From my perspective, the journey of F-1 students in the United States after graduation can often feel like navigating a complex illusion or a challenging reality. The purpose of this post is to shed light on the experiences and realities faced by international students, particularly those pursuing a Master’s degree in the U.S. This post is intended as an educational resource for prospective students who are considering pursuing higher education in the United States. My goal is to share insights and perspectives to help others make informed decisions about their academic and professional journeys. These insights are based on my personal experiences in the U.S. I arrived in the USA in August 2021, part of the post-COVID-19 batch pursuing an MS in Data Science at the University at Buffalo. Many of my family, friends, and colleagues had made this journey long before me, but I noticed that some of the challenges they faced were never discussed openly in blogs or media. During my maste...