Scrum Your Educational Ticket

A new study shows that a growing number of universities in the USA have begun athletic programs that are not the traditional American sports.  It seems that colleges and universities have added programs such as rugby, rowing (not a new program) and lacrosse, with this new emphases on rugby, rowing and lacrosse comes four-year scholarships.

The traditional collegiate sports are becoming more and more competitive making it difficult for most student athletes to receive scholarships.   In these less traditional American sports, scholarships for both men and women are abound.  So scrum it up international students you never know there maybe a scholarship in your name at a university or college in the USA.

Elizabeth Koukladas

info@bearla.com

Emergency Student Fund For Iranian Students Studying In U.S

Iranian students with urgent financial needs to continue their studies in the United States may receive grants of $2,000.

 The Institute of International Education (IIE) has announced the launch of a new Emergency Student Fund (ESF) to assist students from Iran on U.S. campuses with urgent financial support should they be impacted by crisis or natural disaster in their home countries.

IIE has partnered with the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) to fund this activity,

IIE believes that the grants will need additional donations, and is actively seeking generous  individuals and foundations to help them along the way. Click here to donate.

IIE’s ESF has provided over $1 million to more than 400 students from Syria, Japan, Haiti, Libya, and Thailand .

The additional funding is so the Emergency Student Fund are able to act faster and more efficiently to aid  international students.

At Bearla International Studies we are always in support of any aid offered to international students in times of a crisis. Projects such as this can make a huge difference to a student’s life and education. It is important for international students to feel safe and as though there is help and support for them should something go wrong during their study abroad adventures.

The Emergency Student Fund have proposed that over the next few years they plan to add additional countries to their list of students able to receive aid.

Amber Williams

info.bearla@gmail.com

@Amber_RW

Purdue University's ROI & The Gallup-Purdue Index Poll

Purdue University has recently taken a Gallup poll on Return on Investment (ROI) for university graduates.  

You dream it, We plan it, You do it!
Bearla International Studies

Purdue University has broken the categories into 5 views:  Purpose, social, financial, community and physical.   

This resent poll suggest that university graduates are fairing better than most people without a formal education.  As I have stated in the past-a lack of education is costly, not just financially but in several other categories as proven in Purdue’s Index Poll.  A university education isn’t just about money it’s about a peace of mind, a feeling of purpose and confidence.   I know because my formal university education changed my life, it made me a confident person, which is something I lacked most of my young adult life.  

So, for those of you who doubt your education right now, it will get better and you will feel as if it was all worth it that I can confirm. Or perhaps you should study abroad instead!

Elizabeth Koukladas

info.bearla@gmail.com

The Russian Flagship Program & $265,000 Student Scholarships

The Russian Flagship Program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison has received more than $265,000 for student scholarships from the National Security Education Program in the U.S.

The program is in order to support intensive langauge study in Russia and prepares students to take their place among the next generation of global professionals, commanding a professional level of competence in Russian language and culture. The department of defense and the University of Wisconsin will be providing scholarships (described as 'bold, intensive, adventurous, useful') throughout the 2014-15 academic year. The Russian Flagship Program has received $160,000 previously for scholarships, known as the Boren Scholarships which were awarded to undergraduate students to achieve a professional level of competence in Russia.

The Russian Flagship program will see 27 students from the university of Wisconsin study in Russia. Twelve of which will study at the Saint Petersberg State University throughout the 2014-15 academic year. Nine will be studying this summer in Moscow, Saint Petersberg, or Vladmir. And six will enrol in intensive Russian programs at the University of Wisconsin, or one of three other US universities which provide intensive Russian Flagship programs. The programs throughout the 2014-15 academic year and throughout the summer are run by the American Councils for International Education.

I have always been rather wimpy when it comes to cold weather, but apart from that, the Russian Flagship Program will be a great experience and fantastic preperation for students wanting to strengthen ties with Russia for their future careers. If you are wondering why you should study Russian, then here are some excellent reasons:

Russia is the largest country in the world -- almost twice the size of the United States – spanning 9 time zones and covering about 1/8th of the world’s land surface.  Russia is the ninth most populous country in the world and the largest in area.

Russia is one of the largest producers of many natural resources and raw materials, the second largest producer of oil and has a huge potential market for US good and services.

To learn more about the scholarships and how to apply, visit: https://russianflagship.wisc.edu

Do svidaniya!

Amber Williams

@Amber_RW

How to get the Best Finance Degree Recommendation Letter.

At Bearla International Studies, we understand the importance of a quality letter of recommendation. The impact of having strong advocates who are familiar with your performance along with your application can be the difference between an acceptance and a decline. Finance degree programs the world over can be very competitive, but do not fear, as today we are here to guide you through obtaining an effecive letter of recommendation for your Finance degrees!

Who to approach...

Firstly, find someone who knows you well and can speak honestly and in a detail fashion about your performance abilities, preferrably a teacher or tutor.

Secondly, find someone who has a background in Finance, preferrably in the field you are looking to study in, or as closely related as you can find!

The third may be a little harder to accomplish, but, finding someone related to your field, who is familiar with your background, but who is also familiar with the country you are looking to study in. The advantage of this is that they will be able to speak to the connection between your background generally, but specifically academically, in terms of how it will connect to finance degree programs in the US.

Finally, find someone who has connections or an established relationship with the institution you are applying for, this will add credibility to your letter of recommendation.

If you have somebody who fits this description perfectly then you are a lucky student, however, if you find somebody who has only some of these qualities you are also doing excellently too.

Good luck with your applications and recommendations!

If you need any help or guidance, then please do not hestitae to contact either Elizabeth or I at info.bearla@gmail.com

Happy studies!

Amber Williams.

@Amber_RW

Third Annual Symposium on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education.

The Deshpande Foundation and University of Massachusetts, Lowel have announced the Third Annual Symposium on

Fighting for the things you want, pays off in the end.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education.  This gathering is for higher education practitioners, academics and faculty.

“This intimate gathering of higher education practitioners, academics and faculty focuses on engaging participants in an examination and discussion of emerging strategies and practices that encourage innovative and entrepreneurial education, campus culture and community/business engagement.”

The symposium is directed at the following subjects:

Entrepreneurial Universities:  Culture & Ecosystems

Innovative Entrepreneurship Curriculum

Research Commercialization and Startups

Emerging Trends & Topics

Keynote speakers:

Mary Sue Coleman, President of the University of Michigan and co-Chair of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Professor Vladimir Bulovic, practicing entrepreneur and Associate Dean for Innovation at MIT.

Some might think that being an entrepreneur and being educated are polar opposites but it seems that the Deshpande Foundation think differently.  America has always been known as a country that thrives on entrepreneurial spirit, you might even say it is one of the best characteristics of the American people.  I come from a family of entrepreneurs and I have great admiration for those who step out of their comfort zone and head into the darkness with no map.  I am very supportive and glad to see that the Deshpande Foundation has found and supported the importance of education and innovation and entrepreneurship, I wish I could go…

Elizabeth Koukladas

www.bearlainternationalstudies.com

info.bearla@gmail.com

Bargains For International Students!

I hope  you have already applied for your ISCI, if not, then here is why you should and the great benefits you will receive from being a card holder.

'The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted, UNESCO endorsed proof of bona fide student status. An ISIC card is your passport to fantastic benefits and services the world over. If you're a full time student aged 12 years+ then you're eligible for an ISIC card.'

Benefits include discounts on adventure tours, online courses, computer programs, the cinema, language courses and so much more. The discounts for international students change frequently and to be quite honest I feel that anyone studying abroad should not leave home without one. Even if you do not have a tight budget, its always great to get a bargain and you would hate to be left out of the loop if all your friends have one!

The cost of the card depends on your country of issue, but is never more than 25 USD. If your country of residence do not issue the card, then do not fear-you are able to apply for one in your chosen country of international study. You are able to apply for the card online, but be warned that it may take upto 4 weeks for the application to be processed, so, apply early so that once you are ready to board your plane for your study abroad extravaganza you have your international studies card in your pocket and are ready to reap the benefits!  

Apply for your card here: http://www.isic.org and happy travels!

Amber Williams
Bearla International Studies.
info.bearla@gmail.com

@Amber_RW