international student

Issue 114 - August 2008

An InternationalStudent.com Publication

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Welcome to the 114th issue of the International Student News!

 

Throughout the month of August, international student orientation weeks will be taking place at campuses all over the USA. For new and returning international students, there will be a lot of information to take in over the next month. Your best source of information is your international student office - but always remember that you can come to us and post on our forums or blogs if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Have a great August!

 

Ross Mason

Editor, InternationalStudent.com

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In this issue:
  • Student Health Insurance
  • Int'l Student Loans
  • From the Mailbag
  • Learn Spanish
  • Fun Site of the Month
  • Student News
  • iHipo Internships
  • Int'l Calling Cards
  • Last Word
> Student Health Insurance

international student health insurance

With international orientation just weeks away for many international students - be prepared and purchase your student health insurance plan in advance to save time.

 

The Student Secure plan provides you with all the benefits you will need when studying in the USA, and will meet most school's international insurance requirements. The plan starts from just $240 for 6 months coverage and you can apply quickly and easily online and receive instant email confirmation.

 

Learn more about the Student Secure plan!

 
> International Student Loans

International student loans will be harder to get this year, as lenders have increased their credit criteria for private loans. And international student loans will be more expensive, as lenders have also increased their interest rates. These are unfortunate truths that have come about as a result of the Credit Crunch. Now more than ever, use scholarships, personal and family funds, and any other money you can to reduce the amount you need to borrow.

 

However, international student loans are still available. If you attend an approved school in the United States, and you have a credit-worthy US co-signer, you can apply for a loan of up to $70,000 per year for medical, dental, business or law school, and up to $50,000 per year for undergraduate or graduate study. Loans fund quickly, in as little as 5-10 days from a completed application, so there is still time to apply for funding for your fall semester. Loans are also available for US students going abroad.

 

Visit International Student Loan for more information.

 
> From the Mailbag

This month we feature a post from our International Student Forum:

 

"Hello, I am an Australian student who has been offered a scholarship to study at the university of Helsinki in early 2009.

 

Although this is a really good opportunity, I feel really scared about it. I'm still in first year (although at the time of my exchange, I would be in my first semester of second year) and only just settling into university life here (I moved interstate for university). I also have friends and a boyfriend here and I don't want my relationship to change with any of them, and I know my parents would be really negative at the prospect of my leaving the country for 5 or 6 months. I am definitely leaning towards going though, I just feel extremely nervous about it, I haven't actually told anyone yet............."

 

Continue reading this post and submit a response online.

 
> Learn Spanish

The fastest-growing language in the world, Spanish currently has about the same number of native speakers as English. You can combine language learning with certain activities from a particular region or country. For example, learning Spanish in Spain might include learning Flamenco dancing, or Spanish in Cost Rica might include Salsa dancing. If your plan is to learn Spanish in Mexico, you might find out about Mexican cooking, while in Argentina you could partake in wine tasting, and in Venezuela, a language course may include a trip to the Amazonian jungle.

 

To find the right Spanish course, “The Language Course Finder” offers you the opportunity to search for language courses according to your personal criteria (e.g., location, course type, group size, accommodation, supplementary activities . . .)

 

Click here to find your Spanish course now and be part of the Spanish world.

 
> Fun Site of the Month

Do you have two computers that you want to access at the same time, maybe you want to access your work computer at home - or maybe you have a computer in one part of your house that you want to access from somewhere else. Traditionally, programs to provide remote access were expensive and they were difficult to setup - but with LogMeIn.com you can now access computers all around the world (as long as they are connected to the internet) for free!

 

There are no settings to play with, you just sign up - install and go.......and the best part is that the basic service is free! Learn more about it and access your computers remotely now.

 
> Student News from Around the World

UK Cracks Down on Bogus Schools Recruiting International Students

 

In an attempt to root out bogus colleges and other abuses, the UK has tightened rules on international students and the schools they attend. UK universities will be required to be licensed to recruit and admit international students, and will have to take greater responsibility for their international students. International students will need to be sponsored by one of the licensed education institutions, obtain an identity card in advance, have a good academic record and demonstrate that they can support themselves financially.

Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell said: “I will not tolerate the minority of individuals who seek to damage the quality of our education system through bogus colleges. This is why we have introduced tighter checks…”

 

Click here to read the full story from the Thaindian News.

 

> iHipo Internships

iHipo have added over 100 top quality internships and entry-level jobs across the world in the last 4 weeks.
Latest Listings include:

 

Kickstart your international career today!

 

> International Calling Cards

InternationalCallingCard.com provides great rates on phone calls from anywhere in the world, to anywhere in the world.

 

Whether you are calling to or from the USA, the UK, Asia, South America or another location around the world, International Calling Card will have a phone card to suit your every need. Traveling to many countries? No worries - you can choose a global calling card that gives you great rates wherever you are! InternationalCallingCard.com also provides you with expert guidance on what to look out for, what cards are best and how to get the best deal!

 

To learn more about international calling cards or international calling options, visit InternationalCallingCard.com.

 
> Last Word

We hope you enjoyed this month's newsletter, and best of luck to you as you pursue or help others pursue an international education! As always please contact us with any questions or comments you have about the newsletter - we love to hear from you! And please give us your thoughts, good or bad, on the new InternationalStudent.com.
804 Third Street Suite A - Neptune Beach - FL 32266 - USA

 

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