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