The Gucci of Education.

Another reminder how popular studying abroad has become! 

The growth of international studies has been reported between 7.2% to 10% for the 2012-2013 year, and it is an all time high.  Keep in mind that our GDP has only grown 3.6.  There are over 800,000 students studying in the United States at this very moment. The two countries that are leading the way for international studies are China up 21.4% growth, Saudi Arabia up to 30.5% growth, India 3.5% down and South Korea 2.3% down. On the other hand Americans studying abroad has more than tripled over the past 20 years.  The list below shows the top 25 countries of origin:

Top 25 Countries of Origin for International Students in the U.S. in 2012-13

Country	Number of Students	Percent Change from 2011-12
1. China	235,597	21.4
2. India	96,754	-3.5
3. South Korea	70,627	-2.3
4. Saudi Arabia	44,566	30.5
5. Canada	27,357	2
6. Taiwan	21,867	-5.9
7. Japan	19,568	-2
8. Vietnam	16,098	3.4
9. Mexico	14,199	2.2
10. Turkey	11,278	-5.8
11. Brazil	10,868	20.4
12. Germany	9,819	5
13. United Kingdom	9,467	3.1
14. Nepal	8,920	-7.3
15. Iran	8,744	25.2
16. France	8,297	0.8
17. Hong Kong	8,026	-0.1
18. Indonesia	7,670	7.6
19. Nigeria	7,316	4.1
20. Thailand	7,314	-4.1
21. Malaysia	6,791	0.7
22. Colombia	6,543	3.9
23. Venezuela	6,158	-2
24. Kuwait	5,115	37.4
25. Spain	5,033	2.2

I have written about this before but it is always good to remind yourself, that whatever your reasons for studying abroad, just go for it, it will be a life experience that you will never forget.

By Amber Williams

www.bearlainternationalstudies.com

SEO Your Life! Be Successful from the word GO!

I am sure that you all the international students, study abroad candidates and our

friends at the educational institutions are aware of the benefits of SEO for a website. However, have we ever thought about applying the idea of SEO into our everyday lives?! 

You may be thinking that I have gone entirely nuts, or the idea may slowly be making sense in your mind. The idea, in a nutshell is this:

1) Stay optimistic, I know we have all heard it said a million times, but that is because it is true! A positive attitude does go a long way. If you are preparing for your study abroad trip, and you are feeling a little apprehensive; going to a new school, in a new location can be a bit daunting. However, staying positive and picturing all the great experiences you are going to have will help drown out out any fears you may be conjuring up!

2) Utilise your skills, build on your skills...never stop building on your skills. Make sure your skills are fresh, by that, I mean to practice often. For example: As you know, I am a keen photographer, but if I do not use my camera frequently enough, I do seem to forget how to use it. It has a ridiculous amount of buttons and after a month or so, this information takes a trip elsewhere, as it has been laying stagnant in my brain and not being used. So, use your brain, keep it warmed up and be prepared to use any of your skills at the drop of a hat.

3) Networking and surrounding yourself with successful people. Who you choose to spend your time with can make a very significant difference to your life. If you are spending time with successful people, you are more likely to become successful yourself. Networking and gaining contacts is beneficial in any line of work. Remember to stay in touch with the people you meet. Graduating from college or university with valued contacts under your belt will give you a head start when you break into the workforce.

So, SEO your life and reap the benefits!


By Amber Williams

www.bearlainternationalstudies.com

How Different are the Brits from the Yanks? See what motivates Study Abroad Students

Just another example of how different the Brits and Yanks are; when interviewing

American students and British Students they found that there are very different reasons for studying abroad. 

British students who study abroad are more interested in working abroad, they feel it prepares them for a career with an international company.  American students feel it is more of an opportunity to travel and explore other cultures, less emphasizes on academics and job prospects.

Over 10,000 students from both countries were surveyed and a there was a surprising outcome only 1 in 5 UK students were interested in studying abroad while 56% of the US students were keen on studying abroad. 

Another interesting difference is where UK students study vs US student choose to study.  Top places for the UK students are 29% America, 10% Australia and 10% Canada, followed by France and Germany.  US students preferred 22% United Kingdom, 11% France, 11% Spain, Italy and Australia.  Regardless of your reason or even your destination studying abroad can only enhance your life, so I say just do it!!!!

by Elizabeth Koukladas

www.bearlainternationalstudies.com

Great Student Discounts with a Student ID Card: USA

I have already lectured all the international students out there, on the importance of saving, budgeting, and being realistic about your finances. So, today I am to reward your efforts with a list of establishments, which offer great student discounts with a student ID card. Hopefully they will add a little more glitter to your already glowing adventure!

• Academic Superstore: Electronics store
  
• Amazon Student: Sign up for special offer alerts. 
• AMC Theatres: discounted tickets every Thursday.
• Ann Taylor LOFT: 15% off in-store.
• Ann Taylor: 20% off in-store.
• Apple: 8% off (online and in-store).
• Banana Republic: 15% off in-store.
• Burger King: 10% off in-store with a valid student ID.
• Charlotte Russe: 10% off in-store with a valid student ID.
• Club Monaco: 20% off regular-priced items
• Coach USA: Offers differ between trips and dates. 
• Dairy Queen: 10% off in-store with a valid student ID.
• Dominos Pizza: Discounts based on location. Check the web site. 
• The GM College Discount: Gives discounts on Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles. If any of those tickle your fancy?
• HP Academy Store: offers exclusive student discounts on laptops and desktop computers. Sign up online.
• J. Crew: 15% off selected items.
• JourneyEd: Save up to 85% on computers, electronics, software and other necessities.
• Kroger: 5% off at limited locations.
• The Limited : 15% off in-store with a valid student ID.
• McDonald’s: 10% off at select locations with a valid student ID.
• Papa John’s: Student discounts vary by location.
• Pizza Hut: Discount depends on location.
• Qdoba: Discounts vary depending on the day.
• Ralph Lauren Rugby: 15% off in-store.
• Regal Theaters: $1.50 off Sunday-Thursday evenings.
• Sam’s Club: Depending on location, students can be eligible to receive a Collegiate Annual Membership for $40 plus FREE $15 Sam’s Club gift card.
• Subway: 10% off in-store.
• STA Travel has always been a favourite of mine. My parents and I have used them for years. So, if your parents are as embarrassing as mine, they can book their trip to come and visit you on your travels through STA. Not just for students!
• Student Advantage card Join this community and gain dozens of discounts. 
• Topshop: 10% off online.
• Urban Outfitters: Save 10% on select dates only.
• Waffle House: 10% off.

Happy Shopping! Try not to spend too much at the Waffle House!

I will be writing some follow up posts, concentrating on the locations we specialise in. We are also in negotiations to extend the student discount across more establishments...so watch this space for some student bargains, making your university or college days even more colourful! 

For additional reading: USA Today's article on 'What airlines offer student discounts?'

By Amber Williams

www.bearlainternationalstudies.com

Exciting Times for International Studies in the United Kingdom

Based on the evident growth of International Studies in the United Kingdom 2013, the government has decided to become more active in growing the market. It has put in place opportunities abroad via a new Industrial Strategy. 

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/229844/bis-13-1081-international-education-global-growth-and-prosperity.pdf

The desired goal is to increase International Studies by 15%-20% over the next 5 years.  In July 2013 the new Education UK unit was announced, by the Department for business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), this organization was formed to address the complexities of this emerging market. 

For those of you interesting in Studying Abroad in the UK, the UK is doubling its efforts to make the steps for studying abroad easier, I have preached before for the need of inclusion and not exclusion,  and as you can see the world is changing….

By Elizabeth Koukladas

www.bearlainternationalstudies.com

Study Abroad Financial Aid Tips.

Applying for financial aid has always been a topic our students at Bearla International Studies have needed support and advice with. So, our lovely students have prompted me to write this article sharing some useful tips on applying for financial aid for your international studies. 

Organisation and preparation are key to a successful study abroad trip. This applies across the board for every aspect of your study abroad trip, so, when applying for financial aid, always make sure you have completed all the relevant paperwork before you leave the country.

Make an appointment with your independent study abroad experts, such as Bearla International studies or your university study abroad advisor, both can provide you with fee free information on how students pay for their international studies. Remember to speak with other students who have studied abroad, ask them questions and seek advice. The more information you have gathered, the better prepared you will be for your adventure. If you are not currently at university, but would like to study abroad, then do not feel left out the loop. You can also gain expert advice, either through a company like us, or many English language centers have their own advisors, or are affiliated with a university which will be able to offer advice. 

It is important to receive the correct financial aid for your circumstances. Be honest with your advisor, be detailed with your advisor and make notes, there will be a lot of information to digest. Ask about exchange programs, as with this option, it is only your cost of living which would increase. Exchange programs are popular amongst universities, providing an economical option to study abroad. 

For those already receiving financial aid, you may be able to put this towards a study abroad semester, so some careful investigation can go a long way. There are many different types of financial aid, each with differing rules and regulations, so always read the small print! 

There are an abundance of different avenues to take when applying for financial aid. Make sure you are getting your advice from a trusted source, way up your options and do not be afraid to ask for help. That is what we are here for!

By Amber Williams
www.bearlainternationalstudies.com

Time to Wake Up: Education Reform!

Washington has reported that teens from Asian nations dominate a global exam given to 15 year old students.  American students show little to no improvement in reaching the top 20's in Math, Reading, and Science.  

The order of the top scores in all subjects:  Shanghai, China, Singapore, South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong students.  Even Vietnam students participated for the first time and still had higher average scores in Math and Science vs United States students. British scores were about the same since the test was introduced 3 years ago.  

So the question is why is it that Asian countries take educating their students more seriously than the US and UK?  Is it time that we as a nation look at revamping our education system?  I am curious what are the Asian nations are doing for their students that we are not doing for ours?  Maybe we should try to mimic what the Asian nations are doing for their future scholars? 

We must not fall behind, the future of America depends on our ability to move in the technological world. This helps us move forward in the future with jobs and financial prosperity. What can we do to change our direction of education, to help better prepare our young for a bright future?

By Elizabeth Koukladas

www.bearlainternationalstudies.com