international student

Issue 102 - August 2007

An InternationalStudent.com Publication

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Welcome to the 102nd issue!

 

The new school year is just around the corner, so in this issue we are going to focus on financial aid to fund your studies. We have just launched the 2007 travel contest with a chance to win $2,500, plus some great resources to look for loans and financial aid.

 

Enjoy!

 

Ross Mason

Editor, InternationalStudent.com

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> Student Travel Contest

The InternationalStudent.com Annual Travel Contest is back - and bigger than ever!

 

Just like last year we want you to send us videos about why and where you want to travel or study abroad. The videos should be around 4 to 8 minutes in length, and we will judge the entries on creativity, video production and editing quality, originality and interest level in the proposed trip or study abroad, and pure subjectivity on our part. Take a look at some of the entries from last year for an idea of what we want!

 

This year, the winner will receive $2,500 to use towards their trip or study abroad experience - plus we will have some cool runner-up prizes.

 

http://www.internationalstudent.com/contest/

 

> Financial Aid

As the new school year approaches, many international students will be scrambling to cover a shortfall in funding for the year. Often it can be very hard to locate loans, scholarships, fellowships, etc... so this month we present the best international financial aid resources for international students:

 

International Student Loan - For students who have a cosigner in the USA the International Student Loan Program is a great way to get funding quickly and easily.

 

International Education Financial Aid - Otherwise known as IEFA.org, this site provides access to scholarships from all around the world for international students for free. Scholarships take longer and more effort than loans - but they don't have to be paid back!

 

Grant Search - If you are planning to study in Australia, then check out Grant Search which has award listings for study in Australia.

 

of course please also check the International Financial Aid Blog and our Financial Aid Forums for more information, help and advice!

 

> From the Mailbag

This month we have a post from FoxMiller on our forums asking for some help about his I-20:

 

"I'm trying to go to school in the States. I have recently received my I-20 form, but there are some problems in it.

The first one is: Its a community college, so I'm supposed to pursue an Associates degree there. but on the I-20, on item 5 where it shows normal length of study it says "normal length of study is 12 months". isn't this too short of a period to obtain an Associates degree? or is there anything that i'm not getting right here?

 

The Second BIG one is: The designated school official did not sign the I-20 form at the end... How can that be? Before getting this I-20, I had received another one which was just full of such problems so I had to ask for another one from the college... but as u see, the other one is not any better.. although the previous one had at least a signature on it... Would that be a big deal at the embassy?

 

I'm trying to contact the college about this, but it is really really hard to get a hold of them... but i really want to go there to study. and i have to go for an interview at the embassy on the 13th of august, so i'm short on time as well... Please anybody, help me out with any kind of advise you can give..."

 

If you would like to post a comment and help him out, please visit:

http://www.internationalstudentforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=4534

 

> Student Health Insurance

Nearly all schools will require you to show proof of student health insurance before enrolling in classes. Some schools will require you to purchase the school plan which can be quite expensive, however you will often have the option to "waive" out of your school plan if you can show proof of comparable coverage.

 

The School Insurance Requirement search engine will allow you to find your school and see whether you can purchase the Student Secure plan and waive out of your schools plan.

 

The Student Secure offers a comprehensive student health insurance plan with monthly payment options, mental health, maternity and much more. It starts from $240 for 6 months for international students in the USA and from $198 for 6 months for US Citizens who are studying abroad.

 

Find out more:

http://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/student-health-insurance/

 

> Fun Site of the Month

If you ever owned a Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES back in the day - you are probably one of those people that looks back on your NES with fond memories and wondering where you put it. Well - with VirtualNES you can now play most NES games online with nothing to pay and nothing to install!

 

It has hours and hours of fun when you need to kill some time:

https://www.nintendo.com/nes-classic/

 

> Learn Italian

There are many reasons for the popularity of Italian language and culture: Italy is one of the most significant centers of fine arts in the world, it is the birthplace of classical music and it offers unique archaeological sites in an amazing landscape.

 

To find the right Italian course, "The Language Course Finder" offers you the opportunity to search for language courses according to your personal criteria (e.g., location, course type, group size, accommodation, supplementary activities…)

Moreover important details which are needed for a language holiday or study-abroad
program are also readily available, i.e. comprehensive information about language certificates, country and travel facts (immigration, insurance...).

 

Click here to find your Italian course now and experience a new way of life:

https://www.duolingo.com/

 

> Student News

International Scholars Win Funding to Attend Scottish Universities
From allmediascotland.com


The winners of the prestigious Scottish International Scholarship Programme have been announced.
The British Council, who manage the scheme on behalf of the Scottish Executive, have awarded 22 international students with funding to attend year-long Masters degree courses in higher education institutions across Scotland in 2007-8.

The scholars, who are from China, India, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, beat off stiff competition from over 350 applicants for the award, which covers tuition fees, airfares and a monthly living allowance.

The scholarship, which was launched in 2004, forms part of the Scottish Executive’s Fresh Talent initiative which aims to attract and retain bright, motivated and hard working people to live, work and study in Scotland. The programme offers unique opportunities for scholars to enhance their experience of Scotland, attend business networking events and cultural visits. They are also encouraged to stay on for two years after studies to work in Scotland on Fresh Talent visas.

To read the complete release from the British Council, click here:
http://www.allmediascotland.com/

 

> Study in the USA

Learn more about studying in the USA, the world's premier study abroad destination. USjournal.com features top-ranked colleges, universities and English Language Programs that specifically want to welcome and support international students. Start exploring options for the 2008 academic year
by expressing your personal preferences to find results customized for you, by Academic Level, Field of Study, and Geographic Preference within the United States:


http://www.USjournal.com/en/students/proguide/index.php

 

> Last Word

We hope you have enjoyed this month's newsletter - as always please contact us with any questions or comments you have about the newsletter or the site - we love to hear from you!

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