USTL provides full scholarships to outstanding students from Timor-Leste for two to four years of study at high-quality undergraduate degree institutions in the United States. Scholarship awards include full tuition toward either a bachelor’s degree or associate degree, travel, living stipends, medical insurance in the U.S., and visa costs. USTL is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State.

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Balancing School with Life

Posted on: 29 September 2019 BY: AMAMBARES

Freshman year was an entirely different experience for me, as it is for the vast majority of college students. During the first year, I was typically so preoccupied with making the transition of the university life, the surrounding environment, and everything that comes along with it. This year, though, found it quite a bit different. The newness of college has worn away, and I likely deal more with what typically refer to as the "real world." Gone is the "Statistics" class that I thought was ridiculously hard my first semester, but would probably love to have back again.

Additionally, Fall is always a great semester. I knew classes are going to be tough, as I am progressing toward my sophomore year. I am not trying to sugarcoat and making the year a total breeze, but it is quite the opposite. I found I like most of the classes I am taking this semester, although there are so many homework to work on every week. Speaking of this, I recall one of my professors once said: "no person can study all the time." Thus, I am breaking down my studying into small, regular periods each week, and reward myself for getting things done.

With classes in full swing, and midterms are approaching, it is vital to have a planner. Whether it is on your phone or paper, you need something to keep track of what is coming up. Likewise, it is good to have a time budget sheet so you can calculate how many hours you are using each week. By doing this, you will notice a big difference with your time use, and it will save you from a night of headaches right before a test.

Finally, I consider my time management skills improved a lot each semester, so I am planning to increase the number of credits next semester.


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