Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Growing Veterans — Together We Will

The owners of diesel cars will have to pay extra to drive into the center of Oslo and Bergen from this winter.

from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2svAdaEe30

Norway Approves Extra Fees for Diesel Cars

The owners of diesel cars will have to pay extra to drive into the center of Oslo and Bergen from this winter.

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/panorama/5325-norway-approves-extra-fees-for-diesel-cars

Monday, June 27, 2016

How do scripts become big film hits?

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How do scripts become big film hits? The question every young filmmaker wants answered! What are the steps taken to get from a script held in your shaky little hands to a film being screened in movie theaters and viewed by millions of people? As it turns out, the process varies from region to region only slightly. For insight specifically into the European market, we invited a special guest to our school dBs Film in Berlin.

Dorothee Pfistner

Dorothee Pfistner

Dorothee Pfistner is the head of acquisitions at Neue Visionen which is a leading independent film distributor based in Berlin. She joined us to discuss the distribution of movies, covering their journey from the script to the cinema screen. Even the breadth of our students’ and staff’s curiosities was no match to her experience. She addressed everything from purchasing rights to distribution, the relation between marketing campaigns and audience demands, as well as the effect streaming platforms are having on the industry; and she did all of that in just one hour!

To begin, the entity actually taking the film as a finished product and delivering it to the theaters for audiences to see is called a distributor. In order for a distributor to get a film screened at the movies, they first have to purchase the rights. These can cost anywhere from €5,000 – €5 million and are bought for a certain amount of time. One of the side-effects of this kind of starting point is that all the investment risk is placed upfront. This is because after obtaining the rights, the distributor is then responsible for the costs of the advertising campaign that follows.

Interestingly, the investment on the side of the distributor gives them a lot of power. While artwork and titles need to be approved by the director before being used in marketing, there are many other aspects of the film that the distributor can change. There is a kind of ‘tailoring’ that takes place for regional audiences, so that they are given content relevant to their interests. Similarly the calls on the dubbing are all made by the distributor.

Market research is a key concept here because admissions sales are how distributors payback their investment. The success of a film is heavily dependent upon the distributor knowing exactly who and how many are going to buy tickets. Estimating these numbers is no easy task either! Everything from competitive releases to the weather can affect how many people go see the film in theaters, so timing and even luck can make it or break it. This incidentally, puts a lot of pressure on both the theaters and the distributors to make sure people actually go see the films they show. There are a huge number of shortcomings to this system, many of which result in box-office hits taking greater priority over other production types. The main point is that distributors and theater owners have to avoid empty seats at all costs, and there are some ingenious ways by which some are figuring out how to do that.

So, in order to fill up all the seats, what kinds of films are audiences demanding?

dBs Film in Berlin

dBs Film in Berlin

In Germany, Dorothee told us that they like feel-good movies and stray away from heavy-dramas. Unsurprisingly media coming from the USA is still dominating the scene. According to Dorothe, as high as 70% of the films shown in German cinemas are American. This could be due to the high audience demands to see these films and the interest of theaters and distributors to sell tickets.

But, it seems that the reign of the big-blockbusters and their pull might be about to experience some change. As online streaming sources become more popular and the numbers of movie-goers continues to decline, the way people consume their media is shifting. Methods by which making films themselves have also developed, resulting in a proliferation of cheap and high quality tech, with some incredible results. This is opening up new opportunities for filmmakers to find niche audiences and be less reliant upon big distribution deals that negotiate with theaters for screening time. Additionally, because of the large number of public funding options available to European productions, it’s an increasingly smart idea for young filmmakers to be in Europe. For Germany’s 4,800 cinemas (30% of which are independently owned) trends like decreased audience size are bad news. But for a filmmaker in the diverse and heterogenous industry of Berlin, it could mean more chances to turn a script into a film that people see.

To hear the full lecture Dorothee gave us, please visit the dBs Berlin Soundcloud page.

If you are interested in studying creative technology, we invite you to learn more about the opportunities available at dBs Film and dBs Music.

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Happy Seattle Sunday, Huskies!



Happy Seattle Sunday, Huskies!



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http://uofwa.tumblr.com/post/146535795616

1 of 3 Norwegians Believe Brexit is the Beginning of the End for the EU

According to the new poll carried out by Infact for VG after Brexit, approximately seven out of ten Norwegians are still skeptical of Norwegian EU membership.

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/politics/5324-1-of-3-norwegians-believe-brexit-is-the-beginning-of-the-end-for-the-eu

How International Students Can Determine if Greek Life is Right for Them

Multi-ethnic group of friends in circle - Several people of diverse ethnics smiling and looking down at camera - Concepts about friendship, teamwork, immigration and unity

Multi-ethnic group of friends in circle - Several people of diverse ethnics smiling and looking down at camera - Concepts about friendship, teamwork, immigration and unityThe college experience in America is often based around Greek life, especially in media and pop culture. In movies and TV shows, fraternities and sororities are often shown as giant groups of college students throwing parties and being irresponsible. That’s the stereotype that many people hold when they think about Greek life.

However, when deciding whether or not to join one of these groups, you’ll need to take a fair look at what Greek life really is about. Here are some things to think about when considering if you want to spend your college life in a fraternity or sorority.

Cost

One of the main things to consider when thinking about rushing (another word for applying to a sorority or fraternity) is the cost. Many organizations have fees to join, then repeated fees each year. Some also have house fees, party fees and other additional expenses that come with being part of the group. It can get expensive, especially on top of regular tuition, books, living expenses and the general cost of going to college.

During this time of your life, money is an important factor, so considering whether or not you can afford this type of organization is a good first step. Many fraternities and sororities offer payment plans if you can’t pay in full up front as well. If you’re unsure about the cost, it’s a good idea to ask about it during the first week of rush, which is when you’ll get to know all the sororities and fraternities on campus.

Friendships

One of the great things about Greek life is that you have a large group of friends that you consider family who want to spend time with you. From going away together for vacation to eating lunch and from studying to exercising, sometimes the people in your organization can take over every aspect of your life.

It’s great to have so many people to hang out with that care about you, but if you’re somebody who likes alone time and doing things solo, this type of group might not be for you. If you want to keep your friend circle small and tight, a fraternity or sorority is probably going to give you the opposite.

This is something to consider when deciding how you want to spend your years at college and what kind of friends you want to have.

Priorities

Greek life has a variety of aspects to it such as community service and GPA requirements, but a large part of Greek life is partying (but don’t get me wrong, not all Greek organizations party all the time). Mixers, theme parties and formals are just some of the parties you’ll encounter in a Greek organization. Every weekend (and even some weekdays) people will offer a different party that they want you to attend.

You’re supposed to have fun in college, but you should ask yourself what kind of fun you want to have and whether you think you can keep your priorities in check. Greek life takes up a lot of your time so you might also have to limit the amount of other clubs or activities you’re involved in. If you’re confident in your ability to keep up with schoolwork and still party with the group, then go for it! However, if you want to be able to give a little more focus to schoolwork and other clubs or priorities, you might want to reconsider.

How It Works

If you think Greek life might be right for you, then you’ll want to know how it works! Different campuses might handle this differently, but generally there is a pattern.

First, there is a period known as rushing, where you visit the organizations and see which ones you feel comfortable with. You’ll get to meet the people and learn about what they can offer you. After that, you’ll receive “bids” from different organizations who want you which is an invitation to join. You can then accept a bid to choose which organization you want to join.

However, you’re not automatically in. You go through a period of “pledging” which is where you learn more about the chapter. Then, you’ll finally be initiated and become a member in full standing.

Choosing whether or not to go Greek is an important decision because it will affect your entire college life. Don’t let anybody pressure you into this decision. Make sure you’re doing it (or not doing it) because you want to! Following your own instincts will make sure you have the best college experience possible.

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Friday, June 24, 2016

Looking into the weekend! Enjoy, Huskies!



Looking into the weekend! Enjoy, Huskies!



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http://uofwa.tumblr.com/post/146423590796

EU Students Studying in the UK – What Will Brexit Mean For Me?

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The UK has voted to leave the European Union, a decision that potentially has major ramifications for the future of higher education in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If you are a student from the EU who is currently studying in the UK, or wishes to study in the UK in the future, you may well be wondering what this means for your education. Read our quick summary of how it will affect you below.

I’m an EU student already studying in the UK

If you have already begun your studies at a UK university, the chances are that your studies should remain relatively unaffected. The formal legal process of leaving the UK, when activated, will be a lengthy process and negotiations between the UK and remaining EU members will probably take a period of two years.

During this two year period, it is likely that your tuition fees will remain the same as the tuition fees paid by UK students, as was the case before Brexit. Your university is likely to release an official statement and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about your remaining studies, so keep a look out for that.

I’m an EU student and I want to study in the UK in the future

As a prospective student from an EU member country, your contribution to education in the UK will still be thought of highly in the future and UK universities will be keen to offer you the best terms that they can.

It is possible that EU student numbers will fall at UK universities in the wake of Brexit, as travel restrictions and the rising costs of study in the UK will make countries with lower tuition fees such as Germany and the Netherlands more attractive to students, along with other European Union nations.

Despite this, an education in the UK will remain an attractive and prestigious option for many. UK universities will do all they can to remain an attractive proposition to the EU student body, so don’t discount the idea of studying in the UK just yet.


Image by Nick Page is licensed under CC BY 2.0

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Norway about Brexit: There Are Difficult Days to Come

The government is concerned about the political developments in Europe after Britain’s decision to leave EU.

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/politics/5320-norway-about-brexit-there-are-difficult-days-to-come

Study ESL at the Computer Systems Institute

do you speak english on chalkboard

do you speak english on chalkboardThe ESL Academy is a division of Computer Systems Institute (CSI). Immersion while formally studying a language allows students to immediately use new language skills and vocabulary words in the real world, which helps to create a more effective learning environment. Students at CSI learn native usage of the English language and become comfortable speaking naturally and spontaneously and can study at either the CSI Illinois campus or the CSI Massachusetts campus.

The ESL Academy

CSI launched the ESL Academy in 2005. Recognizing the demand from a growing number of international students studying in the US, CSI sought to provide affordable and effective English as a Second Language programs. Since that time, hundreds of international students from more than 40 countries have taken courses at the ESL Academy.

ESL Programs

The ESL Academy offers several English language programs. Each program is designed to aid students in a specific area of the English language, depending on their skill level, personal goals, and needs.

  • Intensive English Program (IEP) – available in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels

The Intensive English Program (IEP) offers focused classroom and computer-based English as a Second Language training. It is divided into three subject areas: vocabulary and conversation, writing and grammar, and reading strategies. These classes will allow international students to talk freely with native English-speakers about a variety of subjects, and students will be able to read and write at an advanced level by the end of the program.

  • Academic English Programs (AEP) – three advanced Academic English programs available in writing, communication, and literature

The ESL Academy’s Academic English Programs (AEP) include rigorous classes in reading for academic purposes, critical writing skills, and speaking and listening skills especially suited for participation in American college classrooms. These are advanced programs that build on a student’s existing language skills in reading, writing, and verbal communication.

  • Business English – three year-long programs: Customer Service Specialist Program, Hospitality Industry Professional Program, and Administrative Assistant Professional Program

Programs in Business English offer students the means to gain the professional language and training they will need in the business world. These programs allow students to work legally on an F1 student visa while learning professional skills. Students who enrolled in this program should already be comfortable speaking English.

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Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Norway has ratified the Paris Agreement

Norway has now ratified the new international climate agreement from Paris, becoming the first western country which formally endorsed the agreement.

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/panorama/5318-norway-has-ratified-the-paris-agreement

Monday, June 20, 2016

The DJ and producer mix is gender bland: where the girls at?

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We’ve all seen it, festival line-ups that feature way more male than female acts, record labels with similar ratios amongst their artists and staff, and even parties where we watch mostly guys perform. In our classrooms at dBs Berlin the boys also outnumber the girls and we think that this has a huge impact on the learning experience itself. This lack of balance inspired us to begin an investigation into the subject. So we asked the question: why aren’t more women studying music production?

This question led us to a million more and in response we organised dBs Dialogues in partnership with female:pressure, an organisation hell-bent on making women working in media production more visible. This lecture series featured 4 sessions with 5 guests, each from a different part of the electronic music industry.

Antye Greie-Ripatti

Antye Greie-Ripatti

It all began with Antye Greie-Ripatti, an electronic music producer and sound artist, who led us through a discussion on visibility and the role of the media. As one of the core members offemale:pressure, she has dedicated an amazing amount of time in her recent career to showing the world just how many women are already involved in the field. Some of these projects include NerdGirls, a website which features an ever growing list of female artists, #Rojava, a campaign intended to raise awareness for women in Syria and this Tumblr page where you can submit photos of women working the the studio. We walked away with a greater understanding of just how important it is to see images of women in these roles and that there’s more of them than you might think. “Sometimes you just need a crew,” said Antje, and that crew needs to listen to and promote the creations of the women who are a part of them.

Josa Peit

Josa Peit

In the following session, we took a step back from the current state of things to look at the systems that have led us to this point. We focused mainly on education and prior exposure to fields of technology, but also touched on the imagery concept again. Invited to the session was Josa Peit, a Berlin-based electronic musician, who helps organise the German leg of EU Code Week. Together we talked about how crucial it is to give all kids access to learning about tech. With more efforts in this area we can hopefully reverse the unsettling trends of women perceiving themselves as worse in STEM subjects and being erased from history. Until the gender ratio adopts a more even state, selective organisations like EQ network, (which welcomes trans people and women only) serve as critical resources for marginalised groups. In these safe spaces skills can be shared, mutual support can be offered and confidence can be gained.

Mad Kate

Mad Kate

The third event was all about politics and philosophy and Mad Kate was with us to share the insight she has gained from her experience as a performance artist and “sex radical dad.” A lot of her work is centred around her profound ability to gaze reflexively at her body. When you have a lucidity about the way the world perceives you and the body in which you reside, it becomes easier to identify when you are encountering prejudice, sexism, racism or anything equally nasty. Whether we are quicker to recognise difference or similarity in others,everyone puts people into boxes and can feel themselves put into those boxes. If we become better at calling out moments when this is happening, perhaps we can all tone it down a bit.

Electric Indigo and Emika

Electric Indigo and Emika

For the finale of the event we wanted to close it with a bang, so we invited two guests! It was an honour to have both Electric Indigo and Emika join us and share their inspiring, and quite divergent, stories of achieving success in the electronic music industry. Electric Indigo is the actual founder of female:pressure and began the online database when she was tired of hearing the same comments at all the festivals she was playing at: “it’s so sad that there aren’t more women in music!” Her focus on collective action juxtaposed nicely with Emika’s more independent streak. It seems that one of the greatest insights from Emika’s career has been developing a solid trust in your own gut and to never let feedback from labels, or the like, interfere with the expression of your own voice. We didn’t even bring up the word women until the Q&A’s because it wasn’t really relevant anymore. Instead we just sat back and listened to the wonderful tales of two people being triumphant in the pursuit of their dreams.

The end of our inaugural dBs Dialogues series marks only the beginning of our inquiries into issues being faced by people involved in creative industries. At its core, it will focus on the human elements that bridge all the categories people make up.

To know more, we encourage you to watch the recap videos we have put up on our blog. The full audio from the lectures can also be heard on our Soundcloud. Thanks for your interest and we hope you join us next time!

Photo credit: akkamiau

Learn more about our dBs Berlin community, dBs Music, and dBs Film.

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Enjoying the evening at Elliot Bay for Seattle Sunday!



Enjoying the evening at Elliot Bay for Seattle Sunday!



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http://uofwa.tumblr.com/post/146187013474

Happy Father’s Day to all of the Husky Dads!



Happy Father’s Day to all of the Husky Dads!



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http://uofwa.tumblr.com/post/146164564980

Places to See and Things to Do in New Hampshire

Low angle view of a woman riding a mountain bike

Low angle view of a woman riding a mountain bike

If you are a fan of the great outdoors, you will be a huge fan of our list!

New Hampshire may be known for having quaint towns and a peaceful atmosphere, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t adventure to be found in the Granite State. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil atmosphere or an adrenaline rushing experience, there are plenty of places to see and things to do in New Hampshire.

To start things off easy, we’ve listed some fun ideas you can do with your feet on the ground, but by the end your head could be above the clouds!

“Ground Level”

If heights aren’t for you, that’s okay. There are countless things you can do in New Hampshire that would never cause you to put on hiking boots.

  • Lake Winnipesaukee: With water parks and beaches, having fun in the sun is easy at Lake Winnipesaukee and the Lakes Region. Enjoy waters sports, sailing, and fast food at this popular family attraction.
  • Clark’s Trading Post: This family-owned attraction offers a trained bear show! Yes, you read that right. Trained bears. Here you can see real live bears ride scooters, shoot basketball hoops, balance on barrels, and more, so be sure to have your phone fully charged to get some great pictures.
  • Drive-In: Experience the history of an old-fashion drive-in theater. These popular attractions once littered the United States, but now they’re few and far between. A simple Google search can give you the address to a drive-in theatre in Milford, Weirs Beach, and Hinsdale New Hampshire.

“Going Up”

In New Hampshire it can be a little too easy to find yourself at 6,000 feet in the sky and see the world with a new perspective. A popular to-do in New Hampshire, the mountains offer some unbelievable scenery

  • Mount Washington’s Cog Railway: Since 1869 the Cog Railway has been carrying passengers to the top of Mount Washington’s 6,288-foot summit. Adventure seeking passengers brave enough to take the train get a view spanning four states (weather permitting, of course). If you feel like making a day of your adventure to Mount Washington, there is also a museum, cafeteria and research observatory.
  • Mount Monadnock: This mountain can be climbed in a day, making it one of the world’s most climbed mountains. After gathering the necessary equipment. Hikers can choose to hike one of the five main trails to find beautiful views and scenery.
  • Ski Resorts: With six mountain resorts in Mount Washington Valley and one of the first ski resorts in America, North Conway, there are plenty opportunities for people to ski, sled, and ice skate. If you feel like taking an adventure in the summer or fall, these resorts offer other activities, such as swimming, hiking, and railroads.
  • Castle in the Clouds: This massive mountaintop estate overlooks the Lakes Region and is one of the state’s premier tourist attractions. As a popular destination for ‘fairytale’ weddings, guests can stay on site and enjoy meals practically in the clouds.

“Sky High”

Now that you’ve gotten through the easier attractions, let’s bring on the most challenging ideas on our list. But don’t worry, hiking mountains and riding trains are not the only reason to be thousands of feet in the air in New Hampshire.

  • Morningside Flight Park: This flight park is a great opportunity to go hang-gliding and paragliding. For those who are not into flying, there are dozens of other fun activities to consider, such as zip lining, kayaking, laser tag and camping.
  • Barnstorming: For the bravest of the bunch, ride in an open-cockpit biplane and allow the wind to hit your face and breathe in the view of New Hampshire’s largest lake, Lake Winnipesaukee.
  • High 5 Ballooning: Have you ever been in a hot air balloon? If you are a fan of heights, it’s easy choice to ease your way into the sky in a 90-foot balloon at sunrise. When your ride is finished, enjoy the crisp weather with a mimosa and picnic!

See what New Hampshire has to offer on the ground, or defy gravity and explore New Hampshire in the sky. Discover a peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking scenery, or find the thrill of adventure that is close to your heart. Though the state may be small, the opportunity is great!

 

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Saturday, June 18, 2016

The weekend is almost here, Huskies! Bring on the sunshine!



The weekend is almost here, Huskies! Bring on the sunshine!



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Advice on Choosing Your Dentist in Norway

Norway is known as one of the most expensive countries in Europe to receive dental treatment. So, it might become a double nightmare for many to go to dentist. However, if you are well informed about the procedures, you can find a more affordable dental care plan.

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/exclusive/2293-advice-on-choosing-your-dentist-in-norway

Friday, June 17, 2016

How to Succeed in an Online Class as an International Student

woman-hand-smartphone-desk

As our world becomes increasingly digital, new aspects of our lives move to online formats. In many ways, this has made life more convenient, but this is not always the case.

For international students who are studying in the United States, participating in class can be a challenge if you are not confident in your English skills. This becomes even more true in an online course, where much of the communication is done asynchronously and in writing.

If you are thinking about taking or are about to take an online class, here are five tips that may greatly improve your chances for success:

1. Interact with honesty and openness
Communication opportunities in online courses are often more limited than in traditional classes, and you may not be able to physically see the individuals who you are communicating with. As a result, you may feel self-conscious about your ability to articulate your thoughts in English (especially written English). Rather than pretending that you are fluent or remaining silent, consider being honest about the extent of your language and communication skills at the beginning of the term.

This might seem embarrassing, particularly if you do not know any of the other students, but you may be surprised by the resulting show of support. You may also find that your honesty makes your peers more conscious of how they communicate, which can partially limit any potential confusion.

2. Speak with faculty frequently
One of the most challenging aspects of online learning is the limited availability of its instructors. This is not always a conscious decision—some professors simply cannot prioritize their online students the way they might like to.

In light of this challenge, contact your instructor before the semester starts, and ask to arrange a weekly or biweekly check-in session via telephone or video chat. These brief check-in sessions will provide you with the opportunity to ask questions, request clarification, and receive feedback in a private environment. You will also avoid the hassle of trying to make last-minute contact with a professor.

3. Review course materials in advance
More often than not, an online class—like other classes—will include handouts, resource lists, and other required course materials. Fortunately, because online classes are planned in advance, these materials will likely be made available to you prior to the start of the course. It is thus in your best interests to review them as soon as possible.

Carefully reviewing these documents and texts will not only give you an idea of what to expect in the coming weeks, it will also enable you to identify any questions or potential challenges that you might encounter along the way. As you browse the materials, keep a list of comments or questions that you can discuss with your instructor. You may not receive all the answers that you are seeking, but by knowing what to expect in advance, you are much more likely to overcome challenges when they arise.

4. Find a partner
Another reason why online classes can be difficult is decreased interaction with your peers. This can sometimes mean that the experience feels isolating and unsupportive.

Rather than endure these feelings, ask your professor if there is a fellow student whose skills would complement or enhance your skills. You can also post an inquiry on the class message board. For instance, if there is a student who speaks your first language, ask if he or she would be willing to make him- or herself available for questions, partnering on projects, or simple socialization.

5. Ask for help
This piece of advice may seem obvious, but asking for help is not always easy. Nevertheless, the fastest way to solve a problem is by being direct. If you are confused, or otherwise require clarification or assistance, do not hesitate to speak to your instructor. Everyone struggles from time to time, and the individuals around you may be sympathetic, supportive, and willing to help—but you will not know until you ask.

David White is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world’s largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.



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http://blog.flywire.com/2016/06/17/how-to-succeed-in-an-online-class-as-an-international-student/

3 Transfer Problems International Students Should Look Out For

young student thinking with arrows over head

young student thinking with arrows over headFor many people, the chance to study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Although it has clear advantages and will certainly give you memories you’ll never forget, there are a few things to be aware of whether you are already in the United States to study or thinking about going there soon. Specifically, they relate to the credit hours earned here or elsewhere.

Here are three common problems you may run into:

1.Material About Past Coursework May Not Be Available in English

Regardless of where they’re located, most universities require incoming students to participate in a core curriculum or else be able to demonstrate they’ve already gone through the coursework in another way, such as testing out of certain classes or perhaps just showing proof through your transcript.

However, things can get trickier for international students who are trying to transfer credits that were earned in their home country. That’s especially true if the syllabuses for those courses are in a foreign language and translation assistance isn’t readily available. If your school does not already have a company that they work with for instances like these, ask your international student office if they have a certain company they recommend.

2.Community College Credits May Not Be Recognized Back Home

If you plan to study abroad in the United States for a few semesters, or years and not complete a degree, keep in mind that you might run into the same problem you had when transferring to the US: your credits might not be recognized.

It’s important to remember that although community colleges are extremely popular in the United States, the same is not necessarily true globally, especially since some countries, such as those in Europe, already offer relatively affordable — or even free — tuition.

With that in mind, consider that your home country might not be familiar with the community college concept. Administrators who oversee transfer credits could raise their eyebrows when looking over your transcript of community college classes taken in the United States.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have wasted your time or your home country won’t ever see those credits as valid. However, it’s essential to research and see how your native country generally views credits earned at community colleges. Fortunately, some community colleges have teams of advisors to aid students in figuring out how credits earned there that will transfer back to their country of origin.

3.English Courses May Need to Be Repeated in the United States

There are many important steps that must be taken before you arrive as an international student in the United States and being able to demonstrate your English language proficiency is one.

International students who wish to study abroad in the US often run into an unexpected challenge when realizing even though they took and passed an English course in their home country, that effort doesn’t always satisfy the English-language requirements they need to meet to study in the US.

These are just a few of the possible problems you may encounter when trying to transfer credits between universities in the United States and your home country. Although they’re not meant to discourage you from pursuing a dream of being a Stateside student, hopefully these examples will emphasize how important it is to plan ahead as much as possible and take care to understand all academic requirements of the respective countries.

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Monday, June 13, 2016

What You Need to Know About Academic Capability and Your F1 Visa Approval

visa interview ThinkstockPhotos-102109455

What You Need to Know About Academic Capability and Your F1 Visa ApprovalIf you’re trying to get your F1 visa then you know there’s a lot of work involved and the US government will evaluate all aspects of your life before granting you one. Many students wonder how their academics will play a role in that approval, mostly out of fear that their scores aren’t enough to get the approval they need.

To get a better idea of what you need to know about academic capability and your F1 visa approval, first, let’s look at what questions during your F1 visa interview they might ask you when comes to your academics:

  • What are your test scores (GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS)?
  • What was your previous GPA?
  • How will you manage the cultural and educational differences in the US?
  • How good is your English?
  • Why do you want to pursue a degree in the US?
  • Why not study in Canada, Australia or the UK?
  • What do you know about US schools?
  • Can I see your high school/college diploma?

Even if you’ve already been accepted by a US college or university and received your I-20, they will typically still ask these questions. Asking about your academic capability gives them insight into your dedication as a student and the likelihood of your success as an international student. Becoming an international student requires additional devotion as a student- not only will you be immersed in a culture that has a different language (or at the very least a different accent), but you will also have a new culture and classroom style to adjust to. Although being an international student is exciting and fun, it can also be a lot of work and the US government wants to gauge just how likely you’ll be to succeed if approved.

What if you have great test scores but a poor GPA or vice versa?

Explain why. Don’t be embarrassed by your scores and shrug them off- make sure you clearly state why you didn’t do so well in a certain area and how you plan to improve a certain score or grades in the future. Make sure that they know you understand the extra responsibility you’ll accrue as an international student and that you’re willing to work hard.

The post What You Need to Know About Academic Capability and Your F1 Visa Approval appeared first on The International Student Blog.



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Friday, June 10, 2016

Opplev Norge med barna



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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4j_FqblsDE

Opplev Norge fra hesteryggen



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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AMSg8f9dq8

Opplev Norge til fots



from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASGg3XyVw-I

Opplev Norge fra sykkelsetet



from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvCrf2t-UQs

Smak på det ekte Norge

PR ThinkstockPhotos-487721838Students looking for careers in creative writing for entertainment should check out public relations! Public relations for entertainment in the US is a complex web of promotion and crisis management with many opportunities for international students. You could find yourself dressed as a superhero making a promotional appeal for the latest comic book movie adaptation; […]

The post Public Relations Degree for a Job in the Entertainment Industry appeared first on The International Student Blog.



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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udMH7fRo_CE

Aktiv sommerferie i Norge



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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IZBZu_pCUs

Public Relations Degree for a Job in the Entertainment Industry

PR ThinkstockPhotos-487721838

Public Relations Degree for a Job in the Entertainment IndustryStudents looking for careers in creative writing for entertainment should check out public relations! Public relations for entertainment in the US is a complex web of promotion and crisis management with many opportunities for international students. You could find yourself dressed as a superhero making a promotional appeal for the latest comic book movie adaptation; or working as a press agent for a major celebrity or public figure trying to save their career from their latest public scandal. With twenty-four hour news and Internet blogging, any story can take a turn whether good or bad, and be circulated around the world in seconds. Working within public relations, it is your job to make sure the story always has a happy ending.

For students interested in jobs in creative writing, public relations for entertainment can be a high-pressure, yet high-reward business. With an endless list of public figures and celebrities embroiled in high profile scandals you might have your work cut out for you. International students looking for careers in creative writing for entertainment, or studying creative writing for public relations, should expect to develop a comprehensive knowledge of how to write for various forms of media. Writing the traditional press release is still very relevant in modern American society, but knowing how to manage and manipulate social media like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can be equally as important to the success of your client. Rewards for this seemingly stressful occupation include getting to be a part of cutting edge, new media projects before they become public, getting to mingle with movie stars, and receiving a hefty pay check.

The US is a melting pot of almost every different culture, religion, and ethnic group from around the world. International students that choose to pursue careers in creative writing for entertainment have a long list of potential employment opportunities in public relations. Knowing how different minority groups in the US will positively or negatively respond to specific promotional or critical situations, make international students looking for jobs in creative writing invaluable to the public relations industry.

Global promotional events are also becoming increasingly frequent. A major Hollywood film will not only have a huge opening in Hollywood, but in London, Paris, Sydney, Tokyo and beyond. When seeking jobs in creative writing for entertainment, coming from a different culture yet studying how to write for the public relations industry in the US could give an international student an advantage when looking for a job in this profession.

 

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Monday, June 6, 2016

Perfect way to start the week. Good luck on your finals,...



Perfect way to start the week. Good luck on your finals, Huskies! #UW #UniversityOfWashington



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Aker Solutions Wins Order for Umbilicals at Egypt’s Zohr Offshore Gas Field

Norwegian oil services company, Aker Solutions won a contract to deliver its longest-ever umbilicals system at the Zohr offshore gas field in the Egyptian part of the Mediterranean Sea.

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/economy/5311-norway-aker-solutions-wins-order-for-umbilicals-at-egypt-zohr-offshore-gas-field

How to Save Money on Computers and Binders for College

Girl with laptop and cup of coffee, vintage photo effect

How to Save Money on School Supplies: Computers & Binders Edition

As an international student, you know first hand how expensive a quality education can be. Between paying for tuition,  textbooks, paper, highlighters, and at least 50 other random necessities your wallet can feel pretty empty. Luckily, we’ve got some great ideas to help you save money on computers and binders for college!

Computers

Having access to a computer is imperative for college. We live in a world where almost everything is done over the internet, almost every assignment is typed, etc. Because of this, most colleges have resources for students who need to save money on computers.

  • Check your library / resource center:  Some schools will allow you to rent laptops from their libraries or resource centers. These are usually free services for students and can be a good option if you only need the laptop for a class or to write a paper.
  • Use campus computer labs / libraries: Although some schools won’t have the option to rent laptops, most campuses do have rooms with computers that students can use. These can be in libraries, computer labs, journalism labs, etc. Finding an open computer shouldn’t be too hard to find on your campus. You won’t be able to take these home with you, though, and will have to work on it during operation hours. This is a good option if you have time during the day to work on the computer.
  • Buy during peak sale times: If you can’t rely on renting laptops or using computers on campus and want to purchase your own, buy during the peak sale times. In the U.S. this is August – September (for back to school sales) and late November – December (for Christmas sales). You can save hundreds of dollars if you purchase your laptop or computer during this time.
  • Buy second hand:  If you don’t mind a used computer, you can find cheaper alternatives on sites such as ebay.com. Some manufacturers also sell used but refurbished computers for cheaper than the new models.

Binders

If you’re an organized student, you’ll most likely want to have a binder to keep up with your class notes and assignments. Some professors also require you to have a specific binder for their class. If you’re a full time student and are attending college for four years, all of those binder purchases can add up. Here are some options to help you save money on binders.

  • Check professor offices: Since many professors require their students to make a binder to turn in for their class, a lot of them have stacks upon stacks of binders in their office from students who neglected to pick their binder up when the class ended. If you can find out who these professors are, they will most likely be more than happy to give you free binders so they’re no longer in their offices.
  • Reuse from previous semesters: Once you have your binders for a semester, don’t throw them out when class is over. Keep them and reuse them for the next semester of classes. If you’re intentional about doing this at the beginning, you’ll keep your binders in good condition and most of the time if you do this you can journey with the same binders for your four year education.
  • End of semester move out:  When students move out for the summer, they throw away a lot of their things because they don’t want to go through the hassle of finding a place for it. Some colleges will have a giveaway bin where students can bring the stuff they don’t want and the school will donate the things to college students or to an organization in the city. You can most likely find binders in these bins. If your college doesn’t have these bins, you can ask around and see if anyone has any binders and / or other school supplies they don’t want to keep.

For other school supplies such as pens, pencils, note cards and paper, it’s important to buy these items during the peak sale times. Most stores will have a “back to school sale” when schools resume in the fall. At these sales you can find paper, note cards, pencils and pens for less than a dollar. Also be sure to reuse your supplies and don’t be afraid to ask people if they have any supplies they don’t need. College is already expensive, so saving money on supplies will help with the high cost!

The post How to Save Money on Computers and Binders for College appeared first on The International Student Blog.



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