Consider this before moving to USA

[mandixon 9]

Maryland – So, you are coming to live in the United States of America. Welcome to the New World. It is going to be a transformative experience in many ways. Opportunities and challenges are waiting for you, but the four points addressed below are one way or another key to making your transition from Morocco to USA less stressful! However, if you are coming as a student, some of these tips may be irrelevant!

1- Money talks!

Secure some money before you leave Morocco. How much are we talking about here? In major American cities, you will probably need between $2,000 and $3,000 to survive for one month without any support. A one bedroom (in a shared apartment) costs between $400 and $700 in most U.S. cities. If you are lucky, you might find something cheaper, but it might come at a “high cost”– a shared basement in a crowded building, unsafe area, unclean apartment or irresponsible roommates, or all of the above.

2- Learn some English!

Your high school English isn’t enough. Take English classes in Morocco. Don’t delude yourself that you will do it in USA. Start studying English at least one year before you move to the U.S. You will not have enough time to study when you get here. You will be very busy and ESL classes here cost an arm and a leg. Remember: your English fluency will most likely determine the type of job that you will get.

The positive part is, however, most Americans tolerate poor English. You will rarely, if ever, be corrected by an American. Americans are different from many European countries. Most Americans are used to hearing all types of accents and deal, on daily basis, with all levels of fluency. So, relax, speak your mind and make mistakes…tons of mistakes…Americans will not grade you! Ironically, you might have a hard time with your fellow Moroccans instead. Some Moroccans love to grade and correct.

3- Do you have a Roof?

In most cases, immigrants secure a room or apartment through their friends or relatives who are already well-settled in USA. That’s good enough! But if you don’t know what to do about accommodation, go online. Craigslist.com is by far the best tool to find a place in your new city. It is free and packed with helpful ads. We rented all of our apartments in the past through CL.

4-Work?

Again, your friends and relatives might have recommendations for you. But if you aren’t lucky enough to find a job through a friend or a relative, you should do research in Morocco and start contacting job providers (craigslist.com might be helpful!). After you land in the USA, you could also enroll with an employment agency for a fee. I remember I got my first job at a New York city restaurant through an agency. You submit an application and pay around $100 and the agency connects you with potential employers based on your application/ resume. In fact, most employment agencies accept applications from people from all professional backgrounds!

As a new immigrant, it is important to have the support of your friends and family, but complete dependence on others for information and material help can be annoying, or even damaging to relationships. Developing your research and opportunity seeking skills will tremendously enhance your immigration experience!

Good luck!