Friday, September 30, 2011

Gilman Scholarship Due Oct. 4th!

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

Spring 2012 Application Deadline ր October 4, 2011

Don't forget to contact your GT Campus Representative before submitting your application! study.abroad@gatech.edu

For more information visit: www.iie.org/gilman

Summer/Fall 2012 Deadline ր Mar. 1, 2012 (GT Campus Deadline = February 16, 2012)

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Danville Express : What role do parents play in the admissions game?

Danville Express : What role do parents play in the admissions game?

Small Solar Battery Maintainer

Sunforce 52013 1.8-Watt Solar Battery Maintainer, (Pack of 2)

  Sunforce 52013 1.8-Watt Solar Battery Maintainer, (Pack of 2)

  • Charges in all weather conditions
  • Maintenance free
  • Plugs directly into cigarette lighter
  • Easy to install
  • Includes suction cups for easy mounting

The Sunforce 52013 1.8-Watt Solar Battery Maintainer Twin Pack is comprised of two solar battery maintainers that are ideal for cars, SUVs, boats, ATVs, and PWC batteries. The units are completely maintenance free and easy to install. The amorphous solar panels charge in all weather conditions, even on cloudy days, and plug directly in to your cigarette lighter. The complete kit for each unit includes two units of 1.8-watt solar battery maintainer (model number ր 50012), 7.5-foot wire, 12V DC pl


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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Interesting Info,........ (Breaking News)


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Solar Energy Info

Monday, September 26, 2011

Home School vs Public School

The subject of home school vs public school does not have to be an all or nothing topic! Our desire to increase our students ability to learn and succeed should be the out come we are looking for.

Not all students learn each subject at the same rate. Unfortunately this is the way that classes are set up in public schools. A certain amount of subject matter must be covered each day and the student that can not keep up is soon left frustrated. Sometimes the subject matter is way behind the students learning curve and they loose interest and quickly become bored. Both of these instances lead to lower SAT scores. Lower enthusiasm for learning. Disrespect and less desire to interact with the learning process. This leads to behavior that is disrupting to the school and can lead to the students being expelled.

Finding the correct approach for each student to achieve at their highest ability should be the desire for all parents and educators. When students are excelling then schools are rewarded through more funding and parents can rest easy knowing that their children will have the tools they need to succeed in life.

But, how do we find that balance. Looking at their SAT scores is the first step. Then have a conversation with the student. What are they interested in? Space, animals, building are all subjects that can easily be encouraged. Understand that as they grow their interests may change. However, any one of those interests can be used to develop more knowledge in Science, Reading, English and Math.

My youngest daughter was fascinated with animals. When she was very young she informed me that she wanted a horse. I informed her that when she could afford the Vet bills she could have one. Her desire to work with animals never slowed down. This encouraged us to help her join a wildlife rehabilitation group and volunteer at a Veterinarian's office. She attended three years of public school before electing to study at home. At the age of sixteen she took her GED and entered college. Today she is a practicing Veterinarian with several years of work behind her. She also volunteers her time with a local Wildlife Rehabilitation organization.By finding what interested her and encouraging her she is well on her way to having a very fulfilling life and being a productive member of society!

One of the resources I have found since my children have left home is Kahn Academy on Youtube. It is full of awesome lessons that span the spectrum from elementary education to college level. This free resource is available to any one who has access to a computer. A total curriculum could be designed around this or you can use it to supplement a students level of education. Home School vs Public School can be a starting point to help all students succeed!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Re: The Average MBA Degree Salary

United States of America (USA) is the most preferred destination in the world for higher studies and work. Education in USA draws students not solely because it is the most developed nation, but because it provides the highest quality of education. The course structure as well as the method of study train students in a way no other country does. Although this is true for all colleges in America, but every student should and want to get admission to one of the top US Colleges and Universities.

University of Chicago ranks first among the innumerable US universities. It was founded by John D. Rockfeller in 1892, and today houses 14,600 students and 2100 faculty members. It has the best research and technological infrastructure. The approximate cost of the course and stay is 52,450$. A premier undergrad institute, it has four divisions at the UG level, namely, Biological Sciences, Humanities, Physical Sciences and Social Sciences. Graduates can apply to the various professional schools ր Divinity School, Booth School of Business, Law School, Pritzker School of Medicine, Irving B Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies, or the School of Social Service Administration. Chicago University is known specifically for its law, economics and science departments. To get admission to this institution, you need to fill the common application form. Admission is on the basis of reports of secondary and high school, teachers' evaluation, SAT or ACT score. Also students are to submit a short essay on why they want to enroll to this university along with an answer essay to the question on the website.

Harvard University, named after John Harvard, was established in 1636 in Cambridge. It is the oldest private university in US. Best known for its law school, business school and medical school, the university also offers varied options to choose from. At the under graduate level, students can choose between African and African American Studies, Anthropology, Chemistry, Economics, Engineering and Applied Sciences, History, Music, Psychology, Sociology and Women, Gender and Sexuality. Learning of a foreign language and a writing course is compulsory in the first year. At the PG level, you can opt for any of the schools ր Harvard Business School, Divinity School, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Graduate School of Design, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Graduate Law School, Harvard Graduate Medical School, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health. Harvard University is accredited by the NEASC-CI HE. Online courses are also available for those who cannot attend it on campus. To get admission you need to have a SAT score of 2080-2370 or ACT score of 31-34.

Yale University, founded in 1701 is located in New Haven. The cost of study here is about 54,000$. This Arts and Science Institute offers curses in Mathematics, Foreign Language, Computer Science, Economics, Music, Psychology etc. Online application is recommended. Eligibility depends on the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) SAT I and and any two SAT II subject tests, or the ACT score with writing. Also considered is your high school transcript.

Princeton University is a private institution established in 1746. It has outstanding undergraduate and research courses. You can pursue a BA or Bsc in Engineering in any of the following subjects ր Anthropology, Architecture, Architecture, Chemical Engineering, English, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Religions and Sociology. For master's, the programs available are Architecture, Chemical Engineering, Finance, Near Eastern Studies, Public Affairs, Public Policy, and Urban and Regional Planning. You have to fill the common application form, submit recommendation of at least two teachers and your SAT or ACT score, along with a list of accomplishments outside the classroom.

Amherst College, commenced in 1821, is a liberal arts college in Amherst. You can pursue major's in American Studies, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Film and Video Arts, Law Jurisprudence and Social Thought, Mathematics, Political Science, Psychology, Theater and Dance, etc. In 2007 was introduced the College's Center for Social Justice to educate students on the opportunities in social justice and community service. You have to fill the common application form to apply, and admission is dependent on your high school transcript, SAT/ACT score, recommendations of teachers and councilors, your writing quality and extra curricular activities. You will be spending approximately 50,000$ for study here.

Stanford University, located in California, was started in 1885, and is known for its computer science department. You can do BA or Bsc or BA and B Sciences at UG level. You have the option to do a double major. The various schools at this level are School of Earth Sciences, School of Engineering, School of Humanities and Sciences. At PG level are the Graduate School of Business, Law School and School of Medicine. Approximate cost of study is 50,000$. Online programs are also available. You have to fill the common application form, and provide your high school transcript, recommendations of teachers.

Brown University, in Providence, established in 1764, offers bachelor's in arts and science. There are thirty courses to be completed at this level. Major options include Ancient Studies, Education Studies, Commerce Organization and Entrepreneurship, Engineering, Mathematics, Music, Neuro Sciences, Physics, Theater Arts and Visual Arts. Master's in 23 subjects and Doctorate in 43 programs is granted by Brown. For admission the requirements are the common application form, the Brown supplement, high school transcript, recommendations, SAT or Act score. Financial aid is available to deserving students. The total expenditure is 48,000$.

Cornell University was set up in 1865 in New York. It is the first university in US to offer veterinary medicine, industrial and labor relations, and hotel management programs. Cornell has 14 schools and colleges to select from ր College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Architecture Art and Planning, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Hotel Administration, College of Human Ecology, College of Industrial and Labor Relations, Graduate School, Cornell Law School, Johnson Graduate School of Management, Weill Cornell Medical School and Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences. Admission is based on the filling of common application form, high school transcript, and recommendations. Average cost of study is 52,500$.

University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia was put up in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin. The schools at UG level are ր The College- Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Nursing, Wharton Business School. PG schools are Annenburg School of Communication, Graduate School of Education, Law School, School of Arts and Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, School of Design, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Policy and Practice and School of Veterinary Medicine. Submit your SAT reasoning test score along with that of two subject tests, or ACT score of writing for admission. Cost of study is 48,000$. Financial aid is available.

Columbia University was established in 1754 in New York City and is the oldest post secondary school in NY. It is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It offers 90 programs, pre-medical, dental and law programs at bachelor's level. Post graduation can be done in Architecture Planning and Presentation, Arts, Arts and Sciences, Business, Continuing education, Dental and Oral Surgery, Engineering and Applied Sciences, International and Public Affairs, Journalism, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Public Health and Social Work. You can also study vocal or instrumental music at the Julliard School. Admission criteria is your academic record, ECA, your interests, summer activities, recommendations and the student essay. MA program in Computing and Education is available online.

Apart from these top institutes, the other very good options are the Darmouth College in New Hampshire, University of Maryland, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (for science and technology it is the best institute), California Institute of Technology (houses NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory), North Western University, Boston University (liberal arts school), Georgia Institute of Technology, Tufts University, Washington University (more than 90 programs), John Hopkins University, Georgetown University, Lehigh University, Pennsylvania State University, University of North Carolina, New York University, University of Michigan, Rice University, University of Notre Dame, University of Texas, University of Virginia, University of Florida, and Yeshiva University.

The top US colleges and universities have occupied their position of prestige because of innumerable reasons which include not only academics but also sports and other extra curricular activities. It is because of this all round development that US institutes provide to students, that they have become the highly coveted educational institutions by students all over the world.


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Sunday, September 18, 2011

Two Minute Lightning Round of Concentration in the Humanities

At the upcoming Digital Humanities Start Up Project Director's Meeting we've been asked to present our projects in two minutes or less.  Here's one of my rehearsal attempts to do so.  (It's definitely a communicative literacy I still need to hone):

Friday, September 16, 2011

Reviewed: How to Win at College

In my off-time this summer, I've put a lot of thought into what I want out of college. There are a lot of typically expected things, sure: to find my academic passion, to make friends for life, to be exposed to a diverse population and, of course, to become smarter. How does one manage such daunting objectives in the midst of the excitement and pressure of freshman year? Plan ahead, stay focused, and process your life in small, manageable steps.

So says Cal Newport in his now widely accepted book How to Win at College: Surprising Secrets for Success from the Country's Top Students. I have long been a follower of Newport's blog, Study Hacks, on which Newport, via interviews with and studies of a diverse group of successful individuals, attempts to "decode success" into concise patterns. How to Win at College covers much the same territory and proves to be, unlike so much other speculation on the topic, truly useful. Advice in the book is taken from hundreds of successful students at a wide variety of schools all over the country (from Harvard to the University of Arizona). Additionally, Newport knows a thing or two about college success himself. At the time of the book's writing, he was a computer science PhD student at MIT after graduating from Dartmouth Phi Beta Kappa (roughly top 10% of the class). As an incoming first-year at a school notorious for a heavy-to-unmanageable workload, I decided that this book had to make my summer reading list.

At first glance, many of this book's "secrets" sound like common sense. Start your work well in advance, don't rest on your laurels, think positive, and don't stress, right? The problem is, most of us don't do these things unless we're trained to. We assume that top students never leave the library and have horribly stressful lives. We assume that Rhodes Scholars had no social presence in college and that we could never aspire to an achievement that impossible. Worst of all, we assume that studying harder is the key to success. Newport dispels these misconceptions by clarifying that studying better is what we're really after, and that merely working harder at anything is a one-way ticket to a stressful, friendless, all-nighter-fueled college experience. On the contrary, top students are the ones who are not stressed because they have the best study habits and constantly feel in control of their own lives. The effect of this control is to boost students' ambitions. Rather than struggling to merely "get by" in their classes, these students now have time to work internships, do freelance writing, and get research published in their free time.

The book is organized into 75 useful rules for self-discipline and building ambition. Newport starts with an intentionally jaw-dropping
Don't do all of your reading (tip number 1)
that I can only see as a tool for selling books on controversy. Yet, this claim has a purpose that's central to Newport's methodology: do what you can in the limited amount of time, and you'll maximize your outcomes. Rather than staring blankly at your biology textbook, from which you are expected to read 40 pages by tomorrow, skim the text and take down the main points in half the time. During tomorrow's lecture, fill-in the missing notes during class.

In the category of de-stressing the college experience, Newport advocates forming a system of personal accountability that precludes procrastination. Students should start long-term projects the day they are assigned and break them into useful pieces, so that one always feels productive. Set daily goals for chipping away at long-term assignments and "record your efforts in a work-progress journal" (52), thus keeping yourself accountable. This feeds into another useful strategy of "setting arbitrary deadlines" (58) to keep yourself on track. Little steps like using a filing cabinet (68) and "emptying your in-box at the end of each day" (71) help keep your life in order and generally minimize the stress of disorganization. Tips like "not taking breaks from work between classes" (65) and "doing schoolwork every day of the week" (34) maintain one's academic momentum.

Yet, as intense and study-centric as the book's title may seem, How to Win at College also centers on having a rewarding life experience in college, suggesting that students
"Make friends your #1 priority" (tip number 44)
Additional tips include "seeking out fun" (53), "laughing every day" (50), and "staying in touch with friends" from home (37). Newport illustrates a social life that is rewarding and rich without wasting precious time. Far from the "work hard, play hard" system of raging on the weekends and cramming every weeknight, Newport's system is designed to give you the best of both worlds without sacrifice one's sanity. Academic and social lives no longer have to compete on the spectrum of lazy to stressed. Keeping your academic goals in center-view actually makes time for your social life without generating stress. There's a sort of mutual respect between these equally important components of life that I will surely take to heart once my classes start.

All of that's fine, but it only shows the reader the tools to being successful, not getting quite to the root of what got successful people where they are. By far the most overarching component of Cal Newport's philosophy is his insistence on challenge: setting ambitious goals, and always having a plan to achieve them. Some tips that stood out on this turf are to "always be working on a grand project" (16), to "seek out phenomenal achievers" (47), and to "do one thing better than anyone you know" (11). These are the steps that make up the difference between truly successful, groundbreaking individuals and what Newport dubs "grinds": people who work and work but lack that interesting spark. Ultimately, a burning ambition is what separates those who do phenomenal things in college from those who just get by. If your highest dream is to win a Pulitzer, take the steps to get there and don't settle for being average. Constant goal setting and the achievements that follow will only boost you onto loftier ambitions and destinations to come. Maybe winning at college is less about working hard and more about dreaming hard than you ever imagined.

Merit scholarships

Merit scholarships

ShareThis is Powering the Sharing Revolution!

ShareThis is Powering the Sharing Revolution!

World Wide Schools: New Schools for a Changing World

The website ӀWorld Wide SchoolsԀ is a very unique and helpful site that features a directory of schools, but the title of the site is a bit misleading. This website is not, as the name might imply, a directory of every school in the world׀that would be one big directory׀but rather a directory of International schools. So what, you may be saying, is an international school? International schools can be found on almost every continent, offering a curriculum that is different from that of the host country. Many international schools are instructed entirely in English, using the same curriculum as the country that owns and runs the school, usually the US or a country in the United Kingdom. Other international schools may have bilingual instruction, using a recognized international curriculum that is generally accepted at universities worldwide. But regardless of the type of curriculum or language, if you need to do some research on international schools the World Wide Schools website is the place to do it.

Why Are World Wide Schools Becoming So Popular?

The concept of international or World Wide schools is one that is becoming increasingly popular these days, largely because the world is changing and becoming much less compartmentalized. Not only are there more opportunities right now, in places such as the US, Europe and Asia, for foreign educated and trained professionals, there are more and more businesses in the United States electing to expand their economical horizons and setting up shop overseas. This has a two-pronged and positive effect on the enrollment numbers at international schools. United States businessmen and women, for example, who have children and now live in countries around the world representing their company of employment, elect to send their children to international schools to ensure those children will be adequately prepared for the rigors of college. In addition, parents that are local to the international school, those parents who understand the opportunities offered by this globalization, are now opting to send their children to international schools to help prepare them for a better and more profitable future.

What Is the Purpose of the World Wide Schools Website?

The World Wide Schools website is designed to help people around the world find important international school information. The countries represented on the World Wide schools website include:

Austria

Belgium

Czech Republic

Denmark

France

Germany

Kenya

Russia

Japan

China

And many, many moreŀ

Once you click on the appropriate country, you will be taken to a page offering general pieces of information regarding the schools in that country׀information such as the curriculum and the grading system used. On this same page, along the left side of the page, is a clickable listing of all the schools in that region. Once you click on a school name, you will be taken to yet another page that gives specific school information, ranging from the start and end times of each school day to the average number of students in the class.

The World Wide Schools website is a remarkable resource for anyone, wherever they may live, to find both general and specific information on international schools, without ever having to leave the website.

瀀

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Why Study Abroad: A Look at Some of the Benefits of Studying Abroad

Why study abroad when I can study at home? This is a very popular and frequently asked question among students, but you may be surprised by all the fantastic reasons to study abroad׀reasons that have been given by students who have previously participated in a study abroad program. To give you an idea about what you can expect, in this article we will provide a list featuring some of the key reasons to study abroad, as reported by students who have participated in these programs.

Why Study Abroad?

The number of reasons to study abroad is virtually limitless, but for the purpose of brevity, here we will merely look at some of the top reasons reported by other students.

Why Study Abroad? Broaden Your Horizons. The world is a vast and amazing place, but sadly, the majority of people will only experience a very small part of all the sights and experiences the world has to offer. From the Eiffel Tower in France to the Great Wall of China, the sights of the world and the cultures of its people are endless and are definitely a great incentive to participate in a study abroad program.

Why Study Abroad? Explore Your Heritage. HavenҀt you ever wondered or had unanswered questions about the homeland of your ancestors? Study abroad programs give you the opportunity to visit the countries in which your family has roots and to learn the customs, tradition and language that have helped shaped who you are.

Why Study Abroad? Learn a New Language. Today, unlike any other time in our history, there is a strong interconnectedness between your homeland and the other countries in the world. Consequently, learning a new language, which is possible with many study abroad programs, can open up a whole new world for you, both culturally and professionally.

Why Study Abroad? Gain Insight through New Friendships. Many students who participate in study abroad programs will forge lifelong friendships that will help them gain a new insight and outlook on the world. Between the fellow students youҀll meet, the professors and the members of your host family, study abroad programs allow you to expand your network of friends and enjoy all the benefits that are inherent with these new relationships.

Why Study Abroad? Gain a New Perspective. In our day to day lives we tend to become immersed in the trials and tribulations of our own country. However, when you participate in a study abroad program youҀll be regularly exposed to a number of different cultures, traditions and customs, and that experience will help give you a new perspective of your own homeland and the life you lead in it.

Why Study Abroad? Financial and Professional Potential. Participating in a study abroad program can look great on a professional resume. It indicates to potential employers that you not only have cross-cultural skills that could benefit their company, but a strong commitment to personal growth and achievement.

So why study abroad? The better question is why wouldnҀt you participate in one of these programs? Not only will you enjoy the personal experience of a lifetime, but that experience could very well benefit you professionally for years to come.

On-Campus Accommodations for International Students

Are you an International student who is planning to study at an American University? Do you still require additional information regarding the available accommodations for international students? Studying in America offers a number of unique advantages, but because housing in and around the campus tends to fill up very quickly it is vital that you make arrangements well in advance. To help make sure you donҀt get Ӏleft out in the cold,Ԁ in this article we will list some of the more popular on-campus accommodations for international students, and provide some basic information regarding each of these options.

Accommodations for International Students: On-Campus Options

International students intending to study in the United States have a number of on-campus options. Some of these accommodations for international students include:

瀀 Coed Residence Halls. Coed residence halls, also called dormitories or dorms in the United States, house both men and women students in the same building, but not, of course, in the same room. To maximize the number of people the residence hall can accommodate, most dormitories will house two students to each room׀rooms that usually feature two small beds, a desk and closet space. Residents in the coed dorms typically share one of several community bathrooms and a community living area where students can study, watch television or play games. These types of residence halls, although a very new concept for most international students, are very popular in the United States, and fill up very quickly. Therefore, it is vital that you mail your housing application at the same time you are applying for school admission.

瀀 Single-Sex Dormitories. If the idea of sharing your residence with students of the opposite sex is unappealing, you can also apply for residence in a single-sex dorm. Most universities do set aside at least a portion of their residence hall space to house men and women separately, but like coed dorms, these residences can fill up quickly, so time is of the essence.

瀀 Housing for Fraternities and Sororities. If you are looking for accommodations for International students that are a bit more close-knit, you may want to consider joining a fraternity or sorority. Both offer a more socially active university experience, one which also stresses university and community service. If this sounds like the type of experience that would interest you, contact the university you plan to attend for additional details about ӀRush Week,Ԁ the timeframe when fraternities and sororities recruit new members.

瀀 University Apartments. Many universities have apartments that are located either on-campus or very nearby. These accommodations for international students offer a bit more privacy, however, because university apartments are so sought after, the competition for acceptance into these units can be very fierce, and are usually reserved for upper class persons and graduate students.

瀀 Married Student Housing. For married students, on-campus accommodations for international students are limited to married housing units. Most major US universities will set aside a certain amount of housing space, which could include residence halls or on-campus apartments, for those students who are married.

As you can see, there are a number of alternatives for on-campus accommodations for international students, each offering a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and learn more about the American culture. However, because on-campus housing is such a popular housing alternative for both US and international students, it is imperative that you apply early to ensure acceptance.

Student Exchange Programs: Do You Know What to Expect?

Have you recently decided to enroll in one of the many exciting student exchange programs that are now being offered throughout the country? Do you know exactly what to expect once youҀre a participant? Student exchange programs are not for everyone, but they are ideal for those students who are independent thinkers and who enjoy an interesting challenge. To give you an inkling of what to expect and all the changes youҀll experience, here we will outline some of the challenges and benefits associated with student exchange programs, including the drastic changes you can expect in your home life and your normal routine.

Reasons to Join Student Exchange Programs

Students decide to join student exchange programs for a number of reasons. Among them are:

瀀 Academic Success. If you are planning to further your studies at one of the countriesҀ fine colleges and universities, being part of a student exchange program will look very impressive on your college application.

瀀 Professional Reasons. Not only will your participation in student exchange programs impress the admission officers at the many schools you apply to, it will also look great on a professional resume. Among other things it shows that you are willing to take on challenges, and you are open minded enough to appreciate and embrace other cultures.

瀀 See the World. Some students join the military to see the world, and others participate in student exchange programs. Participation in these programs affords you opportunities to see parts of the world you may not otherwise get to experience.

瀀 Learn a New Language. Student exchange programs are ideal for those who want to learn a new language. Instead of learning from textbooks, here youҀll learn through total immersion with native speakers.

What to Expect in a Student Exchange Program

Many students go into student exchange programs not knowing what to expect׀unaware what will happen when they fully immerse themselves in another culture. To help you avoid this fate, below are some examples of what you can expect as a participant in these programs:

瀀 A New Family. Being part of a student exchange program means youҀll become part of a new family׀your host family. During your stay youҀll live and share meals with them, and be introduced to their culture, food and customs. These are people youҀll remember for many years to come for the generosity they showed and for the wonderful resource they became during your stay.

瀀 A Brand New Routine. Say goodbye to your old routine. In student exchange programs youҀll learn how to adjust to alternate ways of doing things׀a challenge that many exchange students embrace.

瀀 A Bit of Homesickness. It would be unreasonable to think that you wonҀt have at least some degree of homesickness, but once you adjust to your new environment this will ease up a bit and youҀll create memories that will last a lifetime.

If you love challenges, and you appreciate the diversity and beauty of other cultures, being a part of one of the many student exchange programs that are currently being offered may be just the adventure you need.

Study Abroad: Are You a Good Candidate?

Are you a good candidate for a study abroad program? While many students assume that they have to have the highest grades in their class or be loaded with money to participate in study abroad programs, nothing could be further from the truth. Sure, most study abroad programs are seeking students with at least average grades, but even more important than your GPA is a willingness to learn and to try new things. As for money, you may be surprised by how affordable these programs truly are. Many organizations offer scholarships and financial assistance to study abroad candidates, and with thousands of host families throughout the world, many of your Ӏroom and boardԀ type expenses may be 100 percent covered.

It is true that many study abroad programs have some academic requirements, but this does not mean you have to be Einstein-like to become eligible. Additionally, contrary to popular myth, most study abroad programs do not even have language requirements. WhatҀs truly important to those who make the participant selections for study abroad programs is who you are as a person. Generally, a good candidate for a study abroad program is someone who enjoys new experiences׀an independent and self assured person who enjoys meeting new people and is tolerant and accepting of other cultures. Those who enjoy a challenge are also great candidates, because the experience of studying in another country is bound to be fraught with new environments, circumstances and predicaments, all designed to help you grow both as a student and a person.

If youҀre still wondering if you would be a suitable candidate for a study abroad program, try asking yourself the following the questions and see what you come up with:

瀀 Do I like to try new things? This could include new cultures, traditions, customs and language, along with meeting new people and eating different types of food.

瀀 Do I enjoy making my own decisions? When studying abroad, for awhile you will be without your normal support system, your friends and your family. This means you will need to be independent, making simple decisions such as what to eat and when to leave for school, as well as more important decisions such as how to cope with conflict and change.

瀀 I am a risk taker? LetҀs face it. Studying in another country can be intimidating initially, but the rewards are well worth any of the risks.

瀀 Do I have a track record for dealing with complex situations? Through the course of your study abroad program you will be faced with many complex situations that are aimed to help you grow and mature.

瀀 Will my current school accept credits from my study abroad program? While most colleges, universities and even high schools will accept credits from study abroad programs׀and for good reason׀it is always best to confirm this fact before applying to a program.

If you donҀt like challenges or taking risks, study abroad programs may not be your cup of tea, but on the flip side, if you enjoy experiences that allow you to meet new people, absorb new cultures and think independently, these programs are definitely worth considering.

Off Campus Student Housing for International Students: Is It for You?

Are you a college student who is presently considering an opportunity to study abroad, in a foreign country overseas? Have you considered all of your housing options, including on-campus accommodations, staying with a host family and off campus housing? Study abroad programs are a fantastic way to see and experience the world, but in addition to the costs associated with attending a foreign school, students must also make arrangements for their housing׀arrangements that can take many different forms. In this article we will discuss some of the housing options for international students, including what you can expect when living on campus, staying with a host family, and taking advantage of an off campus student housing opportunity.

International Student Housing Options: On Campus Accommodations

Students looking for the independence associated with off campus living may be deterred by some of the restrictions related to staying on campus. However living on campus does have certain advantages, including:

瀀 Proximity. While off campus student housing is usually fairly near to the university, on campus accommodations, such as residence halls or dormitories, are located right on school grounds, close to classrooms and other university services.

瀀 Meals. Most on-campus housing options include the price of meals׀usually delivered in a cafeteria setting׀with your tuition cost. Off campus student housing does not, which can quickly become expensive, especially if your program is to span an entire academic year.

International Student Housing Options: Staying with a Host Family

One of the more popular student housing options, especially among younger students, is to live with a host family. This is by far the most affordable housing option; however, it does have its limitations. Students studying with a host family are subject to that familyҀs rules, schedule and perhaps even a curfew, which could limit them from fully enjoying the university experience. On the other hand, staying with a host family does provide additional opportunities for cultural enhancement and language acquisition, as host families are very familiar with the region and usually very eager to improve a studentҀs overall study abroad experience.

International Student Housing Options: Off Campus Student Housing

Off campus student housing, which usually involves staying in a flat or an apartment, either independently or with friends, has several advantages. Students living off campus are free to come and go as they please, and are not subject to any particular schedule, save for their class times. This type of freedom may sound very attractive to some students, especially considering this may be the first time they have experienced this level of independence. However, staying off campus does have its drawbacks, including the price. Off campus student housing is usually the most expensive student housing option, and depending on where the apartment is located, getting to class everyday can become quite inconvenient.

Studying abroad as an international student, despite the type of accommodations you choose, can be a magical and unforgettable experience, but it does require a lot of preparation and careful planning. If money is no object, off campus student housing can be a wonderful way to enjoy this experience, but if saving money is important to you, you may also want to weigh some of the more affordable, albeit a bit more restrictive, options.