THE IMMIGRANT VS. EXPATRIATE MINDSET.

 

How many of us go through life holding onto a belief that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before?

Each of us acts based on our personal mindsets. Think of mindset as the programming that runs in the background for all of us. Up to 95% of the decisions we make stem from our mindset, many times, unconsciously. It is only a few people who consciously seek to understand what influences them. 

A person’s mindset comprises their beliefs, values, self-talk, assumptions, mental models (how they view situations and the world) and principles.

If you are planning to study abroad, there are usually two mindsets you may be faced with.  They are the “Immigrant vs. Expatriate Mindset”

While both Immigrant and Expatriate alike, have moved from their home country to another country to live and work, they are not necessarily the same thing.

Put mildly, an Immigrant is looking out for what the host country can do for him while an Expatriate looks to add value to his host country.

Many students have an immigrant mindset. They are only concerned about leaving their home country for greener pastures.

Do not forget that your application is being reviewed by the school admission committee, and that you are competing alongside other prospective students from various backgrounds, families and countries.

Therefore, put your best foot forward.

You cannot afford to produce an application that places you in poor light. Do not sound like a victim (even though most scholarships accept requires people from marginalized and economically disadvantaged countries). 

Rather, speak of your experience and skills, as an expatriate seeking to offer your services for the betterment of the school system.

Here are the applications of two students, one with an immigrant mindset and the other with an expatriate mindset;

Student A: My name is xxxx xxxx from xxxx country. I completed my 1^st degree at xxxxxx State University. I am currently pursuing a one-year master’s degree at your prestigious University. I come from a family of seven. I lost my father at the age of nine, and it has been very difficult for my aged mother to cater to all of us. Getting this scholarship will be a great relief for me, as I no longer have to worry about discontinuing my education…….

Student B: My name is xxxx xxxx from xxxx country. I completed my 1^st degree at xxxxxx State University. I am currently pursuing a one-year master’s degree at your prestigious University. During my undergraduate years, I enrolled in several classes that crossover to the Architectural Engineering major because I want to have a comprehensive view of how design meets structure. I have worked on three extra-credit residential design projects under the supervision of my architecture professors (Dr. X and Dr. Y) to accelerate my research and education.

    I want to become an architect, so as to create accessible, affordable housing opportunities in underprivileged communities. I believe that getting this scholarship will provide me an opportunity to instructors who will sharpen my skills and learn best practices in meeting international standards while also providing solutions for people living in underserved places.

If you were a reviewer, whose application would catch your attention?

Student B, right.

Yes, that is an Expatriate Mindset at work.

“Your attempt may fail, but never fail to make an attempt”….Unknown

So, next time, you want to make your application, Be Confident and Go for Gold.

You have got all it takes.

So start now by attending our FREE Webinar