Monday, July 31, 2017
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Friday, July 28, 2017
How You Can Have A Fun Summer in the United States
Summer is coming to a close in about a month, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a whole summer of fun in just one month. America is a special place in the summer with so much to do and see. There are endless ways to enjoy your summer, need some suggestions? Here are 10 activities to make the most of your time this summer!
1). Beat the heat by going to the pool – A classic summer tradition is taking a nice cold dip in a swimming pool on a hot summer day! Many colleges and universities have pools you can use and fun summer pool party events.
2). Go to the movies – The best movies come out during the summertime. With huge blockbusters coming out you won’t want to miss some of the summer’s hottest movies like Spider-man: Homecoming, War of the Planet of the Apes and Baby Driver. If you’re looking for a second opinion on films, then read the Rotten Tomatoes Summer Movie Scorecard 2017.
3). Take a mini road trip – You don’t have to leave the country to see someplace new. If you drive anywhere in the US you’ll be somewhere new! Check out what spots are close by and plan a trip with your friends or family. If you need route ideas here are the Top 3 Road Trip Routes in the US.
4). Hiking – The US is home to 59 national parks and over 10,000 state parks! Each state has many state parks to explore, with hiking trails to see not only the sites, but also the plants and animals that live at these parks.
5.) Attend an amusement or water park – Ride a roller coaster or cool off by rushing down a water slide! The US is home to some of the world’s best amusement and water parks. Each part of the country is home to different parks with the theme park capital of the world being in Orlando, Florida.
6). Take a camping trip – The favorable weather makes it a great time to go camping in the summer, whether it’s in the mountains or by the sea, be sure to take advantage of the great outdoors! Add some extra flare to your trip by having a campfire and making S’mores (an American tradition).
7.) Jam out at a concert – Many musicians tour in the summer months and watching them live with some friends can be a lot of fun! Google search what live concerts are going on in your city. Sometimes local bands will also be doing shows for cheap or even for free!
8.) Do some volunteer work – Giving back to your community is a fun and free way to spend your time. See if your school has volunteer services to help you find volunteer opportunities. Habitat for Humanity is one organization that will put you to work building affordable housing.
9.) Take up a new hobby – Try something new, you may discover a hidden talent that you didn’t know you had. Learn another language, take a cooking class, start a book club or play some sports outside!
10.) Culture yourself – When you’re a college student with a valid ID the museum world is your oyster. Many museums offer discounts to college students or even free admission days, look up the local museums in your area to see if any are free or discounted.
The clock is ticking! So text some friends, make plans and enjoy the last bit of summer 2017!
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Thursday, July 27, 2017
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Norwegians Are Less Afraid of Climate Change
Whether you’ve already received your roommate assignment for the upcoming semester or you’re eagerly waiting for your housing information, the question of whether or not you should contact your roommate(s) has definitely crossed your mind. The answer to that question …
from
http://tnp.no/panorama/norwegians-norway-less-afraid-climate-change
from
http://tnp.no/panorama/norwegians-norway-less-afraid-climate-change
Do I contact my roommate before school starts?
Whether you’ve already received your roommate assignment for the upcoming semester or you’re eagerly waiting for your housing information, the question of whether or not you should contact your roommate(s) has definitely crossed your mind. The answer to that question is yes!
It may feel awkward, especially if you are on the shyer side, but you will be living with this person or persons for the year so you might as well get the awkwardness over with before you get to school. Here are some important reasons why:
- To decrease nervousness: It’s nerve racking not knowing what to expect, especially when it comes to your living situation. An easy fix is to get to know your roommate! Learn a little bit more about their background and it will help make your living situation easier.
- To plan: You want to determine which shared items you will bring and which they will bring. This is also incredibly helpful for you if you are an international student with roommates from the country you are studying since they can likely bring the stuff that would be hard for you to travel with.
- To ask questions: You may have some questions about school that your roommate can answer. If you have a roommate from the country you are studying in, your roommate would be great to ask questions about the local weather or local restaurants/venues.
Hopefully we’ve convinced you to reach out to your roommate! Now you may be wondering, what do I say to them? What if I run out of things to talk about? Here are some ideas to start the conversation!
Send an email just saying Hey! (here’s an idea to get you started)
Hey (insert roommate’s name),
I’m (insert your name). I just found out you’re my roommate for this year. I’m from (insert where you’re from) and looking forward to meeting you. I would love to get to know you better before school starts! (optional sentence: I use text more frequently than I do email, so feel free to text me at [insert phone number]).
Looking forward to hearing from you!
(insert name here)
Important questions to ask:
- Where they are from
- What day/time they move in
- What items you should bring for your room
Things to talk about:
- The type of music they enjoy
- Their favorite TV shows
- What they like to do in their free time
- Their family
- Their major or, if undecided, what major they are thinking about
- If they are planning on joining Greek life (if your school has it)
Don’t be discouraged if your roommate does not respond. Many times students don’t check their email frequently or are too nervous themselves to reply. Either way, reach out and start chatting. It will make for a smoother transition into the school year.
And remember, it’s okay if your roommate does not share all the same interests. It’s even okay if they seem completely different from you. That just means you can learn from each other and experience new things, but also have the space to enjoy your interests independently. Either way… muster up some courage and reach out!
from
http://blog.flywire.com/2017/07/26/do-i-contact-my-roommate-before-school-starts/
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Monday, July 24, 2017
Friday, July 21, 2017
Norway's Pulpit Rock To Be Closed for Tom Cruise's New Mission Impossible
Staying safe while you are studying abroad is very important. Unfortunately, we live in a world where some people may take advantage of others, especially international students. When it comes to studying in a different country, one thing is certain – the struggle is very real! Most of the time you are on a tight […]
The post Staying Safe While Studying In The United States appeared first on The International Student Blog.
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Staying Safe While Studying In The United States
Staying safe while you are studying abroad is very important. Unfortunately, we live in a world where some people may take advantage of others, especially international students. When it comes to studying in a different country, one thing is certain – the struggle is very real! Most of the time you are on a tight budget and you have to deal with the stress of immigration paperwork, classes, and homework. This doesn’t leave much time for accidents or delays that are unpredictable and can have a very negative impact on your experience. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while studying abroad in the US:
Online Scams
In this day and age, the internet is a necessary tool for everyday life. You can buy and sell clothing, books, and furniture on sites like eBay and Amazon. You have apps right on your phone to order food, have your groceries delivered, and to even find entertainment nearby. However, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it more than likely is. Sites like Craigslist and OfferUp are great tools to sell and buy all kinds of items locally. However, many scammers will also use these sites to communicate with you and get you to send them items before payment. Others will attempt to pay you via fake Paypal accounts or Western Union transfers.
The basic rule of thumb for all transactions done over these sites is: try to keep all negotiations simple and meet in person at a public place (never a home residence). Additional hint: never give out personal information!
Renting your own place
If you don’t want to live on campus or your school doesn’t offer housing, you will most likely lease your own place. Once you’ve decided which type of place you want to live in, protecting your property should be a priority. Living on campus gives you not only the perks of being closer to your classrooms and meal plans, but also the protection of the on-campus police. Off campus, you are basically on your own. Consider buying renters insurance to protect your personal property from theft or natural disasters.
Another thing you want to keep in mind when you are renting, make sure you get to know your landlord and/or maintenance team in person. Sometimes, you can find ads for houses or apartments that don’t exist. Other times, these advertisements may promote a real property but may not be available to rent.
Visa or Tax assistance scams
Beware of signs or postings that claim to offer help with legal documents such as visas and taxes – especially if they ask for money up front. Likely, they are preying on young students that might be looking for cheap ways to process their immigration documents or taxes. Always visit a reliable professional that comes at the recommendation of someone you know, and keep in mind that many schools in the US offer free legal and financial help on campus. Additionally, we offer many free resources for international students with questions about student visas or tax information. You can also access government sites like the USCIS or the Internal Revenue Service.
Car Sales
You may be tempted to purchase a car from a small dealership since they tend to have what seems like great deals. Unfortunately, many of those cars may have bigger issues and may leave you stranded after a month of ownership. Do your research before purchasing or leasing a car. Sites like Kelley Blue Book will ensure you are getting the real price of a car. Also, you can request a CARFAX report from the dealership that shows the history of the car you are about to purchase or lease.
We could write a book about the creative ways some people try to deceive others. All you can do is be prepared and use caution. Being an international student should be a positive experience, and it can be! Rely on your international student office as well as your new friends if you feel suspicious about anything in particular. Your international student advisor, new friends in the US, and InternationalStudent.com will always be here to help you.
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Monday, July 17, 2017
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Friday, July 14, 2017
Make New Friends in the United States as an International Student
Coming to the US can be an emotional roller coaster. It can be difficult to get outside your comfort zone and talk with your fellow students to make new friends. Your university will usually provide a number of resources to help you feel at home in the US, however, in addition to these resources you must also be proactive in making an effort to socialize. Here are eight suggestions on how to make the most of your time in America to build friendships that will last a lifetime:
1.) Use your University’s Multicultural or International Center
Most universities have a multicultural or international student center where you can hang out with you fellow international students and get to know them. Taking advantage of this resource will help you to forge friendships with your peers. The International Center will also allow you to be a part of numerous cultural events and share knowledge about your culture with students across campus.
2.) Join a Club
Step outside your comfort zone and join a club for something you’ve never done before! Every school offers a variety of clubs and student organizations to get involved with. Try something different like ultimate frisbee, running, film-making, astronomy or cooking. Who knows, you may discover a secret passion for something you’ve never tried!
3.) Attend Events
Attending a school sponsored event is a great way to meet new people. Throughout the semester student events such as mixers, dances, movie nights, game nights are fairly common at most schools. This will give you a chance to meet new people in a structured way.
4.) Take an Interest in American Culture
Coming to the US means experiencing a new culture and being a part of the melting pot of diversity that is America. Make an effort to learn about American movies, TV shows, sports, food and music. Americans are constantly talking about these things and it’ll be easier to make friends if you make an effort to relate!
5.) Talk with Classmates
While sitting in class waiting for the professor to start their lecture, talk with the people around you. Most students in your classes will be open to talking and making friends with the people around them to make the classroom environment more enjoyable.
6.) Start a Study Group
If you make friends with people around you in your class, start a study group! You are all in the same boat and if your class is tough it’s beneficial to study together to get a wider perspective on what you’re learning and to collaborate with your fellow peers.
7.) Understand Social Situational Cues
American’s are generally friendly but don’t look into things too much. Someone may something like “Yeah, text me whenever, let’s hang out!” but this does not mean to text or call them all of the time. It is important to understand that someone being nice to you doesn’t necessarily mean they would want to go on a date with you, so it’s important to not mistake friendship for romantic advances. This can be tricky so check out our Developing a Social Life in the USA section for further insight into situational cues.
8.) Don’t Ask Rude Questions
Never ask someone’s age, weight, how much money they make, their political stance or why they don’t have children. In some cultures these questions may seem normal and inoffensive, and to some people they are but as a whole it’s best to stray away from these topics when initially having a conversation with a potential new friend.
Making new friends is never easy but if you put in the effort, are polite and respectful, then you should have no problem making new friends in America. The most important thing to remember is to be yourself!
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Thursday, July 13, 2017
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Monday, July 10, 2017
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Friday, July 7, 2017
Norway to Send Back Half of Unaccompanied Refugee Minors
The 21st century is truly unlike any other in our world’s history. We are living in a globalized world where countries, cultures, economies and people are more connected than ever before. With the use of the internet, cheaper travel options, and access to new digital media, the world keeps shrinking while it’s growing! How can […]
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Why Should You Learn Another Language?
The 21st century is truly unlike any other in our world’s history. We are living in a globalized world where countries, cultures, economies and people are more connected than ever before. With the use of the internet, cheaper travel options, and access to new digital media, the world keeps shrinking while it’s growing!
How can you connect yourself to this new globalized world? By learning another language! The ultimate form of communication is through the spoken and written word.
Why should you learn another language? Learning another language has strong benefits that will help you to excel in your personal and professional life!
Here are seven key benefits of learning a foreign language:
1) Traveling and Networking
When studying abroad it’s useful to know the language of the country you are going to study in. Even if you are just taking a trip, knowing another language could be the key to having some of the best travel experiences of your life. Your odds go up of having a common language to speak when traveling or networking if you know more than one language. This could pave a pathway to lifelong friendships with people across the globe!
2) Marketability
Knowing a second language will never be a negative when applying for jobs. Many jobs today prefer someone who is bilingual so that they can have a wider reach when communicating with clients and customers on a daily basis. You’ll have a leg up in the workplace and more options for employment in companies all over the world!
Having another language on your resume is a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates and create a conversation starter. Knowing another language is a distinguishable skill that can bump you to the top of the list when employers are selecting candidates with comparable skills to interview.
3) You’ll Gain Intelligence
Learning a second language improves your brain power. A foreign language means that your brain will have to rewire itself to a certain degree. This will change the way you think to develop skills such as problem solving and cognitive thinking. Students gain a new perspective that makes them better at dealing with the world around them by knowing another language.
4) Make Better Decisions
Bilinguals tend to have a more rational thought process to make sound, more logical decisions. Because you are able to switch back and forth between two languages without a break in your thought process, this makes your decision making process flow faster to come to a well thought conclusion sooner.
5) Improve Your Memory
Studying another language requires you to memorize new vocabulary and rules for that language. Bilingual people are at an advantage when it comes to remembering lists or sentences. Studies have shown that bilinguals are better at remembering names and directions.
6) Attention
Regardless of your age, studies show that learning a second language will increase your mental alertness. This comes from deciding which language to use at any given moment and creates an ability called executive function. Bilinguals are more likely to pay attention without being distracted and switch between tasks more easily.
7) Fight off Alzheimer’s and Dementia
As we grow older our minds start to get weaker. While there is no defense against time you can keep your mind in shape by learning another language or two at a younger age. Studies have shown that people who know more than one language are more likely to develop dementia at a later age or not all versus people who only know one language.
Now that you know the reasons why you should study another language, which should you study? Here are the top 5 languages spoken around the world!
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Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Monday, July 3, 2017
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