International student housing is and should
be one of the primary concerns for students studying abroad. And when it comes to international student
housing there are essentially two basic options: On-campus international student
housing or living off-campus in an apartment or flat. To help you decide which of these options is
best for your particular situation, in this article we will take a closer look
at both on campus and off campus living in more detail by pointing out some of
the advantages and disadvantages to each of these alternatives.
Off-Campus
International Student Housing
Not all students will be eligible for
off-campus international student housing.
In many study abroad programs students are required to live on campus
unless they are pursuing a graduate degree or in instances where the student is
married.
However, if you fit into one of these two
categories, or if the study abroad program allows for
off-campus student housing, your best housing option is probably renting an
apartment or flat. Before you do,
though, you may want to ask yourselves a few questions to ensure that a) you
are eligible and can meet the requirements and b) this is the best living
option for you. Ask yourself this when
renting an apartment:
·
Is there a lease
involved? For their security, most apartments now
require you to sign a lease before you can move in, and the majority of these
leases have terms of either 6 months or one year. If your study abroad program is only for one
semester, and you sign a one year lease, you may become financially responsible
should you decide to move out before the terms of the lease are up.
·
Does the landlord
require financial documentation? To
ensure you are financially able to make the required monthly payments, many
landlords will require some type of financial documentation. This can present a problem for international
students, and to qualify you may need to have a United States sponsor to cosign
the lease and guarantee the payments.
·
Are utilities
included? Although formerly many U.S. apartments would include
utilities in the price of the rent, few seldom do anymore due to the rising
cost of electricity and water. This is
an extra expense you will need to consider before making your housing decision.
On-Campus
International Student Housing
On-campus international student housing, in
residence halls and dormitories, is not only a more affordable option than off-campus student housing,
the experience also has many inherent benefits, including:
·
Amenities. When living in a dormitory there are many
amenities to benefit from, including phone service, high-speed internet access
and laundry facilities.
·
Campus events. On campus international student housing keeps
you close to the action, with on-campus events such as sports, concerts,
lectures and more.
·
Meals. Included in the cost of most on-campus
international student housing is a flexible meal plan—three meals a day with a
wide selection of food.
·
Close proximity to
campus buildings. Not only are students living on campus very
close to campus classrooms, they also have easy access to other campus
buildings, such as the library, student store, recreational facilities and
computer labs.
Most study abroad program experts believe that on-campus international
student housing enhances the experience of a foreign education. Living in a residence hall with others gives
international students regular opportunities to participate in the total
university experience and to make new friends with fellow residents.
Are you a college student who is presently
considering an opportunity to study abroad, in a foreign country overseas? Have you considered all of your housing
options, including on-campus accommodations, staying with a host family and off
campus housing? Study abroad programs
are a fantastic way to see and experience the world, but in addition to the
costs associated with attending a foreign school, students must also make
arrangements for their housing—arrangements that can take many different
forms. In this article we will discuss
some of the housing options for international students,
including what you can expect when living on campus, staying with a host
family, and taking advantage of an off campus student housing opportunity.
International
Student Housing Options: On Campus
Accommodations
Students looking for the independence
associated with off campus living may be deterred by some of the restrictions
related to staying on campus. However
living on campus does have certain advantages, including:
·
Proximity. While off campus student housing is usually
fairly near to the university, on campus accommodations, such as residence
halls or dormitories, are located right on school grounds, close to classrooms
and other university services.
·
Meals. Most on-campus housing options include the
price of meals—usually delivered in a cafeteria setting—with your tuition
cost. Off campus student housing does
not, which can quickly become expensive, especially if your program is to span
an entire academic year.
International
Student Housing Options: Staying with a
Host Family
One of the more popular student housing
options, especially among younger students, is to live with a host family. This is by far the most affordable housing
option; however, it does have its limitations.
Students studying with a host family are subject to that family’s rules,
schedule and perhaps even a curfew, which could limit them from fully enjoying
the university experience. On the other
hand, staying with a host family does provide additional opportunities for cultural
enhancement and language acquisition, as host families are very familiar with
the region and usually very eager to improve a student’s overall study abroad
experience.
International
Student Housing Options: Off Campus
Student Housing
Off campus student housing, which usually
involves staying in a flat or an apartment, either independently or with
friends, has several advantages.
Students living off campus are free to come and go as they please, and
are not subject to any particular schedule, save for their class times. This type of freedom may sound very
attractive to some students, especially considering this may be the first time
they have experienced this level of independence. However, staying off campus does have its drawbacks,
including the price. Off campus student
housing is usually the most expensive student housing option, and depending on
where the apartment is located, getting to class everyday can become quite
inconvenient.
Studying abroad as an international student,
despite the type of accommodations you choose, can be a magical and
unforgettable experience, but it does require a lot of preparation and careful
planning. If money is no object, off
campus student housing can be a wonderful way to enjoy this experience, but if
saving money is important to you, you may also want to weigh some of the more
affordable, albeit a bit more restrictive, options.
Are you an International student who is
planning to study at an American University?
Do you still require additional information regarding the available
accommodations for international students?
Studying in America offers a number of unique advantages, but because
housing in and around the campus tends to fill up very quickly it is vital that
you make arrangements well in advance.
To help make sure you don’t get “left out in the cold,” in this article
we will list some of the more popular on-campus accommodations
for international students, and provide some basic information regarding
each of these options.
Accommodations
for International Students: On-Campus
Options
International students intending to study in
the United States have a number of on-campus options. Some of these accommodations for
international students include:
·
Coed Residence Halls. Coed residence halls, also called dormitories
or dorms in the United States, house both men and women students in the same
building, but not, of course, in the same room.
To maximize the number of people the residence hall can accommodate,
most dormitories will house two students to each room—rooms that usually
feature two small beds, a desk and closet space. Residents in the coed dorms typically share one
of several community bathrooms and a community living area where students can
study, watch television or play games. These types of residence halls, although
a very new concept for most international students,
are very popular in the United States, and fill up very quickly. Therefore, it is vital that you mail your
housing application at the same time you are applying for school admission.
·
Single-Sex
Dormitories. If the idea of sharing your residence with
students of the opposite sex is unappealing, you can also apply for residence
in a single-sex dorm. Most universities
do set aside at least a portion of their residence hall space to house men and
women separately, but like coed dorms, these residences can fill up quickly, so
time is of the essence.
·
Housing for
Fraternities and Sororities. If you are
looking for accommodations for International students that are a bit more
close-knit, you may want to consider joining a fraternity or sorority. Both offer a more socially active university
experience, one which also stresses university and community service. If this sounds like the type of experience
that would interest you, contact the university you plan to attend for
additional details about “Rush Week,” the timeframe when fraternities and
sororities recruit new members.
·
University Apartments. Many universities have apartments that are
located either on-campus or very nearby.
These accommodations for international students offer a bit more
privacy, however, because university apartments are so sought after, the
competition for acceptance into these units can be very fierce, and are usually
reserved for upper class persons and graduate students.
·
Married Student
Housing. For married students, on-campus
accommodations for international students are limited to married housing
units. Most major US universities will
set aside a certain amount of housing space, which could include residence
halls or on-campus apartments, for those students who are married.
As you
can see, there are a number of alternatives for on-campus accommodations for international students,
each offering a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and learn more about
the American culture. However, because
on-campus housing is such a popular housing alternative for both US and
international students, it is imperative that you apply early to ensure
acceptance.
Have you recently decided to enroll in one of
the many exciting student exchange programs that are now being offered
throughout the country? Do you know
exactly what to expect once you’re a participant? Student exchange programs
are not for everyone, but they are ideal for those students who are independent
thinkers and who enjoy an interesting challenge. To give you an inkling of what to expect and
all the changes you’ll experience, here we will outline some of the challenges
and benefits associated with student exchange programs, including the drastic
changes you can expect in your home life and your normal routine.
Reasons
to Join Student Exchange Programs
Students decide to join student exchange
programs for a number of reasons. Among
them are:
·
Academic Success. If you are planning to further your studies
at one of the countries’ fine colleges and universities, being part of a student
exchange program will look very impressive on your college application.
·
Professional Reasons. Not only will your participation in student
exchange programs impress the admission officers at the many schools you apply
to, it will also look great on a professional resume. Among other things it shows that you are
willing to take on challenges, and you are open minded enough to appreciate and
embrace other cultures.
·
See the World. Some students join the military to see the
world, and others participate in student exchange programs. Participation in these programs affords you
opportunities to see parts of the world you may not otherwise get to
experience.
·
Learn a New Language. Student exchange programs are ideal for those
who want to learn a new language.
Instead of learning from textbooks, here you’ll learn through total
immersion with native speakers.
What to
Expect in a Student Exchange Program
Many students go into student
exchange programs not knowing what to expect—unaware what will happen
when they fully immerse themselves in another culture. To help you avoid this fate, below are some
examples of what you can expect as a participant in these programs:
·
A New Family. Being part of a student exchange program
means you’ll become part of a new family—your host family. During your stay you’ll live and share meals
with them, and be introduced to their culture, food and customs. These are people you’ll remember for many
years to come for the generosity they showed and for the wonderful resource
they became during your stay.
·
A Brand New Routine. Say goodbye to your old routine. In student exchange programs you’ll learn how
to adjust to alternate ways of doing things—a challenge that many exchange
students embrace.
·
A Bit of Homesickness. It would be unreasonable to think that you
won’t have at least some degree of homesickness, but once you adjust to your
new environment this will ease up a bit and you’ll create memories that will
last a lifetime.
If you love challenges, and you appreciate
the diversity and beauty of other cultures, being a part of one of the many
student exchange programs that are currently being offered may be just the
adventure you need.
Why study abroad when I can study at
home? This is a very popular and
frequently asked question among students, but you may be surprised by all the
fantastic reasons to study abroad—reasons that have been given by students who
have previously participated in a study abroad program. To give you an idea about what you can
expect, in this article we will provide a list featuring some of the key
reasons to study abroad, as reported by students who have participated in these
programs.
Why
Study Abroad?
The number of reasons to study abroad is
virtually limitless, but for the purpose of brevity, here we will merely look
at some of the top reasons reported by other students.
·
Why Study
Abroad? Broaden Your Horizons. The world is a vast and amazing place, but
sadly, the majority of people will only experience a very small part of all the
sights and experiences the world has to offer.
From the Eiffel Tower in France to the Great Wall of China, the sights
of the world and the cultures of its people are endless and are definitely a
great incentive to participate in a study abroad program.
·
Why Study
Abroad? Explore Your Heritage. Haven’t you ever wondered or had unanswered
questions about the homeland of your ancestors?
Study abroad programs give you the opportunity to visit the countries in
which your family has roots and to learn the customs, tradition and language
that have helped shaped who you are.
·
Why Study
Abroad? Learn a New Language. Today, unlike any other time in our history,
there is a strong interconnectedness between your homeland and the other
countries in the world. Consequently,
learning a new language, which is possible with many study abroad programs, can
open up a whole new world for you, both culturally and professionally.
·
Why Study
Abroad? Gain Insight through New
Friendships. Many students who participate in study abroad
programs will forge lifelong friendships that will help them gain a new insight
and outlook on the world. Between the
fellow students you’ll meet, the professors and the members of your host family,
study abroad programs allow you to expand your network of friends and enjoy all
the benefits that are inherent with these new relationships.
·
Why Study
Abroad? Gain a New Perspective. In our day to day lives we tend to become
immersed in the trials and tribulations of our own country. However, when you participate in a study
abroad program you’ll be regularly exposed to a number of different cultures,
traditions and customs, and that experience will help give you a new
perspective of your own homeland and the life you lead in it.
·
Why Study Abroad? Financial and Professional Potential. Participating in a study abroad program can
look great on a professional resume. It
indicates to potential employers that you not only have cross-cultural skills
that could benefit their company, but a strong commitment to personal growth
and achievement.
So why study abroad? The better question is why wouldn’t you
participate in one of these programs?
Not only will you enjoy the personal experience of a lifetime, but that
experience could very well benefit you professionally for years to come.
The website “World Wide Schools” is a very
unique and helpful site that features a directory of schools, but the title of
the site is a bit misleading. This website
is not, as the name might imply, a directory of every school in the world—that
would be one big directory—but rather a directory of International schools. So what, you may be saying, is an
international school? International
schools can be found on almost every continent, offering a curriculum that is
different from that of the host country.
Many international schools are instructed entirely in English, using the
same curriculum as the country that owns and runs the school, usually the US or
a country in the United Kingdom. Other
international schools may have bilingual instruction, using a recognized
international curriculum that is generally accepted at universities worldwide. But regardless of the type of curriculum or
language, if you need to do some research on international schools the World Wide
Schools website is the place to do it.
Why Are
World Wide Schools Becoming So Popular?
The concept of international or World Wide schools is one
that is becoming increasingly popular these days, largely because the world is changing
and becoming much less compartmentalized.
Not only are there more opportunities right now, in places such as the
US, Europe and Asia, for foreign educated and trained professionals, there are
more and more businesses in the United States electing to expand their
economical horizons and setting up shop overseas. This has a two-pronged and positive effect on
the enrollment numbers at international schools. United States businessmen and women, for
example, who have children and now live in countries around the world
representing their company of employment, elect to send their children to
international schools to ensure those children will be adequately prepared for the
rigors of college. In addition, parents that
are local to the international school, those parents who understand the
opportunities offered by this globalization, are now opting to send their
children to international schools to help
prepare them for a better and more profitable future.
What Is
the Purpose of the World Wide Schools Website?
The World Wide Schools website is designed to
help people around the world find important international school
information. The countries represented
on the World Wide schools website include:
·
Austria
·
Belgium
·
Czech
Republic
·
Denmark
·
France
·
Germany
·
Kenya
·
Russia
·
Japan
·
China
·
And
many, many more…
Once you click on the appropriate country,
you will be taken to a page offering general pieces of information regarding
the schools in that country—information such as the curriculum and the grading
system used. On this same page, along
the left side of the page, is a clickable listing of all the schools in that
region. Once you click on a school name,
you will be taken to yet another page that gives specific school information,
ranging from the start and end times of each school day to the average number
of students in the class.
The World Wide Schools website is a remarkable resource for anyone,
wherever they may live, to find both general and specific information on international
schools, without ever having to leave the website.
Taking an online course—or even 2 or 3
courses—is a practice becoming increasingly popular among stay-at-home moms. While it’s true that the majority of those
who enroll in online courses are working professionals seeking to advance in
their respective companies by earning an advanced online degree (MBA, etc.),
there are an increasing number of moms who are utilizing this online educational
delivery medium for the purpose of enrichment classes in a particular field of
interest. In this article we examine
this phenomenon in a bit more detail by outlining some of the reasons why
taking an online course is becoming so popular among this demographic, along
with some of the primary advantages to studying online as opposed to on-campus.
Taking an Online Course: The
Perfect Solution for Stay-At-Home Moms
Many women, after settling down and starting a
family, are simply not comfortable with the idea of returning to work and
relying on daycare programs and babysitters to watch over—and in some cases,
raise—their little darlings.
Consequently, there is an increasing percentage of women today are
choosing to put their work life and career on hold, opting instead for the title
“stay-at-home mom” (at least for the time being) and all duties that are
inherent in that title. But this path
they choose is not an easy one. In fact,
the difficulty associated with being a full-time mom is overshadowed only by the
job’s importance, and after spending day after day reading “The Cat in the Hat” and watching “Barney” on
a seemingly continuous loop, many moms are discovering that the lack of
intellectual stimulation and adult conversation is creating a bit of a void in
their lives. This is where taking an
online course can really be valuable
.
These days there are online courses in almost
every subject and field of study imaginable.
There are courses that are part of an overall degree program—such as
courses in business, accounting or healthcare—as well as courses designed
specifically for enrichment purposes—courses such as art or music appreciation,
child development and gardening.
Whatever subject mom may be interested in, you can almost bet there is an
online course that addresses it.
Online
courses are perfect alternative for stay-at-home
moms, because after a long day with the kids—making snacks, soccer practice and
cleaning up endless spills—most mothers will simply not have the time nor the
energy to travel to a campus, spend three to four hours in a classroom and finally
commute all the way home. Online courses
eliminate the need for travel, save for one or two face-to-face meetings with
the instructor. They also offer the
advantage of intellectual enrichment and stimulation, and present opportunities
for regular contact and conversation with instructors and fellow students, all without
ever having to leave home. Online
courses allow moms to schedule their study workload around their family
obligations—and not the other way around.
These courses are designed to let moms study at their own pace, and during periods in the day when it’s most
convenient to them (evenings, nap time, etc.).
So whether mom prefers an online course in
Advanced Physics, Russian Literature or Scrapbooking, either way this type of
educational delivery can help save her from the “intellectual doldrums” while still
allowing her to spend this very special time in her children’s lives at home—the
place she feels she belongs.
In recent years, the effectiveness of the “University Online” concept, at least as
it compares to traditional, in-class, classroom instruction, has been lauded by
educational researchers, professors and university administrators alike. Yet despite the research studies that clearly
illustrate, and in fact prove the overall effectiveness of online education,
there are still pundits on the “anti-side” who are against the concept of
online education, questioning, in many cases, whether or not the universities
that offer such programs are qualified to deliver a superior education via the
online model. These arguments, for the
most part at least, are completely baseless, and rely, perhaps, on outdated information
and data regarding the past history of distance learning and its shortfalls,
rather than the ever-growing stockpile of recent data that clearly shows that,
due to recent improvements in the “university online” model, the glaring
problems and shortfalls with regard to the distance education programs of the
past have long been corrected.
Online
education
is continually being modified and tweaked to offer students the best chance at
academic success, and one such modification is the new online learning platform
that was recently patented by Harvard University. The platform, which was developed by Harvard
Medical School professor Dr. B. Price Kerfoot, is called SpaceEd, and is based
on recent research findings that indicate a significant improvement in
retention when information is presented at repeated intervals, with periodic
assessments that test student knowledge.
At present there are approximately 25 free
courses available on SpaceEd, in a variety of subject areas and fields ranging
from Core Anatomy and Physiology for medical students to a basic theory of
music course. The students enrolled in
these SpaceEd classes receive a block of questions at predetermined intervals
that are based on their own preference.
For example, students can request to receive questions once a day, every
other day, or once a week. Each block of
questions is delivered to students in one of two ways: email or RSS feed, and once the questions are
answered they are immediately sent back to the instructor via the same way they
arrived. The instructor will then look the answers over, and the ones that were
answered incorrectly will appear in future sets. However, when the question is answered
correctly, while it will still appear in future sets, it will appear less
frequently, and when a question is answered correctly a multiple of times, it
will ultimately be retired.
The type and difficulty of the questions each
student receives is not identical, but rather tailored to the student using an
algorithm that is based on that student’s academic performance and proficiency over
time. This allows students who are more
successful to be consistently challenged.
The early clinical trials regarding SpaceEd
are extremely positive, showing that the program is an excellent adjunct to
traditional learning and education. In
fact, one study involving Harvard Medical Students showed that Kerfoot’s
SpaceEd model improved student retention by over 50% as measured on quizzes and
exams.
The SpaceEd program is yet another example of
the improvements and modifications that are consistently being developed to
improve student learning and expand upon the rapidly evolving “university
online” concept.
The mere vision of
leaving can really scare anyone. It is hard to leave things you’re used to or
the things you grew up living with. Making the choice between staying and
leaving was never easy. You sure are going to miss “everyone”. You’re going to
miss your parents, your pets and maybe you’re best friend who is staying or
even a lover perhaps. But do you think it would change a thing between you and
your relationships with your loved ones if you leave or stay?
Your parents will
always be your parents wherever place you might be at. Well, as for your pets,
they’re really going to miss you if you live but hey, they’ll be fine (as long
as the one you left them to keeps them alive). I believe your best friend or
even friends will always be what they are to you and vice versa. They might
find new people to be with, but that certainly doesn’t erase what you’ve been
through together. As for your lover, well, it’s sort of a test you see. They
always said in those Women’s Magazines that “long-distance relationships are
hard” to deal with. If you really do love each other, you’ll both make things
work, if not, and then maybe it wasn’t really meant to be (like they always
say). If you’re concentrating on one thing in a place faraway from home, it’s
better to cut connections that are distractions in achieving the point of this
process you are being through.
What kind of
“leaving” are we really talking about that makes it all so serious anyway? Yes,
you guessed it right, studying in abroad!
A lot of people
have been going through this: decision making, leaving loved ones, getting
ready and just enjoying whatever life might serve them.
But doesn’t it
excite you to be in a place you’ve never been?
Studying well is
just the thing you have to be serious about. Rest is bonus. You get to tour the
new country you’re at (oh seriously, you have to), meet new people (staying
friends with the ones that has the same race as you won’t hurt but being friends
with as many people is better, who knows? You might even get nominated for most
popular), learning everything this place has to offer you and being one with
them. These things are priceless, more than anything else.
Well what change
would it make if you study at your local college and study in another country?
It is the same
reason why parents send their kids away for college, good quality education
(even better perhaps). It’s the specialty of the country university you are
aiming for. It’s the jewel they are so much proud of you wanted to get around
with and honestly it will be good for you to experience something like that.
Some countries,
they are better in medicine (course). Some in culinary arts like France. Many in
the engineering side and the rest are for me to know and you to find out.
You can find good
universities anywhere. You can study wherever you want. You can find many good
teachers that’ll teach you not only about the course you are taking but also
the way of life. But at the end of the day, it is you that’s going to decide.
It’s still you who has to set your mind to what you want tomorrow to be. It’s
all up to you.
Almost every
child in the world dreams of this mad freedom once in a while (especially the
well-sheltered ones or those with parents who find it hard letting go). If
you’re old enough or soon attending college, what better way of an excuse for
independence than quality education? The only thing parents will never refuse
to is for the good future of their children to materialize or come to life. And
a person’s success is not only based intellectually or spiritually but most
important of all, experience.
Freedom is just
the sugar-coating of the situation. Come to think of it though, it’s not
actually running from who you are or where-you-belong loophole, it is really
actually about the “good future”. Many have tried studying abroad and had an
immediate job-landing that suits their expertise very well. Many successful,
some… very successful!
Now, what is it
with studying abroad that really,
“makes-it-happen”? That’s a question you’re going to really think of while you
are on that airplane ride to Spain for college (or whichever country based on
your college course for that matter).
Since we are
already talking about Spain, let me tell you briefly why I think it is the
country where most of the young-curious minds longs to wander. Besides from
Spanish is already usually taught to students in middle-school, the country’s
culture is very rich! Its landmarks will take you to a different time in place.
Whether we go down to discovering their lifestyle, language and arts or just
simply taking time to read about their history and conquerors, there’s always
something that’s going to light a fire in you.
Going back to
why it seems that it is far better to study away than here or there.
Because there
are countries that are concentrated for certain kinds of interest, it really
does make it better to study there.
For example,
you are an aspiring fashion designer and you really want the best place to hone
your ability, what better place it is to be for an alma-matter than New York or
Paris, don’t you think? Besides that they have teachers and mentors that are
really the best (I heard that famous designers sometimes drops by to lecture),
it is a place where fashion events are held more than birthdays are. Actual and
first-hand experience is the best tool in understanding.
Finally, we can
talk about “real-life experience”.
I think it is
really admiring when people can speak two or more languages. Not because they
are good enough to know them but because you know they have been to places that
required speaking differently. Also when you talk to people that just arrived
from somewhere else, it is not how it was that you envy in them whenever they
start telling stories, but the things that have changed them to who they are
today.
Those simple
moments not money can buy but those things that are keeping you there, in the
same place. It’s the people. It’s the culture, it’s the country and it’s the
difference – difference of the place and the difference of who you are slowly
becoming, a more mature and well-rounded person.
Business is described as any
engagement under the name of a person or an entity done for profitable ends.
The activity dates back in ancestry in form of barter, when ancient people
entered into trade by exchanging goods. Later on, it has evolved to include
delivery of services to reap a descent income. Business either in the old or
present time aims at providing mutual gain on both parties involved. In the
same way, business entities provide economic gain being the lifeblood of
capital economies. Consequently, there are many types of business in terms of
ownership and industry under the ambit of business law.
In a legal sense, commercial law is
defined as a branch of civil law that governs all sorts of business as well as
commercial pursuits. Most likely, it forms part of the Civil Code employed by
every State. Rules on Business Law may also be codified particularly under the
Code of Commerce. For instance, the United States of America is governed by the
Uniform Commercial Code. This legal faculty commonly includes rules of conduct
that regulate the company’s internal and external operations. As a result, it involves
overall business activities relating to contracts, finance, tax, mergers,
takeovers, etc.
Business Law, also known as Commercial
Law, deals with an array of business transactions. In effect, it covers both
public and private affairs involved in trade. These consist of advertising,
banking, collection, marketing, sales, and the consequences thereof such as
negotiable instruments, undertaking contracts, and the like. Furthermore, this body
of law ranges from national to international settings in case of multinational
companies. Such a broad legal scope is inevitable given the global trend that
demands unified international laws on commerce. Nonetheless, business laws vary
by State by virtue of implied sovereignty. Besides, it is a well known fact
that every territory needs distinct set of norms to regulate commerce and
trade.
Like any other legal studies, there
are many academic options for students. In fact, the academe offers various
degree courses relating to commercial law. These are accessible both in
graduate and undergraduate schools under bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral
programs. Business Law courses can also be part of many other legal disciplines
such as labour law, tax law, corporate law, etc. All these are offered in top
law schools found all over the globe such as Harvard University (America),
Oxford University (Europe), and National University of Singapore (Asia).
Employment options await graduates of
Business Law in various parts of the world. Nations run by capital economies
comprise a great career niche to professionals. Every corporate entity is
likely to hire its own legal team led by lawyers with specialty in commercial
law. Public agencies under the Department of Commerce can also provide job
posts to legal specialists. Non-profit groups may hire corporate lawyers in
dealing with private companies. Academic institutions can offer teaching posts
to competent degree holders who intend to share their expertise in the academe.
Given sufficient funding, one may opt to establish a law firm that provides
legal services on matters relating to business law.
Studying abroad
these days have been made easier for the present generation. If financial
assistance is what you need and you know you’re good enough, there’s a huge
amount of scholarship grants being given away every year. Scholarship grants
from all over the world, from prestigious schools and even the not-so ones. Of
course, they are not just being given away. You really have to “do” good to
qualify. You don’t have to be super-extra-mega smart to get it (because if you
think you do, trust me, scholarships are a waste of time, universities
themselves will be the ones knocking out your front door). Now, I didn’t mean
that as an insult. What I wanted to tell you is, scholarships are being given
to those that are not only gifted in the brain but much more also to those that
are very determined about what they really want to be in the future. In short,
scholarships, not only for the gifted brains but more so likely, determined
hearts.
Online guides too
are a big help in choosing schools abroad. There are a lot of websites in the
internet that has hundreds of connections to universities all over the world.
It’s where you can choose a country, enter a city, put your desired college
course and they would show you a list of universities and colleges that
specializes or is available to the said course. They feature scholarships too,
what a coincidence! Bottom-line is, they showcase every help you could ever
need and if that doesn’t satisfy you to what you want, I don’t know what will.
Another one that’s
made it easier is its widespread occurrence to people. Many have been going around;
studying away and you can use their experience as a base to what you can expect
to happen when you’re there.
One thing to expect
is “loneliness”. Maybe it is because of language barriers, focused too much on
studying (especially the ones with scholarships), no group of friends because
of race or gender or just typically really shy. What you need to do is to
really go out there and enjoy the moment, talk to anyone, act like you don’t
care at all and be yourself, the friendly-outgoing one. Otherwise, you’re going
to waste the chance that’s been given to you and instead of it being a very
special journey or phase of your life, it will be like *** everyday living
alone.
The last thing you
need to remember in choosing a university or college abroad is you have to want
and love where you’re going. You’re going to live in there for four years or so
and if you don’t like it there, that’s going to be a big problem for you. It
doesn’t have to be the most prestigious university in the world; it doesn’t
have to be Harvard, Juilliard, Princeton or Oxford. It just has to be where your heart is
set at and where you feel you deserve to be. That way you can wake-up every
morning contented and ready to learn and to be stressed but still sociable and
onset.
If you want to study in the
United States, be prepared to know its education
system, especially on how it works. This will help you make the right
decisions in your studies and eventually acquire the benefits of the system,
which allows you almost endless possibilities. But before having a clear grasp
of the American education system,
you must also be personally prepared to meet one of its most important
requirements—the completion of a 12-year primary and secondary education. In
short, you must be a high school graduate before you can attend a university or
college in the U.S. Completion of the secondary
education can be accomplished at public or government-run and private
schools even outside of the U.S.
Regardless of your nationality, you will be
classified as an international student once
you are enrolled for any course of study
in the U.S. where almost every state has universities and colleges offering
undergraduate and graduate degree programs. These institutions include
community colleges that offer an alternative for the completion of the first
two years of an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree, and technical and
vocational degree and certificate programs that can lead directly to
employment. The states of California and Washington have the most number of
these community colleges with 40 and 19, respectively, of the total 143 throughout the U.S. mainland. Almost every
state also has an ESL (English as a Second Language) Language Center that not
only helps international students but also absorbs American culture, customs and traditions while you study English as
your second language.
There must be reasons for you to select the
U.S. as your place of overseas studies.
Whatever these reasons the facts remain that the U.S. is host to more
international students than any country in the universe; they constitute 4% of
the undergraduate university and college population, and 10% in the graduate
school programs. Many international students have a common belief that American
education could give them the best preparation for their careers or their
future. The country’s institutions of higher learning are still on top in world
rankings, including Harvard University, Stanford University and West Point,
which have produced and continue to produce world leaders. Besides, these
institutions offer international students the most rewarding and comprehensive
study options, unlimited study choices to help make them highly sought-after by
employers anywhere in the world after completion of their studies.
Admissions of international students at
U.S. universities and colleges are very competitive and they depend much on the
qualifications or the major subject of the students. Most importantly, these
requirements include the student’s good grades, completion of a challenging
course work, sufficient financing, and good command of the English language
which can be acquired through the ESL language center or the International
English Language Testing System (IELTS), and preparation for the long admission
process until the time that they are ready for their study trip to the U.S.
Spainexchange - http://www.spainexchange.com/
offers study
abroad programs for students worldwide. Study abroad programs include Studying in
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Abroad cities and information on studying and living in many parts of the
world.
In this age of globalization, the presence of foreign students has been perceived by universities around the world as an effective instrument in the internationalization of their campuses. Exposing domestic students to contact with international students has served as a strategy to prepare students for living and working in a global community and as a tool in developing global knowledge. It has also helped in overcoming negative attitudes toward other peoples and cultures. In meeting the objective of internationalization of their campuses US colleges and universities have actively recruited students from all areas of the world.
It was a known fact that international students go to the United States in search of more than an education. They wish to hone their English language skills, to understand the American culture, and to develop friendships with US nationals. However for the most part, foreign students fail to integrate into the mainstream of American higher education and many return to their home countries without meeting their academic or personal objectives. Of those who are able to complete their academic programs, many do not enter into any meaningful participation in American culture.
International students in the US want to understand the American culture, their patterns of thinking and behavior, and to learn the cultural norms. Additionally they need for the university community to understand and value the international students cultures. More interaction with American students and families is a way to increase that type of learning.
In recognizing its responsibility for the well-being of international students, American universities across the nation have designed and implemented programs in an effort to meet the students’ personal needs and academic objectives The programs included new student and ongoing orientation, programs to pair international and domestic students, holiday celebration programs, homestays and family friendship programs among many others. Out-of-the-classroom, social contact has been identified as an important factor in reducing misunderstanding and promoting adaptation. To this end, colleges and universities have sought to match international students with domestic students and have tailored programs to particular target groups to assist with the adaptation process.
My question today is how many higher education institution located throughout the world are dealing with these issues? Has your university successfully integrated your foreign students into the mainstream of your country’s culture and education? The academic and cultural integration of international students is congruent with the mission of most universities in promoting the educational development and the professional and social skills of all students. The satisfaction of international students, their retention, their progress toward a degree, and their full human development should be as much a concern to educators as those of their national students.
Universities through their international services office are responsible for examining the experiences of international students on their campus, identifying what hinders their adjustment and integration, and developing workable strategies to help international students feel a stronger sense of involvement in the larger academic community. Assessing and addressing the problems that international students experience will impact many areas. It will aid not only in the internationalization of the campus—as stated in the mission and goals of most universities—but it will expose domestic students to the life styles, values, and culture of people throughout the world and thereby enrich their experience. It will also foster goodwill between nations and will help all students develop beneficial bonds for their personal lives and future careers.