Loughborough University at iCITY, Olympic Park.

Olympic Park Velodrome

My recent trip to the Olympic Park was so great that I have felt inspired to write about the construction taking place to structure the park for students. Focusing today on Loughborough University as it is to establish an academic campus, offering postgraduate and executive education, at iCITY on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.

The development is due to open in 2015. The university is a leader in research and innovation. The campus will entertain business and management, media and communications, digital technologies and sport.

Professor Robert Allison, Vice Chancellor of Loughborough University, said: “This is an outstanding opportunity for Loughborough to diversify and expand the high quality education it offers to both postgraduate students and those looking to advance their professional development.

“It will also provide the University with opportunities to further enhance its pioneering research and innovation that help to drive social change and boost prosperity. Loughborough prides itself in doing research that matters and makes a difference. Our new site in London will underpin this important aspect of the University’s endeavour, in parallel with new taught programmes.”

The new campus will support the UK’s flourishing creative and digital industries. It is fantastic to see such developments taking place in the UK, let alone the Olmpyc Park. It seems that some countries do not use the Olympic space which they have spent millions to create, so I am proud to have our Olympic space being used for educational purposes. 

I have plenty more photos to shar with you, visit my G+ profile to see more!

To find out more about visiting the Olympic Park click here: http://queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk

Genocide Research Announcement

In the last two decades universities have been adding research on genocide, Yale found a program in 1998, Clark, in Worcester Mass offers a Ph.D. in Holocaust history and genocide studies.  University of Southern California has now created a West Coast hub of genocide scholarship.  USC announced the formation of a new Center for Advanced Genocide Research.

“The center will function as the research arm of the USC Shoah Foundation, known for its enormous archive of video testimony from survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust and other genocides. The center is the latest evolution of an organization originally founded by the filmmaker Steven Spielberg in 1994 to record interviews with Holocaust survivors and witnesses. Over the years, the USC Shoah Foundation has amassed nearly 52,000 testimonies. It has also widened its focus beyond the persecution and killing of Jews during the Nazi era, bringing in new collections of testimony about atrocities like the 1994 Rwanda Tutsi genocide, the 1937 Nanjing Massacre in China, and the 1915 Armenian genocide.”

I think the International Institute of Genocide and Human Rights studies describe perfectly why Genocide is important for people to study: 'It can help identify the warning signs of impending violence; and it can suggest ways in which genocide may be prevented' 

Rankings of the Best Graduate Schools In The United Kingdom

It is that time of the year for those whole will be graduating from university in the spring 2015 to be finding the perfect graduate schools for your major.  The ten best schools in the United Kingdom have been rated and the rating was taken from the following criteria:  Entry Standards, Students Satisfaction, Research Assessment, Graduate Prospects, and Overall Score.

Ten Best Schools in the United Kingdom                                    Overall Score

Cambridge                                                                                     1000

Oxford                                                                                             990

London School of Economics                                                         975

Imperial College London                                                                 933

Durham                                                                                           925

St Andrews                                                                                     891

University College London                                                             859

Warwick                                                                                          864

Bath                                                                                                852

Exeter                                                                                             848

Best Medical Schools in the United Kingdom, the rating credit are the following:

5 Best Medical Schools in the United Kingdom                        Overall Score

Cambridge                                                                                     100

Oxford                                                                                             100

Edinburgh                                                                                        98.4

University College London                                                              98.0

Aberdeen                                                                                         97.6

Imperial College London                                                                 94.4

Law School Rankings

Cambridge                                                                                     100

London School of Economics                                                        95.4

University College London                                                             95.0

Oxford                                                                                            94.8

Glasgow                                                                                         92.5

5 Best General Engineering School in the United Kingdom

Cambridge                                                                                    100

Surrey                                                                                           95.8

Oxford                                                                                           94.9

Imperial College London                                                               94.6

Durham                                                                                         94.1

Bearla International Studies

Elizabeth Koukladas Director

Paying For A Four-Year Degree Abroad Without A Student Loan?

Design School, Hollywood.

The challenge of most international students is how to fund a four-year degree instead of just studying a semester abroad.  After fourteen years in school recruitment I rarely have had a student tell me 'I got it covered', with only a few exceptions to the rule, students have to use the following methods of paying for their education:  Savings, grants, scholarships, parents loans and student loans.  Basically only wealthy and really smart students can study internationally at a four-year university.  So the big question is how to pay for a full four-year degree abroad without a student loan? 

Currently the USA and UK have federal aid programs but these federal Aid programs will not fund a four-year degree abroad.  Recently I came across an article about how the UK might be changing that policy.  “The UK Higher Education International Unit published it’s strategy for outward mobility encouraging UK universities to develop study abroad experiences for students as part of their UK degree studies (so called credit mobility).  And now we have a report from the British Council telling us that more UK students than ever are considering full degree studies overseas (diploma mobility) as an alternative to studying at a university in the UK.”

January 2010 numbers show that 22,000 UK students studied at an international university for the full three to four-years term.  This is beginning to create a challenge for both the UK and the US with new incentives to promote studying abroad.  This is implanting the desire without giving the individual the tools to make it happen.  Again leaving only the extremely smart and wealthy able to fund their educational aspirations.   

The UK and the USA government have planted the seeds of studying internationally to help cultivate our future leaders but if Federal Student Aid does not adapt to help to fund our future leaders than we are doing a disservice to the future of our world.

Bearla International Studies

Elizabeth Koukladas Director

Study Abroad in Canada-Advice on Where to Begin.

Amber Williams

I recently was on an International Students Forum and came across a question that an International student asked: 

“I wish to do my masters in Canada, please can you let me know any university in Canada that I can apply, that will accept me, and please let me know the requirements.  What I need to do, to have admissions this year?”

To answer this question effectively, there are a few of questions you should ask yourself:

What do I want to study my masters in?

What part of Canada do I want to live in?

This is a good place to start it has all the universities in Canada listed (see web link), each province and institutions have different requirements, so it is important to pick the school you would like to attend first.

www.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University ... admissions

Here are a few more resources:

Post-Secondary Application Service of British Columbia

Ontario Universities’ Application Centre

Ontario College Application Service

List of colleges in Canada

List of Universities in Canada

Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada

List of Canadian Universities by endowment

General requirements for Graduate Studies: This listing provides a general outline of requirements for students interested in applying to a university graduate program in Canada. Please note that specific requirements for institutions will vary and students are encouraged to check directly with the institutions they are interested in for specific admissions requirements.

Completion of an acceptable undergraduate degree from an accredited/recognized university

High level of academic achievement in previous studies

Strong reference letters

Written Statements

Standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). 

If English isn’t your native language you will have to take an English Placement Test the standard test most international students take for TOEFL.

Good luck for those of you that are interested in studying in Canada and have additional questions please contact Bearla International Studies: info.bearla@gmail.com

And please watch this space for our brand new website to be launched very soon...

Co-Owner, Amber Williams.

Bearla International Studies.

International Student-Get Your Bargains Here!

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

International Students Breaking The Barriers

Fancy Studying in Santa Monica?

International graduate student applications to the US have climbed by 7 percent this year, however, the genetic makeup has changed...  

China led the way for two years in a row but recently the applications from China have dropped 3 percent in 2013 and another 1 percent in 2014.  On the other hand India has increased by 22 percent in 2013 and 33 percent in 2014-with more than 6 months of the year still to go still to go!

Chinese students make up 33 percent of all international students in the US and Indian students make up 18 percent. South Korea, Taiwan and China make up the majority of the international students studying in the US. Brazil is suspected to break the barrier with it's 33 percent increase, with the Olympics and consequently transplanted American businesses this is no surprise.  Last but not least there has been in noticeable increase in Africa, Europe and the Middle East all demonstrating an increase in graduate applications.  

The biggest concern I have is why China has dropped off with graduate applications? Remember that having international students in our education system is a good thing! If you have any comments then please share them below.

We are lucky to live in a country that has such a sort after education system, but remember it is important that as a nation we welcome international students to our country, break bread with them because this will leave a lasting positive impression...and its good for business! 

Elizabeth Koukladas

          www.bearlainternationalstudies.com Just a couple of days to go until our barand new website is  
          launched!! Please check back to see our work of art!  

ETS Not Longer...

ETS has confirmed it “made the decision not to extend” its licence to provide Secure English Language Testing for the UK Home Office, which means that TOEFL and TOEIC exams will no longer be accepted as proof of English level for visa purposes, due to a high levels of fraud.

Watch this space for further updates.

Don't forget out brand new website is being launched early next week! 

Amber Williams

#Amber_RW/

Bearla International Studies

The Verizon Foundation: Changing Lives Through Technology.

The Verizon Foundation is a non-profit organization based in the United States who are focused on improving education, healthcare and energy management through philanthropy.

The main focuses for The Verizon Foundation are as follows:  

Energey management: Technology can be used to help people make smarter energy decisions and save money. 

“We seek to empower communities with technology-enabled energy management solutions and carbon footprint reduction. ”

Justina Nixon-Saintil
Director, Energy Management, Verizon Foundation

Healthcare: Improving quality and access for children, women and seniors in rural and urban communities in need of drastic and lasting change.

“Our technology-enabled chronic disease management programs will improve communication between patients and providers and empower improved patient self-management for better long-term outcomes.”

Carrie Hughes
Director of Healthcare, Verizon Foundation

Education: Preparing students for success in the 21st century. By implementing mobile technology, award-winning free digital content, and teacher training for schools and organizations; focusing on enhancing student's interest and achievement in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

“We have invested in education initiatives that inspire and support teachers to effectively integrate technology in the classroom, all leading to a positive impact on student achievement.”

Justina Nixon-Saintil
Director, Education, Verizon Foundation

Take a look around The Verison Foundation website and discover some of the local success stories, such as the Bronx Academy of Promise charter school who were on the brink of closure before The Verizon Foundation were contacted by the passionate leader of the school and its faculty members. By implementing technological advances in the institution, they were able to keep the school alive and produce massive improvements, bringing the school from a grade F rating, to a grade A rating. 

The Verizon Foundation accept donations and also give out grants to programmes involving but not limited to public charities and schools. 

Amber Williams-Director
Bearla International Studies Brand new website being launched next week!
@Amber_RW/

Best Graduate Schools In The US.

As the end of the 2013-2014 year comes to a close and graduation is on the

horizon, it is only natural to look to the future so here is the list of the top graduate schools in the USA:

Business:  MBA, MBA-Finance and Executive MBA

Part-time MBA

UC Berkeley

University of Chicago

Northwestern University

New York University

University of California – Los Angeles

Finance MBA

UPenn

University of Chicago

New York University

Columbia University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Executive MBA

UPenn

University of Chicago

Northwestern University

Duke University

Columbia University

Best Business Schools 2015

Harvard University

Stanford University

University of Pennsylvania

University of Chicago

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Law Schools: 

Part-time Law School

Georgetown University

George Washington University

Fordham University

George Mason University

Loyola Marymount University

Best Overall Law Schools 2015

Yale University

Harvard University

Stanford University

Columbia University

University of Chicago

New York University

Medical Schools:  Primary Care, Pediatrics and Internal Medicine

Primary Care

University of Washington

University of North Carolina

Oregon Health and Science University

University of California-San Francisco

University of Massachusetts

Pediatrics

University of Pennsylvania

Harvard University

University of Cincinnati

Johns Hopkins University

University of Washington

Internal Medicine

John Hopkins University

Harvard University

University of California-San Francisco

Duke University

University of Pennsylvania 

Best Overall Medical Schools in the Country

University of Washington

University of North Carolina

Oregon Health and Science University

University of California-San Francisco

University of Massachusetts-Worcester 

Bearla International Studies

Elizabeth Koukladas Director

Life Changing Opportunities For Students In Egypt, Tunisia And Iraq.

Unemployment rates are currently a problem the world over, but today I am reporting upon on Egypt, Tunisia, Iraq and the solutions being put into place in order to help young students find employment. Not only to find employment, but to get young people into employment which they will enjoy! We all know how painful it is to work a job you hate. 

Funding has been sourced from the United States Agency for International Development,  the private American University in Cairo has been setting up career centres which offer a completely free service to students in order to help them with interview preparation, resume writing, job searches and teaching students to link their skills with potential employment positions, amongst a wide array of other expert services.  

“Students don’t learn about how to plan for careers and how to search for a job—they lack some skills critical for employers,” says Shaymaa Adel, who heads a new career center at Suez Canal University. “That’s why they don’t find jobs. So, we teach them how to plan for their careers and how to discover their interests apart from their educational backgrounds."

The career advice centres have proved to be a massive success already, as students are able to connect with potential employers more easily, many have found job placements or internship opportunities. Students say that they feel more focused and supported being part of a community which is there to help them develop as people and enable them to support themselves and their families. 

This type of service has been available to students in the Uk and USA for many years and finally it is now offered more widely in countries that are struggling due to high unemployment rates, growing populations of young people and political unrest fuelled by economic problems. 

I think some excellent work has been done. It is important to remember how giving somebody a helping hand can make such a difference to their life. 

To read more about career centres for students and to apply for help and advice from a career centre then please visit: http://ow.ly/vJS3L Let me know how you get on, and what  job you have had help in finding, all the best now!

Amber Williams

Bearla International Studies

info.bearla@gmail.com

Fantastic Benefits 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

Adaptation.

There are two very different views on cultural adaptation and the Chinese undergraduate student in American culture.  The first thought is that Chinese students are struggling or even failing at adapting to the American environment.    

The article I read recently suggested that Chinese undergraduate students try different methods to acclimatise quickly to American culture.  Here are a few of the suggestions:

Adapt to American classroom practices and expectations but also take from personal, social, institutional and technological resources. The second perspective is that the so called deficit’s are not deficit’s at all but an evolution in their educational journey or even life journey and that they should look at their experience as a personal and professional development.  

Whatever camp you are in, a deficit or an asset I suggest you read the article below, I really enjoyed it.  I like to think of myself as a student of life and a work in progress as I believe we all are.

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/04/09/new-research-examines-how-chinese-students-respond-challenges-classroom

Life Changing Opportunities For Arab Students

I have been perusing higher education newsletters again and have come across a list of scholarships for Arab students.

At Bearla International Studies we always encourage students to seize an opportunity whenever one arises-this is one of those moments!

The article also encompasses seminars on students aid for international students and covers many industry specific scholarships such as medicine, architecture and archaeology. Some scholarships cover your travel expenses too.

The Hope Fund is Open to all Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank. This scholarship offers tuition, transportation, living expenses, health insurance and textbooks and is 'to improve the quality of life for Palestinians by providing higher-education opportunities in the United States for mature Palestinian students of good character, who are academically qualified but who lack financial resources to provide such an opportunity for themselves.'

Take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy a colourful life studying abroad! If you have any questions then do not hesitate to contact us and we will always be more than willing to help and if we do not know the answer we will find someone who does!

Happy studying, travelling and boasting of your new prestigous education.

Find out more: http://ow.ly/vECvX 

Amber Williams 
Bearla International Studies. 

It's All About Us.

I hope you are well. 

 

Todays blog is not about higher education news, politics, the state of the environment, or economics, it is simply about us...we are boasting about ourselves. I have been told that a blog is not for boasting, but today is our day and today and we feel like boasting about ourselves and our business.

It is only a matter of a couple of weeks before we publish our brand new website. We have really been through the...mud with our previous websites. We have of course always had the best of intentions, but the worst luck with websites imaginable. The previous 'designers' Toolkit Websites-were the worst yet. I had to fight for a full refund, when really they should have been paying us damages for the time, money and frustration they wasted and caused us...but at Bearla International Studies we do not dwell on the past and only look to the future. So, then we met Kari the owner of our new website company-Hotkofe, who has provided us with a website we can be proud of and which does not hurt our eyes at all! Kari has taken our hands and shown us to the website light. It is only now that we have regained faith in web designers-I was about to take a coding course and literally build one for myself from scratch. Thank you Kari!!

I hope you enjoy our new website as much as we do, I also hope it inspires you, as much as it should, to take the plunge and study abroad!

Take care and goodnight!

Amber Williams-Director

Bearla International Studies

info.bearla@gmail.com

State of Massachusetts Sues Corinthian Colleges

I know I have been on my soapbox with for-profits schools but...The state of Massachusetts has sued Corinthian Colleges

on Thursday; they charged the for-profit schools for illegally deceptive marketing, including the use of inflated job placement statistics and high-pressure tactics on prospective students.  

The State Attorney General charges Corinthian with quoting placement rates from 70%-99%, but they were actually 20%-30%, not cool.  Students stated that the recruiters were calling them every day at any time during the day or night, telling the student that it will change their lives.  Wow, that’s a no no, it’s harassment.  I have written about this before but for-profit schools are quite often trouble!!  

Students beware of for-profit schools!!

Bearla International Studies

Elizabeth Koukladas Director

Help Filing Your US Tax Return For International Students:

Always look on the bright side!

Nobody hates filing taxes more than me. But, unfortunately it does have to be completed, otherwise you can be subject to fines. So here is a gentle reminder that international students studying in the US do need to file-and soon, the deadline is the 15th April. So get a move on if you haven't done so already. The following is some advice on filing your tax return, and some useful links to get you started.

Just for clarification, incase you were just thinking that there might well be a way around you having to file a tax return, there is not, as every international student along with their dependents will need to file Form 8843 if you have not received any income, but if you have been earning, then you will also need to file a 1040NR-EZ. Every individual, regardless of whether they are one family, will need to file their own Form 8843 and send it in a separate envelope. 

You may well be asking 'Why must I file taxes?'

Well, first of all, it is the law, so-not to get in trouble. You do not want to upset the US government as they will throw you out of the country at the drop of a hat and can make it very difficult for you to enter the country again. Make sure that once you are out there, you behave yourself the best you can-this means filing taxes too! On the bright side:

• You might get a refund. Some international students will qualify for a refund due to tax treaties and a lack of serious income if they’ve earned income in the US.
• Protect taxation of your worldwide income.
• You fulfill your visa obligations. All international students must file at least Form 8843 (see below) in order to remain legal under F, J, M & Q visas, even if you didn’t earn any money in the US.

But where do I begin?

There are many ways to file your taxes. You can file the proper forms on your own, you can hire a tax attorney, or you can purchase tax preparation software such as Sprintax. Most international students file on their own, however this will depend on how complex you expect your return to be, sometimes it is worthwhile hiring a tax attorney purely based on the amount of time it will save you.

All the information you need is on this website, so please visit http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/Foreign-Students-and-Scholars 

Do not hesitate to give them a call if you are unsure of anything. It is much better and far less time consuming to get it right the first time around and there are far less chances for error if the forms are completed online.

Get filing out those tax returns, good luck, and if you have any questions-direct them to Elizabeth!

Amber Williams-Director

Bearla International Studies

info.bearla@gmail.com