Saturday, December 7, 2013

Brightest and Best Budgeting for Budding International Students.

How Can Students Study Abroad on a Reasonable Budget?

Step 1: Breakdown: Have a think about how much money you will need for an average day studying abroad. Be realistic. Remember that even buying items such as a Latte each day, can make a huge difference to your overall budget.

Step 2: Do not forget to prioritise when budgeting: make a list of all the necessities; housing, accommodation, food and transportation. Make sure you are clear on what is covered in your study abroad program. Some of these necessities may be included, freeing up some of your budget for luxury items or events, which brings me nicely to my third point...
Step 3: Treat yourself: You are planning a once in a lifetime adventure. Make sure you have budgeted for any activities you would like to experience. Make the most of your stay, returning home and feeling like you missed out because of your budgeting is not a good feeling! 
Step 4: Emergency situations: Be realistic and have an emergency budget. We recommend around 10-15% of your overall budget. I feel it is important here to also reiterate the importance of travel insurance, not only to purchase it but to read the terms and conditions. I know this can be very tedious and time consuming, however, if you do need to make a claim you will know what you are covered for and for how much. Take care of yourself and others while you are studying abroad.

Step 5: Apply for a student I.D card: These cards are offered the world over. Students can gain 10, 15 or even 20% off purchases. This discount can make a big difference to your spending; the card is widely accepted. Discounts on  restaurants, bars, supermarkets, hairdressers, spas, museums, art galleries etc can be found. 
Step 6: Be Sticky: So now that you have your budget worked out for any situation, the important part is next...ensure you are keeping track of your budget. Making a note each day of how much you spend, and remember to adjust your budget accordingly. 
Happy saving international students! I hope your study abroad adventure is an incredible one. 
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Friday, December 6, 2013

Tribute to Nelson Mandela – 1918-2013

            Tribute to Nelson Mandela – 1918-2013
The world mourns the death of a Nobel Prizewinner Nelson Mandela.  Nelson Mandela, sacrificed 27 years of his freedom to bring peace and equality to his country, and in bringing his light to South Africa, he brought a light to the world.  Freedom is a word that
Americans have always relished we often forget that others struggle for the privilege of their freedom. I, like most Americans was not aware of a jailed Nelson Mandela until my days at California State University, Long Beach, this opened my eyes to the South Africa's apartheid and the devastation it has engraved in the hearts of the people of South Africa.  It is with great sorrow that such a great man has passed, and he will always be remembered as a great fighter for the freedom of others who could not fight.
 Nelson Mandela's Words of Wisdom:
"Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world"
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
"There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."
"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.  The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."
 Freedom is not a luxury but a gift, everyday we should be mindful of that gift.  
Elizabeth Koukladas
www.bearlainternationalstudies.com




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Thursday, December 5, 2013

Are You Prepared for Studying Abroad? Checklist for International Students:

1. It may not be fun at the time, but it will be worth it in the end...saving for your trip.

I found that the most efficient way of saving is to have a standing order set up with your
bank, so that when you get paid the money is taken automatically, so you do not have a chance to spend it! 
Speak to your bank manager to find out which savings account is best suited to your needs. You could be earning interest on your savings as it is sitting in your account.
2. Search for scholarships

There are plenty of options, some without the assumed volumes of competition you would normally expect. Some schools do not advertise their scholarships, making a conscious effort to find the right information will be worth it. However, if you would rather have some help and save a bit of time, then we can help you with finding scholarships.
3. Tunnel vision.
It is important to remain focused and not leave anything to the last minute or to chance. Do not let your school work slip because you are so excited about your trip, this is a common occurrence, so make sure you are aware of how much time and effort you are putting into your studies. Ensure you have your visa, passport, money, etc. I normally check at least 500 times for these items before leaving for the airport. 

4.Lightening your load.
Taking far too much clothing, shoes and toiletries will only make it more difficult to travel. I like to think I have travelled a lot, I can promise you that travelling light is the only way
to go. A good technique for reducing down your luggage is to pack and up pack three times. Each time you will find something else which you do not really need to take with you, lightening your load! 
5. Be a social butterfly. 
Learn as much as you can from students who have already studied abroad. Online is a great method of getting in touch with students already at the institution you are going to attend, or students who are planning to study in the same area. Read blogs and join in forums, you will be surprised at the added value this type of activity can provide. At Bearla International Studies, our aim is to make you feel as welcome as possible in your new location. Our students are happy to meet with other international students, some form great friendships and support networks. Other institutions also provide a similar service, providing a list of email addresses of the international students who will be studying at the same institution. 
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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Interviewing 101 – Tips

Finding a job in today's economic climate is very difficult, in fact, it is a little disheartening. Today's job market is a buyers market not a sellers market, so performing well in interviews is crucial.  Psychological research shows that interviewers will form an opinion on your personality and intelligence in the first 30 seconds so it is important to you to make a good first impression the second you walk.  So make sure you prepare for the interview, research the company and research your relevant and interesting questions.

·                     Research the company – drop in your knowledge of the company during                     interview

·                     Dress nicely – The better you look the more money they will offer you – Smile,             a firm but not too firm handshake

·                     Do not speak slang – proper language

·                     Come 15 min early

·                     Bring your own pen

·                     Bring two resumes

·                     Body language – good posture, good eye contact, and body relaxed but not too           relaxed (does this make sense?), be confidence, deliver your responses with                   conviction

·                     Be ready for tough questions (have examples of             your work)

·                     Show you are flexible and show a willingness to               be a team player by supporting your                             colleagues.

·                     Respectful and responsive

·                     Ask important questions:  What characteristics              are you looking for in the individual?  Is their                  room for growth?  What is the most challenging              aspect of the position?  How soon will you decide? Make sure you do your                      research and ask intelligent questions regarding the company.

·                     Make sure you tell the interviewer that you are very interested in the position

·                    Make sure you get the interviewers email address and send a thank you letter              with a reiteration of your interest in the position.

·                   Prepare!!!  Prepare!!!!  Prepare – even rehearsing your interview

 GOOD LUCK!!!



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Tuesday, December 3, 2013

The Chinese Government and the Ten Thousand Talent Program.

The Chinese government has announced the “Ten Thousand Talent Program” the Chinese government has pledged support to 10,000 leading scholars in sciences, engineering and social sciences during the next 10 years. The focus is now on
innovation and cultivating domestic talent.  This is to attract scholars back to China, over 1.5 million scholars and students remain overseas even though the western economy has been slow to recover.

 China can brag it has the second largest economy in the world next the United States. Some of China’s academic elites are all over the world sharing their talents with their host country.  

 Upon reflection I feel lucky to have so many that are talented academics contributing our innovation and scientific advancements it’s a good thing…. 




By Elizabeth Koukladas

 www.bearlainternationalstudies.com
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Get Me In The DOOR!

Top Ten Qualities Employers are Looking for, from University Graduates:

The ability to think clearly about complex problems: problem solving is a great trait. If you
are innovative and have the confidence to share your ideas, not only will this show that you are committed but is also a great way to earn the respect from your boss.
     
The ability to write and speak well whether you are an international student or a native looking for work. 

The ability to analyze a problem to develop workable solutions.

An understanding of how global business is conducted. 

The ability to be creative and innovative in solving problems.

Versatility, the ability to apply knowledge and skills in new settings, demonstrate flexibility in the work place. If you have studies abroad, then share this with your potential employer. This demonstrates how you have been exposed to a variety of cultures, that you took opportunity to grow professionally, personally and academically through studying abroad. 

The ability to understand numbers and statistics. 

A strong sense of ethics and integrity. 

I have always found that the best way to get noticed by your boss at work and be in the running for a promotion, is to treat the business as if it was your own. 
Happy job hunting graduates and remember that activities such as volunteering can go a long way. Volunteering can be a great way of getting your foot in the door and get your face seen by the people who matter. Good Luck! 

By Amber Williams

www.bearlainternationalstudies.com
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Monday, December 2, 2013

Help Me...I've Lost It!

One of our International Students had a chat with me the other day about how, although he received a lot of support during his transition to the United States, he still feels that there are certain language barriers that he still needs to overcome.
This morning, I was reading an article by a professor at an American university. The main focus of the article was exactly as my student had stated the day before. The professor's solution to the problem, was to tailor each class containing international students. The professor had tried his idea out in his lectures "the small changes I made in the lecture hall, made a huge difference to the student's understanding of the English language.
An article I was reading from a professor at a London university had a very similar experience, and solution: 
"In their first term at an English university, these (international) students were beginning to understand Shakespearean English. The previous day I had taught them ways of understanding English idioms and metaphors, including the casting off of a single 'gauntlet'. Practical demonstrations, I have discovered, work well when explaining unfamiliar phrases."

 Bearla International Studies, and the universities or colleges which international students attend do provide support however, I think our main point here is a big shout out to all the professors and teachers out there to take a few moments each day, to ensure our international  students are not left out the loop, and international students...don't be afraid to ask for help when you're feeling confused.

Below are some links to website with tips to help all our international students and teachers out there to perfect their English language skills!




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