International Student News - Issue 155, January 2012

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Issue 155 - January 2012

An InternationalStudent.com Publication

Happy New Year! Welcome to the 155th issue of the International Student News. We hope you all enjoyed a great holiday break, and are refreshed and ready to start a new semester. This month, the newsletter features many of those high-priority items for international students facing a new semester, like health insurance and loan funding options to pay that tuition bill! And we're happy to announce this year's Virtual Student Fairs for anyone that hasn't chosen their school yet. All the best in 2012 as you pursue your international education! Ross Mason Editor, InternationalStudent.com	In this issue: Student Insurance Virtual Fairs Loan Comparison Student News From the Mailbag Fun Site of the Month Work/Study in the USA Final Word Forward to a Friend
> International Student Health Insurance
With the high cost of studying abroad, health insurance is another item on the list that is required by all schools and in some cases can be a real financial burden. Most schools will offer their own insurance plan, but the school plan is often very highly priced and students are not aware they can actually waive out of it. The Student Secure plan from International Student Insurance provides affordable health insurance coverage that will meet most schools' requirements - and could save you up to $800 per year! Learn more about the plan and apply online today! Our friendly customer service team is also on hand to help you with your school's insurance waiver form.
> Virtual Student Fairs - Study in the USA!
Virtual student fairs are back! Colleges and universities in the USA use virtual fairs to interact with and recruit students from certain geographic regions. In March, there are two virtual fairs, one for students from Africa and the Middle East (March 3) and one for students from Asia (March 31). Prospective international students from these areas can meet and greet schools from all over the USA. There are dozens of schools signed up to attend the events - so its an excellent opportunity to learn more about each school and obtain vital admissions information. Unlike traditional student fairs, this event is free to attend, you can do it from the comfort of your own home (it's 100% online) and there are chances to win thousands of dollars in scholarships! To register for the event please click on the appropriate link below and after completing a short form you will be registered and sent further details. To learn more and register please visit: Africa and Middle East - 3 March 2012 Asia - 31 March 2012
>International Student Loans
International Student Loan is proud to launch the first ever student loan comparison tool designed solely for international students. Simply choose your school from the list, and the comparison tool will tell you exactly which lenders have a loan for international students at your school in the USA. You will see the basic terms of the loans offered by each lender, and you can choose the best loan for you. Although there are other comparison tools out there, none of them have been designed to serve international students in particular - so you can waste a lot of time completing applications with lenders that will not lend to international students! International Student Loan will save you time and get you connected with the best loan.
> Student News From Around the World
The University of Florida, the flagship school in the Florida higher education system, has dramatically increased its international exposure. Part of the national trend towards internationalization, UF has increased from 300 study abroad students to over 2,000 per year, and is host to almost 5,400 international students (13th highest total in the USA). And according to a recent article in the Gainesville Sun, internationalization efforts like adding an international studies major, have resulted in the University of Florida sending 97 students to the Peace Corps in 2011, second most in the nation. Sarah Kaiser-Cross, a student featured in the Gainesville sun article,attests to the importance of this trend, “My study-abroad programs stretched over 15 months and prepared me for an international lifestyle, one I believe is crucial to becoming a successful academic,” she wrote. Read more about this growing trend and UF’s internationalization efforts in the International Student Blog
> From the Mailbag
This month we have another post from the immigration section of our international student forums from a member asking about traveling internationally while on an F1 visa: "Hello all, I am a graduate student in the US. Unfortunately because of some agreements with my country, my F1 Visa is only valid for 6 months. Therefore, it has already expired. I am planning to go to Paris on a tourist Visa for the winter break and renew my F1 Visa there. Is that going to be a problem? My I20 is valid till 2018. Thank you very much for your help. Best" If you would like to add a response, or help this international student, please visit our forums at: http://www.internationalstudentforum.com/
> Fun Site of the Month
As an international student, you most likely have family all over the world - and so gift buying for birthdays and special occasions can be really hard. Giftster however, is your solution allowing you to start up a family group and create a "wish list" of items you would like. Each family member does the same and you instantly know in one place what your family would like. It's a great way to share your wishes and for families around the world to connect with each other for special occasions!
> Work and Study in the USA
Work/Study programs allow international students to study in the US and work to earn money to help pay for school throughout their time in the US. Unlike other work-study programs that require international students to wait one year before they can legally work, HTIR’s work-study program allows students to earn money to pay for their education immediately. While gaining valuable work experience, students will work towards and can complete a master's degree from an accredited school. Find out more information and start your application online today!
> Final 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'd love to hear from you!

1101 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036 - USA

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