International Student News - Issue 133, March 2010

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Issue 133 - March 2010

An InternationalStudent.com Publication

Welcome to the 133rd edition of the International Student Newsletter! Do you want the good news or the bad news? Ok, first the bad. It's almost tax time, and every international student in the US must file at least one form. But we can help - see below for info on our easy to use international student tax service. Now the good news - it's also almost spring break! We've got lots of travel resources to help you plan a trip and save money. Enjoy the newsletter! Ross Mason Editor, InternationalStudent.com Facebook \| Twitter \| Blogs \| Forum	In this issue: Tax Time Spring Break Travel English Language Study Student News From the Mailbag Fun Site of the Month International Student Loans Last Word
International Student Tax Filing
Like everyone else in the US, international students must file with the IRS by April 15. What forms each student needs to file, and whether they will get any money back, will differ for each student. If you have worked and your employer withheld social security and medicare tax, you will be able to get that money refunded to you. International Student Taxes offers a simple online service to help international students figure out what they have to file, and get it filed. In less than 30 minutes, most international students can have their taxes filed online. International students from over 500 U.S. colleges and universities have used ISTAXES to file their tax forms. Visit the InternationalStudent.com Tax Center to get started today.
> Spring Break Travel
Still no travel plans for spring break? No worries. We've got all student travel discounts together in one place, making it easy to plan a last-minute spring break trip that fits your budget. Visit the InternationalStudent.com Travel Center for discounted flight booking, rail passes, hostel booking, homestays, rental cars and more. http://www.InternationalStudent.com/travel/
> Find an English language program
The ESL Directory makes searching for an English as a Second Language (ESL) program easy. Whether you are looking for a program in your home country, or you are looking for a school in the USA or UK, the ESL Directory has it all. Simply search by location, and scroll through the programs available to you. You'll find all kinds of ESL programs, including certificate programs, TOEFL programs and business English. Once you locate a program you're interested in, click to send an inquiry directly to that program. There are no complicated forms to complete or options to select. The ESL Directory has over 1,000 English language schools currently listed and the list is growing by the day! http://www.esldirectory.com
> Student News - Reverse Culture Shock
International students often expect to have culture shock when they come to the United States. But what about going home after graduation? It seems as if it would be easy. It's home, after all. But returning home after years of studying abroad can bring with it another form of readjustment - reverse culture shock. Graduate student Holly McCandless, a part-time international student advisor, surveyed students who had returned to their home countries and used the results to develop a workshop for students who will soon make their own return journeys and want tips on how to readjust successfully. Click here to read the full article on American University's website.
> From the Mailbag
This month we have a post in our open forum from a French student who is looking for information about how to get a social security number in the US, which is important for jobs, scholarships, tax filings, loans and any type of credit: "Can anyone give me advice regarding how to obtain a social security number so I can apply for some financial aid while I attend college in the US. I am a French citizen, have a family that will sponsor me in the US, provide me a part time job and residence but I still need a social security number. Thank you." If you've been through this yourself or have any help to offer, please post a response: http://www.internationalstudentforum.com/viewtopic.php
> Fun Site of the Month
TheOatmeal.com serves no purpose whatsoever - unless you feel like laughing. You'll find comics, quizzes, drawings and other silly time wasters that are guaranteed to make you laugh! For instance, here's 10 reasons to avoid talking on the phone. Or, why its better to pretend you know nothing about computers. How about how long could you survive chained to a velociraptor and a bunkbed? (1 minute 10 seconds for me.) All sketches, comics, quizzes and other content on TheOatmeal.com are written, drawn and coded by one man, Matthew Inman.
> International Student Loans
International students can access student loans for their study in the USA. Despite the ongoing credit crunch and the loss of many lenders from the international market, International Student Loan still offers student loans to international students with a US co-signer. Interest rates are adjustable, based on the LIBOR plus a margin, and you can apply completely online. There are thousands of eligible schools, and there is no fee to apply. Visit International Student Loan to learn more about your education financing options.
> 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!

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