Unemployment Decreases in Norway

The number of employed persons decreased by 19 000 from February to May, adjusted for seasonal variations.

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/economy/5349-unemployment-decreases-in-norway

Cracking the Code: Insight for Future US International Students

Universities in the US aren’t exactly like what they seem on TV. Knowing about the collegiate culture of the country you will be studying in will help take away some of the shock that can occur when you become an international student.

The Academic Code

Succeeding in your classroom studies should be one of your top priorities when studying in the US, and it is your college’s priority to make sure you have what you need to succeed. Talk to your academic advisors if you need anything and use these insights to help you get started.

● Undecided: It can be a surprise to some international students that you don’t have to pick an area of study before you enroll in school. It is common for students at US colleges to not choose a major their first year, sometimes even through their third year. If you don’t know what you want to study yet, don’t worry. You can enroll as undecided, take a variety of classes, and decide later. You can also change your major if you find something you like better. Be sure to keep in mind the time you want to study, though, as waiting to solidify a major can extend your time in college. Also, during your visa interview process it always helps to know exactly what you want to do and have a solid plan.
● Grading scale: In the US you’ll be graded on an A – F scale. In most cases, if you get an A, B, or C, you pass the class, and if you get a D or F you fail and may have to take the class again. Your grades will then be calculated into your Grade Point Average (GPA). A 4.0 is a perfect GPA, meaning you received all As that term. Your school will have a certain GPA that you must keep to remain in good academic standing. Depending on the class, your grades will be calculated by scores you receive on your exams, papers, and projects. In the US, it is also common to be graded on participation in class. Your professor should give you a syllabus at the beginning of the semester with information on how you will be graded. Keep in mind that your final exams at the end of the semester are most important, so make sure you study throughout the semester so you can do well on those tests. Some classes may have a P/F grading scale for pass or fail instead of an A, B, C format, and if you drop out of the class early you may receive an I for incomplete.
● Professors: In the US, it is important to keep a positive relationship with your professors. They can help you find internships and jobs, write recommendation letters for career opportunities or future schooling, and can help you with questions you have concerning coursework or learning material. Your professors will have office hours that you can visit or some will let you schedule an appointment. It is encouraged in the US to ask your professors for help when you need it.

The Social Code

Social life is a big deal in the US, and students spend as much time focusing on this part of college as their academic responsibilities.

● School Spirit: Most US colleges will make a big deal out of being excited for your school. Be prepared to cheer and dress in school colors, especially at sporting events. US colleges love to see students enthusiastic and may hold rallies, parties, and tailgating events to stir up some positive energy. Think of it as being loyal to your community. It’s all in good fun, and is a great way to take a break from the stress of classes and let loose.
● Extra Activities: The US likes to frame education around holistic learning, so involving yourself in extra activities beyond your classroom studies will be heavily encouraged. There will be many options available for you and your school will most likely have an organization fair of some sort where you can see all of the activities your school has to offer. One popular activity is intramural sports which allows all students to participate in organized sports, another is the International Student Association which brings international students together, however, your school will more than likely have numerous other clubs and organizations specific to certain interests which can help you meet friends and career connections.
● Roommates: You’re most likely going to be living with another student on campus. This can seem scary to most students, but can actually be a fun and exciting experience. Make the most of your situation and be open to your new roommate. Most US students will be very friendly and welcoming to international students, and may be able to help you through the process. Don’t be afraid to ask your roommate how you can be a good roommate for them, as most students will be willing to compromise. You can also talk to your Residential Advisor if you need any help with campus life.

Studying in the US may be different than in your country, but you’ll learn the culture quickly and will have many resources on campus available to you if you need anything. Even students from the US are transitioning into something new, so you won’t be alone in learning the process of US universities.

The post Cracking the Code: Insight for Future US International Students appeared first on The International Student Blog.

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Ever wondered what O-Week is really like?

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Worried about starting university in a new city? Well don’t be. We’ve just finished our Mid-Year orientation for our international students and the program was packed with useful information and fun activities.

Starting with an official welcome from our Provost, Professor Allan Evans, and covering all the information any new student would want to know, the O-Week program was a great success. Areas covered included program information sessions (where students were introduced to their selected study program, and had the opportunity to meet the lecturers and tutors who will be supporting them throughout their program), safety and wellbeing and the vast range of student support services available to our students.

The Student Engagement Unit were on hand to discuss the wide range of support services including study support and career and employment advice. Students got the chance to hear first-hand from an International Student Representative about all the services that our not-for-profit student association provide, and how they act as the voice of our students to ensure all students get the representation and support they need.

But it’s not all serious. Just when it was starting to look like it was all about the pressure of studying and being away from home, the fun began. Students got the chance to try their culinary skills at a local café, and learn about the free ongoing cooking classes that UniSA run where free food and movies are available to all our students. Who doesn’t like free food and movies? If cooking isn’t your thing there’s the chance to cuddle a Koala Bear at the beautiful Cleland Wildlife park in the Adelaide Hills, a tour of the iconic Haigh’s Chocolate Factory and Adelaide Central Market or a visit to the Adelaide Zoo.

For those students who were feeling brave and looking to make new friends ‘Speed friending’ was available. The opportunity to get to know fellow students and make new friends over pizza and games was very popular.

And finally our campus tours gave everyone the opportunity to explore their campuses, and find their way around.

After a full week of orientation excitement, it was over in a flash. But although orientation was over everyone had a chance to realise they’re not just another student wondering around campus all on their own. There are lots of different support services and social activities that can be utilised to get the most out of the student experience all year round.

The post Ever wondered what O-Week is really like? appeared first on StudyLink Study Abroad.

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Only in Norway: Policeman Fines Himself

A Norwegian policeman writes himself a 500 NOK (60 USD) ticket for not wearing compulsory life jacket on patrol.

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/panorama/5348-only-in-norway-policeman-fines-himself

House prices in Norway Continue to Increase

House prices increased by 1.8 per cent from the 1st to the 2nd quarter of 2016, when adjusted for seasonal variations.

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/economy/5347-house-prices-in-norway-continues-to-increase

Cruisin’ through campus. #Monday #UW...

Cruisin’ through campus. #Monday #UW #UniversityOfWashington

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Student’s Guide to Choosing a Mobile Phone Provider in the U.S.

Moving to a different country to attend college or university means starting a new life full of exciting discoveries but also unavoidable challenges. One of the first obstacles international students usually face is obtaining mobile phone service. Many students quickly learn that the U.S. mobile phone system is, unfortunately, very different from what they experienced in their home country. This guide will provide you with an overview of the U.S. system and give you some pointers to help you choose the best mobile phone service for your needs. 

Networks

If you want to use your existing mobile phone in the U.S., it’s important to know about the U.S. mobile phone technology. There are two networks in the U.S. — Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and code division multiple access (CDMA).

GSM	CDMA
Primary mobile phone technology used internationally	Few countries outside of the U.S. have CDMA networks
You can likely use your current phone on this network as most international phones are compatible with the GSM network	You will likely have to purchase a phone as most international phones are not compatible with this network
Allows flexibility because you can switch carriers by purchasing a new Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card	Restricted to carriers on the CDMA network
Carriers include campusSIMs, AT&T, and T-Mobile	Carriers include Verizon and Sprint

SIM Cards

Many international students choose to keep their existing mobile phones and instead get a SIM card when they come to the U.S. Should you decide to do that, first make sure your phone is unlocked, so the SIM cards can be switched out. If your phone is locked, you should be able to take it to your provider and have them unlock it.

Additionally, international students who don’t have a history of credit in the U.S. may be asked to pay a hefty deposit instead in order to enter into a contract with the provider. Since you don’t enter into a contract with a SIM card, you avoid these charges. Also be aware that some providers require you to use the newest technology, so if you have an older phone, a SIM card may be your only option.

Plans

When choosing your mobile phone plan, you need to carefully consider whether to sign a contract or go with a contract-free plan.

Many U.S. carriers try to sell you on postpaid, contract-based plans. On these plans, you are usually committed to your carrier for two years and cannot change carriers without incurring significant financial penalties. You will be billed at the end of the month based on how much data you use that month, with monthly minimum requirements. With these plans, you may face extra charges based on your usage, but as long as you are mindful of your usage and don’t break or cancel your contract, the monthly rate can be low. These contract-based plans often subsidize the purchase of mobile phones, so if you need to purchase a new phone, these plans may be the best option for you.

Some wireless carriers offer no-contract, monthly plans that allow flexibility and are budget friendly. Through these carriers, you usually buy a SIM card and decide how much you want to spend monthly.

Features

You should also consider what additional features the carriers offer. For example, if you plan to go home during some of your breaks, will your carrier allow you to freeze your account and avoid your monthly fee for a period at a time? Can you cancel at anytime? Does the carrier offer international calling, video messaging, or texting to your home country? Additionally, if you need to contact customer service, does the company have multilingual representatives who speak in your native language?

How to Purchase Mobile Phone Service

In order to purchase your mobile phone service, most carriers require that you go to their stores and meet with a representative. If you have the time and means to travel to the physical store, then this may not be an issue. On the other hand, if you would rather avoid the trip and prefer to save some time, you may want to consider using campusSIMs. They conveniently allow you to sign-up for mobile phone service, order free SIM cards, and activate your campusSIMs SIM card—all through the app.

In summary, it’s important to do your research before getting your mobile phone service. Know your needs ahead of time, and you’ll be able to find the right plan for you.

from
http://blog.flywire.com/2016/07/25/students-guide-to-choosing-mobile-phone-provider-in-us/

Norway Spends Less on Environmental Protection

Norwegian Government has decided that Norway will be carbon neutral by 2030, but is actually spending less on environmental protection now than in 1999, according to Axo Finance comparison.

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/politics/5346-norway-spends-less-on-environmental-protection

What is Game Design: the Courses

So, what is game design? The ultimate career goal of a game designer is to be lead designer on his or her own title, creating and bringing to life an entire video game world. That being the case, game design is a discipline that spans from computer programming and graphic design to creative writing and storyline editing. Game designers not only take the creative lead in imagining and bringing to life video game worlds, the stories, characters, gameplay, rules, interfaces, dialogue, and environments, they also serve on development teams actually constructing the games they design.

International students who decide to study game design will be versed in many of the technical aspects of creating a video game, taking a mixture of mathematics, computer science, art, graphic design, and creative writing courses. The following is a list of common requisite courses in a game design degree:

• Discrete mathematics
• Creative writing I, II, III
• Game software development I, II, III
• History of game development/design
• Principles of design
• Drawing
• Programming I, II, III
• Storyboarding animation
• 2D/3D content creation/design
• Computer illustration
• Level design
• 2D/3D modeling/animation
• Game production
• Game rules

The above courses are staples in any curriculum for which international students who study game design in the US should be prepared. Though the particular names of each of these courses will vary depending on the particular institution, the material they cover, representing the core knowledge and skills of a degree in game design, is fairly uniform across institutions.

Get more information on studying game design in the US and see if it’s the right path for you.

 

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Holidays to Celebrate in the US as an International Student

One of the greatest ways to become immersed in American culture as an international student is by celebrating traditional American holidays. Holidays like Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Veterans’ Day, and MLK day all celebrate American culture and accomplishments. On the Fourth of July you may see festivities such as fireworks and parades, both of which are fun ways to celebrate this holiday with friends and family. The Fourth of July is truly a celebration of American accomplishments because it was the day that the U.S. claimed its independence from Britain. Many people will be seen sporting patriotic decorations and wearing patriotic attire.

Another holiday that allows you to experience American culture is MLK day. MLK, or Martin Luther King Jr., was a leader in the Civil Rights movement, which called for equal treatment for African Americans in the United States. Going to festivals and parades is a great way to experience African American culture while in the United States. People tend to get very passionate about honoring their roots during MLK day, so these festivals are a great way to see diversity in the United States.

Some holidays, such as Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day, are celebrations of U.S. Veterans. These holidays are usually celebrated by taking a work day off and attending casual gatherings such as barbecues and cookouts. This type of celebration is great for meeting new people and getting to know old friends better. Usually, in the late afternoon, a memorial service, march, or parade is held to show appreciation for U.S. Veterans.

Another and perhaps the most notable holiday that celebrates American Culture is Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is remembrance of the time that Pilgrims and Native Americans were brought together by giving thanks for a meal. It is a celebration of people of two very different cultures being bonded through food. Thanksgiving is a great opportunity for family and close friends to come together and give thanks over a meal. Traditionally, turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and other comfort foods are eaten on Thanksgiving. As an international student, it is a good idea to share a Thanksgiving dinner with the family of a close friend or at a community center where other students will be dining. Thanksgiving will bring you and your desired dining companions together over a big and filling meal. You will chat and tell jokes while enjoying delicious food. It truly is one of the most notable American holidays and one of the many great ways to experience American culture as an international student in the United States.

Make sure you check out more on American culture before you become an international student in the United States.

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5 Easy Ways to Research American Universities from Abroad

Searching for the perfect university can be one of the most exciting times in a person’s life, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t stressful too. In addition to ensuring that your short list of schools possess the faculty and resources that you desire, you will likely also wish to know what the campus environment and surrounding city or town is like.

Researching potential colleges is stressful and time-consuming for American residents, but it can be exponentially harder for international students, who may not be able to afford the costs associated with traveling to a U.S. campus. Although personally visiting universities is the ideal scenario, there are other more cost-effective methods of learning about American schools, even if you’re halfway around the world.

1. Virtual tours

Not every university offers a virtual tour, but if your school of interest does, take advantage of this opportunity. Virtual tours can vary in their coverage and depth, but in most cases, they will allow you to view videos and photographs of the campus, classroom structures, and other resources like libraries.

Virtual tours aren’t likely to provide nuanced information about programs, faculty, or current students, but they can show you what the overall environment is like (i.e. urban vs. rural) and the general size of classrooms, dorms, and lecture halls. While virtual tours may not tell you everything you need to know about a college, they can be a great first step when narrowing down your short list of prospective schools.

2. Official literature

Another way to learn about a university is to simply ask for any applicable literature from its admissions department. More often than not, these documents are produced by the school as a way to introduce prospective students to their programs and facilities—which means that they are biased in the school’s favor. Nevertheless, this is the best possible way to investigate basic information like available majors and minors, cost of tuition, scholarships, etc.

3. Student reviews

Official informational material is great when you desire simple, straightforward answers, but for more nuanced thoughts on the school or its programs, turn to current students. One place to find a wide variety of thoughts and opinions is on a consumer review website. These sites will provide a broad spectrum of insights on everything from the quality of the classes and faculty, to the variety of food in the cafeteria.

If you do choose to collect information from these websites, it is important to keep mind that, like the material from the school, student reviews are also biased. This means that a handful of positive or negative reviews might not be an accurate reflection of the college. After all, these tend to be based solely on the person’s individual experience, and what he or she is willing to invest in his or her education.

4. Online communities

For additional student opinions about the school or campus community, you might consider looking for online communities or commentary that are built around that particular college or university. For example, many schools have formal and informal social media websites that are used for networking, sending out announcements, or just making personal connections. These aren’t always open to the public, but in the event that they are, they can be a great place to ask questions about aspects like faculty, campus life, or any other questions about the quality of the school or program of interest.

5. Local news sources

Whether it’s a rural or urban environment, colleges and universities tend to play a considerable role in the larger communities in which they’re located. This means that they might be reported on regularly in local newspapers, websites, or blogs, which can provide a different perspective and give you some insight into the school’s commitment to community and student life. For example, if you check local papers for information on the school and find that the faculty is engaged in an ongoing dispute with administration over items like pay or tenure, this could have an effect on your education and experience at the school, as it relates directly to the resources of the faculty, staff, and administration.

 

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

from
http://blog.flywire.com/2016/07/22/5-easy-ways-to-research-american-universities-from-abroad/

5th Year of 22 July in Norway with Pictures

A collection of touching pictures from Norway after 22 July 2011 Massacre.

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/multimedia/4538-15-touching-pictures-from-22-july-in-norway

USA Will Use Norway Air Base for Monitoring

The US military is considering to use Evenes air base in Nordland for maritime patrols with its P8 Poseidon patrol aircraft, writes NTB.

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/politics/5345-usa-will-use-norway-air-base-for-monitoring

Pike fishing in Norway

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6jIwhN4iHA

Pike fishing in Norway

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlPedywpGJ4

Pike fishing in Norway

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BfI12ltbO4

UW professor is making 3-D scans of every fish species in the sea

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Delightful view of Drumheller! #Summer #Seattle #UW...

Delightful view of Drumheller! #Summer #Seattle #UW #UniversityOfWashington

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Norway cross-country Star Sundby Loses His Title after Doping Infringement

Norwegian cross-country star Martin Johnsrud Sundby loses his 2015 World Cup and Tour de Ski titles over a doping infringement.

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http://www.tnp.no/norway/sport/5344-norway-cross-country-star-sundby-loses-his-title-after-doping-infringement

Norway Oil Fund Earns 1.35 Billion from Pokemon Go

Government Pension Fund Global, commonly known as Oil Fund, has earned 1.35 billion NOK from its Nintendo shares since the mobile game Pokemon Go was launched.

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/economy/5343-norway-oil-fund-earns-135-billion-from-pokemon-go

Studer drama ved Universitetet i Stavanger

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Oslo Already Started to Remove Car Parks for a Car-Free City

Oslo Municipality has already put its plans to make Oslo a car-free city before 2009

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/panorama/5342-oslo-already-started-to-remove-car-parks-for-a-car-free-city

Avoid These 5 Mistakes On Your College Admission Application

You have been working for years for this moment. You have studied for exams, written papers, and sacrificed hours of leisure time to ensure your schoolwork is complete. It’s hard to believe that it’s already time, but soon you will be submitting college applications to admissions officers, and all of those years will be condensed into a single application. It seems nearly impossible to express who you are through such restricted means, but if you avoid these five mistakes, your accomplishments will shine.

1. Not giving the college context for your situation

Maybe you weren’t able to spend as much time in school clubs and activities because you’ve had to work at a part-time job to help your family financially. Maybe your grades suffered one year because you had a medical incident that took you away from your studies. If you have a reason behind gaps in your application or parts of your schooling you feel do not represent your best work, look for opportunities in the application to explain the context so admissions officers can examine your situation with a more understanding perspective.

2. Being neglectful about deadlines

Each US college and university has different deadlines, and it is imperative that you keep track of all of them. Early action and early decision deadlines like application deadlines, essay deadlines, letters of recommendation deadlines, and transcript deadlines are all dates you should have marked on your calendar with set reminders. If you don’t ask your teachers for a letter of recommendation until a week before the deadline, they may not be able to get one to you. If you do not tell your guidance counselor when your transcripts need to be in, they may not send them. This is a great opportunity to practice time management skills and show these colleges that you can turn in your work on time.

3. Letting mom and dad take the lead

Colleges don’t mind when a student’s family is involved, but make sure your parents aren’t calling the school twelve times a day. If there’s something within the application process that you can handle, you should be the one to do it. Colleges want to know that you’re interested and ready for this next step, not that your parents are interested and ready for you to take it. This next chapter of your life is about you.

4. Misunderstanding parts of the application

It’s common for international students to misunderstand the visa questions asked on the application. Make sure that you’re having people read over your application to ensure you are understanding everything and answering their questions correctly. Seek advice from guidance counselors and teachers, and if you have any questions, it’s better to ask someone at the school than answer something incorrectly.

5. Forgetting that the college looks beyond the application

The college application is extremely important, but so is your life outside of the application. Make sure you are representing to the world what you would not mind your admissions officers seeing. Use a professional email address on your application and look over your social media to make sure your posts are free of anything that could bring up red flags to the admissions committee.

After following these steps you will be glad that you took the time to research and prepare for the US college application process. It makes a huge difference for your future if you take the right steps today.

The post Avoid These 5 Mistakes On Your College Admission Application appeared first on The International Student Blog.

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Hi! I'm going to be a senior this upcoming year, and I was wondering what your pre-medical program is like. I've heard only excellent things about it, but I was wondering if you could give me a little bit more information, like what the chances are of me being accepted from out-of-state for your medical department?

Hey there Anonymous,

We’re happy to hear you’re interested in the University of Washington. To learn more about the MD Program, please visit the following website: http://www.uwmedicine.org/education/md-program

Thank you.

http://www.washington.edu/

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Hello, future aspiring student here! I was wondering because I am already 40 credits into a community college and planning on transferring to Udub, in my application will they be taking my old SAT scores into account still? I last took my SAT 3 years ago and I was wondering if I needed to retake it to better my chances.

Hello there Anonymous,

Thank you for reaching out to the University of Washington. For specific questions such as this, we recommend getting in touch with the Office of Admissions directly using the following link: https://admit.washington.edu/Contact/

Best wishes.
http://www.washington.edu/

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Aspiring pre-med student at UW, what are your medical programs like?

Hello Anonymous,

Thanks for reaching out to the University of Washington. To learn more about the MD Program, please visit the following website: http://www.uwmedicine.org/education/md-program

Cheers!

http://www.washington.edu/

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http://uofwa.tumblr.com/post/147455966851

I'm interested in applying to your university for the fall of 2017 and I am very interested in your biology program. Would you say your university has a good program in that field?

Hello Anonymous, 

Thank you for your interest in the University of Washington! For the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the Department of Biology, please visit the following website: http://www.biology.washington.edu/

Best wishes. 

http://www.washington.edu/

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Police in Norway Sharpens Alertness after the Terrorist Attack in Nice

While people light candles and lay down flowers outside the French Embassy in Oslo, Oslo police sharpens alert level, writes Aftenposten.

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/panorama/5341-police-in-norway-sharpens-alertness-after-the-terrorist-attack-in-nice

What is a Good GMAT Score?

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If you’ve been thinking of applying to business schools, then it’s quite likely that you’ve heard of the GMAT. Short for Graduate Management Admission Test, the GMAT is a standardised exam delivered in multiple parts.

See more: What is the GMAT?

The official score often referred to as the GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800 and is an average of the verbal and quantitative parts of the exam. These parts are individually scored with 800 as the highest possible mark.

Although they do not count towards the 200 to 800 scoring system, there are other sections of the test. The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), is also given a score, ranging from 0 to 6. The AWA takes into consideration several skills, and it is graded first by an experienced evaluator then a computer program. On the other hand, the Integrated Reasoning (IR) section is composed of 12 questions or items and is scored from 1 to 8.

The majority of individuals who take the test score between 400 and 600, but what is a good GMAT score?

It all depends on the individual’s goals and aspirations. For example, a number of top business schools require a score of over 700, while other well-ranked schools will accept a score around the mid-600s.

See more: 10 things you need to know about the GMAT

One thing to remember is that the GMAT is not the only thing institutions take into consideration during admission, so business schools will have different requirements or preferences for their applicants’ GMAT score. Other considerations include professional experience and educational background.

A GMAT score is valid for five years, but if you are not satisfied with the results, you can retake the exam once every 31 days. However, you are not allowed to take it more than five times over a 12-month period.

GMAT is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC). StudyLink is not affiliated with GMAC.

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You never know what you’ll find when you play PokemonGo!With all...

You never know what you’ll find when you play PokemonGo!

With all the news lately about how divided our world has become, it’s heartening to see people — some of whom have never met before — come together on our campus just to have a little fun.

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This week’s featured ‪Global Dawgs are University of...

This week’s featured ‪Global Dawgs are University of Washington Foster School of Business students taking in the Great Wall of China!

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Consumer Ombudsman of Norway Puts Pressure on Tinder for User Rights

The Norwegian Consumer Ombudsman demands Tinder to take Norwegian and European consumers seriously, and put into place terms and conditions that consumers can understand.

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http://www.tnp.no/norway/panorama/5339-consumer-ombudsman-of-norway-puts-pressure-on-tinder-for-user-rights

Stalking Becomes a Serious Crime in Norway

The new "stalking" act has been active for about a week.

from
http://www.tnp.no/norway/panorama/5338-stalking-becomes-a-serious-crime-in-norway

British Woman Sentenced to Imprisonment for Throwing Cake to Norway Equality Minister

The 22-year-old woman who threw a cake to the face of Equality Minister, Solveig Horne during Oslo Pride is sentenced to 45 days in jail.

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http://www.tnp.no/norway/panorama/5337-british-woman-sentenced-to-imprisonment-for-throwing-cake-to-norway-equality-minister

The 5 Biggest Mistakes you can make on Your College Admission Essay

Though you may not have had all of the answers in your classes and you may not have known all of the questions on the SAT, the college admission essay gives you an opportunity to discuss a topic you’ve been familiar with all your life: you. Even if you’re an expert on yourself, writing about yourself can be overwhelming, and many students forget to avoid common mistakes in the process. Here are five mistakes to keep in mind and avoid when showing your admissions officers who you are through the essay.

1. You don’t answer the question.

This may seem easy, but this is one of the most complained about mistakes from admissions officers. If your essay topic has been assigned to you, stay on topic throughout the entire essay. Also make sure to read and follow all of the directions. If the school wants a maximum of 500 words for the essay, don’t go over 500 words. If they want it to be a certain font and format, make sure it’s typed that way. If they want you to talk about a time in your life when you’ve overcome an obstacle, make sure you discuss that event and show them the significance of what you’ve learned from it.

2. You don’t proofread.

Sometimes the spell-check on your computer doesn’t catch every mistake. It’s important to proofread your essay, and then proofread again. If your essay is unedited, it will be obvious to the officers, and it will not set you above your peers. Read and edit your essay, then wait a day and come back to it. You will find more mistakes with fresh eyes. It will also be helpful to let your friends, parents and teachers read it to see if they can find any mistakes. Make sure you also look for spelling and grammar errors, awkward sentence structure, confusing content, answering the wrong question, and not having a central message.

3. You don’t write to the specific college.

An embarrassing mistake you can make in your essay is using the same essay for more than one college but forgetting to change the college names. Colleges want to know that you’re excited about their unique school and how you can fit into their campus and academic programs. Research each college you’re applying to and show in your essay how their mission fits with yours. College admissions officers want to make sure that it’s a good fit both ways, not only that you’re right for the school, but also that the school is right for you.

4. You use five dollar words.

When writing your essay, go by Mark Twain’s words: “Don’t use a five dollar word when a fifty cent word will do.” You don’t need a thesaurus to write your admissions essay. If your vocabulary is more extensive than what is natural (or what’s communicated with your test scores), it may look like you don’t really know what you’re talking about or you’re trying to show yourself as better than what you are. If English is your second language then it’s especially important that you write in a way you’re comfortable with.

5. You don’t answer the “why” question.

Admissions officers want to know why they’re reading your essay. You can write a well-written essay about a snow storm you experienced in Colorado one winter, but if there’s no connection to the event and you, the event and what you learned, or the event and your future plans, then you leave the admissions officer wondering why they’ve read your essay. Make sure that when you’re writing your essay you to keep the topic, theme, and message in mind. Ask people to read your essay and see if they can find the connection that you’re trying to make. You don’t want your admissions officer to say “that was a nice essay, but I don’t understand why they wrote it.” Write an essay that answers the “why” question and gives the admissions officers a look into who you are and why you’ll fit well in their school.

Most college students get nervous when writing their college admission essay. This is a pivotal part of your life that you want to take seriously, but you also don’t want to get so worked up that you lose sight of who you are and why you’re writing the essay in the first place. Admissions officers what to learn more about you. If you show them who you are and avoid these mistakes, you’ll have a better chance on your essay being noticed and accepted.

Before you start writing your essay make sure you also check out our college admission essay samples.

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Norway to continue support for Afghanistan

Norway will continue to train and support Afghan special police in Kabul in 2017.

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Norwegian Family Finds Treasure Balloon from Ireland

Six helium balloons were freed in Dunmanway, Ireland in December. A note tied to one of them invited the person who found it to contact the sender.

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Conservative Politician Wants Corporate Tax Cut in Norway to Compete with Britain

If Britain cuts corporate tax, Norway must follow them, says Conservative (Høyre) politician Svein Flåtten.

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Where to Study Show Production: Los Angeles

Are you an international student seeking to study at one of the top show production schools in the United States? If so, Los Angeles, California must make it onto your short list of where to study show production. Located on the Pacific Coast of the US, Los Angeles combines year-round sunny weather with boundless opportunities to learn and study elements of show production that will leave you extremely satisfied with your choice.

So, where should you study show production in Los Angeles? Check out some of the country’s top show production schools which include the University of Southern California, University of California Los Angeles, and California State Northridge. Each of these schools is located at a convenient distance from the rest of the city as well as near the coastline.

The Hollywood Bowl, the House of Blues and the Roxy are just a couple of concert venues in Los Angeles that play host to countless live shows each year and could provide a valuable internship experience to you as a student. If concerts are not your forte, perhaps you could try your hand at Disney’s California Adventures with live productions and parades.

Los Angeles is also a great home base for international students to take in all that the US has to offer. Yosemite National Park is just a few hours outside of the city and is a great getaway for a weekend trip to hike and see the giant Sequoias. You can also head up the Pacific Coast Highway to one of many beach towns, or spend a weekend riding the cable cars in San Francisco.

No matter where you choose to study show production, you should know that Los Angeles is at least a must-visit for sound, video, audio and technical junkies alike. It’s no wonder that some of the country’s top show production schools have made their home in Los Angeles. Maybe you, as an international student thinking about where to study show production, should consider it too.

 

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What International Students Need to Know About Liberal Arts

Are you an international student looking to continue your university education in the United States? If that’s you, then you’ve probably come across a number of American colleges and universities during your search that classify themselves as ‘liberal arts’ institutions. Contrary to what you might think this means, the literal translation is not about being a liberal politician, nor studying the fine arts — though that option is available to you should you want it.

Instead, a liberal arts education is about giving you a well-rounded curriculum, rather than a subject-only set of courses. Crazy right? Well don’t panic. Read on for some insider information, so you can be better prepared if you decide to come experience the world of liberal arts education:

1. Liberal Arts Is About Holistic Learning

What a well-rounded curriculum under liberal arts means is that your education will be multi-disciplinary. Basically, during your course work, you will take classes that are not necessarily related to your major. For example, even if you’re a business major, you will also be required to take classes on science, art, literature or foreign languages. The idea is to make you a more well-rounded individual and to better prepare you for life after university study.

Not everyone agrees that liberal arts is the best method, but there are a great deal of benefits to this type of study. The idea of taking a class about 18^th century French history when you are a pre-med major may sound completely alien to you, but the four-year bachelor’s degree is meant to prepare you for real world situations — as well as for further training programs should you choose the path of lawyer, doctor, professor, etc.

2. Expect to be Present and Participate

There is no ‘laizzez-faire’ attitude when it comes to studying in a liberal arts environment. Unlike some university programs around the world, a liberal arts program in the United States will expect students to actively participate in discussions, be present in the classroom and seek out mentorship from their professors.

For example, universities in the UK value independent learning and initiative. However, liberal arts universities, according to Whitman College and Cambridge University alum, Natalie Tamburello, “encourage questions, collaboration, and for students to seek constant input from advisors and professors.” Your education is meant to be an interactive experience.

3. This Experience Isn’t Limited to the Classroom

Most liberal arts institutions also like your education to be experiential. This means you may have a biology class one day that visits a wildlife preserve to understand the importance of maintaining native plant and wildlife in the area. You might also study the influence of corn cultivation on food production in the United States by taking a trip to the local grocery store and identifying the varying corn products found in food we eat every day.

Your university might also highlight the importance of extra-curricular activities, like sports, Greek life or other clubs and organizations on campus. Another major difference between university in the United States and elsewhere is the campus life experience. This entire micro-environment the university creates give you an immersive liberal arts experience. Through classroom learning, experiential lessons and integral campus activities, what you learn will come to life during your day-to-day activities.

4. Your Total-Package Education Increases Your Employment Value

You may think it’s a bit silly to study World War II or creative writing when you are a physics major, but the goal of a liberal arts education is to challenge your mind, force it to learn things out of the ordinary and in turn, draw connections between the uncommon. In today’s workplace, employers appreciate applicants with a liberal arts background because they are better problem solvers and integrated critical thinkers. They also often think outside the box, encouraging innovation.

5. It Will Give You a Thirst for Learning

Because this type of education encourages and fosters curiosity, inquiry and critical thinking, learning about unfamiliar topics will become completely normal to you. Getting a liberal arts education will prepare your for the real world, but it will also instill in you a lifelong love of learning that will continue to push your skills and limits, bringing out your full potential.

There are a lot of critics when it comes to the value of a liberal arts education. However, as an international student, if you are truly looking for the ultimate American college experience, liberal arts is the way to go. It may be challenging because it is different to you at first, but there isn’t a better environment to be in to learn something new. Remember, in a liberal arts setting, your peers and professors are there to help and guide you.

They have a vested interest in you and the goals you wish to accomplish, and they’ll do as much as they can to help you succeed and achieve them.

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Lars from Trøndelag #SheepWithAView

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Kari from Lofoten Islands #SheepWithAView

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Erik from Southern Norway #SheepWithAView

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Frida from the Fjords #SheepWithAView

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Meet Sheep With A View

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How to fit 20 hours of study into your week

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20 hours may sound like a lot, but the key to successful study during your online postgraduate degree is a little bit of careful preparation. Whether you’re studying for your Bachelor degree, Master or simply expanding your knowledge base, these tips will help you get the most out of your study time.

Study smarter, not harder

Short study sessions – half an hour blocks – help the synapses in your brain process information much better than lots of information in long sessions. Avoid all-nighters, try to exercise regularly and start preparing early in the semester to get ahead.

Plan out your day

Write a list of everything you need to achieve in your day. Prioritise your tasks and allocate the appropriate amount of time to help keep your mind focused. Of those tasks, you can take it one step further and list out your study goals and tick them off when you reach them, this helps you feel in control and reduce any study stress. When you reach all your goals by the end of the day, that sense of achievement will keep you motivated for your next challenge!

Get in the zone

Create the ideal study space, and gather all the books and items you will need. This prep time also prepares the brain for study. Also, limit distractions – turn off your phone notifications, even just for an hour – we know it’s hard, but smart devices are the number one distraction in our lives. One hour of distraction-free study is far more effective than three hours of multi-tasking, so set aside some time to check your emails or notifications separately. Other ways to avoid getting distracted could be setting the alarm earlier to catch an hour of study before your family wakes up, or heading down to your local coffee shop or library.

Utilise ‘dead time’

If you use public transport to get around, there’s a good chance that you could have a handy couple of hours up your sleeve per day to be tackling required reading, posting comments in forums (this often counts towards your assessments) or watching the weekly video on your phone. Practise tests are also a good way to see where you’re at, and what you might need to focus on more. Online learning allows you to study any place, any time, so make the most of that flexibility.

Be real and ask for help

Don’t put unrealistic expectations on yourself – it’s important to know your schedule and work around it. Use the entire week and reach out to family, friends, colleagues, and even student advisors, if things start to get out of hand. Knowing when to ask for assistance can save you from a larger problem later down the track.

Ready to hit the books and juggle your work, life and study? Find out more about our flexible online courses or speak to one of the friendly Student Enrolment Advisors at SCU Online today on 1300 589 882.

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Summer Huskies hustling to class! #UW #UniversityOfWashington

Summer Huskies hustling to class! #UW #UniversityOfWashington

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Norway Asks NATO for More Help in North

Prime Minister Erna Solberg goes to the NATO Summit in Warsaw to demand guarantees of help to Norway in case of a serious conflict with Russia.

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Norway Will Send Soldiers to Lithuania against Russia

It is likely that Norwegian troops will be stationed in Lithuania early in 2017 to join in NATO’s fortified line of defense against Russia.

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Lowest Number of Asylum Seekers to Norway since 1997

Only 1678 people applied for asylum in Norway so far this year. It is fewer than the number of asylum seekers who came in one week during the influx last year.

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Becoming Alice — Undaunted

American universities are opening their doors to foreign students at a rate that they’ve never done before. More than one million foreign students study in the U.S., which is 50 percent higher than the number in 2010. That dramatic increase is both good and bad news for prospective students. The good news is that schools […]

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How U.S. Colleges Evaluate Your Application

American universities are opening their doors to foreign students at a rate that they’ve never done before. More than one million foreign students study in the U.S., which is 50 percent higher than the number in 2010. That dramatic increase is both good and bad news for prospective students.

The good news is that schools are more than willing to find students overseas and now offer better infrastructure for students coming from abroad. The bad news is that colleges can afford to be more selective during the admissions process. With colleges now able to pick from a larger group of applications, prospective students need to make sure their college applications are in top-notch shape.

To ensure that you have everything in order with your application, you’ll need to have a good understanding of how colleges evaluate student applications.

What’s Most Important?

Every college is slightly different when it comes to their admission decisions, so there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to this process.

“Rarely is a student admitted based on only one factor. American colleges and universities evaluate many things to determine admission,” Mike Steidel, director of admissions for the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University said, “It’s the combination of many different pieces about you that ultimately makes the American admission process unique. In many ways, it is like a puzzle that an admission office must piece together to decide whether or not you will be a good match.”

While universities value different things, most schools take certain important factors into consideration.

Test Scores
Standardized test scores aren’t the perfect way to gauge a person’s intelligence, but they’re one of the only ways to do it efficiently at this time. Many colleges require high standardized test scores to get in, so the better the score, the better your chances. Colleges require different exams, so make sure to check which ones your university needs. The most common are the SAT and ACT scores for undergraduate admissions. For graduate school, you’ll likely need to take the GRE.

English Language Proficiency
Strong English skills are also a requirement for many international students depending on which country they come from. TOEFL tests are often requirements, and a great score can ensure your application is approved.

Grades
If you’re applying as an undergraduate, the university will want to see your high school grades and any college credit transcripts you have, if any.

Essays
College essays are a long-held tradition for the college application process. While anecdotal stories feature students being accepted based on the strength of their essay, this part of the application process isn’t always considered extremely important. Experts say that that essays rarely get much attention from admissions officers, who were busy considering other factors. Obviously, it’s important to write a strong essay just in case, but your background, test scores and grades will make a bigger impact on the application process.

The Different Admission Methods
While schools have varied preferences when it comes to accepting students, many schools have completely different standards. This creates a lot of confusion for prospective students, who need to tailor their lengthy applications to each school they apply to.

Fortunately, processes are becoming a little more standardized and simpler. Government-run schools within a state often share similar application procedures, so applying for those schools is fairly intuitive. Now, both private and public schools from across the country are working to make their application processes more similar.

So far, more than 80 schools (including some top universities) have worked together to create a new, uniform application process. This is great news for students who struggle to know what colleges are actually looking for.

Despite these changes, understanding exactly what colleges want and what they consider most important in an application can be difficult. Do your research with each particular school in order to give them the best application possible.

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