Hello Anonymous,
We’re happy to hear that you are interested in the University of Washington. While we are a great research University, we also have boundless opportunities for undergraduate studies as well.
You can learn more about the UW School of Art here: http://art.washington.edu/advising/degrees/undergraduate/.
Also, for information regarding admission to UW follow this link: https://admit.washington.edu/.
Best wishes!
Hello Anonymous,
Thanks for reaching out! For the best and most up to date information we recommend reaching out to their advisors directly: http://depts.washington.edu/sphsc/academicprograms/medical-speech-language-pathology/medical_speech_language_pathology_contact.shtml.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
We’re happy to hear you’re interested in the University of Washington. Thanks for the question.
The University of Washington operates on the quarter system. Most students attend three, 10-week quarters.Advantages of the quarter system include:
We hope this helps, please let us know if you have any further questions.
We believe our department of Political Science is wonderful! There are over 12 areas of research focus, taught by world class faculty that are leaders in their fields. You can learn more about Political Science here.
You can also get more information on the departmental website: https://www.polisci.washington.edu/.
Thanks for reaching out! Best wishes.
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Equipping yourself for learning off-campus takes commitment, testing your time-management skills and ability to remain undistracted by home comforts. Studying for an online degree comes with a different set of challenges to those experienced by students on campus. These challenges ensure that studying online is by no means the softer option, but the suggested 8 good study habits from The University of Birmingham should help you overcome them.
Obviously, putting your deadlines into a diary or course calendar is a good start. However, you will also want to weigh each deadline against your other commitments outside of study, and work out the conflicts that arise. Adjust your hand-in deadlines accordingly, and treat the actual deadlines as useful trivia – you should aim to have handed your work in days before.
Before the beginning of term, draw up a one week spreadsheet and block out all your known commitments – work shifts, family time, sleep – as applicable. Factor in transit time. Duplicate the spreadsheet and plan out your term around these existing commitments, bearing in mind the personal deadlines you’ve defined. Be realistic: if you work best studying in short bursts, don’t place all of your study time into a single day-long block. Remember too that even during commitments you might have downtime – lunchtimes at work are a great time to catch up on your reading list. Where possible, you may want to try scheduling learning on the same day and time every week to retain the structure of an offline course.
In a lecture theatre, a lecturer need only stare into a crowd of confused faces to know that a section of the audience hasn’t quite understood, allowing them to make adjustments to the material on the fly. Online, they won’t know unless explicitly told. Never be afraid to request clarification if you haven’t understood any or all of the content, and instead see your contact as an opportunity: build a relationship with your tutors or module leaders and they will be able to track your study needs more easily.
Student studying online
Keep a bookmark folder of every relevant resource provided by your university for its online students. These services have been developed with your needs in mind, but sometimes go underutilised. Visit peer and instructor-led discussion groups regularly. Ask your instructor questions and discuss the week’s course content with peers.
Online forums enable knowledge exchange, but they cannot entirely replace actual face to face human contact. Thankfully, any available good listener will help you develop your ideas and gain validation and critique. Talk to your friends and family about your assignment. Though this may be difficult with technical topics, being able to articulate ideas to another person is a fantastic shortcut to understanding.
If possible, arrange meetups and study sessions with other online students. Your university’s social platforms or forums should contain information that can help you determine who is nearby – however, there’s a good chance that your fellow students won’t just be in different cities, but different time zones entirely.
This is by no means a bad thing: working with remote students and maintaining contact with people on the other side of the world is valuable practice for your professional life. Make the most of the opportunity presented by group work, but continue to develop these relationships beyond the duration of your assignments.
Student meetup study session – getting support outside of studying online
There is no one-size fits all study space, and online students don’t all have the same space options available: what’s important is that you find any quiet room with comfortable amounts of space for a desk, good lighting and internet access – even attics and garages may be suitable. Ensure you have a good office chair, and that everything is set up to a proper ergonomic standard. Keep things tidy, and give yourself the necessary storage to enable tidiness.
One of the biggest challenges as an online learner is that your primary learning tool (i.e. your PC) is also an access point for every distraction imaginable. In lieu of simply having a second device, ensuring that you go to a specific study space to work creates a useful mental separation that will get you in the mood for learning.
If you don’t already, start using a free service such as Google Drive to store your work online, “in the cloud” (individual institutions may additionally offer their own solutions). It is often possible to link a cloud storage service to your course platform and this will put in place much needed contingencies ensuring:
These services usually provide an app for Windows and Mac-based PCs that manages the constant syncing of documents for you. If you maintain a tidy folder and filename system, and save major changes to your documents separately, you should be able to set yourself up for many years of hiccup-less online study.
Using cafés as alternative learning spaces
Avoid studying exclusively in your home if you can help it. There’s only so much you can do to remove distractions from your study space. Establishing a reliable study-space in your own home is essential. However, a change in environment can help break up the monotony that can set in from prolonged study in the same surroundings. Reframe at least one study session a week as a treat – head to a café, public library or other quiet space and get your head down with a lung-full of fresh air. Such alternative learning spaces can help aid creativity or enable students to overcome mental blocks and study fatigue.
As both a member of the Russell Group and recently named University of the Year in both The Times and The Sunday Times, The University of Birmingham offers a range of online degree programmes as a modern solution for students who wish to combine their studies with existing work and personal commitments.
If you’re not already studying with us and would like to receive more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch on IE: 1-800-800-139/International: +44 (0) 800 028 9171. Please feel free to share this post with your colleagues and friends. Have your say in the comments below, and stay up to date with our news by following the University of Birmingham on Facebook and Twitter.
The post 8 Good Study Habits for Online Degree Students appeared first on StudyLink Study Abroad.
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Stanislav Nazarenus is from Germany and currently studying International Business and Management (IBMS) at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, in the Netherlands.
“I always wanted to study in English in an international environment. The Netherlands is close to Germany and in my opinion it is one of the most tolerant, kind and humble countries. So making the choice where to study IBMS was easy.
Stanislav Nazarenus, IBMS
At HU University you can study IBMS in three year by doing the FastTrack. This was very appealing to me, it shorts my study time by one year and it gave me the chance to work with inspiring people.
What I also like from the IBMS programme is that you can choose between three different specialisations that already start in the second year; International Finance, International Marketing or General Management. I choose the latter. I would like to develop managerial soft skills and necessary creativity to become a successful manager. In every subject we have beside an exam also a group project, where we afterwards reflect each other’s behaviour. In that way you constantly work on your own behaviour and your personal managerial style.
HU organizes extra activities for international students, which is nice. Just recently some lecturers organized an international dinner, where you could have tried dishes from all over the world, like India or Malaysia. There is also a student association, GetConnected, who integrates international students in the campus live and help them when they face problems in their study. They also organize lectures from experts that can help the students to prepare for their future career.
Living in the city of Utrecht is just great. From 330.000 citizens are 70.000 students, which makes Utrecht the student city in the Netherlands. The city is filled with students and many places offer special prices for students. Utrecht offers also a beautiful city centre with great architecture and many restaurants with worldwide cuisine.
In conclusion I would say that studying at HU is the best choice I could have made. The international environment at the campus and great development opportunities is a great beginning for your future career. You will not only study, but also make many friends and enjoy the great atmosphere of the city of Utrecht.“
Read further about IBMS
Please note: the application deadline is the 15th of March!
The post Studying International Business and Management in the Netherlands is a great beginning for your future career appeared first on StudyLink Study Abroad.
Despite the economic crisis and rising unemployment rate, Norway still has a good offer of jobs for foreigners.
General government surplus is estimated at NOK 180 billion in 2015. Due to a substantial decrease in petroleum revenues, this is close to NOK 100 billion NOK lower than the previous year.
Are you considering a college degree in architecture, but not sure where the skills and diploma can take your career? Read on for four great reasons to study architecture as an international student!
Architecture is a creative and artful way to make an impact on society. After all, architects build modern homes to fit the needs of growing families, design meeting rooms for the world’s most impactful leaders, and are among the select few that help craft a city’s skyline through the creation of buildings that seem to touch the clouds themselves.
If the impact your work can have on the people of one family, community or city isn’t enough, here are four more reasons to study architecture as an international student:
1. Architecture is the Art of Self-Expression – Each architectural piece is a creative representation of the thoughts and hopes of the designer. Of course it’s important to meet the needs and expectations of your clients, but the overall look, design and feel of your work is generally a result of your own creativity – ensuring this particular career path is exceptionally satisfying.
2. To Affect the World on a Global Scale – Tourists travel across cities, countries and even continents seeking famous pieces of architecture every day. The Great Pyramid of Giza, Big Ben, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Taj Mahal are just a few world-renowned structures that the world can not only recognize, but more than likely can name the city in which they were built. Even if you don’t ultimately create the next Eiffel Tower or Empire State Building, your works are generally going to be outside, meaning that they will be seen by passerby’s up to 365 days a year and recognized by countless people you will never meet – what an amazing concept!
3. Architecture is a High-Paying Profession – We didn’t put this near the top of our list because hopefully the paycheck isn’t your top incentive when choosing your career, but it is certainly something worth noting. Even though the first three to five years of your career will likely be spent at the bottom of the totem pole as an intern, the more experience you have and the impressive your portfolio, the more padded your wallet will eventually become. Best of all, a lot of top architecture programs for international students offer scholarships to help you get started and internship opportunities further into your degree.
4. For the Hands-On Experience– Though technology innovates the way architecture is done, it is still a job that demands attention to detail and focused work. It is not a data-entry job and generally isn’t a 9-5er either. It takes long hours and expertise to create masterpieces and earn the commission that comes along with it.
Even if you haven’t the faintest clue yet where to study architecture, having a passion to create and bring beauty to the world should never be ignored! Always remember that architecture is more than science and much more than a two dimensional piece of art. It is the harmonious combination of both art and science that will make each structure you create truly special.
The post Why Study Architecture? appeared first on The International Student Blog.
Thank you for reaching out to us, we’re happy to hear that you’re interested in the UW! This website will provide you with further information: https://admit.washington.edu/Admission/Transfer/Veteran.
The deadline for Autumn 2016 was Feb 15, however you may contact Admissions directly to request a late application review.
Best wishes!
Hello Anonymous,
We’re happy to hear you’re interested in the UW’s Psychology program. This website should have all the information you need! http://www.psych.uw.edu/psych.php?p=39.
Thanks for getting in touch!
Hello Anonymous,
We’re happy to hear that you’ve applied to the University of Washington! Please check out the following link for more resources on scholarships and financial aid: https://www.washington.edu/financialaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/.
Let us know if you have any further questions. Best wishes!
Hello Anonymous,
That is a great question, in order to get you the best answer we would recommend reaching out to our College of the Environment, one of their advisors will be able to give you the information you need. They can be reached through the following e-mail: coenv@uw.edu.
Also be sure to check out some amazing stories related to Oceanography happening here at the UW!-Unlocking Secrets of the Ocean
-Students, researchers at sea working on recently erupted deep-sea volcano.
Best wishes!
Hello Anonymous,
Thanks for getting in touch with us. Our DRS office is dedicated to ensuring access and inclusion for all students with disabilities on the Seattle campus enrolled in our undergraduate, graduate, professional, Evening Degree and Access programs for over 38 years. DRS serves approximately 1,700 students with either temporary or permanent physical, health, learning, sensory or psychological disabilities. Students partner with our office to establish services for their access and inclusion on campus.
You can learn more about the resources that they offer on their website: http://depts.washington.edu/uwdrs/.
We hope this helps, best wishes!
Norwegian electronic sensation Kygo performed a special version of “Stole The Show” on Tuesday’s “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
In this week’s global outlook, Professor Bajrektarevic discusses how the very fundaments of Europe are shaking with the recent developments.
If you live in Central or South America or Mexico, this Hangout is for you. Choosing the right program to study in the USA as international students can be challenging. Join our interactive Google Hangout with Mississippi State University to find out what programs MSU offers its Latin America students. Get an inside look into MSU and how they offer a TRUE American college experience, both socially and academically, with over 80 different majors and many undergraduate research opportunities.
During the Hangout you’ll speak with admissions counselors, learn more information about the school, ask questions and hear personal experiences from current Latin America students, like you!
The post Hangout with Mississippi State University Tomorrow appeared first on The International Student Blog.
If you aren’t already dreaming about a break from classes and assignments, you can start now! Spring break, a weeklong academic holiday that takes places in early spring, is just around the corner. Here are some great tips to help you decide what you should do, whether it’s traveling, staying in town to see the local sights, or volunteering.
For those of you in need of travel recommendations, Kayak.com compiled a list of last year’s most popular spring break destinations. These places have beaches and warm weather in common, though some of the locations are outside of the US. As an international student, don’t let the fear of visa issues hold you back from traveling overseas. Prepare ahead of time by contacting your college or university’s Office for International Students for tips and advice, and by making sure your travel documents are up-to-date and in order. Regardless of the destination, be sure to check flight schedules ahead of time to get the best ticket deals.
On the other hand, staying local gives you a chance to get to know the town or city you’re studying in a little better. Maybe there’s a museum you’ve been wanting to visit or a trail you’ve been hoping to hike. Spring break is a great time to explore your surroundings without the pressure of classes looming overhead.
For those of you who want to volunteer over break, check with your college or university to find out what alternative spring break opportunities they offer. With so many programs available and in need of volunteers, you’ll still have the option of traveling or remaining close by. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and make an impact in other people’s lives.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you’re enjoying your spring break to the fullest by planning ahead and staying safe!
When planning for your spring break or summer trip, choosing the right clothes to bring, packing all of your essentials, and arranging transportation are all undoubtedly important. But according to Marisa Atencio, the Director of International Student and Scholar Services at Georgia Tech, the first step in the planning process should involve your travel documents. When we recently sat down with her to talk about international student travel, she gave the following piece of advice: “Before you even buy a plane ticket, make sure that your travel documents are in order.” She went on to break down exactly how to do just that.
Keep in mind that every campus has its own process for getting the travel signature, and there may be lead time for getting one (think of all the other students also planning to travel abroad for spring break or summer!). Checking your visa isn’t something you want to leave until the last minute.
By incorporating document planning into your overall travel plans, you can avoid any last-minute surprises that might derail a great trip.
Like the ISO Corner? Click here for more.
In this new Flywire blog feature, ISO Corner, we’re talking to International Student Offices all over the U.S. and providing you with helpful advice on topics relevant to you as an international student.
Every year in the United States, April 15 marks Tax Day—the day when tax returns are typically due to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). As an international student, you may be wondering how Tax Day applies to you as well as what exactly you need to pay taxes on. We went to Marisa Atencio, the Director of International Student and Scholar Services at Georgia Tech, to provide insight into filing taxes as an international student.
What to File Taxes For
One way students can look at taxes is that they refer to the year that just passed. “The first question to ask yourself is, were you physically in the U.S. any day during 2015,” said Atencio. “If not, then you have no tax obligations for that year.” If you were here, then you’ll need to prepare a Form 8843. This form, which can either be found here or at your college’s International Student Office (ISO), is used by those with non-immigrant status to file taxes and has to be filed regardless of whether or not an income was earned. For guidance on filling out your 8843 form, contact your ISO or check out some online resources—there are plenty of great ones out there! And this form isn’t due until June 15, so while you don’t want to procrastinate, you do have a little more time to complete it.
In addition to the Form 8843, you must file taxes on earnings from employment, some types of fellowship or scholarship, and U.S. investments over the course of last year. If you already have taxes automatically deducted from your paycheck, you may actually receive money back. As a non-resident, you aren’t eligible for all of the same tax deductions available to U.S. residents and must file the non-resident (NR) tax forms, but keep in mind that the U.S. does have tax treaties with many other countries which, if applicable to you, may reduce the amount you have to pay. These taxes are due on April 15.
How to File Taxes
Now that you know what taxes you owe, you’ll need to actually file them. According to Atencio, some colleges purchase tax software licenses for students to use for free, so first inquire if your college has any available. If they don’t have free services, they’ll most likely have a list of recommended services you can utilize for a small fee.
Why You Should File Taxes
Remember that if you don’t file your taxes, you’ll end up having to pay a hefty penalty later. Should you ever want to become a citizen, tax evasion will negatively affect your chances and would complicate the entire process since you may qualify for immigration benefits. The government requires everyone who applies for permanent status to have followed all government rules. Avoid legal and immigration issues in the future by simply paying your taxes.
Taxes may seem complicated, but don’t worry. Rely on the many helpful resources available at your college and online to provide guidance and useful tips, and you’ll have completed this year’s taxes in no time.
Like the ISO Corner? Click here for more.
Adjusted for seasonal variations, there were 126 000 unemployed persons in December 2015 – approximately on par with September.
Last year Norway deported a record number of people. The most common reasons are imposed penalty and violation of the Immigration Act.Adjusted for seasonal variations, there were 126 000 unemployed persons in December 2015 – approximately on par with September.
I explored the beautiful campus of University of Washington yesterday, the library (bottom) is absolutely amazing. {2/19/16}
We’re glad you enjoyed campus! Thanks for sharing.
Starting off this Tuesday morning with sunshine and blue skies!
Hello Anonymous,
Thanks for reaching out to us. We recommend getting in touch with one of our admission counselors directly in order to get you the best and most up to date information. They can be reached through the following link: https://admit.washington.edu/Contact/.
Best wishes!
Hello Anonymous,
Admission processes are separate at each campus. Students can apply to transfer between the campuses, but would follow the same application process as a transfer applicant from any other institution: https://admit.washington.edu/Admission/Transfer.
Thanks for your question!
Hello Anonymous, that can depend on a few factors. Check out this website for more information on tuition exemption: http://www.washington.edu/students/reg/tuition_exempt.html#eligible.
Best wishes!
Greetings to you in California! We’re happy to hear you applied to the UW. The letters will be sent out within that time frame, if you have not received a decision by March 31st, please get in contact with our admissions office: https://admit.washington.edu/Contact/.
Hello, we are happy to hear you’re interested in the UW. For more information regarding our freshman review process, please check out this website: https://admit.washington.edu/Admission/Freshmen/Review.
Norway’s contribution to international military activities continues.
Professor of economy at the University of Oslo Bård Harstad means climate policy should deal mostly with the coal and oil fields and not only factories to reduce the emissions.StudyLink Study Abroad StudyLink Study Abroad - Study Abroad Course Search, Advice and Information
International Random Acts of Kindness Week took place between 14th – 20th February 2016 and the University of South Wales ensured that they were handing out plenty of kindness throughout all of their campuses.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is an internationally recognised non-profit organisation founded upon the powerful belief in kindness and dedicated to providing resources and tools that encourage acts of kindness.
During #RAKweek 2016 the University of South Wales was out and about treating their students! This included handing out doughnuts at the Newport City Campus, treating students to our local delicacy – the very tasty Welsh Cake on the Glyntaff Campus, students were treated to a Kinder Surprise on our Cardiff Campus, a free breakfast and a brollie service (it was a very wet day!) on our Caerleon Campus and finally students at the Treforest Campus were given a Freddo chocolate bar.
Take a look at our short videos and why not participate in some Random Acts of Kindness yourself!
| #1 Doughnuts | #2 Welsh cakes | |
| #3 Kinder Surprises | #4 Brollies and Breakfast | |
| #5 Freddos | ||
Enrolling onto a university programme can sometimes mean that you will feel out of your comfort zone, often experiencing new things and meeting new people from all over the world but as you can see from the #RAKweek2016 videos, we are very friendly at the University of South Wales. Stepping out of your comfort zone once in a while can often lead to new friendships, broadening your social circles or even joining a new club or society. Why not try it today and in the process of doing it, make someone’s day!!
The University of South Wales
Here at the University of South Wales we always put our students first. We offer a friendly and academically challenging environment with an excellent reputation for teaching quality, state-of-the-art study facilities and supportive staff.
With more than 33,000 students from all over the world, flexible study options and teaching excellence in more than a dozen subjects, you can study in areas from drama and music to business, computer science and engineering.
The University of South Wales has over 500 courses available, outstanding graduate employment rates and has invested £160 million into its facilities, so there’s no better time to study at the University of South Wales!
Employability is at the heart of everything we do, with teaching informed by what happens in the real world. Our graduates have the skills that are essential for the workplace and value our employability schemes, business start-up support and opportunities to get actual experience, often as part of your course. It’s an approach that works – 95% of our graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduation. The University of South Wales is committed to not only offering you an internationally recognised qualification but also to enhancing your employability. Employability is all about developing your workplace knowledge, skills and experience, therefore increasing your chances of gaining employment after your studies.
There’s a great selection of accommodation here at the University of South Wales – from halls of residence on campus to privately rented rooms in the local area – so you should be able to find something that is right for you.
The University provides various Arrival Services for newly arrived international students. These services are available throughout the year. If you would like to use these services, you must pre-book and give us the exact details of your arrival five working days before travelling by completing and sending us an Arrival Services Booking Form. Alternatively, you may decide to travel to the University Independently.
International Welcome Programme (IWP) is an important social orientation programme that runs prior to Freshers’ week each September and February. It includes events, activities and information sessions to help acclimatise new international students to living and learning in the UK during the main University arrival period.
For more information about the University of South Wales please visit the website or email international@southwales.ac.uk
The post Did you participate in Random Acts of Kindness Week? appeared first on StudyLink Study Abroad.
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This guide is all about passion. Your passion for your course, and for your future career. Because the secret to happiness is being able to love whatever it is you do in life.
And what does this all have to do with choosing the right course for you? It all starts here. Find the right course, at the right university or college, and you will be inspired to succeed.
So how do you make the right choice? Check our Top 10 tips on choosing your course for the lowdown on getting where you want to be – faster.
The most important consideration when choosing your course is asking yourself why you are looking to study.
Do you want to further your career by extending your skill set? If this is the case then you should choose a course in a subject that is a natural progression to your existing skills and qualifications. If the aim is to progress further with your current employer then selecting a course that is relevant to your work would be recommended. Discussing study options with your peers, colleagues or employer can help to determine what qualification will help with your career.
Are you looking to diversify your knowledge or change career path completely? Studying is an ideal option if you are looking to change career, providing the chance of selecting from a wide array of subjects, which in turn can provide opportunities in a variety of jobs. If this is your reason for studying it is important that you consider what career you wish to pursue. Studying can be expensive, so be sure to fully research any prospective career.
In summary:
It’s really important to think about what you are interested in, and what course you want to study. Is it because you can see your exciting, glittering career ahead? Or is it because it’s what your parents want? By questioning yourself now, you can work out the exact path you want your course to take you on.
There are really two parts to this. Where is the best country to specialise in this subject area? Maybe it’s a country with plenty of internship and graduate work opportunities in that industry, or a city that has access to specific resources. If you’re interested in marine biology, why not head straight to the world’s largest coral reef in Australia and learn right at the source?
It’s also a good idea to ask yourself: where in the world would you love to live for a few years? This is an opportunity to learn a new language or adopt a new culture, make amazing friends, and experience a very different way of life. And if you’re happy in your life, you’ll be happy in your study.
You can find out more about choosing a study destination with our article here.
Now that you have found your dream, let’s just stop a minute and make sure it’s realistic. Can you afford the flights, tuition and cost of living? Do you need to have certain qualifications first – English language proficiency, GMAT scores? Don’t get discouraged – a pathway program may be all you need to cross those hurdles. And if this really is your passion, then prove it in your scholarship application and you may get some financial help.
This is also the point where you need to realistically think about long you want to study for. To help you decide here are some example study durations for full-time study:
Find out how much is costs to study abroad here.
You need to narrow down all your options to about five real, practical choices. That takes a lot of research. A StudyLink course search is a good place to start! Read student blogs to see what it’s really like. Glossy prospectuses don’t always tell you the full story, so talk to people you know who have studied in that country or city about what it’s really like.
Start your search with us here.
While you are researching, you’ll come up with all kinds of different criteria to judge a university or course by. So make a shortlist of the top three features you’re looking for. These could be school ranking or prestige, research facilities, practical experience and internships, cost of tuition, student support services, safety, social life, chance to travel… there are so many variables, and what’s right for you may be completely wrong for someone else.
Hopefully you have some idea by now of how you prefer to study. And hopefully the answer is not ‘by sleeping’ or ‘by crossing my fingers as I walk into the exam hall.’ Some people prefer final exams, others like regular assignments to keep them busy throughout the year. Some like theory, others like practical hands-on application. Some like to work in groups, others like to work individually. Some like to present their assignment verbally, others prefer to create written reports. Choose a course that suits your study style, and you will be more confident in your success. Or, if you want to challenge yourself, choose a course that will take you out of your comfort zone!
Studying overseas can be expensive, so think of it as an investment in your future. And that means your career and your salary. Find out where other international students at that university have worked after graduation, and if there’s an active alumni network, or the opportunity to meet industry leaders during your course.
See Also: What businesses want from a recent graduate
Every subject has so many different options, so it’s good to know the most specific interest you have. Engineering students could study anything from bio-medical engineering to civil engineering. So if you’d rather build bridges than human body parts, understand that before you sign up.
Yes, this is an important decision. But if you get there and you realise you’ve made a terrible mistake, it’s not too late. Talk to the student counsellor on campus, and see if there are better options for you there. Don’t spend the next five years of your life staring at textbooks you have no interest in whatsoever. Remember, it’s all about your passion – keep the excitement alive, and you will succeed!
If you want more advice on choosing a course, chat to us on our Facebook page.
You can get the latest study abroad news straight to your inbox when you sign up with StudyLink.
The post Top 10 tips to choosing the right course for you appeared first on StudyLink Study Abroad.
The agreement between the EU and the UK could lead to sharp cuts in child benefit paid to foreign workers in Norway with family back home.StudyLink Study Abroad StudyLink Study Abroad - Study Abroad Course Search, Advice and Information
By Yasuhiro Kotera, Academic Lead in Counselling, Psychotherapy and Psychology at the University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL).
Taking the next step and searching for a programme to study can leave you feeling tired, but the excitement and eagerness to start makes taking the next step worth it. You decide to apply to the course that suits your needs, interests and ambitions and you finish the application process. After a short while, you receive your acceptance letters (yay!), and start preparing for your first semester.
You share the good news with your family and friends, leaving you excited with anticipation to start your new journey. Day 1 of your new study is memorable. You meet your classmates, university staff, and faculties. You are amazed to see the library, classrooms, cafeterias, and other university facilities. A few weeks in and you’re settling in to your new study routine and surroundings.
Sooner or later, deadlines approach and examination week is upon you. Many students can experience difficulties or struggles throughout these stages of a programme. Assessments are difficult, you’re anxious about getting it right and the pressure is rising. The more stressed or worried you become, the more difficult it is to stay focused and complete the assignment.
In my experience as a student and as a faculty staff member, it is as important to study the curriculum, as it is to learn to manage your own state of emotion during your studies. In this article, I will introduce you to 3 mental skill techniques, based on basic mindfulness practice that can benefit you in taking control of your studies.
Mindfulness is about paying attention in a particular way to the present moment nonjudgmentally [1]. Mindfulness pays attention to the ‘here and now’ without any interpretation. In Japanese and Chinese, the word to represent mindfulness is ‘念’ which consists of ‘今’ meaning ‘now’ and ‘心’ ‘mind’ [2].
The practice of mindfulness has existed in Buddhism for a long time and became particularly popular in the West from the early ’90’s by Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of ‘mindfulness’. Unlike traditional approaches in psychotherapy (psychoanalysis, behaviourism, humanism, and cognitive-behaviourism), mindfulness takes a rather simple yet effective approach to help us deal with our stress, anxiety and other symptoms we may feel.
University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL)
Breathing exercises can be a direct way to approach your mental state from a physical movement. When you feel stressed or anxious, your breathing can become faster or shallower, leaving you feeling like you can’t think straight, let alone comprehend complicated theories or arguments. On the other hand, when you are focused, or in the flow, your breathing tends to be firm and slow. By changing your breathing pattern, you can reduce your stress and anxiety. This exercise is particularly useful to do right before you start studying. Here I have listed the 4-8-8* breathing exercise which includes 3 steps.
Step 1. Set your alarm for 2 minutes (as you get used to this, you can make it longer).
Step 2. Make yourself comfortable. If you are sitting on the floor, you can cross your legs. If on a chair, you can put your feet flat and put your hands on each leg. Sit up straight and close your eyes.
Step 3. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 8, and exhale for 8. While doing this, pay attention to your Tanden (this is the area 9cm or 3-4 inches below your navel) until the alarm goes off.
*Please note: 4-8-8 is an example of a breathing exercise. You can modify these techniques as necessary. In each exercise, exhaling needs to be longer than inhaling.
A relatively easy way to pay attention to the ‘here and now’ is to tune in and be aware of your physical senses (body). Your feelings can be noticed by paying attention to your body-and-mind connection. Often when people are busy, they forget to notice their feelings. If this lasts for a long time, it can sometimes lead to a person developing serious mental or physical health problems. By practicing the body scan mindfulness technique, you can develop the ability to notice your feelings, reducing the risk of suffering from a serious mental health problem. Here is an example of a body scan technique.
Step 1. Sit comfortably on a chair. Put your feet flat on the floor and rest your hands on your knees. Close your eyes and breathe slowly.
Step 2. As you breathe slowly, pay attention to how the air passes through your nose and mouth. Expand your awareness to each part of your face. Notice where they are located, how warm they are, how they move etc.
Step 3. Continue to breathe slowly. As you do, become aware of your upper body, working down from your neck to your shoulders, arms, chest, and stomach.
Step 4. Carry on working your way down to your lower body, starting at your buttocks and finally moving on to your thighs, knees, calves, shins, ankles, feet and toes.
Step 5. Expand your awareness to your entire body. Notice how you feel now.
University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL)
This is a type of meditation technique where you move and adjust your body in a meditative state, thereby creating an awareness of your body. Take 10-15 minutes and walk with no purpose but to meditate. This walk should be done in a safe environment where you feel comfortable. During your grocery shopping or walking to the post box may not be suitable!
Walking meditation starts with you feeling your standing posture. Breathe slowly and deeply, stand up straight and feel your feet, legs, back, upper body, neck and head. As you do this, find a comfortable spot to look at. Usually people look downward to focus on their body sensations. Once you spread awareness to your entire body, make your first step. Feel how your foot moves; how it touches and lands on the floor, then how your body weight sits on your feet. Similarly, pay attention to the other foot moving forward. Repeat this process, and remember to pay attention to your body.
Remember – be sure to choose a safe time and place for walking meditation.
Completing a self-studied programme is a journey. You may encounter emotional problems during your exam week, a group project or throughout your assignments. The mindfulness exercises I have described here can be done relatively easily and only take up to 15 minutes of your day. Practicing mindfulness can help you re-focus on the task in hand and will benefit you tremendously. The key is consistency [3]. Like playing the piano, if you practice every day, you will harvest great rewards.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is among one of the most, well-researched, psycho-therapeutic interventions around the world. CBT has seen a significant increase in popularity and has become a trend within practices and training development. As a result, we developed the BSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Approaches Top-Up course which introduces the latest literature and therapeutic approaches in this field, including Compassion Focused Therapy, using materials developed by Professor Paul Gilbert.
This programme is ideal for counsellors, as well as other health and social care professionals who want to incorporate counselling skills into their practice.
Yasuhiro Kotera, UDOL
The course is available to study part-time, 100% online and starts in May, September and February.
Yasuhiro Kotera is Academic Lead in Counselling, Psychotherapy and Psychology at the University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL).
At the University of Derby Online Learning you can choose from a wide range of online courses and degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
For more details about online learning visit www.derby.ac.uk or call us on +44 (0)1332 594000. You can also email on OnlineAdmissions@derby.ac.uk.
1. Kabat-Zinn, J. (2012). Mindfulness for beginners: Reclaiming the present moment–and your life. Boulder, CO: Sounds True.
2. Matsumura, K. (2015). Nihonichi wakariyasui mindfulness meisou [Mindfulness meditation explained best in Japan]. Tokyo: BAB Japan.
3. http://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/you-can-practice-mindfulness-in-as-little-as-15-minutes-a-day
The post 3 Simple Mindfulness Exercises to Help Maximise Your Studies appeared first on StudyLink Study Abroad.
Three of Spotify’s most popular songs worldwide right now is made of Norwegians.
Spring break is a great time to rejuvenate before your last big push of the year during finals week. Although many students head to the beach or take a trip home during spring break, others know that it’s also a great time to have fun while still learning! If you’re included in the latter, we have a few great destination suggestions for spring break travel to compliment your degree (or at least provide a few talking points during an interview).
1. Political Science Majors: Washington D.C.
Taking a trip to Washington D.C., the capitol of the United States, is something that every international student studying political science should have on their “to-do” list before they head home. Not only will this allow you to see numerous monuments like that of Martin Luther King Jr., Lincoln, Jefferson, and Vietnam veterans, but you’ll also have access to the Smithsonian Institution museums. Plus, if you book early enough in advance you can schedule a tour of the White House or Capitol.
2. Music Majors: Nashville, TN
Nashville has the nickname “Music City USA” for a good reason- it’s home to the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium, and it’s also where numerous music stars have made their start in the music business- including Elvis Presley.
3. Anthropology Majors: Taos Pueblo, NM
As the longest surviving multi-storied Pueblo structure in the US, the Taos Pueblo is a must see for anthropology majors (and history majors). In fact, in 1992 the pueblo was admitted by the United Nations into the “World Heritage List” making it a hot spot for visitors from around the world. During your visit you’ll be able to learn about the history and culture of the Taos Pueblo people and see traditional sculpture, painting, jewelry and pottery. If you’re able to time it right, you might also be able to see traditional dances and songs during a feast day.
4. Tourism Majors: Orlando, FL
A visit to Orlando, Florida for a trip to one of the Disney parks must be made if you’re pursuing a tourism or hospitality degree. Disney parks are some of the highest attended in the world, and the Magic Kingdom in Orlando leads the pack. In 2014 the Magic Kingdom had 19,332,000 guests- visit the park and see first-hand what they’re doing right within the tourism industry to draw in such a vast amount of visitors.
5. Arts Majors: New York, NY
Whether you want to call it “The big apple”, “The city that never sleeps”, or simply New York City, it’s hard to deny that it’s a top spot for anyone pursuing a degree within the arts. If dance or show production is your forte you’ll of course have access to some of the top performances in the world, including those on Broadway. If you prefer the fine arts you have a number of museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim at your fingertips. Not only will you have access to these more structured art events, but you will be exposed to art around every corner: street art, sculptures, and architecture, the list goes on as there’s no shortage of art within New York City.
The post Spring Break Travel to Compliment your Degree appeared first on The International Student Blog.
The refugee family Al Alaf and their cat Kunkush (aka Dias), which disapperared in Greece, reunited in Norway with the help of aid-workers.
Progress Party (FrP) gets its best result since 2013.Hello Anonymous,
Great question! Here at the University of Washington we use an individualized application review more typically found at smaller private universities and colleges. In addition to grade-point average (GPA) and test scores, the University takes into account many aspects of an applicant’s achievements and personal history.
If you have further concerns regarding the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to our admissions office using the following link: https://admit.washington.edu/Contact.
Best wishes!
Hello Anonymous,
Please reach out to our admissions office with your question, they will have the best information for you. You can get in touch with them through the following link: https://admit.washington.edu/Contact.
Thanks!
Hello Anonymous,
Thank you for reaching out - for specific questions such as yours we recommend getting in touch with an admissions counselor directly, as they will have the most up to date information about specific requirements. You can contact them through this link: https://admit.washington.edu/Contact.
We’re happy to hear you’re interested in the UW!
Hello, thanks for reaching out.
Depending on the type of application you submitted, you can expect to receive notification around the dates listed on this website: https://admit.washington.edu/Admission/Deadlines#freshmen.If it is outside of those times and you still have not been notified, please get in touch with our admissions office and they will be able to assist you further.
Best wishes!
We’re happy to hear you’re interested at the UW. This website should have all the information you need regarding the transfer application process: https://admit.washington.edu/Admission/Transfer.
Best wishes!
One fundamental concept in U.S. immigration law is the difference between having a visa and having status. Status is what is granted upon entry into the U.S. and must be maintained. For travel purposes, the focus should be on the visa. Knowing the difference will help international students avoid a lot of confusion and headaches when it comes time to travel.
What Is a Visa?
A visa is the actual stamp or sticker in your passport that is labeled “VISA.” This stamp includes:
The significance of the visa is that you need an unexpired visa of the correct visa type/class before the U.S. government will admit you into the U.S. (If you’re traveling by air, airlines will likely check your passport to see if you have a valid visa. Please note that airline employees aren’t government officials and aren’t the final authority on whether one can be admitted into the U.S. or not. Therefore, even if airline employees don’t find any problems with your visa, that doesn’t mean that you might not have complications at the border.) While the visa itself isn’t relevant until the time of reentry, it’s still always best to check your visa before making travel plans.
Visa Type
For those who are students at academic institutions, it’s important to note whether the visa type is listed as “F-1.” F-1 is for international students at academic institutions. If you don’t have F-1 listed as your visa type, then before reentering the U.S. after international travel, you’ll need to apply at the U.S. consulate closest to home to obtain a new visa. Visa processing is subject to available appointments at the local U.S. consulate, and sometimes, there are delays of several weeks even after the appointment due to security background checks. Therefore, it’s very important that you allow enough time for visa processing.
In addition to the visa type, check on the number of entries allowed for that visa. Under the place where your passport number is listed, there’s a data field called “Entries.” There should be either a number or an “M” in the entries field. If there’s a number, usually the government officers will cross out the number and reduce it by one each time the visa is used. Based on the reciprocal treatment by the U.S. and some countries, entries can be limited. An “M” indicates “multiple entries” so there’s no limit in that situation. It’s important to ensure that an individual have at least another entry available on the visa; otherwise, the individual will have to obtain a new visa at the consulate before reentering the U.S.
As always, there are exceptions to the rule.
Visa Exceptions
Canadian students don’t need visas stamps in their passports. Instead when they cross into the U.S., they must show other documentation—such as a valid passport and a valid Form I-20—to be admitted into the U.S. as students.
Another exception to the rule that’s applicable to everyone (except nationals of Cuba, Iran, Sudan, and Syria) is that if someone is traveling outside of the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, or an adjacent island for less than 30 days, and not to any other country, then he can reenter even on an expired visa stamp, and even if it is in a different visa type/class. However, the individual must still have documentation to show that he’s returning as a student. Such documentation includes a valid passport and an unexpired and valid Form I-20. This is called the automatic visa revalidation rule. (See the U.S. State Department’s website for more details.)
This information has been provided for educational purposes only. Given that each person’s circumstances are different, it’s important to consult with competent immigration attorneys to determine the best recommendation for an individual’s case.
About the Author:
Vincent W. Lau is the managing partner for Clark Lau LLC in Cambridge, MA and serves as adjunct faculty for New England Law Boston. He is also active with the American Immigration Lawyers Association where he serves as an appointed member of the national liaison committee to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Anybody hitting the slopes this weekend? Dubs wants to know!
The USA would like to come more often to Norway and exercise more in the region.
If you’re an international student who recently graduated with a web design degree, you may be wondering where some of the best locations to work in web development in the US are if you’re going to participate in OPT. The state of California has a great many advantages for budding web designers and web developers, making working in web development in California a top choice for graduating international students.
California has the advantage of having two very large and very tech-friendly metropolitan areas: the San Francisco Bay area and the Los Angeles area, that are both great places to work in web development. According to 2014 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale metropolitan area employs the second most security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects in the country while the San Francisco-San Mateo- Redwood City metropolitan division employs the fifth most security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects in the country.
The state statistics for web development in California look even better. California has the highest number of people who work in web development at almost 18,970. Even more encouraging is the fact that California’s annual mean wage of just over $79,500 for web developers is the fourth highest in the country next to Virginia, Delaware and Washington.
Statistically, web development in California looks like a sound idea. But just what is it in the state that makes it that way? One of the biggest factors is Silicon Valley, the nickname for an area south of San Francisco that is the home to many of the world’s largest technology companies. Los Angeles is also a very favorable place for web developers to find work- this is largely due to the city’s huge entertainment industry and the corresponding internet content that goes along with it.
If you’re looking for a great place to participate in OPT, California is a top place to find work in web development, whether in the technology-heavy areas of Northern California or the entertainment mecca of Southern California!
The post Working in Web Development in California appeared first on The International Student Blog.
