Advice For Overseas Students | Junaid Akram 

Having a skill definitely helps... there was this guy from India he was really good at playing a musical instrument. While studying abroad his side hustle was to tutor kids interested in playing that instrument. Usually only wealthy Indian families well settled would hire him. He always stayed back to have a chat with parents and offered to live performances at parties... he was able to leverage his skills to make connections... and went on to create multiple start up..

In May, my first study permit application was refused. I was so disappointed and disheartened that I had no idea how to absorb that rejection. I was getting flashbacks in my dreams as depression kicked in. One day I was scrolling through my feed in the early morning (3-4am) when Junaid Bhai's video regarding comparison between UAE (Yahan se jaanay ka ek din mukarrar hai) and Western Countries popped up. That video changed my mindset and I started preparing my application again a that very point in time and reapplied on the same day in a single sitting after spending hours in defending and responding to the objections of the Visa Officer. Five months passed by and I almost forgot about my application. On one morning I received request for medical leading to approval of my Study permit. I am flying to Canada in December now and here comes another super tip video. Sometimes, it takes one video that can change one's mindset. Thank you 🙏❤

I came ro UK in 2021. I worked in restaurants chain for 4 months and then in security for the rest of 7 months. I always preferred to build connection with Harry rather than Hamza. I did my best to explore and enhance my learning. Most of my other friends especially from Punjab, seemed like they just cane to UK, just to work in security and stick with that for the rest of life. For time being, it’s ok to work and survive, but to stick with than even if having everything, shows whats your mentality is. Even I used to work in security, very tough times, but always made sure I am continuously learning and engaging with Paul and Lucia as well. Those small engagements and exploration made me able to get my decent job in my respective field in just two weeks after submission of my dissertation. I wish everyone best. But yes, Indians especially South Indians are far far better and smarter than Pakistanis.

7:40 I completely agree. I got a placement year at University of Liverpool after my second year mechanical engineering. I was appointed as a research assistant where I conducted a study on contact lens materials which helped us model the behavior of soft contact lenses on the human eye. This placement year was not paid but the experience I got from working there was invaluable. I got to publish 2 peer-reviewed research papers (I authored one and was a co-author for the second) before I had even started my final year. After that, I applied for a job at one of UK's leading contact lens manufacturers, got selected because of my research work and experience in the industry and started my job as a contact lens design engineer 4 months before my graduation. I can't emphasize enough on the importance of work experience in the industry. My CEO only asked about the progress of my degree for around 5 minutes out of the 2 hour interview where he questioned my understanding of the industry. Almost 2 years later, I am taking a lead role in the R&D department and I hope to bring a few of our technologies and/or production to Pakistan in the future. I always tell my fellow desi friends to focus on getting industrial experience especially if they're from STEM fields, you can throw away your degree but no one can take away the wealth of practical experience you get when you actually get your hands dirty and apply what you learn in classroom to practical life. Khair bohot cassette chal gayi, this is just my personal experience I'd like to share if it can help anyone. If you are interested, here is the link for my publications: www.researchgate.net/profile/Ahmad-Shihab-3

Exactly, most of the students stuck themselves in such jobs they don't really explore. I would like to add another point that mostly students forget their main purpose of going there which is study I believe they should become expert in their particular field rather than doing what other millions of people are doing.I know sometimes you have to do such jobs as well but students should not do that permanently.

As an Indian, I have come across 3 types of Pakistani students: 1) Hard working students who come to study and do better. They are aware of their parents sacrifices and are ready to get educated and get good job. They make upto 10 %to 20 %. 2) Rich kids who come to study to become more attractive to future partners. They have money but need a degree stamp to get married to good family. These are around 40% to 50%. 3) These kids come to get educated but then get attracted to and part of Ummah things. All of a sudden they are worried of every Muslim on this earth. These are usually a little religious to begin with. These start good and by the time 1 st semester ends, their circles are totally different. They make up to 50 % to 60%.

As a former international student i have 3 advices: 1. Dont take up the liability of a car if you live near the campus (walkable or public transport). People buy a car and to pay off installment they have to work more hours. 2. Try to find a job from your talent or something related to your field, cuz then you will have real experience before graduating. 3. Never forget your goal. Every week reflect if your on track to what you want to become. It is ok to take loan and study instead of work hourly and sacrifice your crucial study time. I used to work part time during afternoon and i missed important career fairs and other opportunities.

Agreed! I am from Pakistan, currently living in Belgium. Every other Pakistani student here is working in Takeaway, Deliveroo or Uber eats. They see short term gains of it, by converting per hour wage to PKR and limit their career to these jobs. However they dont realise that there is no progress in these jobs, no matter how much experience you have, you want be progressing monetarily, rather they should focus on their studies at first place, try and graduate on time, which most dont! and get a job to progress in career.

Junaid Bhai is pure Desi man jo subcontinent ki youth ki jarurat hai❤

I completely agree with you that these jobs won't lead to better future opportunities. I always advise incoming students to learn the language of the country, focus on their studies, and socialize with foreigners instead of limiting themselves to only Desis in order to learn more and expand their horizons. You also have a great opportunity to explore the world, so don't hesitate to travel! I have been in Europe for almost three years.

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Coming from a person who came as an F1 student in USA in 1992. (I can only say about USA ) So few facts: 1- Foreign students here don’t have much of a choice of work. Legally they can work only 20 hrs on campus. When they are working off campus which is not allowed; Uber, cab driving ect are the only few things they can do (illegally) with your F1 visa status. 2- international student with odd jobs and study will not have time get engaged in extra campus activities. Fact is if they can just keep the grades up that would be enough. As international they have to take 18 credits per semester to keep their F1 status and to save money. 3- Lastly Indians do help Indians and Pakistanis don’t (why!!’ Don’t ask me) this is a fact.

That’s really truth . I live in Germany since approx 6 years . In start I also try to make contact with Pakistani and Dasi community here then I realised that our peoples (people was in my contact just ) just calling when have biryani dawat or etc but I feel unfortunately most of them just have Dasi friends and they are just running from learning German and avoid to talk local so I just started less my contacts and start to learn German and talking with local and in few years with studies and working I got promoted to station assistant head in hospital because of language skills and contact I thanks Junaid Bhai to point out this topic 😊

Asslamualikum. Even Indians could realize if they are also following that track you mentioned. Great video for everyone who is making such mistakes. Content topic might be a neutral one 🎉🎉🇮🇳🇮🇳👏👏Love From India

you are spot on with the problems that you mentioned as an International student in Australia I prefer doing a job rather than Uber and I am being mocked for not doing Uber as it pays way more than jobs. 2nd biggest problem of Pakistani people is not studying all at Universities. Even people from other countries don't want to be in the group with Pakistanis as they know we don't study and we will eventually pull their score down in a group task.

Just for the students who want to come to the US ,a student visa does not allow off campus work only on -campus jobs such as at the reception desk at the library etc.

Thanks for motivating Junaid bhai. I just moved abroad to study and still looking for job and at this point the video has helped me alot. Also, I would like to share students can apply to work in universities as well. University offers mini jobs as well.

Being an international student myself I have observed those Indians or Pakistani students who lack verbal english confidence prefer these security or driving jobs as the customer facing roles like in retail require frequent communication in english, my suggestion would be get in get exposure and with time you will start to pick accents and your confidence and pronunciation of spoken english will improve but if you remain shut in a shell there is little chance of improving yourself. Verbal aspect also helps you in a job interview as well so there is that benefit associated with working in retail or customer facing roles for students.

as a student, I always preferred working in customer service and putting myself in position where I HAVE to communicate with native english speakers. You learn from their culture, you teach them your culture and your English will improve drastically.

1:25 Golden Message to our generation!

Sir, I would like to add an experience of mine with a Pakistani international student in the UK. He was my housemate, working part-time [as security staff] at two stores, and he was getting some employee benefits in terms of a 25% additional discount on all aspects of purchases from their stores, which was a multi-city chain stores like M&S. He bragged about this benefit to me once. I ignored. After a week or so, he shared that he was fired from both stores, citing the reason that he had shared his employee discount codes [including employee ID and password] with his Pakisthani friends living in Galsgow, where the discount was used. The store manager got to know this and fired him. I felt sad for him. Please note: this is just one experience of mine, and I am 100% sure there are many bright Pakistani international students with high ethical values.

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What I learned is that you align yourself with whatever career path you take. For example, if you want to be in Healthcare, then take a job in a hospital, even if it's as a cleaner. This way, you can write experience on your resume relating healthcare, another Perk of doing this you will find opportunities to apply for higher position jobs in the company which mostly fill from within there department. Always keep your eyes out for that and network with people.

Being socialized and interactive is not just crucial in other countries but in every country, even if you are living in Pakistan you need to be popular and visible in your field.

I am *CANADIAN of Indian heritage* and this is an honest suggestion to Pakistani students (caution: it may hurt) You MUST never forget that *religion is a VERY PRIVATE matter* here in the West, people get very uncomfortable when your religiosity is so _in their face_ No one minds hijab or burqa, or wants you to leave Islam ... just *don't expect the West to have same importance to religion as you have*

I'm currently based in Dubai, and this video has boosted my confidence. Thank you, Boss!

Not gonna lie, i am sitting in London watching his video while doing night security shift. 😅😅 he is absolutely right. I am just 19 and people around me are around 40 but they are doing this job for 20 20 years and in the end we have same level of respect, pay and benefits.

Completely agree! The thing that I would like to add is even if a certain person is doing these jobs in Uber or Food delivery they can still find a way to explore through business seminar in their cities. Try to attend those seminar on weekends or day off and interact with people as much as they can from their respective field. Eventually, if you're talented and skillful enough, you'll find an opportunity to work in better firm.

Junaiid Bhai, this video really reflected the True Spirit of a Wealthy Mind. Indeed, you should not focus on the lowest but the Greatest. JazakAllah, Insh'Allah Allah will reward you for this. ❤

Eik hi dil kitni baar jeetengai junaid bhai❤ World needs more people like you!

Biggest lesson for me is to stay in touch with Indians rather than bringing India/Pak politics. Most Indians will ignore you, but you have to keep trying. Their network is big and often knows what their next move is.

You’re absolutely right. I've been in Canada since April. 90% of the students are doing Uber, Doordash, and security, and at the end, they all got stuck in a never-ending cycle. The only solution to this is to think long-term and avoid buying liabilities. One thing I have noticed is that many students start buying liabilities, such as cars, on finance. In my opinion, first make assets in 2-3 years, then buy liabilities with cash.

Yawr level hai is banday ka❤

I have studied in Australia and now I’m studying in the UK. I agree with you 100%. I have noticed these things as well and i often advise the same things to my friends. However, I have done uber driving in Australia and although I don’t recommend that you do it full time, i think that doing uber part time is a great way to boost your communication skills and confidence. It’s true that some people don’t want to talk, but most people do. When i was doing uber in Australia i had discussions with people from different professions (Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants, Engineers, Mine workers, business people, actors, musicians, Australian army soldiers, etc). Talking to them gave me deeper understanding into different professions. So i do recommend that you do uber but not full time.

Junaid Bhai: Very good vlog. I am from India and I have many Pakistani friends. They are funny articulate and can go toe to toe with many of our peers. But i found most of them are from Karachi. I don't know if that makes a difference or not. Many of the Indian students who come here to study actually work in Indian restaurants which takes care of their food and money. They work for a few days a week and then go back to studying during the other days. I also see a ghetto mentality among Indian students too. They hang out with Indians only and they don't come out of their shell. There is an inherent advantage for Indian students that come to USA. Most of them if not all have at least one or two family members that have settled in here for long term and can seek help/advice. This is an advantage I see compared to others. Going abroad to study is to spread your horizons. By sticking together to known set of people or with one specific identity, be it is religion or country or language is detrimental to your own cause.

Junaid Akram and your team is a game changer. Always.

That's typical desi mindset. Also, it is important to chose university wisely. I had 3 admit in US, Georgia Tech, Cornell and Texas A&M. First 2 were like in top 10 for engineering and A&M was like 15th. I chose A&M as there was good chance of finding paid research there. Reached there and within 4 weeks found GRA that gave 100% tuition scholarship+ monthly stipend. Although I can never get US green card as there is decades of wait for people born in India due to US green card quota, but still greatful for providing excellent education and cutting edge research jobs. I have also worked in Australia, Europe, India and Canada. For tech, US has no match in the world.

I will totally agree. Working in retail will also help you develop your communication skills. I also worked on a till for a long time and that helped me understand different English accents and also improve my own English.

Good points, I will add one more. When I was coming to US from India ~ 20 years ago, students in tech areas from low opportunity economies like ours had a tendency to pass on pursuing areas that were interesting to them thinking " this will be too difficult or advanced for me". Always the wrong decision. When you understand the level of opportunities and the demand for skills in various technology areas in an economy like the US, you realize there is next to zero chance of not succeeding if you put in the work and make the right decisions. If you find something interesting, DO NOT pass up based on your perception of difficulty and opportunity.

Amazing video. Specially the point you mentioned about having multicultural friends, this is the perfect way to grab the accent which obviously helps in the future.. 👍🏻✌🏻

As an overseas student named Hamza, I'm offended. 😂

hi junaid bhai abdullah here i came here in manchester city last week i was really worried about my carrier then i saw your vedios and then my confidence boost up now i will try my best to be a good man and work on these things love your vedio

In the U.S., international students can't work off campus. I have seen some int students work for cash at restaurants. However ICE has gotten strict and will gladly deport you. However, American universities usually have good research and teaching opportunities and they give tuition waiver, which makes finances manageable on our own w/o asking parents for money. On a separate note, my university in America offered professional development courses and we all had to learn how to market ourselves.

What an amazing video. Loved it. Great tips for all the international students and for myself too. Thanks Junaid bhai.❤

Completely agree with u. Currently I am teaching undergrads here in canada while doing my masters and I feel that I learn alot from interacting with people from different nationalities.

The most accurate and relatable video!!

I really enjoyed your videos, I came to Canada and worked in call center for a bank as my first job, which was life altering. Looking back, I would highly recommend everyone to work in service businesses which deal with customers, it will give you life long skills, help you with your communication, conflict resolution, managerial skills and confidence booster. Thanks for great video again Junaid bhai.

Thank you Junaid Bhai to giving me these kinds of ideas iam in 1st year and iam Also decided to go abroad and allahamdulilah I can Cook the almost Pakistani foods and now iam learning programing skills from basics and trying to improve communication skills iam fully preparing to myself for next ❤

So true, saying this cz its been my feeling and the topic of my discussions since day one of my stay in Australia. Hoping to come through so I can set an example and say these things with a backing.

I graduated in 2020 as Software Engineer and so many of my class fellows went to UK for studies and whenever I ask them they used to say that initially it would cost this much and then we will do odd jobs to phr bus paisa hi paisa ho ga and when I used to ask k what about education to the typical reply was k wo log kar detay ha for a price. Now I never wanted to do that, I wanted to get out of Pakistan but not on education where I won't be able to do my masters properly and I kept on working on my skills and eventually 2 months ago I got a job as Senior Software Engineer in Berlin with above average pay and a healthy environment and all of my class fellows are still doing Odd jobs. Furthermore I didn't have to pay a single penny for bank statement or anything like that. This mentality has to change a bit k we need to do masters to get out of country and we'll do jobs there and we'll be rich. It's not like that it's really bad professionally and mentally. Go for masters, do your masters properly yes you will need to do Odd jobs during your master and do that because it's required but it should not be on the expense of studies. Also grow yourself, do unpaid internship, like javaid said to publish papers and so on. At the end everyone is looking for skills and it's true

Studied 35 years back in Turkey... Most of the Pakistani used to engage with each other, Very few got intermingled with other nationalities the way it should be

I don’t think this video was needed. It’s a privileged advice because the premise of the video is based on the idea that students chose to be these jobs. Students don’t do these jobs because they plan on them or desire to do them. It’s because these are the ones that are the most readily available. Unless you have actually applied in the job market in the west, you don’t really realize that these are not easy opportunities. Including, just randomly getting retail jobs. While I don’t think the advice came from a bad place but I don’t think anyone who hasn’t actually lived that experience should be recommending these. For a lot of kids, especially the middle class ones they can’t wait for good opportunities, they need urgent money desperately to survive. Once they do these jobs, it’s very difficult to get out of them because they are usually very draining. This eventually becomes a toxic cycle. Some of them are lucky to get through. By either being smart, patient and lucky (and privilege helps with those) and those that don’t. No singular advise can be or is sufficient. It’s hard being an immigrant and especially a middle class one trying to survive.

Watching the video while sitting at security at 6:20 AM from Australia 😅 Cheers bro 🎉😊

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Junaid Bhai very well said you have pointed out very good point. I am in the UK at University of Hertfordshire and literally I have not found any job yet as I arrived on 11th Oct but yeah many people offered me to share their accounts of Uber and I rejected to do such jobs because firstly these jobs are illegal for students as these jobs fall under self employment. Being a student of LLB I know how strict Home office has become after their hostile environment approach towards immigrants and I have seen people picked up by the authorities to deport them just because of doing such jobs which are illegal for students.

Fully agreed on your point over the nature of parttime job you select, happened to me as well. First professional job selection was mainly influenced by my part time work. But Harry se dosti contributes very little to your success imo.

Please Make Another Video On This Topic Because This Generation is interested in going abroad to study. So, Please guide the nation.

im in melbourne this is 100 % correct observation. Thank you junaid bahi i learned a lot from this video

As a manager I have seen lack of professionalism in pakistani candidates in hospitality industry during interviews itself. We don't read resumes, we read people to hire them.

The point u raised about Pakistanis not coexisting when abroad is so true. I witnessed this when i was a student in the UAE. The Pakistani students weren’t interacting with the people of other faith and obviously the other nationalities. They just used to stay in their own Punjabi or Pashtun companies talking in their own respective mother tongue languages. But it was a completely different story when i saw the Indian students or the Srilankan and Bengali students. They used to talk to Arab students, Egyptian students, Iranian students and so on many other ethnicities. I think this problem is originating from our own houses as our upbringing is the problem, most Pakistani parents disallow their kids from interacting with people of other faith as they are in a constant fear of their child reverting to the other faith but thats clearly not true. Upbringing is the Key issue in my opinion. What do you think??

I am in Melbourne, and I noticed same here. Mostly Indians are working in some firms, restaurants, retails stores etc. On the other hand, above 75% Pakistani boys are doing Uber, Doordash etc. So, Pakistanis are mostly closed in a box.

Alhamdulillah hospitality main Dubai main five star main chef hon sahi kah rahay hain bht km Pakistani hain indians srilankans bht hain poray hotel main hm 13 Pakistani hain total

Salam, i started my banking career back in 1995 with a new private bank, with Rs.12,500/month as a Grade 1 officer. This was also the starting salary for all IBA/LUMS graduates. Good old days; Rupee was worth alot those days. Lived like a king. Only my 5 years in Karachi. Well wishes 😊

I am from India, Junaid bhaiy you explain very important and technical points mashallah well-done

salute junaid sir ji i m your big fan and i m indian 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

Junaid sir always Pakistan aur Pakistani logo ki welfare k leye Kuch na Kuch karty ha..... love you Junaid sir ❤❤

thanks alot sir as international student this video is quite helping for me. thanks

I am studying in Italy. All the people in my friend circle here are internationals. I prefer that because of same thing JA is talking about.

Brother in general sense too your this video was very useful, I live in India doing bachelor's in IT, still some part of your video is useful for me

JAZAKALLAH JUNAID BHAI!

Junaid Bhai agreed with almost all points . I am ALHAMDOLILLAH studying in a foreign University that stands in the top 20 ranked Universities globally... One issue with Pakistani mentality is k Yahan b ye lrka lrki mentality se Bahar ni aye. Mature mindset ni hai. Sbse pehle toh dimagh ki safai boht zrori hai k Bahar male female interaction is a very normal thing.

Bachon ko ek co curricular activity sikhana chahiye. Music, karate, dance, painting, judo, woodworking, tailoring etc

Well said Junaid bhai. Infact I also suggested my brother who recently moved to USA that those labour jobs should be temporary. Never make them part of your life. Take those jobs as a earning source so that you can invest that money in learning some skills or to invest that money to persue something that you're passionate about.

I work part-time on a contract at Microsoft as a product advisor. I'm hoping that one day, my hard work will help me improve my standard of living. For now, I'm only working on the weekends, but I'm actively searching for a permanent position. I hope all my fellow individuals who are going through similar struggles like me find success in life. 😅 currently living in Reading uk

What an amazing video. I never post comments being an introvert. But couldn’t hold off here. ❤

I have been through this journey. Problem is not working in security or working as an Uber driver. Problem is getting comfortable in these jobs and not a acquiring other skills and not pursuing your career. At the end of the day we all need to pay our bills so we need to work somewhere, but these low skilled jobs must be a temporary solution while acquiring other skills and finding another job. Most people get comfortable and don't get out of their comfort zone. It takes dedication to work full-time and finding the time to pursue your career. Like you said no pain no gain.

Ganje sahi topic pakda he. 👏 High-five all the way from Perth 🙌

STUDYING FINANCE FOR 6 MONTHS (STILL IN UNIVERSITY) I'VE REALIZED: "YOUR NETWORK IS YOUR NET-WORTH"

My husband is Restaurant General Manager in KFC England. Alhumdullilah….

As an international student in Australia I totally agreed with Junaid bhi point. I met a number of Pakistani boys and asked them what they do to manage their tuition fee and mostly tell them do Uber or security.

Junaid Bhai medical ma job kar raha tha low wage ki waja sy job chordi ha football ka passion bhi ha koi fisla nh ly pa raha financially pressure bhi h

Junaid bhai. Very well explained. I keep on giving the same advice to my daughter

Thanks 👍🏼....brother..luv from India 🇮🇳 for guidance

Being handy with tools also is a great skill to have. Basic mechanical skill set

100% disagree, I belong to middle class family, I and my brother went to London UK 2011 during our studies we also need to support our family back to Pakistan, We both are very bless, Masha Allah I become successful software engineer and my brother become successful data scientist in London UK. Allhumdullillah

You hit the nail on the head. Indians have far better PR skills due to the job market they are serving in.

Pakistani students need to understand that education should not be only for getting a job. Should try to improve interpersonal skills which includes communication as well. Should go for higher studies as much as they can. Higher Education will lead to the high class people(intellectually), be friend with them and you would have no problems in getting jobs. It would also enhance the intelligence and intellect, and eventually help to become a better human being.

I 100% agree with you. Thank you for this.

Junaid sir i just clicked the video and the first thing I notice the editing the color grading of the video, i suppose the footage is not edited it is just the LUT version of the Clip. Just wanted you to know I'm beloved to seek a job opportunity❤

Totally agree with Junaid bhai. By the way, the one thing that I’ve noticed in Indians is that they get education loans from their banks and they work only to cover their expenses. So they prefer to live in the main city areas. Like in Melbourne, the main city apartments are filled with Indians. Whereas we Pakistanis have to manage our fees and expenses by ourselves so we prefer to live far from the city due to less rental costs. So we miss many opportunities. And many of the Pakistani students change their courses after coming overseas just because of addiction of more money and the temporary comfort of Uber etc. Whereas Indians stick to their courses and then we complain that Indians get jobs by being Indians.

I agree dear. Just returned back from USA and met an old neighbour who went to USA in 2007 and still driving Uber. Initially he was at front desk in a hotel and a friend told him to drive truck and uber for good money and he is still stuck in it. I agree that hospitality field is not for Pakistanis unfortunately.

I do Uber on the side and most wholesome conversations at were at Uber rides. Those conversations led to further business, more connections and reviews. It's all about perspectives and the person.

Being an international student, I can relate it to myself

Thank you Juaniad Sir..I don't believe in motivation because people say Utho Kam kro yr kro wo kro but they never get you a path and a right way..But You are the person who can actually providing such path and right directions to all who's struggling some point of time. So Thank you very much..Respect for you from Delhi

Junaid Bhai Germany mein study ke baray mein video banaden Meri bhut help jojaygi

very helful junaid bhai love from lucknow !!!

@junaid bhai , very well said. Volunteer work in any field also will be very helpful for networking and get to know new opportunities.

You have clearly explained the situation, its easy money no tax so they stick to these odds job forever. I have been in the UK market for last 14 years and have seen a very low ratio of Pakistani in white-collar jobs, 90% stick with these odd jobs just to save tax. Lastly, free benefits from Gov so thats why they love doing these odd jobs

Completely agree junaid bahi Nailed it

Great video with good knowledge Junaid Bhai,your observation is so good❤