Saying hello to NYC, future new home (jobs, etc) (Boston: apartment, rent)

[arwendr]

Hi, I’m 22 years old and American, but I've grown up in Brazil (half Brazilian).

I’m planning to move to NYC between August and October. I want to apply for a PhD or PsyD (clinical psychology with concentration in forensic psychology). I've an equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Obviously, I speak Portuguese with fluency. I've some money saved (that I intend to use to pay the rent in advance since I don't have credit score in the US) and will get $1500 a month for some time as a help from my family (that I have no idea how to declare to the IRS either).

I like to plan and organize in advance everything, so I've research a lot about how the city is nowadays (my family used to live here until the 60’s/70’s) and I'm very happy about the low crime rates, but since I’m young, female and will be all by myself I intend to live in Queens (love the idea of Astoria) or Manhattan. I’ll be staying with family in Connecticut until I can find an apartment and I intend to find a job.

I already know about the rent prices in NYC. But I'm worried about the job part. What are my prospects? For me, any job is equally respectful.
I don’t intend to have a car, so I need places near the public transportation system.

Is it crazy to look for volunteering in the NYPD as a translator? I would like to learn about the law enforcement system since in Brazil I've worked for more than 3 years in the Justice department (crime, adoption and child/teen's at risk) and intend to work with crime related field in the future.

Also, be free to post any tips for me, since I'm new to almost everything, like the IRS (so complicated lol) and the local and state taxes, good neighborhoods, saying welcome, hello, etc etc LOL.

Thank you very much!

[85dumbo]

You are already more qualified to come then Stubborn Vincenzo. Welcome to NYC.

[mc33433]

Hopefully you've researched student and work visas? If not, you can start on the USCIS website: www.uscis.gov

[arwendr]

Originally Posted by mc33433

Hopefully you've researched student and work visas? If not, you can start on the USCIS website: www.uscis.gov

Hi, I don't need one since I'm a US Citizen

[mc33433]

Originally Posted by arwendr

Hi, I don't need one since I'm a US Citizen

Oh, perfect! That makes it a lot easier. I see you mentioned it in your OP - sorry, read too fast. I have a lot of immigrant friends and I know visas are what they usually find the most confusing/stressful so at least you don't have to worry about that.

It's great you have family to stay with while you get settled as well. When applying for jobs you may want to use their address on your resume as someone in the tri-state area would be considered more seriously that someone with a foreign address. Also definitely include the fact that you are a US citizen as well; if your experience is in Brazil it may not be apparent from the resume.

Good luck.

[arwendr]

Originally Posted by 85dumbo

You are already more qualified to come then Stubborn Vincenzo. Welcome to NYC.

LOL thanks

[JhanohlsonBoston]

If you don't find anything other you can always sign up for various focus groups. Sometimes you can earn like $200 for just two hours of work. Just google something like "focus groups nyc" and you will find tons.

Good Luck!

[leoliu]

Originally Posted by JhanohlsonBoston

If you don't find anything other you can always sign up for various focus groups. Sometimes you can earn like $200 for just two hours of work. Just google something like "focus groups nyc" and you will find tons.

Good Luck!

will start right away. thank you mr money printer.

[arwendr]

Originally Posted by JhanohlsonBoston

If you don't find anything other you can always sign up for various focus groups. Sometimes you can earn like $200 for just two hours of work. Just google something like "focus groups nyc" and you will find tons.

Good Luck!

Thanks for the tip! I've never thought of it...

[arwendr]

Does anyone know if there is recycling pick ups in NYC? I recycle like 85/90% of my trash lol