Welcome to the April 2013 Newsletter!

This month we are pleased to announce the launch of the new Student Secure plan, one of the leading international student health insurance plans, and a great way for international students to save money on their required insurance. The new plans offer lower rates for those 24 and under and some great benefit enhancements for everyone.

It is also tax season, with the April 15th deadline looming just over the horizon. Our tax center has excellent guidance for international students, or if you want more help we have partnered with Sprintax who will prepare your tax filings for as low as $14.95.

Ross Mason
Editor, InternationalStudent.com

On April 1st 2013, the Student Secure plan has officially been relaunched, with new benefits and pricing for international students and study abroad students all around the world. We have adjusted the plan based on direct feedback from students from around the world. Changes include:

• New pricing starting at just $29 for those under 25 in the USA
• Lower deductible options, going as low as $25 per injury/ illness
• 100% coverage after the deductible for those outside the USA
• Mental health coverage now includes substance and alcohol abuse
• Pre-existing condition coverage after 6 months on the Budget and Select plans
  

The Student Secure plan is the best option for international students, and will now meet the requirements of even more schools. If you are an international student, or will be an international student soon - the Student Secure will allow you to save money on your student health insurance. For more information and to see the new plans, please visit the student health insurance page.

The US tax filing deadline is fast approaching. All international students must complete at least one form and if you worked or held an internship you will need to file other forms like the 1040-NR in order to receive your tax refund. The International Student Tax Center and the Tax FAQs page can help you figure out exactly what forms you need to file.

This year, we have partnered with Sprintax to help you with your taxes. Sprintax are experts in international student tax filing preparation. Their fees start at $14.95 to file Form 8843 (which all international students must file by April 15th) and $35.95 for those students that worked and are owed a refund. US taxes can be confusing. Sprintax can help you through the process, ensure you are compliant with US tax laws and make sure you get the refund you deserve.

Visit the International Student Tax Center for more information and to sign up for Sprintax.

Did you know that financial pressures are the leading cause of anxiety among international students?

• Tuition and fees can cost $30,000 or more for one semester, depending on the institution you choose.
• Room and board can run approximately $5,000 to $10,000 per year depending on where you live - and what happens if the dormitory is closed during vacation periods?
• Books are about $1,000 just for one academic year.

With these fees and others, it's no wonder why finances create anxiety in students. While it can be expensive to study in the US, it's important to use the support system your school offers. Your international student advisor can be a great help providing tips and tricks on inexpensive ways to afford your education. They know where to go shopping, how to save on costs, and can help you navigate your way to financial success. Many schools also have a Financial Aid Office that can provide assistance to their students when it comes to meeting education expenses.

If you are under financial pressures, don't let it get to you. Talk to your international student advisor and financial aid office to get the resources you need for educational success. You can also read and subscribe to the International Education Financial Aid Blog for posts and tips related to affording an international education.

Business Schools With the Most International Students

We are all familiar with the US News and World Report College and University rankings - released annually, these comprehensive rankings are anxiously awaited by schools and students alike. Many think that students rely on them too much, focusing attention on just a handful of top-ranked schools, when there are thousands of excellent colleges and universities in the US and around the world. However you feel about the rankings themselves, the US News reports contain a lot of data that can help you make your school choice.

For instance, US News publishes a variety of "short lists" - here is the short list of MBA Programs with the most international students. How many international students attend a program can be a very good piece of information for a potential business student. Some want a lot of international students, so they can be sure there is plenty of infrastructure and services available for students. Others want fewer international students, to ensure maximum absorption into the local culture. Whichever way you see it, this list is interesting and helpful for a potential international MBA student.

This month we feature a post in our International Student Forum from Anna, who is looking for advice on studying in Memphis, Tennessee:

Hi guys! My name is Anna and I'm actually looking to study a degree in speech therapy or special needs in Memphis. Are there any universities that offer these courses and also accepts international students? I'm also Asian so I'm wondering if there are any asian students living or studying in memphis?

If you are a current international student, or have some advice for Anna - please swing by our student forum and share your knowledge.

Our fun site this month is TED, which stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. The idea behind TED was to bring people from those three worlds together to learn from each other - and since its inception in 1984, it has spread and now hosts one of the leading conferences where you can see the "thinkers" and "doers" of our time. If you cannot make it to one of their conferences - nearly all their content is posted online and is an excellent place to see some fascinating people talk about all kinds of topics.

The practice of law in the United States has a proud history, integral to the founding of the nation and maintaining the rule of law, and many lawyers and law students from around the world want to study or practice law in the United States. The legal profession is largely self-regulated, as each state has a "Bar" that sets the rules for the practice of law in that state. One important function of each state Bar is to provide a licensing structure that determines who is and is not allowed to practice law in that state, including non-US citizens. In this Study Law guide, we describe the overall legal system in the USA, as well as provide practical guidance for foreign education lawyers and international students that want to study law or practice law in the USA.

For more information, please visit our study law section.