Urgency For Blended Education.

Khan Academy recently unveiled new online math resources tied to the Common Core State Standards.  Materials feature interactive high-tech user interfaces and sophisticated back-end software that adapts to individual learning – represent a critical step for the field free “open education resources,” or OER.  Another program that has been rolled out is “deeper learning,” which is similar to the online math course but for other topics.

This has caused traditional education to step up its methods; online courses that are aliened with core state standards are challenging the more traditional style of education.  Causing an urgency for a blended education and for those of you that do not understand what a blended education is, it is based on both online and classroom instruction. 

I was lucky enough with my MBA degree to have a blended education; I found it to be more interesting with both styles and a more modern approach to education.   The reality is that most educational institutions should be rolling out a blended method of education it is teaching students to be more technologically adaptable.  Hats off to Khan Academy we could learn a few things from their program.

Co-Owners, Bearla International Studies

Elizabeth Koukladas & Amber Williams

info.bearla@gmail.com

Students And Educators Crying Out For Educational Reform.

International educators and students urged representatives on Capitol Hill last week to push for immigration reform as part of NAFSA‘s annual Advocacy Day. Amongst other issues the bill is proposed to provide a direct citizenship path for undocumented immigrants,  comprehensive, ‘commonsense’ immigration legislation and The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Act, which would fund one million students to study abroad for credit annually by 2020.

The USA's current immigration law was drafted in the 1950's so, needless to say it is extremely out of date and no longer fit for purpose. I thoroughly agree with NAFSA and I am sure anyone in their right mind would also agree when they claim, “Educated students are exactly the kinds of immigrants we should encourage to stay in the United States. We should not force them, before they even start their studies, to say that they have no intention of staying, working, and contributing to the economies and communities of the United States after they graduate.”

A brighter future from the economy is within reach. The USA (and many other nations) need to step up and take advantage of any resources possible to boost the economy. As we all know-sitting on your behind and waiting for radical but necessary changes to take place is a a naive and lazy mans game.  

I know these things take time to change, but this bill has been waiting to be signed by the republicans for seven months already. Despite the efforts of the democrats, republicans Jeff Denham of California, David Valadao of California and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida — have said that they will not sign the petition. Obama remains doubtful that the bill we be passed. 

I am never one to give up, I hope and believe that pretty much anything is possible. It may take MORE time, but I look forward to this type of education reform and many others in the future. We simply cannot keep living our lives by the laws outlined in the 1950's, especially when you take into account the contribution of foreign students to the US economy!

Find out more at: http://www.nafsa.org

Co-Owners Amber Williams & Elizabeth Koukladas
Beala International Studies
info.bearla@gmail.com

Do The Education Department Sufficiently Oversee Student Loan Borrowers?

Washington – Senate Democrats have several questions directed to the Education Department.  The major question was 'how do you oversee the companies that manage payments of student loan borrowers.'  Federal students loans are not managed by the government, they are managed by companies that loan money and or credit, these companies are making billions on interest and of course are extremely profitable, lucky them. 

James Runcie is the chief operating officer of Federal Student Aid, he defended the government agency contracts with loan servicing companies.  Runcie defended the agency by stating, “the department’s model for measuring how well its services are performing has worked well” (how much do you want to make a bet that his mom and dad paid for his education).  Runcie also stated “The metrics in that formula – which include data about loan defaults and satisfaction surveys of borrowers, colleges and department employees – have all improved since the four-servicer program began in 2009”, according to Runcie. The Department of Education that oversees the agencies stated that they would renew the contracts that are ending in June 2014 and extend those contracts through to July 2019. 

According to Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts they have been informed of negative comments from borrowers about Sallie Mae and Senator Warren pointed to the federal government’s investigation on three agencies over its loan servicing practices.  The only comment from Runcie was “We strictly monitor their compliance to the contracts.  And we’re very open to looking at those contracts and seeing if there’s additional terms and things we should put in there.”  Both Senators were not pleased by Runcie's answer, and Senator Warren fired off  “I’m very concerned about re-upping a multimillion-dollar contract with Sallie Mae, when Sallie Mae has demonstrated time and time again that it’s not following the rules.” 

Regardless, education cost is a tough pill to swallow but it is a reality.  The options of not going to school and finding a profession are more costly with regards to your salary expectations.  I do wish that the government would step in and find a better method to help students pay for their education.  If you remember a couple of months ago I wrote a blog on a university that required students to pay a percentage of their salary towards student loans after graduation, meaning depending on their income the payment would be manageable.  And what about past graduates that are paying how are they protecting those students?  I would personally like to thank Senator Warren and Harkin for leading the way in this debate but come on federal government step up and make the difference to those who are trying to make their lives better by pursuing their education.  Thanks for listening to my rant, comments are always welcome, you may rant below.

Co-Owners-Elizabeth Koukladas & Amber Williams

Bearla International Studies

info.bearla@gmail.com

Do The Education Department Sufficiently Oversee Student Loan Borrowers?

Washington – Senate Democrats have several questions directed to the Education Department.  The major question was 'how do you oversee the companies that manage payments of student loan borrowers.'  Federal students loans are not managed by the government, they are managed by companies that loan money and or credit, these companies are making billions on interest and of course are extremely profitable, lucky them. 

James Runcie is the chief operating officer of Federal Student Aid, he defended the government agency contracts with loan servicing companies.  Runcie defended the agency by stating, “the department’s model for measuring how well its services are performing has worked well” (how much do you want to make a bet that his mom and dad paid for his education).  Runcie also stated “The metrics in that formula – which include data about loan defaults and satisfaction surveys of borrowers, colleges and department employees – have all improved since the four-servicer program began in 2009”, according to Runcie. The Department of Education that oversees the agencies stated that they would renew the contracts that are ending in June 2014 and extend those contracts through to July 2019. 

According to Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts they have been informed of negative comments from borrowers about Sallie Mae and Senator Warren pointed to the federal government’s investigation on three agencies over its loan servicing practices.  The only comment from Runcie was “We strictly monitor their compliance to the contracts.  And we’re very open to looking at those contracts and seeing if there’s additional terms and things we should put in there.”  Both Senators were not pleased by Runcie's answer, and Senator Warren fired off  “I’m very concerned about re-upping a multimillion-dollar contract with Sallie Mae, when Sallie Mae has demonstrated time and time again that it’s not following the rules.” 

Regardless, education cost is a tough pill to swallow but it is a reality.  The options of not going to school and finding a profession are more costly with regards to your salary expectations.  I do wish that the government would step in and find a better method to help students pay for their education.  If you remember a couple of months ago I wrote a blog on a university that required students to pay a percentage of their salary towards student loans after graduation, meaning depending on their income the payment would be manageable.  And what about past graduates that are paying how are they protecting those students?  I would personally like to thank Senator Warren and Harkin for leading the way in this debate but come on federal government step up and make the difference to those who are trying to make their lives better by pursuing their education.  Thanks for listening to my rant, comments are always welcome, you may rant below.

Elizabeth Koukladas-Director   

Bearla International Studies

info.bearla@gmail.com

Michelle Obama Raises The Roof on Studying Abroad.

The beautiful Michelle Obama

First Lady Michelle Obama has been advocating for American students to enrich their lives through studying abroad. 

Obama has reiterated the fact that it may not always be easy but, the experience you have will last a life time and that there is no substitution for studying abroad. 

Obama informed us of the fact that she is now in Beijing, China with her daughters as the interview was being aired. Obama states that the most important thing to her and her husband is their daughter education and that seeing the world is the best educational experience their children have have. 

Watch Michelle Obama on CNN news sharing her thoughts on studying abroad through the following link: 

http://edition.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/bestoftv/2014/03/24/orig-jag-michelle-obama-ireport.cnn.html

Have a great day and happy travels! 

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

University Graduates: What’s its Worth To You?

American’s have always-valued education almost an obsession; our government has pushed the education agenda for many years.  Most immigrants that migrated to America have migrated to give their children a better life and through education they or we believe education will make you successful.  It’s very true today that an education can open doors for most people in America, and because of that we are obsessed with education.  

I recently was reminded of how important education is.  My niece is a junior in high school and I have been spending time with her recently, the big discussion is about school.  I find it difficult to understand how my niece is not getting any guidance at school (she is a 3.7, that’s good, but that is another blog).  As we were talking I was reminded how important an education can be to the long-term value of your net worth.

Universities are finding creative ways through career counseling center’s to educate parents and students of what careers are worth.  The University of Taxes is encouraging students and parents to research through a website they provide, to show how much their graduates are making after graduating, the University of Southern California’s faculty are being given career counseling training and St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, encourages freshman to take personality tests, just to name a few schools.  I have complied a list of the best universities and colleges career services for 2013-2014 according to bestcolleges.com:

              Southwestern University

                  Clark University

                  Wake Forest University

                  Sweet Briar College

                  Franklin & Marshall College

                  Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

                  University of Florida

                  Northeastern University

                  Penn State University

                  University of Texas — Austin

                  Barnard College

                  Macalester College

                  Waynesburg University

                  West Liberty University

                  Hunter College

                  Mississippi Valley State University

                  Saint Francis University

                  Franklin Pierce University

                  Denver Seminary

                  Bismarck State College

                  Saint Louis University

                  Thomas Jefferson University

                  University of New Mexico

                  University of New Hampshire Law School

                  Longwood University

                  Mercyhurst University

                  College of New Rochelle

                  Muskingum University

                  Smith College

                  East Carolina University

                  Digital Media Arts College

                  Missouri Valley College

                  North Central State College

                  Case Western Reserve University

                  Lincoln University of Pennsylvania

                  Polytechnic Institute of New York University

                  William Penn University

                  Bellevue College

                  Alvernia University

                  Blue Mountain College

                  Bridgewater State

                  Kansas City Art Institute

                  Dowling College

                  American Jewish University

                  Caldwell College

                  Brooks Institute

                  Laguna College of Art and Design

                             University of Southern Mississippi

I would encourage the future grads and parents to research the different professions and approach your child’s education, as a business be practical but remember they have to have an interest in the subject.  Regardless of what your educational aspirations are, remember education will be worth it.  I know because my education changed my confidence and my financial value so remember be passionate about your education but be practical.

To read more stats on how education can boost your income over your lifetime, follow these links: 

http://www.askmen.com/money/career_150/177_career.html

http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/the-100-best-jobs

http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2011/08/05/how-higher-education-affects-lifetime-salary

Elizabeth Koukladas

Bearla International Studies

info.bearla@gmail.com

Carlsbad, California Cries out For Engineering School.

Carlsbad, California-has a great beach too!

Carlsbad, California is Growing Up.

Kathryn B. Dobson, Carlsbad’s Assistant City Manager, was representing at the annual meeting of the American Council on Education.  Carlsbad is in urgent need of a top notch Engineering school to be developed.  

It seems that Carlsbad is growing rapidly, the population can boost of 110,000 people.  They have over 500 high-tech firms and many defense contractors.  They are in dyer need for engineers but for now, they are few and far between. 

The city of Carlsbad is open to almost any arrangement that will create an engineering university, including consortiums of institutions with public and private colleges.  It seems the council is not interested in a for-profit school but an entrepreneurial private college could work.  They have also taken into consideration California State universities and University of California's school system who have a 129,000 square foot building vacant, which could be offered to the cause.  

This is great news for aspiring engineers or start up engineer business'.  It’s hard to believe that our little Carlsbad a shadow in San Diego’s star is stepping up and making big strides.  I wish you the best of luck and I look forward to hearing the latest news on your adventure.

Elizabeth Koukladas & Amber Williams

Bearla International Studies

info.bearla@gmail.com

Hilary Clinton At The Globalisation Of Higher Education Conference.

Hilary Clinton has been sharing her vision for the future of education. The former first lady has outlined her intentions for higher education globally and in the United States to focus primarily on the disadvantaged and those who are in need of a post-secondary education, but are not necessarily looking for a four year degree. 

Clinton spoke at the Globalisation of Higher Education conference on Monday. The method behind the theory is to introduce academic programs, currently offered at American universities to be translated and available online around the world, focusing on countries where the English language is not the primary language. 

Clinton addressed issues related to what courses would be appropriate for which locations, depending, for example their positioning in regards to economic growth. Clinton brought attention to the fact that in some countries there are 'elementary and secondary school systems, and research universities, but no levels in-between'. Clinton states that bridging the gap between these academic programs may well be the most beneficial element implicated by the American universities abroad. To find out more about The Globalisation Of Education Conference, please visit: http://www.globalizationofhighereducation.com/about

At Bearla International Studies we are of course behind Hilary Clinton, and we are grateful that she intends make higher education more accessible and complete globally. We would love to hear your thoughts on the proposal, and of course any ideas you may have for bridging the gap amongst students and the accessibility of education which every student deserves. Share your thoughts below, or send us an email with your ideas and we will share them with the masses for you!

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

5 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your English Language Studies.

1. Practice before you study abroad: Practice does make perfect, no matter how much of cliche it may be. Being prepared before you arrive in the UK/US is going to build up your confidence when studying the English language abroad. You may even impress the other students will your skills! Its always good to be ahead of the game. 

2. Befriend American/English students: Some students we have had come through our doors have felt a little shy about making friends with American or English students, as they feel their skills are not good enough...never feel this way! Especially as very few English students can actually speak a second language themselves, so they are usually very impressed with students who can. The majority of students will be more than happy to make friends (and the ones who aren't, you don't want as friends anyway), remember that you are from a land in which they may not know much about-you are the interesting one! And if they have been to your home country-then you have lots of things to talk about and opinions to share. This will naturally push you to improve your English language skills whilst making new friends-its a double whammy!

3. Learn from your American or English friends: Ask for feedback and allow your new friends to pick out any mistake you may be making. Please do not get offended by this-it is all for the greater good. Constructive critism can be so valuable. 

4. Absorb & Keep up to date: Read books, keep up with news and watch popular shows and movies. I naturally live as if I am a sponge, I am constantly looking for new things to learn and I love to learn. Extra curricular classes can be very helpful with this. You are stepping outside the realms of your usual study, learning a new topic and also expanding your vocabulary into a different field. 

5. If possible, become a tutor at your school: This one I cannot take credit for, an old friend of mine recommended this to me a few months ago, and it suddenly hit me again when I went to write this article. It is a fantastic idea. It keeps your brain thinking quickly about what you need to say next, it can be a great way to expand your vocabulary and tutoring is a very rewarding job too. Everyones happy! 

Well international students, I hope this has been helpful to you, but perhaps the best piece of advice I can give is to remain positive, be patients and BE CONFIDENT! More often than not, our students English language skills are a lot better than they believe they are, so go and show off your language skills and have fun doing it!

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

California Community Colleges Toying With The Idea Of Offering Bachelor’s Degrees.

The need for highly trained people is on the rise and an Associates degree is just not enough for the competing world.  The

idea is to offer highly sought after degrees such as nursing, and respiratory therapy; there are very few programs such as these currently available, which is forcing students to look outside the state of California.  The aim is to make the completion of a bachelor’s degree quicker, hassle free and less expensive than transferring.

Many students transfer to another state university to complete their four-year degree making it more costly for both the student and for the state of California; we lose the valuable professional graduates.  The major concerns for the project are:  funding, the overall quality of the programs provided, tuition, credentialed professors and lastly, whether or not it will take students away from the already established four year university?

I think it is a great idea...if they can keep the quality of the courses of a high standard of course, the cost low, and have credentialed professors they will have be onto a winner! I love the concept and I hope they are able to make it happen, I see a lot of students going to a for-profit school to complete their degree, which is very costly;  why not have a program more affordable and less of a hassle for the student., it’s about time.  I look forward to seeing the transition.

Amber Williams

Bearla International Studies. 

info.bearla@gmail.com

Help Me Live My Dream Of International Studies...I'm Struggling!!

"There’s a misconception that gap years or study-abroad opportunities are feasible only for the affluent. There are lots of free options (and some paid ones) at idealist.org, which lists volunteering opportunities all over the world. It’s also often possible to make money teaching English on the side."

Nicholas Kristof

There has been scepticism and controversy around this quote by Mr Kristof, saying that he is saying that you can experience a study abroad trip without it costing you a pound. We all know this is not the case, however, it is important to acknowledge that there are schemes and people who can help you to change your life with international study. At Bearla International Studies we will soon be starting a scholarship for one lucky student a year. It is important to remember that you do not cross international studies off your list of dreams and desires, just because you believe you cannot afford it. Remember that everything you do does require some kind of effort and or expense. 

Remember that you are not alone out there. Studying abroad really is a fantastic mind blowing experience, one which I believe everyone should have a chance to experience. At Bearla International Studies, we believe in making your educational dreams come true. We are currently working towards additional programs to help disadvantaged students realise their potential, and to give them a helping hand along the way. 

I will be releasing more information on this throughout the year. If you are looking to get involved on either side of the program, then please contact us. Share your thoughts, ideas and support or find out more about how Bearla can help you...study internationally!

Have a great day, and don't ever give up!

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

Opportunity Summit Announces Over 100 New Initiatives Designed To Boost First-Generation And Low-income Students For Future Success.

I was the first in my family to go to university and to finish university, I am a first generation Greek American and we were also a low-income family.  If you have been following our blogs, I have mentioned how difficult it was for me going and completing my university degree.  So much so that my purpose in life it to help those who want to achieve their educational dreams-it’s personal. 

First Lady Michelle Obama described some of the obstacles:

You’re in a whole new world.

You might have trouble finding peers with similar backgrounds.

Worried about how to pay for classes, food and accommodation.

Need to understand and implement your budget.

You may feel guilt for leaving your family behind.

The statistics show that most first-generation, low-income students have a hard time fitting in, receive lower grades and drop out at higher rates.  Numerous studies show that financial, academic and psychological barriers the students encounter have significantly undermined their performance.  Universities like Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University and Stanford University are stepping up and implementing programs to help these students’ succeed. The following are some examples of the initiatives being undertaken:

Demonstrate to all students how they can experience college differently.

Start with a solid foundation.

Allow and encourage senior students share their own stories.

Don’t be afraid of the negatives, but offset it with the positives.

Deliver a powerful message.

If you would like to read more on this article I suggestion you do http://www.insidehighered.com/views/2014/03/18/essay-colleges-can-help-students-talking-about-issues-social-class. 

A saying I have used my whole life is “you are only as strong as your weakest link”.  Education must be available for anyone who seeks it regardless of his or her background and we as a nation must step up and remember our success has nothing to do with our past but what we do in the present and future, educate so we can compete!!

Bearla International Studies

Elizabeth Koukladas Director

info.bearla@gmail.com

Financial Aid & Student Loan Advice From Our Expert Elizabeth Koukladas.

Higher Education and  “gainful employment” rules for-profit and vocational programs.

The rules were unveiled in August 2013 by the Obama staff. The premise of the rules are to protect the students from for-profit’s schools.  Just keep in mind that non-profit schools do not have the same requirments as for-profit schools:

Debt levels of their graduates

Default rates of their borrowers

Blah, blah, blah what?  Okay so basically for-profit schools have to make sure that you are only paying 12% of your income towards your school loan (different than Federally Funded Financial Aid).  Most people will have a small payment per month while in school, because all of the Financial Aid will not cover the cost.  The second part of the requirement is how many of the students stopped paying on their Financial Aid loans after graduating and have gone into default (6 months after graduation you will start paying on your FA loan).  Default is not a good thing as this is where your credit rating could be negatively effected.  Be aware once you take a financial aid student loan out, it is like any other loan you will have to pay it back but you have options. Remember, that if you are experiencing financial problems (communicate with the lenders).

The benefits of the for-profit schools: it does not take as long to graduate, the classes have more flexible hours, you will have blended courses online/class room instruction but it will cost a lot more up front.  Make sure when you are checking out schools that you ask for the specific institution placement rates, and default rates, those are the two most important questions you will need to have answered before you sign.  Keep in mind that all schools are now about making money including non-profits, schools are a business like any organization.  Also non-profit schools do not have to show you placement rates or default rates (that doesn’t seem fair).  Remember education today is very costly regardless if you are going to a for-profit or non-profit, just remember anything that is worth doing will cost you in someway.  If you have any questions feel free to send me an email, Bearla will point you in the right direction….

Bearla International Studies

Elizabeth Koukladas Director

Statement From The White House Promises To Boost International Student Mobility Between USA And Mexico.

North American leaders have released a statement from the White House announcing their support for Mexico's international education initiative,  Proyecta 100,000. Although this is a positive outcome for Mexico, there is still speculation as to whether the initiative has implemented enough changes to immigration laws.

Mexico's goal for student recruitment to the USA is 100,000 by 2018. The initiative also plans to increase the number of American students in Mexico to 50,000 by 2018. 

There are number of plans outlined in the initiative including: Visa processing strategies for swifter approvals, top ups on student fees for struggling families and students. Mexico and the US plan a number of measures to overcome specific barriers to student mobility, including visa processing and tuition fee gaps. And for Mexican students to have the English language incorporated and ingrained into the curriculum and students from a younger age-implemented for the majority, throughout core subjects. 

Proyecta 100,000 is designed to work in synergy alongside the 100,000 Strong In The America's initiative (also designed to boost student mobility), “The potential to develop cooperation in higher education, innovation and research to benefit citizens of both countries must be seized,” states the statement released by the participating countries.

I believe the initiative will benefit the students and the future of each country greatly. However, the numbers quoted as goals for the future of student mobility are ambitious, too ambitious some might say. It will be interesting to see what happens over the next few years. 

Amber Williams

Bearla International Studies. 

Breaking news: George Washington University Retracted Partnership With Beijing.

George Washington University of International Business and Economic committee changed their minds in forming a partnership with a campus in Beijing, China. The former dean Doug Guthrie was the leader in the attempt at forming this partnership.  Doug Guthrie was let go in August and along with leaving the university they shifted the monies and passed on the partnership.  When asked 'what are the key principles we would need to fulfil in order to design the partnership?'  The following points were made by Steven Lerman, George Washington’s provost:

1.     “That a China Campus would meet the academic standards of the Washington campus.

2.     That it would be financially self-sustaining

3.     That it would align with the university’s strategic plan

4.     That it would have a strong support from the faculty”

The good news is George Washington University is that they are not saying 'no' or 'never' they are keeping an open mind  and feel that it is not a good time to launch the partnership.  I think the partnership is a great idea and I hope that we hear more on this in the future but for now that’s as good as it gets.

Elizabeth Koukladas

Bearla International Studies

Save Remarkable Amounts Of Time With Speeding Reading Apps:

I was inspired by a blog written by Ashley Sanders, “Speed Reading for Busy Grads.”  The blog hit home, I am the slowest reader in the world, and it’s a fact.  I get so impatient when I read that I just lose interest!!  It is hard to believe I ever received my undergraduate degree and my masters but I did. 

If only we could all speed read! We would have time to read those books important to our studies, not only this but it would free up our time to either spend more valuable moments with our families or have our brains bursting with valuable knowledge...and as we all know (from watching films such as Spiderman) that with great knowledge comes great power!

I have recently decided to go back to school and take some courses but I have been a little reluctant, as reading is such a slow process for me. However,  after my recent app discoveries, I felt like there might be hope for me yet!  

So without further ado, here are the recommendations that Ashley Sanders suggested: Free version of QuickReader on iPad, Speeder on laptop, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Speed Reading (that’s the one I need) and the blog “8 Speed Reading Apps that can Slash Your Reading Time” from The American Genius.  The blog also had some good tips on those who are working on speed reading, http://www.insidehighered.com//blogs/gradhacker/speed-reading-busy-grads. 

So speed read away and as always-I would love to hear from anyone who has tried any of the apps and has recommendations for the best speed reading apps you have found. 

Elizabeth Koukladas.

Bearla Internationals Studies. 

University of Michigan and Shanghai Jiao Tong University are Getting it Right!

University Of Michigan

The University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University joint institute is an English-medium

engineering college within SJTU.  

The institution opened in 2006, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in mechanical, electrical and computer engineering this curriculum has been adapted from the University of Michigan. It is a dual degree rack with an option of transferring to Michigan and earning a second degree in a different discipline-a secondary engineering

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

degree. 

The style of education is at the SJTU is more like an American university education.   After two years of studying at SJTU you could transfer to a United States university, in the year 2012-2013 over 80% transferred to a United States university of which Michigan was the largest beneficiary.  Out of 500 transfer students 303 were admitted to the university in Michigan. I believe that this type of collaboration is the beginning of things to come!

I have often stated our world is getting smaller and our need to keep up with a global economy is more urgent than ever before.  A key to a more harmonious existence is with mutual understanding and educating worldwide. 

Elizabeth Koukladas

Bearla International Studies. 

New Zealand's 5 Year Tertiary Education Strategy.

'Higher education institutions in New Zealand need to be more connected to the world through academic collaborations, cross-border education and business relationships in order to deliver long-term economic benefits, the government has announced.'

This 5 year plan outlines the steps to be taken in order for tertiary education operators (TEOs) to be more “outward facing” and “engaged”. 

The 5 year strategy is intended to improve economic outcomes of the sector and encourages stronger links between educators and industry. “This strategy focuses in particular on the economic benefits that result from tertiary education, and therefore on employment, higher incomes and better access to skill employee for business as critical outcomes of tertiary education,” it states.

The government wishes to boost and enhance the experience international students have when they come to study in New Zealand, thus, creating “enduring economic, social and cultural benefits” in key and emerging markets.

As most of you know-I spent 2 years living and working in New Zealand. The country is absolutely beautiful and people are some of the friendliest I have ever met. There is a laid back attitude and emphasis on the importance of family which I always have appreciation and respect for. However, I do understand the importance of this issue. Ensuring New Zealand has a chance at keeping up with the global economy is as intrinsic to the future of the country as it is to any other. New Zealand has been accused countless times as being behind the western world. I am interested to see how the economy and international relationships strengthen from this 5 year plan. 

Good Luck New Zealand, you definitely have the support of everyone at Bearla International Studies!

Quotes are Courtesy of The Pie News-http://thepienews.com One of our favourite online HE newsletters here at Bearla International Studies.

Amber Williams.

Bearla International Studies. 

The United Stated National Women's History Month.

March 8^th was International Women’s Day around the world.  

The United Nation’s theme is ‘Equality for Women in Progress for All.  The theme is based on women in emerging countries being encouraged to be self-sufficient, through promoting education, basic health care and to address poverty.  The first International Women's day dates back to Russia in 1941 (please see a short video tweeted by @Amber_RW yesterday) but in America this is National Women’s History Month! So, it is a time to celebrate for the whole month not just one day.  American’s slogan is “Inspiring Change” for the month of March.  

I love the theme so let’s go out and inspire at least one women to be the best she can possibly be…

For further information on National Women's History Month, please visit: http://womenshistorymonth.gov

Bearla International Studies

Elizabeth Koukladas...proud to be a women!