In this issue: Travel Video Finalists Announced, 5 must have apps, Thanksgiving and sharing, Building your credit, where to study and more!

November Edition #237

November brings some exciting things for us to share with you! From the Travel Video Contest Finalists being announced, to gathering some of our favorite apps that are helpful to international students, there’s plenty to read about and do before the holiday season is in full swing. In this month’s newsletter we’ll also tell you about Deserve, a helpful way to begin building credit in the US, and finish off with our special guest advisor, who will answer any questions you have about becoming an international student. May you enjoy this month’s newsletter and have a very sweet November.

The International Student Team

The Finalists Have Been Anounced!

Our Travel Video Contest is getting down to the wire, and we’re proud to announce we now have 12 finalists that will move on to the next phase of the contest. Three of these finalists will receive cash prizes in the final round, with first place taking home $4,000!

Last but not least, we’re thrilled to announce this year’s Viewers’ Choice winner: Kaleema Lowery! With so many submissions and votes, we had an exciting battle for the top, and it’s with great pride that we award Kaleema $1,000 and an automatic spot in the finals! Check out Kaleema’s video: Leaving Routine Behind.

BIG Congratulations to Kaleema and all of the 2018 finalists!

Messaging, Travel and Entertainment Apps
for International Students

Adjusting to life as an international student can be full of difficulties. Luckily, we live in a wonderful world with lots of helpful resources like phone apps that are accessible from virtually anywhere. There are thousands of beneficial apps for students, but we have compiled a list of 5 essential apps that all international students like you should have to help adjust to life outside your home country.

Share Your Thanksgiving Festivities with Us!

It’s the beginning of the holiday season here in the US and one of our favorites is right around the corner - Thanksgiving! Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and all of the sides your heart desire are coming to dinner tables around the country. Hours of labor will be spent in kitchens to prepare and share the best meal of the year and we’re calling on you to share your Thanksgiving meal with us!

That’s right, we want to see what you, your host family and your friends prepared for your big Thanksgiving dinner! Share your entire meal spread, favorite dish, or your plate before & after pictures with us and other international students on our social media platforms.

Featured Schools

Drew University INTO Pathway: This program offers excellent resources to help young scholars settle into life as an international student, making it a popular choice for students looking to be part of an intimate and nurturing setting. Their one-on-one approach to learning ensures that you are never lost in the crowd. Learn more about how Drew focuses on individual needs. Read More >>

American University: Located in Washington, D.C., American University (AU) is a leader in global education, enrolling a diverse student body from throughout the U.S. and 140 countries. See if you’d like to represent your country at AU. Read More >>

Arizona State University Global Launch: Arizona State University’s (ASU) Global Launch Intensive English Program is designed for international students who want to take their English skills to the next level. After successfully completing the Global Launch program, many students transfer into one of ASU's world-renowned degree programs. Get your start at ASU’s Global Launch program. Read More >>

Build Credit While in the US!

One thing you’ll learn studying in the US is the importance of building a good credit history. Designed specifically for college students, Deserve® Edu Mastercard allows international students to apply without a social security number or credit history. This card has no annual fees or hassles of traditional credit card lenders, making it as simple as possible for you to begin building a good credit score, while earning 1% cash back on all purchases. Deserve® Edu also has these additional benefits:

  • Amazon Prime Student membership for the first year ($59 value)
  • Social Security Number not required to apply
  • 1% unlimited cash back
  • Complimentary cell phone protection up to $600
  • $0 Annual Fee
  • $0 Foreign Transaction Fee

Learn more about Deserve and how you can apply.

Consider Studying in Alabama!

Alabama is arguably one of the more culturally significant states in the southeastern US. This beautiful “Bible Belt” state rests along the Gulf of Mexico and neighbors Florida, Mississippi, Georgia, and Tennessee. Alabama offers many features such as gorgeous lakes and rivers, as well as the majestic Appalachian Mountains to the north.

Alabama is an exciting destination for international students looking to study somewhere rich in contemporary American culture, collegiate athletics, politics, historic attractions, and activities. Learn more about Alabama and what universities you can attend in this great state.

Meet Cory!

Cory Owen is originally from Alaska but spent more than 10 years in Texas before arriving at Juilliard, in 2013. She has a bachelor's in English from Texas A&M University, a master's in literature from the University of Houston- Clear Lake, and a doctorate in higher education administration and supervision from the University of Houston.

Here are three things Cory wishes all international students know about:

  1. The importance of working only with proper authorization.
  2. To keep all immigration paperwork in a safe place and never throw any of it away—even if it's old!
  3. When in doubt, ask the international student office, not your friends, for immigration advice.

Ask Cory your questions!