Pursuing a college degree is not a simple task, especially as an international student. And if you’re studying in a country where they do not speak your first language then it can add an additional level of difficulty to your time abroad. Although difficult, being an international student is a great experience that is not […]
The post How to Have a Social Life as an International Student appeared first on The International Student Blog.
There were 135 000 unemployed persons in the last month, adjusted for seasonal variations. This corresponded to 4.8 per cent of the labour force.
Pursuing a college degree is not a simple task, especially as an international student. And if you’re studying in a country where they do not speak your first language then it can add an additional level of difficulty to your time abroad. Although difficult, being an international student is a great experience that is not only fun but it can also provide you with a good education and more experience to list on your resume.
However, with all of the classes to attend, papers to write and tests to study for you could quickly get caught up in the daily tasks and forget to also have fun. To help ensure that you balance work and play, here’s a few tips on how to have a social life as an international student inside the US.
1. Make Yourself Available
One great way to get social while also being productive is to study in your dorm or apartment commons area. This allows you to both get some work done and be in areas that allow you to chat with others as they pass by. Just make sure that when you do study in a commons area it’s for something that will allow you to share your focus without sacrificing your grade.
2. Join a Group
Colleges and universities in the United States have multiple organizations that cover a variety of interests for students to get involved. A good place to start is your school’s campus activities office, they should be able to provide you with a list of organizations and how you can get involved. If your school doesn’t have a certain group you’re interested in then make sure you ask them how to start your own organization!
3. Go on a Date
Dating from one country to the next can be very different and it’s all apart of the experience to go on a date while studying in the US! If you’re worried about going on a date alone then going on a double could be a good solution.
4. Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to meet people on campus but to also get involved in the local community. Find something you’re passionate about and devote a few hours of your time during your time in the US.
5. Stay Organized
By keeping organized you’re able to make sure that you schedule enough time to complete your school work and still have enough time to go out and have fun at the end of the day. Find a method of organization that works for you- whether that’s lists, a calendar, a planner, or all three.
6. Be Bold
Although it might seem scary, the best way to meet people is to start up a conversation. While waiting for class to start chat to the person sitting next to you, in the coffee shop or dining hall find someone sitting alone and ask if you can join (as long as they don’t look busy), if a group of people are tossing around a Frisbee in the quad see if they’ll let you play!
The post How to Have a Social Life as an International Student appeared first on The International Student Blog.
The leader of Progress Party (FrP) in Oslo, Aina Stenersen demands that it should be forbidden to swim with burqini on Norwegian beaches.
20 years old Cato Berntsen Larsen tried to pick up a cell phone which his friend dropped in a public toilet, but got stuck inside the toilet tank.The leader of Progress Party (FrP) in Oslo, Aina Stenersen demands that it should be forbidden to swim with burqini on Norwegian beaches.
30 year old internationally wanted swindler who is known as "Sugar Man" (Sukkermannen) has been arrested in Sweden after an international police cooperation. The man is accused of swindling at least seven women.
If you want to study in the US then it’s best to get started on the process right away. When applying to schools in the USA, you’ll encounter a lot of the same applications, essay topics and transcript requests that American students have to complete. But if you want to study in the U.S. as an international student, you may have a few additional items to complete when applying and you will have to obtain a student visa from the U.S. government. Getting a student visa is hard work, but it can be a straightforward process.
First, you have to go through the college application process and get accepted. Make sure you do your research on what college or university you want to attend. Take into consideration class size, student body size, the type of program you would want to pursue, living costs of the area and transportation. The college or university you choose to go to will have a specific application for you to fill out along with essay questions and documents such as test scores and transcripts you have to send over. These requirements can be found on their website or by talking to their admissions department.
After you’ve been accepted, your school will send you an I-20 form. This form is an official document that says you’ve been accepted and the dates you should arrive and classes start. The I-20 form is one of several documents you need to apply for a student visa. You also need form DS-156, which you can get from the U.S. State Department, form DS-158, a valid passport that won’t expire within the next six months and a passport size photo of yourself. You must also interview with an embassy consular.
Be prepared to provide transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended, scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, and the GMAT, and financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study, according to the Bureau of Consular Affairs. Every time you enter or leave the country, have form I-20 in your possession.
It might sound like a lot of documents and effort, but having the chance to study in the US is worth the effort!
The post Applying to Schools in the USA appeared first on The International Student Blog.
Today’s Throwback Thursday features Suzzallo Library, Johnson Hall and Rainier Vista. Huskies, can you guess the decade?!
Check out this proud Husky hiking the Cares Trail all the way in Spain. Way to represent! #GlobalDawgs
In love, there’s beauty in meeting halfway – especially when it’s at the 50-yard-line at Husky Stadium. Share your lovable photos with us using #LoveatUW (Credit: Erin Schedler Photography)
Catchin’ rays on the Rainier Vista lawn. How do you Monday?
Catchin’ rays on the Rainier Vista lawn. How do you Monday?
Many international students have decided that their love of video games is a great basis for a career and have begun studying video game development in the United States. While many economic sectors have faltered in recent years and recent college graduates are left scrambling for any interview for which they will be considered, such is not the case in the video game industry. The video game industry is flourishing, and many popular titles have production budgets over $30 million. However, when it comes to deciding which applicants to hire (or in many cases, even consider for an interview) those international students who wish to remain truly competitive when selling themselves on the job market would find it wise to secure a video game development internship for the academic year or a video game development summer internship in the off-months.
In fact, given the exceptional reputation of video game development degrees from institutions in the United States, internships are a key means of distinguishing between applicants when competing for the same position. International students who have held video game development internships are hands-down favored over those international students who have not. A video game development internship on a resume (especially a responsibility-heavy video game development summer internship with a well-known developer) can really make all the difference in landing an interview and career-track job. An international student who has held a video game development internship demonstrates his or herself to be both capable and experienced, as well as actively engaged and passionate about working in the field of computer science.
There are resources to help international students take on the task of finding a video game development internship available to them, as well as the steps they must take in order to procure them. The two best resources for locating video game development internships will be video game developers’ websites and the websites of particular video game development program departments. Video game developers like EA Games, THQ, Volition Inc, Rockstar Games, and Lucasarts all offer information and applications for video game development internships on their websites. The video game development departments at many institutions have affiliations with development studios with whom they put their students in contact with about video game development summer internships.
Additionally, looking to the career center on your college campus can also be a great place to find help when trying to land your dream internship.
If you are an international student who has decided to pursue video game development as a career, keep in mind that an internship can set you ahead of the competition and there are many outlets available to find an internship that will peak your interest and bulk up your resume.
The post Where to Find Video Game Development Internships appeared first on The International Student Blog.
Winding down the weekend at Elliot Bay. What a view! #SeattleSunday
This week a total of 15,053 people have quit their membership to church and 2963 reported that they have been mistakenly registered as members of the Norwegian Church.
“My mom says I’m going to be a Husky when I grow up… But I’m a labradoodle!” #TopDawgs
Today’s Throwback Thursday features the Chemistry Building in 1918. “Built in 1908 as the art museum and Fine Arts Building for the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition, the building was used as a chemistry building after the fair and renamed Bagley Hall. It was remodeled in 1937 and was renamed the Physiology Hall. Around 1950 the name was changed again to the Architecture Hall.” See more here: http://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/cdm/ref/collection/uwcampus/id/6175
The admissions office at your college may have already asked you to fill out applications and paperwork and send documents such as transcripts and test scores, but you’re not off the hook yet. Now you have to make sure that you have all of the (additional) travel documents required for studying abroad. Gather these six documents before traveling, and check in with your school and your country’s embassy to ensure you have everything you need.
Passport
You should apply as early as possible early for your passport, as it may take up to 10 weeks to receive the final document in the mail. Check with the country you will be studying in and see their passport requirements. Some may ask that you have a passport for at least six months after your trip is complete.
Student Visa
Each country’s visa has a different application, but you must get one if you want to study abroad. You will work with the embassy of the country you want to study in to find details on what their requirements are. Be prepared to apply at least two months in advance (do not wait to apply once abroad) and have proof of a residence abroad, intent to depart from the country upon completion of your studies, proof of financial support, a passport, and an acceptance letter to your college.
Proof of Vaccinations
Be sure to check the vaccination requirements of the country you’re studying in. Some countries, especially countries in Africa and Asia, require students to have an international certificate of vaccinations before they depart for their studies abroad, which can be found at the local Department of Health and at some doctors’ offices. Even if you’re not studying in a country that requires this, it may be helpful to have in case you decide to travel to one during your studies. Some colleges may also require certain vaccinations, so make sure you check with your school too and obtain proof that you have received the vaccinations your country of study and college has required.
Proof of Age Card
Your country’s identification card may not be accepted in your country of study. A proof of age card can help identify you in your country of study and serve as age proof when you want to visit a club or purchase alcohol. Check with your country of study for their identification options and the application process.
Letter from Your Doctor
Some countries will not let you enter with medications. Make sure that you get a letter from your doctor for the medications you are bringing, and check the laws in your country of study to make sure you are safely bringing your medications with you abroad.
Make Copies of Travel Documents
Make two photocopies of all your travel documents in case of an emergency. Leave one copy with a trusted person at home and carry the other with you away from your other documents. That way, in case you lose your documents or get them stolen from you, you won’t have to go through the hassle of regaining them in a foreign country.
The process to study abroad can seem like a lot, but planning ahead can save you from traveling stress when you’re ready to begin your studies abroad.
The post Travel Document Requirements When Studying Abroad appeared first on The International Student Blog.
Whether you’re a new or returning college student, arriving on campus to begin the fall semester is a chaotic and stressful time. There are items to purchase, people to meet, and study plans to consider—all in a relatively short amount of time before classes start.
As August becomes September, you may be thinking about how, as an international student, you can make the most of your time on an American campus without burning out or over-committing. While there are certainly no universal plans for all students, the following on-campus resources can help you maximize your semester and perhaps even discover new opportunities for the future.
1. The international student center
As an international student, you likely have a bit more on your plate than the typical American-born student, at least as far as logistics are concerned. In addition to your courses and your social life, you must also consider items like your visa status. For that reason, you should familiarize yourself with your school’s international student center or department. The staff at this center can help you with most things related to your international status, and they can likely offer you advice or answer questions.
2. A study group
One of the best things about being an international student is the fact that you will be exposed to a very different perspective on your studies, and, possibly, American culture. Of course, the only way you can gain this varied perspective is by engaging with students on campus—one way to do this is by joining on-campus study groups. These groups range from formal, school-associated gatherings, to informal, self-organized gatherings, and they cover a wide variety of topics like majors and personal interests.
3. The campus health services center
You would likely prefer to avoid getting sick or receiving any medical or emotional assistance this semester, but there is still a chance that you may need this help in the coming months. The campus health services center is a great place to start if you need to see a doctor or would like some support.
4. Faculty office hours
Depending on the type of educational system that you are used to, the idea of accessing one-on-one time with professors and instructors might seem unusual. Faculty office hours, however, are one of the best opportunities to receive feedback on your work, to ask questions about homework or class materials, and to get ideas about current or future projects. Since most faculty members do not have time to focus on each student during classes and lectures, faculty office hours will be an asset to your development as a student.
5. The writing lab
As an international student, you have no doubt had some challenging moments with English, as any second language-learner would. Fortunately, your school probably has a writing lab to help you overcome the more challenging aspects of this task. Writing lab staff can help you with everything from the fundamental mechanics of writing, like grammar, to helping you develop your story ideas and concepts to make them more cohesive and effective.
6. The career center
One of the biggest reasons that international students study in the United States is to work with some of the most well-known and well-respected scholars, and to make connections that can be helpful when the time comes to find a job. If this is true for you, the best place to start planning for your future is in your school’s career center. This is a great place to plan for internships or assistantships, or to find a part-time job that can get you started on the path toward the career of your dreams.
David White is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world’s largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.
Want to learn English but don’t know where to begin? At ESLdirectory.com we understand your dream to learn English! That’s why we’ve created the ESLdirectory Virtual Fair in conjunction with CollegeWeekLive to bring you closer to your future!
The ESLdirectory Virtual fair allows you to browse and meet English schools from all over the world, get important application details and chat directly to school representatives so you can receive accurate information to make the best decision.
The ESL Virtual Fair will be held September 28th from 5am -11am Eastern Standard Time.
The post ESLdirectory Virtual Fair appeared first on The International Student Blog.
Three men from Stavanger and Sandnes will sell fresh Norwegian mountain air to China, writes Aftenposten.
It is forbidden to die in Norway’s Arctic town, Longyearbyen.
For an increasing number of international students, the love of playing video games has become the inspiration behind the decision to study video game development at an institution in the United States. Students should look into certain factors when determining which school will suit them best such as the quality and rigor of curriculum, the number of active and successful projects with which the department is involved, the job placement rate of graduates, and the impact of graduates on the industry. However, this decision amongst international students to study video game development in the US couldn’t come at a more beneficial time for a number of reasons, and those international students just now making the decision will have a little extra help identifying the best schools for video game development in the US.
The extra help international students will receive in discerning the top schools for video game development in the United States comes from a collaboration between GamePro Magazine and The Princeton Review. The two entities have performed an extensive survey of over 500 institutions at the graduate and undergraduate level, and established an annual ranking of the top schools for video game development in the US. According to this study, some of the best schools for video game development in the US (as of 2016) include:
Best Undergraduate Schools for Video Game Development in the United States
1. University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
2. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
3. Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
4. DigiPen Institute of Technology, Redmond, WA
5. Becker College, Worcester, MA
Best Graduate Schools for Video Game Development in the United States
1. University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
2. Southern Methodist University, Plano, TX
3. University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
4. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
5. DigiPen Institute of Technology, Redmond, WA
These institutions represent the top schools for video game development in the United States, but are still just the tip of the iceberg. Keep in mind that a school should be determined after looking at certain factors like hands on training, teach to student ratio, the graduate success rate and graduate job placement rate. Also, students should determine which school will best meet their individual needs.
The post Top Schools for Video Game Development in the United States appeared first on The International Student Blog.
Representatives from the Labour Party (Ap) and Centre Party (Sp) integration committee proposes prohibition of niqab at educational institutions, and preventive policies against children with hijab at primary schools.
The experiences you gain from traveling may be unforgettable, but they certainly aren’t free. Because traveling can be so expensive, many people don’t think they can afford it and miss out on trips that could have blossomed into beautiful memories. As a current or aspiring international student we know that you aren’t afraid to travel, but odds are, you could use a few tips for saving some money when doing so!
Here are a few clever tips for traveling cheap in the U.S.
Tip #1: Don’t Follow the Crowd
There’s no denying that it’s popular to visit the Disneyland in the middle of summer and the ski slopes of Colorado in the winter, but traveling during ‘peak seasons,’ or these popular times of year, will make your travels noticeably more expensive. Not only do gasoline prices typically skyrocket during these times, but popular tourist destinations and even nearby hotels will raise their prices when they know people are more likely to travel.
Not only will you have more money in your pocket to spend if you travel during less popular times (the beach is still beautiful in the fall or winter), your destinations will be much, much, much less crowded – helping you enjoy your trip even more!
Tip #2: Weigh your Transportation Options
There are so many options for getting around in The United States! Between cars, buses, trains, planes, and more, researching the right mode of transportation may seem a little overwhelming, but doing a little research now can save you a lot of money to put towards food, lodging and souvenirs later!
The Car: The easiest and most popular way to get around is to drive. Driving your own (or rented) vehicle will give you the opportunity to travel at your own speed and stop for photographs or picnics as much as you’d like! Beware that you generally need to be at least 21-25 years old to rent a vehicle – and have to have a valid driver’s license, of course – but it can put less wear and tear on your own car, depending on where you’re vacationing. You can also check into car relocation services that allow you to drive someone’s car to a particular city (usually for free!).
Public Transportation: If you’re in a big city public transportation may be a better option because you don’t have to pay for parking – presuming that you’re able to find a spot. Research public transportation options in advance and consider getting a pass that will last you the length of your trip so you don’t have to worry about individual charges. Bus companies such as Greyhound and Megabus generally offer transportation starting at $1, especially if you book in advance and for unpopular days (remember tip #1?).
Airplanes: Flying is usually the most expensive option, but also the fastest. If you prefer to fly, consider booking at least three weeks in advance and fitting everything you need in a carry-on bag to ensure you don’t have to pay for checked luggage. If you are traveling to an ultra-popular destination, like Las Vegas for example, it’s common to find flights from nearby cities for ridiculously cheap – some companies even offer combination packages, which include the flight and hotel room for one low rate.
Tip #3: Weigh your Lodging Options
Hostels are hard to find in the U.S. and most hotels will run you $70 to $130 a night. Because of this, some people have seen that renting an apartment or a house for a short period of time can be more cost effective than staying in a hotel. Best of all, this option will give you a kitchen so you can save on going out to eat.
If a traditional hotel isn’t your cup of tea, you can also try couch surfing. If you do this safely, you can meet locals close to your own age who will not only let you stay at their place for free, but can also tell you how to have a budget friendly stay in their city. If you are feeling a bit rugged, there are also many campsites in the U.S. that will let you stay for as low as $5, but make sure you have a tent. Most of these sites will provide a grill, bathroom and shower room, but renting a tent can be an added fee that wasn’t accounted into your original travel budget.
Tip #4: Ask locals about “free days” or “discount days”
One of the arguably best things about being a college student is all of the discounts that you can have on everything from meals to movie tickets. Americans love to get and give discounts, so whenever you’re traveling be sure to ask if there are student discounts – it never hurts to ask!
It’s also common for local establishments and entertainment hubs to have “free” or “discount” days. The town ice cream shops, for example, could offer 15% off on a certain day as a form of customer appreciation, or a local museum may even waive their admissions fee on particular days of the month.
Do you plan on using any of these tips in the future or have any tips of your own? If so, let us know in the comments section below!
The post Tips for Traveling Cheap in the U.S. appeared first on The International Student Blog.
The premiere of the new Norwegian film is 26 August. It has allready been sold to 40 countries before the premiere.
EEA/EU Ministry has prepared a roadmap for the relations with Britain after Brexit.
Norwegian Labor Party (Ap) leader and former Foreign Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre hopes Hillary Clinton becomes president.
Recording engineering is both an art and a science, and working as a recording engineer requires both technical and creative skills. As audio manipulation technology becomes more sophisticated, the recording engineer’s job becomes just as creative and vital as the musician’s in the recording process.
Working as a recording engineer means being responsible for preparing the studio for a recording session, operating the mixing console, and maintaining all electronic studio equipment and instruments. The recording engineer is in charge of the mix and overall sound of an album. Individual components of a track—strings, drums, vocals, etc.—are recorded separately, and it is the job of the recording engineer to combine and manipulate each track to the greatest possible effect, tweaking tone, intensity, and tempo, applying effects, and editing.
A recording engineering degree is not necessarily required for working as a recording engineer, but is the most effective means to gain the skills necessary to be successful in the business. Courses in music appreciation and composition are helpful, as well as classes in computer technology and programming. The ability to read music and play at least one instrument is also a plus. When starting out in the business, it is a good idea to gain additional experience with the hardware and mixing consoles used in studio recording by working in a small studio as an apprentice, assistant, or intern.
Working as a recording engineer means keeping long, irregular hours. It is not unusual for a recording session to begin early in the morning and run late into the night, or even until the following morning. Turnaround after a recording session is quick; when one ends, preparation for the next begins almost immediately. A recording engineer must be flexible, patient, and creative, even when running on little or no sleep. No matter how exhausted, the engineer is expected to capture the best recordings possible and keep everything running smoothly.
Recording engineers must be good listeners and have excellent personal skills, as they work closely with artists and producers who depend on the engineers to make sure they sound their best. The recording engineer must learn when to speak up and when to stay quiet. He or she must judge the personality and mood of the artist to know when and if to make suggestions. The recording engineer is only as involved in the creative process as the client wishes.
The post Working as a Recording Engineer appeared first on The International Student Blog.
As an international student, there are many unique challenges to overcome as you prepare for your education abroad. Unfortunately, this can include being the target of scammers who attempt to steal your tuition and educational payments for themselves – in indirect and subtle ways. Schools have reported an increase in unauthorized, non-school approved tuition payment companies (or individuals) stealing entire tuition payments from their students in the recent weeks. These scammers may even claim to have an affiliation with your school. They might offer you a tuition discount, currency exchange discounts, or make other promises in an attempt to confuse you before you are fully aware of your school’s official payment process.
To avoid the risk of fraud, follow these best practices when making your tuition payment:
If you’re paying your school online, make sure the website is secure. The address of any site you may use to share personal or financial information should begin with https (for example, https://www.flywire.com), which ensures the data you provide is protected through encryption. Additionally, avoid using public or unsecured Wi-Fi when sharing sensitive information. If you get an email from a suspected scammer, NEVER click on any hyperlinks.
Scammers may pose as a government agent and threaten to revoke your visa unless you send a payment to them immediately. They may also request your personal information — which you should never disclose until you have verified that the requestor is an actual government agent authorized to do so. If you receive any communications from a person posing as an IRS or government agent, your first step is to research whether their requests are valid.
Credit card information, personal information (i.e., name, date of birth), and banking details should never be handed out to anyone without a contract or relationship with your university, and payment enablers that aren’t verified as authorized by your university should be ignored. These scammers may claim to have relationships with universities and colleges that don’t exist, show “official” documents with artificial co-branded school logos, etc.
Be careful of anyone that is asking you to provide sensitive information, as university officials should already know most of your details. This person may be fishing for your information to use fraudulently. As a best practice, always confirm with your university whether or not a payment processor is affiliated with them. It may help to check the school payment website (e.g., by reviewing the payment portal and reviewing the “how to pay” section) to verify as an initial step.
Is someone promising you a discount on your payment or volunteering to pay on your behalf? Be careful! If the offer seems too good to be true, then it probably is. If you take them up on their offer and share your personal, banking, or financial information, entrusting them to pay on your behalf, you run the risk of losing your payment in full and set yourself up for further fraud risks later on. Fraudsters are very calculating in selecting their methods of introduction to international students — you could be approached on-campus, in a student visa application queue, or at an event for admitted students and their families in your home country.
Flywire is the trusted international payment process for more than 1,000 institutions around the world. Our mission is to reduce the cost and hassle of sending your educational payments abroad by making sure your payment reaches your institution quickly and safely. Both you and your school will be able to track your payment on Flywire’s encrypted website. If your university is not using Flywire yet, put a request in here, and we’ll let your school know how we can help international students like you pay tuition and fees easily and securely.
If you suspect you are being targeted for fraud, you should note the information the scammer is attempting to get from you, stop communicating with them immediately, and report this to your university as well as the police.
Remember that your university’s trusted website and administrators can help you verify the approved payment process or the identity of someone requesting money or information from you. Don’t start your university experience off on the wrong foot — be smart and be safe!
Export price of fresh salmon drops to NOK 59.41 per kilo.Export price of fresh salmon drops to NOK 59.41 per kilo.
Labor Party (Ap) politicians hunt Pokemon in the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget). Conservatives (Høyre) responds that The National Assembly is not a playground.