work conditions for our doctors, that " You don't make a World Cup with hospitals or investing on them. You make them with stadiums and thats where the cash should really be flowing." Gods, I'm really going out on a tangent here... It's kinda hard for me to talk about the place even on a minor level and not rant about it, sorry.

Anyway, this tablet isn't the best for typing and I'm currently a little drowsy because my sleep schedule is pretty messed up, so I apologize for any typos or grammar failures.

Edited September 11, 2013 by Princess Luna

[Fiammazure]

Well if I were to study for US schools, I'd mainly aim for Columbus.Uni cause it's the only place I can live in without caring about other things.

Also since I'm french I need additional diplomas such as Ielts or Toefls. e_e

But I heard the registering fee is high too

[Lunaethetic]

Most Southern California schools have a massive waiting list (particularly UCSD, which also has a very good art program). Just something to keep in mind!

Source: I live in San Diego d: