International Aircraft Dispatcher School: Pitfalls to Avoid

Sheffield School of Aeronautics is SEVIS approved! International students are more than welcomed at our flight dispatching school, and between 40 – 80% of our classroom is made up of international students. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) allows for foreign citizens to travel to the United States to study at SEVIS approved aircraft dispatcher schools like Sheffield.

Once you have been accepted into an international flight dispatching school, there are some common pitfalls to avoid in order to get the most out of your time abroad.

International Banking Fees

It is easy to waste a lot of money on withdrawal fees. If you plan on taking the 5-week aircraft dispatcher course, you will be drawing money and/or swiping your card. Some people choose to draw money in large amounts to get the most out for the smallest fee, but that can be dangerous and it is never a good idea to carry large amounts of cash on you.

Instead, look into setting up a temporary account that does not have international ATM and swiping fees; you can check with your bank or a local bank in the United States for the duration of your stay. 

Remember to Study

Although the opportunity to party, explore, and experience the United States is tempting, keep in mind that the ultimate reason you are here is to receive your aircraft dispatching certification. This course can be demanding, and the instructors at Sheffield recommend studying the material diligently so you can pass your ADX test.

Balance is always important, so if you have time to explore then by all means do so, just be sure that you stay on track with your studies.

ADX Test

The FAA only recognizes successful graduates of international aircraft dispatching schools who received their practical exams inside of the U.S. You cannot be tested outside of the U.S. and legally receive a certification. Also, remember that English is the required language for all aircraft dispatchers around the world, so a firm grasp of the English language is not just important, it is required.

The Local Area

Sheffield School of Aeronautics is within walking distance of accommodations and is located in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida. If you decide that you want to experience some of the fun, downtown area, be careful and make sure to ask fellow students who are locals or instructors where the hotspots are in town. Since you are not familiar with the area, be sure to avoid the pitfall of wandering into the wrong neighborhood. When asking about hotspots, be sure to ask where the places you should avoid are located as well.

Attire

Pack and dress accordingly to the location. If you are attending a school in South Florida and you are an international aircraft dispatching student, be sure to do some research online to get a hint at the local weather and how to pack attire accordingly.

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    “I wanted to tell you I got the job offer from Expressjet, and start next month! I think a couple others from class were hired as well. It just shows the Sheffield reputation when I see graduates from other schools complaining that they can’t get an interview – I wasn’t even back home to Minneapolis […] Dan Gustafson
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    “As a graduate of the aircraft dispatcher program at the Sheffield School of Aeronautics…My training was intense and thorough and furnished me with the requisite skills for performing my current job as a Flight Dispatch Supervisor.” N.S. Sidebar NS
    “I am a graduate of the Sheffield’s Dispatcher Program. I have been a Captain-Part 121 Airline, Certified Flight/Grnd Instructor, and FAA Designated Check Airman and Sim Instructor (Part 121). From my experience I would rate Sheffield School as outstanding in their field.” PT PT
    “After receiving my certificate, I joined a class of 4 experienced dispatchers for Part 121 initial training. Without experience, my preparation at Sheffield enabled me to become active at the same time after the initial training.” PR PR
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    “My experience at Sheffield and my exposure to other aircraft dispatchers that did not go to Sheffield has resulted in an awareness of the superior depth and quality of the training provided by the Sheffield instructors.” CD Sidebar CD
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