Malacanang is committed to create at least one million jobs a year to absorb college graduates or the new entrants to the labor force.In a media briefing, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said this commitment is among the top priorities of the Aquino government saying,tututukan ang job generation.He said this target is part of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s contract with the Filipino people. This is also a priority in the country’s development blueprint, or the Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016 prepared by the National Economic Development Authority.Coloma urged college entrants and their parents to consider courses that have high market labor demand. He noted that a paradox exists where there is high unemployment, when many jobs are hard to fill.In the same forum, Commission on Higher Education Chair Patricia B. Licuanan said courses in higher education should be industry engaging.
The country has oversubscribed courses such as nursing, information technology , education, hotel and restaurant management, and business administration. These courses, she said, need not be promoted by institutions, rather we just have to improve it.She explained that CHED is doing this to rationalize and put it in order.We need to align it with the needs of the country, she said. Specifically, Licuanan pointed out that the country is short in the number of agriculture degree graduates who are needed in its drive to improve food security in the country.Other courses that CHED is promoting to students are mining, aeronautics, geology and software engineering. As a motivating factor, scholarships for these priority courses will be available.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
New study abroad
The research compared the internationalisation of higher education in 11 of the largest and most active countries in this area. It examined national performance in three categories: openness, access and equity, and quality assurance & degree recognition.One of the reasons Germany scores particularly high is because its policies focus as much on supporting and encouraging domestic students and academics to spend time studying or working abroad as on attracting students and academics from other countries.
The German government aims to have half of all home students spending at least one semester abroad during studies. A 'Go out! Studying around the world' campaign was launched in 2006 by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to support this goal. This was followed by 'Go East!' to encourage German students to study in East and Central Europe.DAAD also sponsors over 55,000 individuals a year with competitive scholarships for Germans studying or doing research abroad, or international students and researchers coming to Germany.Countries such as Australia and the UK scored well in the openness and 'quality assurance' and 'recognition' categories, but went down significantly in the 'access and equity' category. They demonstrated limited support to encourage home students and academics to experience higher education abroad, and provided relatively few financial incentives for international students.
The increasing popularity of joint and dual degree programmes, the introduction of English-taught courses and degree programmes in many non-English speaking countries, as well as the Bologna Process to standardise degree programmes across more than 40 European countries, have opened up new opportunities for students to study abroad.While the US receives by far the most international students, and has five times more overseas branch campuses than any other country, it is losing market share to the UK, Australia,Austria and China.
The German government aims to have half of all home students spending at least one semester abroad during studies. A 'Go out! Studying around the world' campaign was launched in 2006 by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to support this goal. This was followed by 'Go East!' to encourage German students to study in East and Central Europe.DAAD also sponsors over 55,000 individuals a year with competitive scholarships for Germans studying or doing research abroad, or international students and researchers coming to Germany.Countries such as Australia and the UK scored well in the openness and 'quality assurance' and 'recognition' categories, but went down significantly in the 'access and equity' category. They demonstrated limited support to encourage home students and academics to experience higher education abroad, and provided relatively few financial incentives for international students.
The increasing popularity of joint and dual degree programmes, the introduction of English-taught courses and degree programmes in many non-English speaking countries, as well as the Bologna Process to standardise degree programmes across more than 40 European countries, have opened up new opportunities for students to study abroad.While the US receives by far the most international students, and has five times more overseas branch campuses than any other country, it is losing market share to the UK, Australia,Austria and China.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Redress imbalances in Plus Two courses
There is a huge disparity in the seat availability of medicine and engineering. Due to this, majority of the students do not get admission in medicine and end up in the engineering stream.
A sizeable section of students seeking admission to the engineering stream would have studied biology in their Plus Two course, particularly those who studied in the Kerala State syllabus schools. After Class X those who seek admission in the science stream for Plus Two mainly opt for medicine or engineering.
The problem is that the students who have taken first group (maths, physics, chemistry and biology) in their Plus Two course, aspiring to become a doctor or an engineer, do not give due weightage to mathematics and never study computer science during their Plus Two course.These students, when they join engineering course have to study with the students who would have opted for the fifth group (maths, physics, chemistry and computer science) in their Plus Two course. The students who come from the fifth group of the Plus Two course have an upper hand as they would have studied mathematics along with computer science instead of biology in their Plus Two course. It is well-known that computer science is very much required in engineering.
In short, the first group students of State syllabus who have biology instead of computer science feel overburdened due to the extra time needed to improve their knowledge in mathematics and computer science as compared to fifth group students of State syllabus.The blame goes to the present system followed in the State schools. Based on a study of the 2011 prospectus of Kerala higher secondary centralised allotment process, it is seen that out of a total of 128 government and aided higher secondary schools in Ernakulam district, nearly 118 schools are offering first group and only 50 schools offer fifth group.This means that, the students who aim to become only engineers are left with nearly 40 per cent less seats. As a result of this limited seat availability, these would-be engineers are forced to take first group instead of fifth group in their Plus Two course and study biology instead of computer science.
The blame goes to the improper seat proportion in Plus Two course as compared to the availability of seats in medicine and engineering. Hence there is a need to either convert some of the existing seats of first group to fifth group or increase the seats in fifth group in order to maintain a proper balance of seats in proportion to the available seats in medicine and engineering.The scenario may be different in the case of CBSE and unaided higher secondary schools of Kerala, which are not included in this study due to unavailability of data. Earlier, there was a clear distinction between a biology student and a mathematics student. The only advantage of students taking biology and mathematics together in their Plus Two is that they could opt for biomedical engineering and biotechnology courses in the engineering stream. But very few students opt for these courses due to poor job opportunity and limited number of seats in graduate and PG level.
A sizeable section of students seeking admission to the engineering stream would have studied biology in their Plus Two course, particularly those who studied in the Kerala State syllabus schools. After Class X those who seek admission in the science stream for Plus Two mainly opt for medicine or engineering.
The problem is that the students who have taken first group (maths, physics, chemistry and biology) in their Plus Two course, aspiring to become a doctor or an engineer, do not give due weightage to mathematics and never study computer science during their Plus Two course.These students, when they join engineering course have to study with the students who would have opted for the fifth group (maths, physics, chemistry and computer science) in their Plus Two course. The students who come from the fifth group of the Plus Two course have an upper hand as they would have studied mathematics along with computer science instead of biology in their Plus Two course. It is well-known that computer science is very much required in engineering.
In short, the first group students of State syllabus who have biology instead of computer science feel overburdened due to the extra time needed to improve their knowledge in mathematics and computer science as compared to fifth group students of State syllabus.The blame goes to the present system followed in the State schools. Based on a study of the 2011 prospectus of Kerala higher secondary centralised allotment process, it is seen that out of a total of 128 government and aided higher secondary schools in Ernakulam district, nearly 118 schools are offering first group and only 50 schools offer fifth group.This means that, the students who aim to become only engineers are left with nearly 40 per cent less seats. As a result of this limited seat availability, these would-be engineers are forced to take first group instead of fifth group in their Plus Two course and study biology instead of computer science.
The blame goes to the improper seat proportion in Plus Two course as compared to the availability of seats in medicine and engineering. Hence there is a need to either convert some of the existing seats of first group to fifth group or increase the seats in fifth group in order to maintain a proper balance of seats in proportion to the available seats in medicine and engineering.The scenario may be different in the case of CBSE and unaided higher secondary schools of Kerala, which are not included in this study due to unavailability of data. Earlier, there was a clear distinction between a biology student and a mathematics student. The only advantage of students taking biology and mathematics together in their Plus Two is that they could opt for biomedical engineering and biotechnology courses in the engineering stream. But very few students opt for these courses due to poor job opportunity and limited number of seats in graduate and PG level.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Information on Study abroad
There is presence of numerous high-standard universities around the world and finding an opportunity to continue higher studies is not much difficult. There are certain basic things a student need to be aware about while opting for an opportunity to continue study among any of the top universities in the world.For Every Indian student it’s a matter of greatest pleasure to opt for a study abroad option. With coveted opportunities associated with every study abroad certification. This is a matter of immense importance among the students from Indian institutions.
Study Abroad University is a concept maker having its apt presence on the profuse medium of Word Wide Web, proffering apposite information on various study options that are available for pursuing an advance study career around the world. This portal enlists best of the universities that are open to take in Indian students through proper process of admission. For every Indian student this is aptly required that he should have knowledge about the minimum basic requirements to pursue a study overseas. He needs to know about the visa requirements, availability of courses and about the associated expenses on such study options. With apposite importance to selection of courses a student can go for applying for any available vacancy in best of the universities around the world.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Industrial Engineering,Computer Science and Economics and Management Science.
Study Abroad University incorporates profuse information about the best of the ranked universities of the world. With chronological listings of top universities around the world, this portal extends a gesture of support for every aspiring student from India and abroad. With listings of best of the top-five universities around the world with segregation of country specific listings this portal enumerates the best options among countless provisions. With a distinctive integration of available study options in a country specific manner this portal accentuates the easy search options for users and visitors. This portal also incorporates the details of contact addresses for every educational university with a link to the university portal. A student can search for availability of courses with options for request of information from the administration wings of the university itself. This helps a student to directly interact with top universities in the world through this professional portal.
We have come up with a distinctive solution for every search for abroad study options. We count ourselves as a distinctive solution provider with concentrated focus on study abroad options. We have incorporated detail structured information with all requirements of any study abroad option. A student can gain knowledge about the university, its offered courses and the visa requirements and other associated information regarding an abroad study option. You can always find the information about associated cost for study, Admission requirements and details of programs and scholarships being offered. With comprehensive information in hand any student can take his own time to decide for an abroad study option with apt focus to career. We have a profuse forum which is always there to provide apposite answers to every particular query of discussion. Our support section of Ask Now is there to answer specifically to every query of the student with an exact and appropriate answer. We have devised a smooth mechanism to make any study search option simpler and user-friendlier.enounces a spokes person from Study Abroad University.
Study Abroad University is a concept maker having its apt presence on the profuse medium of Word Wide Web, proffering apposite information on various study options that are available for pursuing an advance study career around the world. This portal enlists best of the universities that are open to take in Indian students through proper process of admission. For every Indian student this is aptly required that he should have knowledge about the minimum basic requirements to pursue a study overseas. He needs to know about the visa requirements, availability of courses and about the associated expenses on such study options. With apposite importance to selection of courses a student can go for applying for any available vacancy in best of the universities around the world.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Industrial Engineering,Computer Science and Economics and Management Science.
Study Abroad University incorporates profuse information about the best of the ranked universities of the world. With chronological listings of top universities around the world, this portal extends a gesture of support for every aspiring student from India and abroad. With listings of best of the top-five universities around the world with segregation of country specific listings this portal enumerates the best options among countless provisions. With a distinctive integration of available study options in a country specific manner this portal accentuates the easy search options for users and visitors. This portal also incorporates the details of contact addresses for every educational university with a link to the university portal. A student can search for availability of courses with options for request of information from the administration wings of the university itself. This helps a student to directly interact with top universities in the world through this professional portal.
We have come up with a distinctive solution for every search for abroad study options. We count ourselves as a distinctive solution provider with concentrated focus on study abroad options. We have incorporated detail structured information with all requirements of any study abroad option. A student can gain knowledge about the university, its offered courses and the visa requirements and other associated information regarding an abroad study option. You can always find the information about associated cost for study, Admission requirements and details of programs and scholarships being offered. With comprehensive information in hand any student can take his own time to decide for an abroad study option with apt focus to career. We have a profuse forum which is always there to provide apposite answers to every particular query of discussion. Our support section of Ask Now is there to answer specifically to every query of the student with an exact and appropriate answer. We have devised a smooth mechanism to make any study search option simpler and user-friendlier.enounces a spokes person from Study Abroad University.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Study abroad opportunity
At age 11, Ming Canaday left the Chinese orphanage she had lived in her entire life and started a new life with her adoptive family in the United States.I feel like I’ve lived two lives one there and one here,Canaday said of China.Life there is like a lifetime ago.Now, nine years later, Canaday, a University sophomore studying international relations and Chinese, has dedicated her education to learning about her native country. She hopes doing so will help her to make a difference for its people.
Most people don’t get the opportunity to go back to the past and change things,Canaday said of her numerous trips back to China.I feel like I have that opportunity.With the funds from the prestigious Boren Scholarship awarded to Canady for her interest in China, Canaday plans to return in January for a five-month study abroad program followed by a four-month long internship.But for Canaday, the experience is about more than studying in a foreign country. It is an opportunity to give back.As a child, Canaday suffered from a severe case of scoliosis that required a 24-hour surgery to treat when she came to the United States. Without the surgery, she likely would have died by 20, Canaday said. Post-polio, a condition that affects polio survivors years after they were affected by the virus, has also left Canaday physically handicapped. She plans to use this opportunity to return to China to offer the aid that she received to others in its physically disabled population.
I want to see what it’s like to just live as a disabled person in China,Canaday said.I think it will give me a lot of insight into how disabled people’s day to day lives are and how they manage the inaccessibleness of China.The Boren Scholarship, awarded to undergraduate students who plan to study abroad in countries critical to U.S. interests, provides up to $20,000 to its recipients. Canaday was one of 151 who received the scholarship this year 944 applied. Combined with her other financial aid, Canaday expects the award to cover the entire cost of her trip.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Master of Architecture, Engineering and Software Systems.
I applied because I thought it was a good opportunity,Canaday said, adding that she hopes the program and following internship could lead to job after graduation.It’s the opportunity to get a job right after undergrad and see how the government functions so that I could know how the policies and legal side of things work,Canaday said. She plans to use this understanding of government policy to help create laws and policies that help the disabled population.And as for apprehensions about leaving her family for nearly a year to go halfway around the world, Canaday is far from concerned.I just felt at home with the country, Canaday said of previous trips to China.I grew up there. It didn’t feel like a foreign country.
Most people don’t get the opportunity to go back to the past and change things,Canaday said of her numerous trips back to China.I feel like I have that opportunity.With the funds from the prestigious Boren Scholarship awarded to Canady for her interest in China, Canaday plans to return in January for a five-month study abroad program followed by a four-month long internship.But for Canaday, the experience is about more than studying in a foreign country. It is an opportunity to give back.As a child, Canaday suffered from a severe case of scoliosis that required a 24-hour surgery to treat when she came to the United States. Without the surgery, she likely would have died by 20, Canaday said. Post-polio, a condition that affects polio survivors years after they were affected by the virus, has also left Canaday physically handicapped. She plans to use this opportunity to return to China to offer the aid that she received to others in its physically disabled population.
I want to see what it’s like to just live as a disabled person in China,Canaday said.I think it will give me a lot of insight into how disabled people’s day to day lives are and how they manage the inaccessibleness of China.The Boren Scholarship, awarded to undergraduate students who plan to study abroad in countries critical to U.S. interests, provides up to $20,000 to its recipients. Canaday was one of 151 who received the scholarship this year 944 applied. Combined with her other financial aid, Canaday expects the award to cover the entire cost of her trip.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Master of Architecture, Engineering and Software Systems.
I applied because I thought it was a good opportunity,Canaday said, adding that she hopes the program and following internship could lead to job after graduation.It’s the opportunity to get a job right after undergrad and see how the government functions so that I could know how the policies and legal side of things work,Canaday said. She plans to use this understanding of government policy to help create laws and policies that help the disabled population.And as for apprehensions about leaving her family for nearly a year to go halfway around the world, Canaday is far from concerned.I just felt at home with the country, Canaday said of previous trips to China.I grew up there. It didn’t feel like a foreign country.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Study abroad courses
Ever since people became able to move freely around EU member states, periodically changing your country of residence has been increasingly popular among folk of all ages and career paths. And with the job market in its current state, one of the few skills that really helps you stand out is the ability to speak more than one language.Your career isn’t the only reason to learn a language, though. Language skills are also a brilliant way to connect with other people in all contexts. A bilingual person’s horizons are a lot wider and travel is a totally different experience when you can have real conversations with people you meet. And if you live in a cosmopolitan city such as Paris or London, you can even practise your second language in your home town.
Of course language immersion is the best option for learning as with any skill, the more you practise, the quicker you’ll learn. That’s why, if you really want to improve your language skills, a long or short stay in a foreign country is a guaranteed winner. Interacting with native speakers daily and having to read the language in order to decode your lunch menu will help you to develop a far more natural style and fluency than practising in front of your mirror at home or listening to language cassettes in England.That’s where ESL schools can help you out. ESL puts on language courses for adults at dedicated schools in Lyon in France, Montreux in Switzerland, and Berlin and Freiburg in Germany. They also host fun German, Italian and French summer camps for juniors and teens in Westerwald in Germany; Zug, Montreux, Leysin and Ascona in Switzerland; and Valbonnes, Cannes and Paris-Igny in France. Young people have far more elastic and flexible minds than adults, especially when it comes to languages (as anyone who’s ever been stunned by the language skills of an immigrant child will know!) ESL also provides special courses for over-50s in Montreux in Switzerland and Lyon in France, where you can learn in an atmosphere with other people like you.
For French courses France is the best place to be, and for German courses Germany is. ESL works in Switzerland because of the country’s amazing diversity of languages: in different regions of Switzerland people speak German, French and Italian, making it a great place to learn languages.So if you want to become more dedicated to your language learning journey, why not swap your normal holiday this year for an intensive course at an ESL school abroad? What could be better than a fantastic holiday combined with improvement in a skill that will help you in your social life and your career? So make that call for this summer and you won’t regret it.ESL provides specialist language courses for adults in schools in France, Germany and Switzerland, and language summer camps in Europe for teens and juniors. Whatever your age or current language level, ESL has a language course and a rich cultural experience for you.
Of course language immersion is the best option for learning as with any skill, the more you practise, the quicker you’ll learn. That’s why, if you really want to improve your language skills, a long or short stay in a foreign country is a guaranteed winner. Interacting with native speakers daily and having to read the language in order to decode your lunch menu will help you to develop a far more natural style and fluency than practising in front of your mirror at home or listening to language cassettes in England.That’s where ESL schools can help you out. ESL puts on language courses for adults at dedicated schools in Lyon in France, Montreux in Switzerland, and Berlin and Freiburg in Germany. They also host fun German, Italian and French summer camps for juniors and teens in Westerwald in Germany; Zug, Montreux, Leysin and Ascona in Switzerland; and Valbonnes, Cannes and Paris-Igny in France. Young people have far more elastic and flexible minds than adults, especially when it comes to languages (as anyone who’s ever been stunned by the language skills of an immigrant child will know!) ESL also provides special courses for over-50s in Montreux in Switzerland and Lyon in France, where you can learn in an atmosphere with other people like you.
For French courses France is the best place to be, and for German courses Germany is. ESL works in Switzerland because of the country’s amazing diversity of languages: in different regions of Switzerland people speak German, French and Italian, making it a great place to learn languages.So if you want to become more dedicated to your language learning journey, why not swap your normal holiday this year for an intensive course at an ESL school abroad? What could be better than a fantastic holiday combined with improvement in a skill that will help you in your social life and your career? So make that call for this summer and you won’t regret it.ESL provides specialist language courses for adults in schools in France, Germany and Switzerland, and language summer camps in Europe for teens and juniors. Whatever your age or current language level, ESL has a language course and a rich cultural experience for you.
Monday, May 23, 2011
DAP and MIC Indian leaders flay PSD for running its own kingdom in the distribution of scholarships to high achievers
Its the same old scenario again. Students with excellent results do not get Public Services Department (PSD) scholarships.The critical courses like medicine , law, pharmacy, dentistry and engineering are given only to the bumiputera students and the non-bumiputeras are given the rest.In a rare show of agreement the DAP and the MIC want the PSD to stop this biased practice.Both the parties also called for a revamp of the Public Services Department (PSD) over its failure to provide scholarships to students who had obtained excellent results in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations.
Teluk Intan DAP member of parliament M Manogaran said PSD has to be revamped to prevent erosion of public confidence of government institutions.The selection committee for PSD scholarships, he said, should comprise academics, government and opposition MPs as well as PSD officers.His call comes following a revelation by Deputy Education Minister, Wee Ka Siong, last week that 363 straight A+ students failed to receive the scholarships this year.This is a repeat of last year’s fiasco which required the intervention of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who had promised that all students scoring 8A+ and above would receive PSD scholarships.
I’m sure that there are PSD officers who are fair and diligent in their work. And the present award list should be cancelled,said Manogaran in a statement.
The opposition lawmaker also called for the setting-up of an independent multi racial committee to distribute the PSD scholarships starting next year.The present committee is made up of predominantly one race,he said.And this is reflected in the distribution of courses between the bumiputeras and non-bumiputeras.Many of the critical courses like medicine, law, pharmacy, dentistry and engineering are being awarded to bumiputeras and the non-bumiputeras are given the rest. PSD should continue maintaining its scholarship quota but I want to see a fair distribution of courses between the two groups, he added.Manogaran’s statement is backed by an academic from University Malaya, who declined to be named for fear of backlash from the Education Ministry.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Engineering,Internet MBA and Intelligent Software Systems.
In an interview earlier this year with FMT, she had identified two major flaws in the education systems both of which involved the PSD scholarships.The first, she said, was a severe shortage of scholarships for physical sciences. The second and more alarming was that these scholarships were being awarded to students who either didn’t have the aptitude or the interest to pursue a career in physical sciences. From her observations most of these students are bumiputeras.Malaysia produces less than 20% of physical science graduates,she stated. Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and China produce 30% to 40%, which increases their preponderance for acquiring technology.
And because most of our graduates weren’t interested in physical sciences in the first place, they carve careers in other industries upon graduation, which further dilutes our already limited resource pool.Manogaran meanwhile also wanted an immediate investigation on the methods used in the awarding of scholarships and, if necessary, for a report be made to the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) and the suspension of the top PSD officials responsible for the present predicament.He added that in ignoring the cabinet directive on the award of scholarships, the PSD appeared to be running its own kingdom and has forgotten that they are public servants.Public servants must remember that they are servants serving the public and not act as little Napoleans. They must be beholden to the public and not take public interest for granted.The government itself must show that it is serious and sincere in implementing a fair system instead of playing politics. So I call for immediate action to correct the situation and restore public confidence in what is meant to be a merit-based system,he said.
Independent committee
On another front the MIC wanted the government to set-up an independent committee to investigate the scholarship distribution.Party vice president SK Devamany said the PSD had failed to follow Cabinet directives and this warrants a through investigation.There are many students coming to my office appealing for scholarships. So far 367 students have approached us asking for assistance, said the deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.Off the total, 200 students complained about the unfair PSD selection criteria while 167 students aired their grouses because their application for matriculation courses have been rejected despite obtaining 6As or 7As. Many of them are from poor families and a few underprivileged students from hardcore poor families,he added.Students obtained straight As and but they were heartbroken when they realised that their application for scholarships were rejected. PSD must realise that high achievers are assets to the country,he said, adding that the selection criteria should also be reviewed to bring an end to this problem year in, year out.MIC Youth chief T. Mohan said the government should put a stop to this problem as it appears every year without fail.This year is no exception and the complaints are similar to that of previous years with students with excellent results being left out or offered unrelated courses,he said.He said it was more sickening to learn that some non-bumiputera students have been offered scholarships for professional courses although they did not have basic requirements.
Fair distribution?
According Mohan, he came across a case where a student, who had 10As, offered a scholarship for an agriculture course although the student had applied to do medicine.There is also another case where a student obtained 8As but was offered a scholarship to do a diploma in science. It has come to our knowledge that there are certain students who only have 5As but they are offered PSD scholarship to do medicine…is this fair distribution of scholarship?” he questioned.
Meanwhile, MIC secretary-general S Murugesan urged students with 9As but not offered PSD scholarships to approach the party headquarters or contact the party via e-mail.He said all complaints would be compiled and forwarded to PSD for relevant action or explanation.He said the party was disappointed that this issue kept recurring despite it being raised on numerous occasion in Parliament and the Cabinet.
Teluk Intan DAP member of parliament M Manogaran said PSD has to be revamped to prevent erosion of public confidence of government institutions.The selection committee for PSD scholarships, he said, should comprise academics, government and opposition MPs as well as PSD officers.His call comes following a revelation by Deputy Education Minister, Wee Ka Siong, last week that 363 straight A+ students failed to receive the scholarships this year.This is a repeat of last year’s fiasco which required the intervention of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who had promised that all students scoring 8A+ and above would receive PSD scholarships.
I’m sure that there are PSD officers who are fair and diligent in their work. And the present award list should be cancelled,said Manogaran in a statement.
The opposition lawmaker also called for the setting-up of an independent multi racial committee to distribute the PSD scholarships starting next year.The present committee is made up of predominantly one race,he said.And this is reflected in the distribution of courses between the bumiputeras and non-bumiputeras.Many of the critical courses like medicine, law, pharmacy, dentistry and engineering are being awarded to bumiputeras and the non-bumiputeras are given the rest. PSD should continue maintaining its scholarship quota but I want to see a fair distribution of courses between the two groups, he added.Manogaran’s statement is backed by an academic from University Malaya, who declined to be named for fear of backlash from the Education Ministry.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Engineering,Internet MBA and Intelligent Software Systems.
In an interview earlier this year with FMT, she had identified two major flaws in the education systems both of which involved the PSD scholarships.The first, she said, was a severe shortage of scholarships for physical sciences. The second and more alarming was that these scholarships were being awarded to students who either didn’t have the aptitude or the interest to pursue a career in physical sciences. From her observations most of these students are bumiputeras.Malaysia produces less than 20% of physical science graduates,she stated. Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and China produce 30% to 40%, which increases their preponderance for acquiring technology.
And because most of our graduates weren’t interested in physical sciences in the first place, they carve careers in other industries upon graduation, which further dilutes our already limited resource pool.Manogaran meanwhile also wanted an immediate investigation on the methods used in the awarding of scholarships and, if necessary, for a report be made to the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) and the suspension of the top PSD officials responsible for the present predicament.He added that in ignoring the cabinet directive on the award of scholarships, the PSD appeared to be running its own kingdom and has forgotten that they are public servants.Public servants must remember that they are servants serving the public and not act as little Napoleans. They must be beholden to the public and not take public interest for granted.The government itself must show that it is serious and sincere in implementing a fair system instead of playing politics. So I call for immediate action to correct the situation and restore public confidence in what is meant to be a merit-based system,he said.
Independent committee
On another front the MIC wanted the government to set-up an independent committee to investigate the scholarship distribution.Party vice president SK Devamany said the PSD had failed to follow Cabinet directives and this warrants a through investigation.There are many students coming to my office appealing for scholarships. So far 367 students have approached us asking for assistance, said the deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.Off the total, 200 students complained about the unfair PSD selection criteria while 167 students aired their grouses because their application for matriculation courses have been rejected despite obtaining 6As or 7As. Many of them are from poor families and a few underprivileged students from hardcore poor families,he added.Students obtained straight As and but they were heartbroken when they realised that their application for scholarships were rejected. PSD must realise that high achievers are assets to the country,he said, adding that the selection criteria should also be reviewed to bring an end to this problem year in, year out.MIC Youth chief T. Mohan said the government should put a stop to this problem as it appears every year without fail.This year is no exception and the complaints are similar to that of previous years with students with excellent results being left out or offered unrelated courses,he said.He said it was more sickening to learn that some non-bumiputera students have been offered scholarships for professional courses although they did not have basic requirements.
Fair distribution?
According Mohan, he came across a case where a student, who had 10As, offered a scholarship for an agriculture course although the student had applied to do medicine.There is also another case where a student obtained 8As but was offered a scholarship to do a diploma in science. It has come to our knowledge that there are certain students who only have 5As but they are offered PSD scholarship to do medicine…is this fair distribution of scholarship?” he questioned.
Meanwhile, MIC secretary-general S Murugesan urged students with 9As but not offered PSD scholarships to approach the party headquarters or contact the party via e-mail.He said all complaints would be compiled and forwarded to PSD for relevant action or explanation.He said the party was disappointed that this issue kept recurring despite it being raised on numerous occasion in Parliament and the Cabinet.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Study Abroad Program in Spain
This summer, nine St. Louis-area natives will be among 20 students from Truman State University participating in the Spain Study Abroad Program.The eight-week program grants students 12 college credit hours for the work done on the trip to Salamanca, Spain, as they travel, study and reside overseas.During a six-week stay in Salamanca, the students will live with a Spanish family and study at a language school. The remainder of the time will be spent traveling to Madrid, Cordova, Seville, Granada and other cities.As part of their cultural experience, the students will attend a bullfight and a Flamenco show, as well as a variety of music recitals, fiestas regionales and drama events.
Participating students from the area are:
Jacqueline Stevens, an English major from Ballwin, daughter of Michael and Denise Stevens.
Zachary Peasall, a justice systems and Spanish major from Rock Hill, son of Arthur and Mary Peasall.
Bridget Waller, a chemistry major from Ballwin, daughter of John and Francesca Waller.
Emily Govro, a biology major from Festus, daughter of William and Eleanor Govro.
Catherine Attewell, a Spanish major from University City, daughter of Joseph Attewell and Dolores Miller.
Caleb Smith, a chemistry/Spanish major from Imperial, son of Daniel and Deborah Smith.
Isabella Fassi, a sociology and anthropology major from St. Louis, daughter of Vince and Gail Fassi.
Preston Newell, a business administration major from mid-county, son of Meike Newell.
Alyssa Surgener, an exercise science major from West County, daughter of Stephan and Melanie Surgener.
Participating students from the area are:
Jacqueline Stevens, an English major from Ballwin, daughter of Michael and Denise Stevens.
Zachary Peasall, a justice systems and Spanish major from Rock Hill, son of Arthur and Mary Peasall.
Bridget Waller, a chemistry major from Ballwin, daughter of John and Francesca Waller.
Emily Govro, a biology major from Festus, daughter of William and Eleanor Govro.
Catherine Attewell, a Spanish major from University City, daughter of Joseph Attewell and Dolores Miller.
Caleb Smith, a chemistry/Spanish major from Imperial, son of Daniel and Deborah Smith.
Isabella Fassi, a sociology and anthropology major from St. Louis, daughter of Vince and Gail Fassi.
Preston Newell, a business administration major from mid-county, son of Meike Newell.
Alyssa Surgener, an exercise science major from West County, daughter of Stephan and Melanie Surgener.
Friday, May 20, 2011
MTN Offers Scholarships to 484 Students
MTN Offers Scholarships to 484 Students - The joy of over four hundred and eighty-four students in our tertiary institutions knew no bounds as MTN Foundation announced the offer of scholarship to 484 Science and Technology students in Nigerian Colleges of Education, Polytechnics and Universities. Speaking recently at the scholarship presentation ceremony which took place at MTN head office, Lagos, the Director, MTN Foundation, Mr Dennis Okoro said that the organisation acknowledges the unshakeable brilliance, resilience and diligence of young Nigerians at home and in diaspora to achieving their dreams of being a major force to reckon with in the world. He noted that whatever money invested in Nigerian youths to actualised its dreams can not be too much saying that this explained why the MTN Foundation has made education one of the three focal areas of its social interventions; the other two being health and economic empowerment.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course.
According to Okoro, the scholarship scheme was introduced in 2008 by MTN Foundation as a solution to the finance-related challenges that many brilliant young men and women in higher institutions are facing in their quest to achieving greatness for themselves and their country.Explaining reasons for focussing on students whose courses of study fall under the broad category of Science and Technology for the scholarship, Okoro maintained that this is because the future of the world is predicted on Science and Technology, adding that for Nigeria to play its role effectively among other nations, it must have a sound footing in Science and Technology.It is our belief that this scheme will serve to stimulate the interest of our young generation in Science and Technology and help the country to build a solid foundation for a brighter future, he said.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms Nonny Ugboma, reiterated that before any student could apply, relevant criteria must be met. Part of the requirements, said she, was that students must have a cumulative G.P.A of 3.5 and above or its equivalent. " Out of about seven thousand students in tertiary institutions that indicated interest, only five hundred students emerged as the first set of beneficiaries.Any students who maintained the 3.5 GPA stands the chance of same scholarship the following year as each beneficiary of the scholarship scheme receives N200,000 which cover tuition and book allowance,she said.Thus far, Ugboma said, MTN Foundation now has a total of 935 beneficiaries of the MTNF Science and Technology Scholarship Scheme in phases 1 and 2 that is made up as follow: In Phase one, 451 students scholarship were renewed, while in Phase two, a total 484 got fresh scholarship awards.
The Dean of Student Affairs, University of Lagos, Prof Olukayode Amund in his comment on the CSR of MTN Foundation gesture, showered praises on the organisation for making it easy for the less privilege to fund their education. He however urged MTN to also consider the Staff of those institutions who are impacting knowledge to the students as the students can only get the best from their lecturers if opportunities are given to them to travel abroad for research work that will enhance productivity.Meanwhile, no fewer than two thousand eight hundred (2800) Pupils representing about seven hundred (700) schools are contending for honours in the grand finale of the Indomie Inter School Art Competition held on Saturday May 14,across the five zones designated for the competition.
The finals of the Indomie Art Competition otherwise tagged 'My Mom Like No Other' inter school Art competition was held in Ajegunle, Ikorodu, Ota, Oshodi and Mushin centre where finalists converged to show their drawing and painting skills.Speaking at the centre in Mushin, the Public Relations Manager, Tope Ashiwaju expressed satisfaction with the level of creativity and ingenuity displayed by the pupils across the zones which he described as awesome and incredible.I must confess to you that with the level of the creative design and painting skills displayed by these pupils, it is obvious that the country is well endowed with talents and the future is very bright for the kids that's participated in the competition he notedAccording to him: "For Pupils of ages between 7 and 12 years to put up this fantastic performance by interpreting the theme 'Mum like no other, noodles like no other' without the aid or assistance of their teachers is really incredible. With what I have seen so far, I am sure the judges will have a real battle choosing the winners,he said.
Mr. Ashiwaju further explained that Dufil Prima Foods Plc, introduced the inter school Art competition among primary school pupils in consonance with Indomie current theme campaign 'Mother like no other, Noodles like no other.He maintained that the competition is to bring out the creative intuition in the pupils between the ages of 7 and 12 whose schools are members of Indomie Fan Club by tasking their brain to draw and show how special their mothers are.Ashiwaju revealed that the first six pupils will win a whopping sum of one hundred and twenty five thousand naira (N125, 000.00) worth of scholarship and a Play Station each for their efforts.The second category of another Six pupils said he, will smile home with seventy five thousand naira (N75,000.00) worth of scholarship and a Play Station each while the third position for another six pupils will win a Play Station each.He further disclosed that apart from the individual prizes accruable to the winners, the six schools that produce the first prize winners also stand a chance to win Desktop computers for bringing out the best in their wards.It would be recalled however that Indomie launched its new theme campaign with the theme 'Mother like no other, Noodles like no other in the twilight of the year 2011 and has since become a very popular advertisement among Nigerians especially children whom are the target audience.
According to Okoro, the scholarship scheme was introduced in 2008 by MTN Foundation as a solution to the finance-related challenges that many brilliant young men and women in higher institutions are facing in their quest to achieving greatness for themselves and their country.Explaining reasons for focussing on students whose courses of study fall under the broad category of Science and Technology for the scholarship, Okoro maintained that this is because the future of the world is predicted on Science and Technology, adding that for Nigeria to play its role effectively among other nations, it must have a sound footing in Science and Technology.It is our belief that this scheme will serve to stimulate the interest of our young generation in Science and Technology and help the country to build a solid foundation for a brighter future, he said.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms Nonny Ugboma, reiterated that before any student could apply, relevant criteria must be met. Part of the requirements, said she, was that students must have a cumulative G.P.A of 3.5 and above or its equivalent. " Out of about seven thousand students in tertiary institutions that indicated interest, only five hundred students emerged as the first set of beneficiaries.Any students who maintained the 3.5 GPA stands the chance of same scholarship the following year as each beneficiary of the scholarship scheme receives N200,000 which cover tuition and book allowance,she said.Thus far, Ugboma said, MTN Foundation now has a total of 935 beneficiaries of the MTNF Science and Technology Scholarship Scheme in phases 1 and 2 that is made up as follow: In Phase one, 451 students scholarship were renewed, while in Phase two, a total 484 got fresh scholarship awards.
The Dean of Student Affairs, University of Lagos, Prof Olukayode Amund in his comment on the CSR of MTN Foundation gesture, showered praises on the organisation for making it easy for the less privilege to fund their education. He however urged MTN to also consider the Staff of those institutions who are impacting knowledge to the students as the students can only get the best from their lecturers if opportunities are given to them to travel abroad for research work that will enhance productivity.Meanwhile, no fewer than two thousand eight hundred (2800) Pupils representing about seven hundred (700) schools are contending for honours in the grand finale of the Indomie Inter School Art Competition held on Saturday May 14,across the five zones designated for the competition.
The finals of the Indomie Art Competition otherwise tagged 'My Mom Like No Other' inter school Art competition was held in Ajegunle, Ikorodu, Ota, Oshodi and Mushin centre where finalists converged to show their drawing and painting skills.Speaking at the centre in Mushin, the Public Relations Manager, Tope Ashiwaju expressed satisfaction with the level of creativity and ingenuity displayed by the pupils across the zones which he described as awesome and incredible.I must confess to you that with the level of the creative design and painting skills displayed by these pupils, it is obvious that the country is well endowed with talents and the future is very bright for the kids that's participated in the competition he notedAccording to him: "For Pupils of ages between 7 and 12 years to put up this fantastic performance by interpreting the theme 'Mum like no other, noodles like no other' without the aid or assistance of their teachers is really incredible. With what I have seen so far, I am sure the judges will have a real battle choosing the winners,he said.
Mr. Ashiwaju further explained that Dufil Prima Foods Plc, introduced the inter school Art competition among primary school pupils in consonance with Indomie current theme campaign 'Mother like no other, Noodles like no other.He maintained that the competition is to bring out the creative intuition in the pupils between the ages of 7 and 12 whose schools are members of Indomie Fan Club by tasking their brain to draw and show how special their mothers are.Ashiwaju revealed that the first six pupils will win a whopping sum of one hundred and twenty five thousand naira (N125, 000.00) worth of scholarship and a Play Station each for their efforts.The second category of another Six pupils said he, will smile home with seventy five thousand naira (N75,000.00) worth of scholarship and a Play Station each while the third position for another six pupils will win a Play Station each.He further disclosed that apart from the individual prizes accruable to the winners, the six schools that produce the first prize winners also stand a chance to win Desktop computers for bringing out the best in their wards.It would be recalled however that Indomie launched its new theme campaign with the theme 'Mother like no other, Noodles like no other in the twilight of the year 2011 and has since become a very popular advertisement among Nigerians especially children whom are the target audience.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Research is all-important when it comes to planning how you are going to pay for your overseas studies
It is essential to work out how you will fund your time abroad before sending off an application. Even if you are lucky enough to find a course that has no tuition fees, you need to be sure you can cover your living and travel expenses. One of the most cost-effective ways of studying abroad is to take part in an academic exchange programme while attending a UK university.Many such opportunities are available, and as they involve a like-for-like exchange between a home and a foreign student, costs rarely exceed what the home student would pay for the remainder of the course.
The best-known academic exchange scheme is Erasmus, an initiative of the European Commission that is administered by the British Council in the UK. Erasmus offers grants for a study or work placement of three to 12 months in one of 30 European countries. Full academic credit is given for most periods of study spent abroad.What’s more, those taking up an Erasmus placement do not pay tuition fees to their host university abroad. And if the placement is for an entire academic year then tuition fees are also waived by their UK university.
Erasmus grants €225 per month for the 2010-11 academic year are non-repayable, not means-tested and paid through the home university in addition to any standard grants or loans that the student is entitled to which are adjusted to a special overseas rate. At its discretion, the home university may still offer Access to Learning funds for those who require additional money.Local authorities may also be able to help with travel costs, through means-tested grants.Gina Reay, 21, did Erasmus placements in Italy,Germany and France as part of her degree in Modern Languages,Engineering and European Studies at the University of Bath. During her time at the Sapienza University of Rome, she found the Erasmus funding invaluable.The financial support was amazing,she says.It meant I could make the most of the year. It’s expensive in a capital city, but I could go for meals and drinks and not worry about money as much as I do in England.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships that cover all fees and maintenance are extremely rare at undergraduate level, so they attract large numbers of top-class applicants. For example, the US Department of State estimates that there are no more than 1,000 such awards for foreign citizens in the whole of the country.Not all scholarships are awarded for academic merit other criteria include sporting excellence or outstanding citizenship. Financial awards from foreign governments, educational trusts and other grant-making bodies can also contribute towards the cost of a degree, but the amounts are likely to be small.In all cases, extensive research and planning is required, well in advance of the date of application. The online resources are a useful starting point.
A DEGREE IN EUROPE
Applying to do a whole undergraduate degree overseas demands extensive research particularly if you are hoping to secure any sort of financial aid. At present, those studying abroad in this way are not eligible for UK student loans and grants. Nevertheless, attending university in Europe can mean very good value for money, thanks to European Union (EU) legislation. All UK citizens have the right to pay the same course fees as nationals of the country in which they are studying, and are eligible for the same tuition-fee grants. With course fees in some countries capped at a fraction of Britain’s £9,000 maximum, the savings can be considerable.There is no corresponding right to financial assistance for expenses other than tuition. EU nations are under no compulsion to offer maintenance grants and loans to students from other member states unless they are already resident in that country, which usually means they have lived there for three to five years.
However, many EU countries have unilaterally opted to extend their finance arrangements to visiting students, although extra conditions may apply. In the Netherlands, for example, non-Dutch students from EU nations are entitled to a state maintenance grant only if they undertake paid work for a certain number of hours each month; and government loans are usually only available to those who are aged under 30 at the beginning of their course.The rules of the different EU nations have been known to change regularly, so it is essential to obtain information that is geared to the specific country.
STUDYING FURTHER AFIELD
In researching university courses around the world, you will find a huge variation in fee levels and available financial assistance.Some institutions notably top private universities in the US operate need-blind admissions. This means that the applicant’s financial circumstances are not taken into account during the application process. Any shortfall between what the student’s family can afford and the full cost of education is met by university funds. In all cases, entry to such places is fiercely competitive.It’s worth remembering that when studying outside the EU, British nationals have no automatic right to work. The amount and nature of paid work that is permitted on a student visa varies, and it is essential to find out the current regulations from the appropriate embassy, consulate or education office.
The best-known academic exchange scheme is Erasmus, an initiative of the European Commission that is administered by the British Council in the UK. Erasmus offers grants for a study or work placement of three to 12 months in one of 30 European countries. Full academic credit is given for most periods of study spent abroad.What’s more, those taking up an Erasmus placement do not pay tuition fees to their host university abroad. And if the placement is for an entire academic year then tuition fees are also waived by their UK university.
Erasmus grants €225 per month for the 2010-11 academic year are non-repayable, not means-tested and paid through the home university in addition to any standard grants or loans that the student is entitled to which are adjusted to a special overseas rate. At its discretion, the home university may still offer Access to Learning funds for those who require additional money.Local authorities may also be able to help with travel costs, through means-tested grants.Gina Reay, 21, did Erasmus placements in Italy,Germany and France as part of her degree in Modern Languages,Engineering and European Studies at the University of Bath. During her time at the Sapienza University of Rome, she found the Erasmus funding invaluable.The financial support was amazing,she says.It meant I could make the most of the year. It’s expensive in a capital city, but I could go for meals and drinks and not worry about money as much as I do in England.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships that cover all fees and maintenance are extremely rare at undergraduate level, so they attract large numbers of top-class applicants. For example, the US Department of State estimates that there are no more than 1,000 such awards for foreign citizens in the whole of the country.Not all scholarships are awarded for academic merit other criteria include sporting excellence or outstanding citizenship. Financial awards from foreign governments, educational trusts and other grant-making bodies can also contribute towards the cost of a degree, but the amounts are likely to be small.In all cases, extensive research and planning is required, well in advance of the date of application. The online resources are a useful starting point.
A DEGREE IN EUROPE
Applying to do a whole undergraduate degree overseas demands extensive research particularly if you are hoping to secure any sort of financial aid. At present, those studying abroad in this way are not eligible for UK student loans and grants. Nevertheless, attending university in Europe can mean very good value for money, thanks to European Union (EU) legislation. All UK citizens have the right to pay the same course fees as nationals of the country in which they are studying, and are eligible for the same tuition-fee grants. With course fees in some countries capped at a fraction of Britain’s £9,000 maximum, the savings can be considerable.There is no corresponding right to financial assistance for expenses other than tuition. EU nations are under no compulsion to offer maintenance grants and loans to students from other member states unless they are already resident in that country, which usually means they have lived there for three to five years.
However, many EU countries have unilaterally opted to extend their finance arrangements to visiting students, although extra conditions may apply. In the Netherlands, for example, non-Dutch students from EU nations are entitled to a state maintenance grant only if they undertake paid work for a certain number of hours each month; and government loans are usually only available to those who are aged under 30 at the beginning of their course.The rules of the different EU nations have been known to change regularly, so it is essential to obtain information that is geared to the specific country.
STUDYING FURTHER AFIELD
In researching university courses around the world, you will find a huge variation in fee levels and available financial assistance.Some institutions notably top private universities in the US operate need-blind admissions. This means that the applicant’s financial circumstances are not taken into account during the application process. Any shortfall between what the student’s family can afford and the full cost of education is met by university funds. In all cases, entry to such places is fiercely competitive.It’s worth remembering that when studying outside the EU, British nationals have no automatic right to work. The amount and nature of paid work that is permitted on a student visa varies, and it is essential to find out the current regulations from the appropriate embassy, consulate or education office.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
UK Universities Help Overseas Students Deal with Academic Shock
The number of international students in UK universities increases every year and this is not just in specific subjects such as I.T and Business. In previous years, this had only been the case for speciality or niche courses but nowadays the entire further education system is increasingly diverse and multicultural.Academic shock basically occurs when a student realises that different learning and teaching approaches and forms of assessment are in place and they start to worry that they won’t cope.As a result of this, many universities have taken steps to help the integration of overseas students and improve their experience here in the UK. From the first lecture to the first assignment submission it is surely important to monitor how comfortable foreign students are with their learning environment.Following the coalition’s mass destruction of the education system, from the National Curriculum to Higher Education, lecturers must surely be asking themselves questions about how to best teach foreign students. With less resource available with which to do their job and rising numbers of foreign students, lecturer’s jobs will not be envied by their peers.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Bilingual Master of Science Programme in Chemistry,International Economics and Engineering,
Dr Ryan conveys in her recent column in The Guardian that the teaching of students from overseas can often be a rewarding experience and also offers more depth during class discussions. Although slight modifications are needed to teaching style, it is worth noting that this has benefited both UK and foreign students.Induction is seen as they key period of time for students. This may be more significant for students from abroad but it set the tone for the rest of the course. If students can get off to a good start, the chances of obtaining the desired grade are boosted significantly. As such, some universities are introducing longer term transition programmes for international students and many others are being encouraged to do the same.
Culture shock is an issue that undoubtedly affects many people, with individuals moving to different countries to work on a daily basis. This type of shock is with regard to physical environment, customs and practices and is hard enough to deal with when trying to move on. Academic shock is an entirely a different kettle of fish altogether. This basically occurs when a student realises that different learning and teaching approaches and forms of assessment are in place and they start worry that they won’t cope. Add in language shock and there are suddenly a range of factors that overseas students have to deal with.Luckily, the Higher Education Academy’s Teaching International Students Project has been put into place to help foreign students deal with such problems. The scheme supports higher education teachers in helping international students and is centred around the lifecycle of a student from abroad.Of course, the success of international students is not important solely for the pupil. The institutions will be able to revel in the glory of being seen as a foreign student-friendly university and will surely see a rise in admissions as a result.
Dr Ryan also outlines some key areas that can be improved on in order to make life easier for student studying from a foreign country.Broadening the curriculum to give it a more global perspective can mean reviewing the content, but it can also be about giving time in sessions to considering how professional practices might differ across the world.To increase awareness of critical thinking skills, it can be helpful to show examples from your own work that demonstrate criticality or model your own thinking and writing.Encouraging participation in seminars might involve using structured discussion formats such as rounds or turn-taking systems or moving about the classroom this often encourages students to be more engaged and willing to answer.
Dr Ryan conveys in her recent column in The Guardian that the teaching of students from overseas can often be a rewarding experience and also offers more depth during class discussions. Although slight modifications are needed to teaching style, it is worth noting that this has benefited both UK and foreign students.Induction is seen as they key period of time for students. This may be more significant for students from abroad but it set the tone for the rest of the course. If students can get off to a good start, the chances of obtaining the desired grade are boosted significantly. As such, some universities are introducing longer term transition programmes for international students and many others are being encouraged to do the same.
Culture shock is an issue that undoubtedly affects many people, with individuals moving to different countries to work on a daily basis. This type of shock is with regard to physical environment, customs and practices and is hard enough to deal with when trying to move on. Academic shock is an entirely a different kettle of fish altogether. This basically occurs when a student realises that different learning and teaching approaches and forms of assessment are in place and they start worry that they won’t cope. Add in language shock and there are suddenly a range of factors that overseas students have to deal with.Luckily, the Higher Education Academy’s Teaching International Students Project has been put into place to help foreign students deal with such problems. The scheme supports higher education teachers in helping international students and is centred around the lifecycle of a student from abroad.Of course, the success of international students is not important solely for the pupil. The institutions will be able to revel in the glory of being seen as a foreign student-friendly university and will surely see a rise in admissions as a result.
Dr Ryan also outlines some key areas that can be improved on in order to make life easier for student studying from a foreign country.Broadening the curriculum to give it a more global perspective can mean reviewing the content, but it can also be about giving time in sessions to considering how professional practices might differ across the world.To increase awareness of critical thinking skills, it can be helpful to show examples from your own work that demonstrate criticality or model your own thinking and writing.Encouraging participation in seminars might involve using structured discussion formats such as rounds or turn-taking systems or moving about the classroom this often encourages students to be more engaged and willing to answer.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Study Abroad Careers
You studied abroad and loved it. You loved it so much, in fact, that you'd like to do it for a living, as in go into the field of study abroad and help everyone else be able to study abroad. Issue: you don't have a master's degree, which is so often a requirement in the field of study abroad. So, where to get that MA, MS, or M.Ed? Brooks Roberts, a study abroad staffer who studied abroad three times as an undergrad, has the answer in a great piece on her blog, and with a BA in International Affairs and Political Science and MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs, Roberts knows of what she speaks:
Monday, May 16, 2011
University helps students get a head start
The University of Leicester has joined up with Headstart to run not one, but two educational and exciting four day residential courses this summer.Headstart, run by the education charity, EDT is a well-established education programme for Year 12/S5 students designed to encourage students to take up courses and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.Students applied through Headstart and a total of 60 students from across the UK will take part on the two courses, which both take place at the University of Leicester from Sunday 3rd to Thursday 7th July.
The two courses will provide the students with hands on experience of university life and give them a taster into life as a first year undergraduate.One course focuses on Interdisciplinary Science and aims to introduce students to the University of Leicester’s Natural Sciences Plus programmes. These go further than other combined science degrees by integrating the various science strands in purpose designed modules with an emphasis on relevant, real world contexts.
The second course, focussing on Physics, aims to introduce students to the range of roles that physics can play in contemporary society from the purest of fundamental research to current cutting edge approaches to technology and to its links with other disciplines.
To enjoy the full university experience, participants at Leicester will stay in the University’s halls of residence with talks and social activities provided in the evening for entertainment.Derek Raine, Director, Centre for Interdisciplinary Science at the University of Leicester said:We are delighted to be able to offer young scientists the opportunity to find out about some of the frontier science at Leicester and to engage in the research process both in Physics and across the disciplines. Students will experience the way in which science teaching at Leicester is based on learning through doing.
Headstart Director, Estelle Rowe, added: I think 17 year olds are under a lot of pressure, to do well in their exams and to make important decisions about their future. They have to choose a degree subject and which universities to apply to with limited information and experience. Headstart courses give them the chance to try out being at university and they do this just before going back and making their degree choices. We are delighted that Leicester have joined the group of prestigious universities that run Headstart and have added to the subjects we can offer with Physics and Science.After attending a Headstart course in 2010, 94% of students that participated said they expected to go on to study a STEM based subject at University and we hope that the students that attend the course at the University of Leicester will feel the same.
The two courses will provide the students with hands on experience of university life and give them a taster into life as a first year undergraduate.One course focuses on Interdisciplinary Science and aims to introduce students to the University of Leicester’s Natural Sciences Plus programmes. These go further than other combined science degrees by integrating the various science strands in purpose designed modules with an emphasis on relevant, real world contexts.
The second course, focussing on Physics, aims to introduce students to the range of roles that physics can play in contemporary society from the purest of fundamental research to current cutting edge approaches to technology and to its links with other disciplines.
To enjoy the full university experience, participants at Leicester will stay in the University’s halls of residence with talks and social activities provided in the evening for entertainment.Derek Raine, Director, Centre for Interdisciplinary Science at the University of Leicester said:We are delighted to be able to offer young scientists the opportunity to find out about some of the frontier science at Leicester and to engage in the research process both in Physics and across the disciplines. Students will experience the way in which science teaching at Leicester is based on learning through doing.
Headstart Director, Estelle Rowe, added: I think 17 year olds are under a lot of pressure, to do well in their exams and to make important decisions about their future. They have to choose a degree subject and which universities to apply to with limited information and experience. Headstart courses give them the chance to try out being at university and they do this just before going back and making their degree choices. We are delighted that Leicester have joined the group of prestigious universities that run Headstart and have added to the subjects we can offer with Physics and Science.After attending a Headstart course in 2010, 94% of students that participated said they expected to go on to study a STEM based subject at University and we hope that the students that attend the course at the University of Leicester will feel the same.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Who goes where and why for study abroad?
Our recently-published research report for the Institute of International Education and the AIFS Foundation aims to answer questions about students' international mobility. It covers all physical movements across national boundaries for educational purposes, at all education stages, short-term as well as long-term. We find that international educational mobility is in good health with strong growth potential, but mobility patterns are changing and will continue to change.
International mobility for tertiary education lasting at least a year is well documented by UNESCO, the OECD and others. Information on other levels and shorter periods is patchy at best. The US and Australia are the only major countries to document all incomers for educational purposes. Our report presents the first full picture of international educational mobility into the US, thanks to unique access to the US State Department's exchange visitor visa statistics.Analysing educational mobility more widely sheds new light on international students' university choices and motivations. Previous studies identified two main 'push factors' driving young people to go abroad for higher education: lack of suitable opportunities at home, and the wish to experience another country's life and culture.
We identify a third 'push factor': 'positioning', or moving at one education stage to be well-positioned for a later stage of education or employment in the same country. Examples include: secondary schooling abroad to facilitate tertiary entry; undergraduate study to qualify for postgraduate study; postgraduate study to 'position' for academic posts; and higher education or vocational training to qualify for employment. 'Positioning' is most evident among students from Asian countries such as China, Sweden,South Korea and Vietnam.We also identify 'anti-push' factors that may deter aspiring international students, including financial barriers and obstacles to leaving their home country.
The 'pull factors' that draw students to particular destinations include high quality, specialised study opportunities, tuition in a language mobile students speak or want to learn, traditional links and diasporas, affordable cost, internationally-recognised qualifications, prospects of high returns, post-study career opportunities, good prospects of graduating within a predictable time, effective marketing by destination country or institution, home country support for going there to study, and helpful visa arrangements for study and work while studying.Our report confirms that competition to attract internationally mobile students is intensifying. As more countries and institutions get into the game, international students have a wider range of options, more of them closer to home. They are getting smarter and sharper in the quest for the higher education destination that is right for them, and their choices and motivations are becoming more diverse.
Countries and universities can no longer rely just on quality, or just on marketing, to attract students. As education opens up to a wider range of students in each country and careers go global, international students increasingly care about affordability, value for their money and post-education prospects.In the past, universities wishing to attract international students have focused on deciding their USP (unique selling point) and promoting it. In the future, it will be more important to understand what international students want and demonstrate that the institution can provide it.Some things international students want are not within universities' control, but depend on national policies. Our report benefited from pre-publication access to the latest report from the Institute of International Education's Atlas Project, which describes national policies in major destination and sending countries.
Bringing together information on national policies and student motivations, our report identifies policies that are helpful in attracting international students and policies which are unhelpful. Unhelpful policies include overcharging, providing inadequate care and support, and introducing discouraging visa and immigration regimes.Leading destination countries Australia and the UK now combine helpful education policies with unhelpful immigration policies. Both are introducing student visa changes which risk cancelling out their other attractions to international students, by cutting off entry rungs on the education ladder and reducing the chances of post-study work.
To ensure that immigration and visa rules are student-friendly, the case of international students should be considered before, rather than after, general immigration principles are established. Governments also need to appreciate that education is a ladder. If internationally mobile students can get onto the lower rung of the ladder they are more likely to move to a higher rung within the same country.Will international student mobility grow as strongly in future as it did in the last decade? The report sees reasons for optimism and for caution.Developing countries with rising birth rates have an increasing demand for education and limited capacity to provide it themselves. Demand should also be fuelled by developments in the global economy and the emergence of China, India and others as major economic powers. Students will continue to attach importance to tuition in English, and other world languages, which they may need to travel to access. And mobility below tertiary level has untapped growth potential.
However, concerns over 'brain drain' may increasingly drive today's major sending countries to build up their own tertiary systems. The rapid growth in transnational education means that many students can get at least some international education benefits without leaving home. And there are early signs from key countries like the US and Australia that the bumper years of mobility growth ended in 2009-10.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Global Production Engineering and Economics and Management.
The report concludes that international student mobility should continue to grow, if not as fast as previously. There may well be radical changes in global patterns of supply and demand and in the market shares of today's main destination countries.Caroline Macready and Clive Tucker are independent education consultants based in the UK. This article is based on the authors' book Who Goes Where and Why? An overview and analysis of global educational mobility, published by the Institute of International Education and the AIFS Foundation in their series of Global Education Research Reports.The latest report from the Institute of International Education's Atlas Project is Student Mobility and the Internationalization of Higher Education: National policies and strategies from six world regions .
International mobility for tertiary education lasting at least a year is well documented by UNESCO, the OECD and others. Information on other levels and shorter periods is patchy at best. The US and Australia are the only major countries to document all incomers for educational purposes. Our report presents the first full picture of international educational mobility into the US, thanks to unique access to the US State Department's exchange visitor visa statistics.Analysing educational mobility more widely sheds new light on international students' university choices and motivations. Previous studies identified two main 'push factors' driving young people to go abroad for higher education: lack of suitable opportunities at home, and the wish to experience another country's life and culture.
We identify a third 'push factor': 'positioning', or moving at one education stage to be well-positioned for a later stage of education or employment in the same country. Examples include: secondary schooling abroad to facilitate tertiary entry; undergraduate study to qualify for postgraduate study; postgraduate study to 'position' for academic posts; and higher education or vocational training to qualify for employment. 'Positioning' is most evident among students from Asian countries such as China, Sweden,South Korea and Vietnam.We also identify 'anti-push' factors that may deter aspiring international students, including financial barriers and obstacles to leaving their home country.
The 'pull factors' that draw students to particular destinations include high quality, specialised study opportunities, tuition in a language mobile students speak or want to learn, traditional links and diasporas, affordable cost, internationally-recognised qualifications, prospects of high returns, post-study career opportunities, good prospects of graduating within a predictable time, effective marketing by destination country or institution, home country support for going there to study, and helpful visa arrangements for study and work while studying.Our report confirms that competition to attract internationally mobile students is intensifying. As more countries and institutions get into the game, international students have a wider range of options, more of them closer to home. They are getting smarter and sharper in the quest for the higher education destination that is right for them, and their choices and motivations are becoming more diverse.
Countries and universities can no longer rely just on quality, or just on marketing, to attract students. As education opens up to a wider range of students in each country and careers go global, international students increasingly care about affordability, value for their money and post-education prospects.In the past, universities wishing to attract international students have focused on deciding their USP (unique selling point) and promoting it. In the future, it will be more important to understand what international students want and demonstrate that the institution can provide it.Some things international students want are not within universities' control, but depend on national policies. Our report benefited from pre-publication access to the latest report from the Institute of International Education's Atlas Project, which describes national policies in major destination and sending countries.
Bringing together information on national policies and student motivations, our report identifies policies that are helpful in attracting international students and policies which are unhelpful. Unhelpful policies include overcharging, providing inadequate care and support, and introducing discouraging visa and immigration regimes.Leading destination countries Australia and the UK now combine helpful education policies with unhelpful immigration policies. Both are introducing student visa changes which risk cancelling out their other attractions to international students, by cutting off entry rungs on the education ladder and reducing the chances of post-study work.
To ensure that immigration and visa rules are student-friendly, the case of international students should be considered before, rather than after, general immigration principles are established. Governments also need to appreciate that education is a ladder. If internationally mobile students can get onto the lower rung of the ladder they are more likely to move to a higher rung within the same country.Will international student mobility grow as strongly in future as it did in the last decade? The report sees reasons for optimism and for caution.Developing countries with rising birth rates have an increasing demand for education and limited capacity to provide it themselves. Demand should also be fuelled by developments in the global economy and the emergence of China, India and others as major economic powers. Students will continue to attach importance to tuition in English, and other world languages, which they may need to travel to access. And mobility below tertiary level has untapped growth potential.
However, concerns over 'brain drain' may increasingly drive today's major sending countries to build up their own tertiary systems. The rapid growth in transnational education means that many students can get at least some international education benefits without leaving home. And there are early signs from key countries like the US and Australia that the bumper years of mobility growth ended in 2009-10.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Global Production Engineering and Economics and Management.
The report concludes that international student mobility should continue to grow, if not as fast as previously. There may well be radical changes in global patterns of supply and demand and in the market shares of today's main destination countries.Caroline Macready and Clive Tucker are independent education consultants based in the UK. This article is based on the authors' book Who Goes Where and Why? An overview and analysis of global educational mobility, published by the Institute of International Education and the AIFS Foundation in their series of Global Education Research Reports.The latest report from the Institute of International Education's Atlas Project is Student Mobility and the Internationalization of Higher Education: National policies and strategies from six world regions .
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Cheaper Trips Boost Study Abroad
Clayton State University is sending students and faculty around the world through affordable trips and low-cost faculty exchanges even as the number of Georgia college students traveling abroad has dropped off during the recession.We've been able to add study abroad programs to destinations that are less expensive than traditional study abroad destinations,John Parkerson, director of international programs, told GlobalAtlanta.Supplementing more expensive trips to Europe with more affordable locations such as Guatemala, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Mexico, the university is the only school in Georgia that has increased study abroad enrollments by 10 percent this year, he said.According to Mr. Parkerson, Clayton State has almost doubled study abroad trips over the past three years. In contrast, the number of students in Georgia traveling abroad dropped 7.6 percent during the 2008-2009 school year.Clayton State, however, is not abandoning its more expensive, traditional programs and still offers trips to Australia,Austria, Italy, Spain and Turkey.
Mr. Parkerson noted that the trip to Turkey was also relatively inexpensive because the program was done in partnership with the Atlanta-based Istanbul Center.The university is also creating relationships with universities abroad to facilitate faculty and student exchanges.In April, the university forged a partnership with the Université de Caen Basse-Normandie in northern France to create exchanges and research collaborations in their business programs.
According to Mr. Parkerson, two French students from Caen have already submitted applications to Clayton State's MBA program. Clayton State students can also study at a Université de Caen's institute that focuses on American business and is taught in English, he added.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Global Production Engineering,European Studies and Materials Science.
As part of this new relationship, Louis Jourdan, professor of management, will leave for the French partner school in spring 2012.Clayton State also has a well-developed partnership with the University of Pannonia in Veszprem in western Hungary, said Mr. Parkerson. This April, Ali Dadpay, an assistant professor in the business school, visited as part of a two-week exchange program.Craig Hill, an associate professor of management, will also travel to the University of Pannonia in the spring of 2012 and a Hungarian professor will visit Clayton State in fall 2011.
As universities in Georgia cut pay and lay off faculty, Mr. Parkerson said these exchanges were a way to motivate professors and incorporate new teaching methods.
He added that these exchanges are also relatively inexpensive because the partner university pays for the travel and cost of living. Clayton State's Office of International Programs covers the cost of visiting professors, which is offset by affordable housing and cafeteria meals.Clayton State has partnerships with six universities abroad including the Birla College of Arts, Commerce and Science outside Mumbai, India,Germany and Georgian American University in Tbilisi, Georgia.On July 9, Mr. Parkerson will deliver the commencement address to the second graduating class at Georgian American University. The school, which was initially conceived by a student at Georgia State University as an MBA project, opened in 2005 and offers business and law degrees.Last year, Clayton State partnered with the Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza, an agricultural research and education facility in Costa Rica, to design a course on tropical ecology.The university is also in the process of forging partnerships with schools in Asia, Africa and South America.
Mr. Parkerson noted that the trip to Turkey was also relatively inexpensive because the program was done in partnership with the Atlanta-based Istanbul Center.The university is also creating relationships with universities abroad to facilitate faculty and student exchanges.In April, the university forged a partnership with the Université de Caen Basse-Normandie in northern France to create exchanges and research collaborations in their business programs.
According to Mr. Parkerson, two French students from Caen have already submitted applications to Clayton State's MBA program. Clayton State students can also study at a Université de Caen's institute that focuses on American business and is taught in English, he added.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Global Production Engineering,European Studies and Materials Science.
As part of this new relationship, Louis Jourdan, professor of management, will leave for the French partner school in spring 2012.Clayton State also has a well-developed partnership with the University of Pannonia in Veszprem in western Hungary, said Mr. Parkerson. This April, Ali Dadpay, an assistant professor in the business school, visited as part of a two-week exchange program.Craig Hill, an associate professor of management, will also travel to the University of Pannonia in the spring of 2012 and a Hungarian professor will visit Clayton State in fall 2011.
As universities in Georgia cut pay and lay off faculty, Mr. Parkerson said these exchanges were a way to motivate professors and incorporate new teaching methods.
He added that these exchanges are also relatively inexpensive because the partner university pays for the travel and cost of living. Clayton State's Office of International Programs covers the cost of visiting professors, which is offset by affordable housing and cafeteria meals.Clayton State has partnerships with six universities abroad including the Birla College of Arts, Commerce and Science outside Mumbai, India,Germany and Georgian American University in Tbilisi, Georgia.On July 9, Mr. Parkerson will deliver the commencement address to the second graduating class at Georgian American University. The school, which was initially conceived by a student at Georgia State University as an MBA project, opened in 2005 and offers business and law degrees.Last year, Clayton State partnered with the Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza, an agricultural research and education facility in Costa Rica, to design a course on tropical ecology.The university is also in the process of forging partnerships with schools in Asia, Africa and South America.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
PSU students are packing for summer study-abroad programs
The spring semester isn't quite over, but already dozens of Pittsburg State University students are packing for summer study-abroad programs in all corners of the globe. At least five groups will leave in the next week alone.Two groups leave on Saturday, May 14. About 15 students will leave with Choong Lee for South Korea to learn more about international business. Another group will head south to Costa Rica with Dan Ferguson of the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation to work with adults and children with disabilities.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Global Production Engineering,Materials Science and Sociology.
On Wednesday, May 18, 20 members of the PSU Honors College leave for Greece and Italy. They will be accompanied by Craig Fuchs, director of the Honors College, and Jim Clanton, an instructor in the Department of Music.Also on Wednesday, Janet Zepernick, of the English Department faculty, will lead a group on a study trip to England.On Friday, May 20, 15 pre-med students, accompanied by Dr. Mandy Peak, a member of the faculty in the biology department, will leave for a medical service learning trip to Peru.Megan Corrigan, assistant director in the Office of International Programs and Services, said interest in study-abroad programs grows each year.Corrigan said the PSU study-abroad programs are also designed with cost in mind. More trips are scheduled to Boliva to study ecotourism and globalization; Alicante, Spain, to study Spanish; La Rochelle, France, Kazakhstan and Taiwan to study international business; and Germany to study astronomy and astrophysics.
On Wednesday, May 18, 20 members of the PSU Honors College leave for Greece and Italy. They will be accompanied by Craig Fuchs, director of the Honors College, and Jim Clanton, an instructor in the Department of Music.Also on Wednesday, Janet Zepernick, of the English Department faculty, will lead a group on a study trip to England.On Friday, May 20, 15 pre-med students, accompanied by Dr. Mandy Peak, a member of the faculty in the biology department, will leave for a medical service learning trip to Peru.Megan Corrigan, assistant director in the Office of International Programs and Services, said interest in study-abroad programs grows each year.Corrigan said the PSU study-abroad programs are also designed with cost in mind. More trips are scheduled to Boliva to study ecotourism and globalization; Alicante, Spain, to study Spanish; La Rochelle, France, Kazakhstan and Taiwan to study international business; and Germany to study astronomy and astrophysics.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Technical courses and Study abroad program
President Dilma Rousseff Monday reaffirmed her commitment to provide scholarships enough for 75,000 Brazilian students to study abroad, up from 5,000 at present.It will be difficult but possible, the president said during her weekly radio address Breakfast with the President. Today, 5,000 Brazilians study abroad with government-funded scholarships, most of them are in Sweden,France, Germany and United States. We want to grant 75,000 scholarships until 2014, she said.
Rousseff also said her administration will increase the number of scholarships in technical courses through national professional education program Pronatec.We will offer qualification courses for those who are already in the job market and for high school students,she said,the youngster who want to learn a profession will be granted a scholarship and will finish high school in one shift and the technical course in another.The presdient added that the beneficiaries of welfare program Bolsa Familia will also be allowed to take training courses so that they can find better jobs.
Rousseff also said her administration will increase the number of scholarships in technical courses through national professional education program Pronatec.We will offer qualification courses for those who are already in the job market and for high school students,she said,the youngster who want to learn a profession will be granted a scholarship and will finish high school in one shift and the technical course in another.The presdient added that the beneficiaries of welfare program Bolsa Familia will also be allowed to take training courses so that they can find better jobs.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Most students to take an education loan
Interest rates are favourable in the US. However, either the university or a greencard holder should be a guarantor.Planning to study abroad? Most students' first thought would be to take an education loan. And, the cheaper the rate, the better.For students applying to US universities, there is another option to garner funds. Provided they have a guarantor a green card holder or, in some cases, if the university stands the guarantee they can avail the loan in the US itself.
According to data from the Open Door Report published by the Institute of International Education, US was the preferred destination for Indian students, with 104,897 of them opting for courses in 2010.
According to data from the Open Door Report published by the Institute of International Education, US was the preferred destination for Indian students, with 104,897 of them opting for courses in 2010.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Three top Reasons to Consider Getting Your study abroad Degree
Walk into any high school counseling office and they will have numerous posters advertising colleges. Where I grew up, about half of those posters were from the local community college and the other half from various state schools located no more than a two-hour drive away. What you won’t find are posters or any information on schools outside of the country. People are curious as to why the rest of the world just isn’t on Americans' radar, and I think that this has to do with it. So, since your high school guidance counselor won’t tell you about universities abroad or why to go abroad, here are my top three reasons.
The experience. Getting visas to live and work abroad can be difficult and complicated, except for one group of people: students. The experience will change your life and if you want to try it out, doing it while you are a student is the easiest way as far as immigration goes. Whether you want to learn Chinese or gorge yourself on Yorkshire puddings, immersing yourself in a foreign education system will help you acclimate to your new country, and fast too.
Future opportunities. If you decide to stay, it is considerably easier to live abroad in a country if you have been through that country’s education system. Here in the UK graduates can stay for a year after they complete their degree without having to obtain a sponsor, in the form of a job, ahead of time. If you decide to move home, the skills needed to relate to people from other cultures and the ability to travel are becoming increasingly important in the workplace.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Construction and Real Estate Management
,Economics and Management and Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy.
The cost. Most of the time, getting a degree abroad is cheaper for a plethora of reasons. Many countries offer degrees that are shorter in length and cheaper in cost both per year and overall. Essentially, you get more bang for your buck. If you go to school in Iowa can you visit 10 other countries on your Spring break? Well, maybe, but it wouldn’t be as convenient and cheap as if you were living abroad.Especially if you know that you want to study abroad for a semester or a whole year, why not consider it for your whole degree?
The experience. Getting visas to live and work abroad can be difficult and complicated, except for one group of people: students. The experience will change your life and if you want to try it out, doing it while you are a student is the easiest way as far as immigration goes. Whether you want to learn Chinese or gorge yourself on Yorkshire puddings, immersing yourself in a foreign education system will help you acclimate to your new country, and fast too.
Future opportunities. If you decide to stay, it is considerably easier to live abroad in a country if you have been through that country’s education system. Here in the UK graduates can stay for a year after they complete their degree without having to obtain a sponsor, in the form of a job, ahead of time. If you decide to move home, the skills needed to relate to people from other cultures and the ability to travel are becoming increasingly important in the workplace.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Construction and Real Estate Management
,Economics and Management and Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy.
The cost. Most of the time, getting a degree abroad is cheaper for a plethora of reasons. Many countries offer degrees that are shorter in length and cheaper in cost both per year and overall. Essentially, you get more bang for your buck. If you go to school in Iowa can you visit 10 other countries on your Spring break? Well, maybe, but it wouldn’t be as convenient and cheap as if you were living abroad.Especially if you know that you want to study abroad for a semester or a whole year, why not consider it for your whole degree?
Friday, May 6, 2011
Karnataka Examinations Authority will conduct entrance test for MBA courses
From this year, the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has been saddled with the responsibility of conducting entrance examinations for the masters in business administration (MBA) courses for colleges that fall under the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU).The KEA will also conduct entrance examinations for admission to masters in technology and computer applications courses. Until now, the responsibility for conducting the entrance tests for these courses was with the VTU. The state higher education department, in an official order, notified this change.
Sources in the KEA confirmed this and said, We have received orders from the higher education department, and we will take further action.KEA officials said that the plan is to conduct the entrance tests in the first week of July.Results would be announced by the second week of July, and counselling sessions for joining the courses could begin from the third week of July, said a source.Every year, according to statistics available from VTU, nearly 25,000 candidates apply for the MBA course, and the MTech course receives nearly 15,000 applicants.The demand for the MBA course is higher, even though the number of seats available is only about 8,000,a source said.At least initially, the KEA does not plan to have counselling sessions for any of these courses outside Bangalore.For all the courses, the counselling will be conducted only in Bangalore, at the KEA, Malleswarm. We will think of extending counselling services to other centres next year, a source said.VTU authorities, however, admitted to this reporter that they were far from pleased by this move of the higher education department. An official from the higher education department explained,This is not merely a matter of the prestige of the university. We want the entire admission process to be transparent.
Sources in the KEA confirmed this and said, We have received orders from the higher education department, and we will take further action.KEA officials said that the plan is to conduct the entrance tests in the first week of July.Results would be announced by the second week of July, and counselling sessions for joining the courses could begin from the third week of July, said a source.Every year, according to statistics available from VTU, nearly 25,000 candidates apply for the MBA course, and the MTech course receives nearly 15,000 applicants.The demand for the MBA course is higher, even though the number of seats available is only about 8,000,a source said.At least initially, the KEA does not plan to have counselling sessions for any of these courses outside Bangalore.For all the courses, the counselling will be conducted only in Bangalore, at the KEA, Malleswarm. We will think of extending counselling services to other centres next year, a source said.VTU authorities, however, admitted to this reporter that they were far from pleased by this move of the higher education department. An official from the higher education department explained,This is not merely a matter of the prestige of the university. We want the entire admission process to be transparent.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A global education means not only attaining degrees which are accepted globally but also gaining a wider cosmopolitan exposure and experience
In an era of a flat world, the boundaries of the countries are diminishing and organisations are hiring professionals beyond the geographical boundaries. In this dynamic environment it is very important for the students to be ready for global opportunities. And to grab these opportunities, one needs to have a global education. Global education means not only attaining degrees which are accepted globally but also a wider cosmopolitan exposure and experience.
Global education is an education perspective which arises from the fact that contemporary people live and interact in an increasingly globalised world. This makes it crucial for education to give learners the opportunities and competences to reflect and share their own point of view and role within a global, interconnected society, as well as to understand and discuss complex relationships of common social, ecological, political and economic issues, so as to derive new ways of thinking and acting.
Especially over the past two decades, Indian students’ mobility to foreign universities has become an integral part of India’s higher education landscape. Overseas education is no more a domain of only the rich in India. Even middle class students have been expanding the breadth of their abilities by acquiring enhanced academic knowledge overseas. Indian parents also do not measure education in terms of its costs which explain why Indian students form the largest contingent of international students in foreign universities. According to various reports,12,500 students went to Canada;104,897 to U.S.A; 59,719 to Australia; 12,000 to New Zealand and 57,500 to UK in 2010.There are various reasons for Indian students preferring overseas education over studying in India.nIndian education system: Though the higher education system in India comprises of more than 17,000 colleges, 20 central universities, 217 state universities, 106 deemed universities and 13 institutes of national importance these are not sufficient for the growing population of India. Moreover the teaching mode is largely theoretical and practice and application of the subjects is minimal.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Global Production Engineering,Internet MBA and Intelligent Software Systems.
Increasing per capita income: There is a demand for quality education among India's burgeoning middle classes and they are ready to spend extra for global education.
Cultural exposure: Students can have exposure of other cultures. One of the biggest advantages of studying abroad is the overall value it adds, not only to the degree or qualification sought but also to oneself as an individual.Better financial prospects: Overseas education is considered a ticket to global careers as ‘global minded’ professionals are in demand. Some studies reveal that students who study abroad have a more expansive world-view and therefore employers perceive such students as independent.
Flexibility: One of the most appealing aspects about studying at a foreign university is the flexible multi-disciplinary approach towards academics. A degree is tailored to suit the interests of the students.
Newer courses: Studying abroad exposes a student to a varied range of courses and programmes that are not available in India.
Cost effectiveness: Cost of education is also one of the major enabling factors for the outward flow of students. Higher education costs in India are ridiculously low compared to most advanced country, but this is so only in government run institutions. Private higher education institutions that have mushroomed all over the country charge stupendously high fees and provides substandard education. For the same cost, a student could get better education abroad along with international employability.
Though there are innumerable benefits of studying abroad, there are a lot of complexities involved too. Of late there have been instances of closure of various private institutions in UK and Australia, jeopardising the future of thousands of students. Thousands of applications from India also got rejected by U.K and Australia because of document fraud.Some students have even fell prey of illegal human trafficking. Malta Boat tragedy is one such an unfortunate case. 300 youths, including 170 from Punjab, lost their lives in the Malta Sicily Channel, near Italy international waters, after the boat collided with a ship during an illegal mid-sea transfer.
Therefore, before enrolling in a foreign institution, it is essential for the students to find out as much as they can about the accreditor and the institutions it accredits, as well as the recognition process of the foreign education ministry. They should strictly prevent usage of fraudulent documents as it gravely hampers their dream to study abroad.Students should also be wary of fly-by-night immigration consultants who suggest admissions in not so credible colleges thereby jeopardising the future of the students. International education is a valuable industry forwarding a noble cause and should not be hijacked by the illegal and unethical behaviour of desperate visa seekers.
Global education is an education perspective which arises from the fact that contemporary people live and interact in an increasingly globalised world. This makes it crucial for education to give learners the opportunities and competences to reflect and share their own point of view and role within a global, interconnected society, as well as to understand and discuss complex relationships of common social, ecological, political and economic issues, so as to derive new ways of thinking and acting.
Especially over the past two decades, Indian students’ mobility to foreign universities has become an integral part of India’s higher education landscape. Overseas education is no more a domain of only the rich in India. Even middle class students have been expanding the breadth of their abilities by acquiring enhanced academic knowledge overseas. Indian parents also do not measure education in terms of its costs which explain why Indian students form the largest contingent of international students in foreign universities. According to various reports,12,500 students went to Canada;104,897 to U.S.A; 59,719 to Australia; 12,000 to New Zealand and 57,500 to UK in 2010.There are various reasons for Indian students preferring overseas education over studying in India.nIndian education system: Though the higher education system in India comprises of more than 17,000 colleges, 20 central universities, 217 state universities, 106 deemed universities and 13 institutes of national importance these are not sufficient for the growing population of India. Moreover the teaching mode is largely theoretical and practice and application of the subjects is minimal.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Global Production Engineering,Internet MBA and Intelligent Software Systems.
Increasing per capita income: There is a demand for quality education among India's burgeoning middle classes and they are ready to spend extra for global education.
Cultural exposure: Students can have exposure of other cultures. One of the biggest advantages of studying abroad is the overall value it adds, not only to the degree or qualification sought but also to oneself as an individual.Better financial prospects: Overseas education is considered a ticket to global careers as ‘global minded’ professionals are in demand. Some studies reveal that students who study abroad have a more expansive world-view and therefore employers perceive such students as independent.
Flexibility: One of the most appealing aspects about studying at a foreign university is the flexible multi-disciplinary approach towards academics. A degree is tailored to suit the interests of the students.
Newer courses: Studying abroad exposes a student to a varied range of courses and programmes that are not available in India.
Cost effectiveness: Cost of education is also one of the major enabling factors for the outward flow of students. Higher education costs in India are ridiculously low compared to most advanced country, but this is so only in government run institutions. Private higher education institutions that have mushroomed all over the country charge stupendously high fees and provides substandard education. For the same cost, a student could get better education abroad along with international employability.
Though there are innumerable benefits of studying abroad, there are a lot of complexities involved too. Of late there have been instances of closure of various private institutions in UK and Australia, jeopardising the future of thousands of students. Thousands of applications from India also got rejected by U.K and Australia because of document fraud.Some students have even fell prey of illegal human trafficking. Malta Boat tragedy is one such an unfortunate case. 300 youths, including 170 from Punjab, lost their lives in the Malta Sicily Channel, near Italy international waters, after the boat collided with a ship during an illegal mid-sea transfer.
Therefore, before enrolling in a foreign institution, it is essential for the students to find out as much as they can about the accreditor and the institutions it accredits, as well as the recognition process of the foreign education ministry. They should strictly prevent usage of fraudulent documents as it gravely hampers their dream to study abroad.Students should also be wary of fly-by-night immigration consultants who suggest admissions in not so credible colleges thereby jeopardising the future of the students. International education is a valuable industry forwarding a noble cause and should not be hijacked by the illegal and unethical behaviour of desperate visa seekers.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Students chosen to travel abroad
Briefly, from School Library Journal For Tommy, the only question is whether or not Origami Yoda is real. Of course he’s real as a small puppet on Dwight’s finger. But does the oracle possess magic power? In order to find out, he decides to compile scientific evidence from the experiences of those who asked Origami Yoda for help. His friend Harvey is invited to comment on each story because he thinks Yoda is nothing but a ‘green paper wad.Tommy also comments because he’s supposedly trying to solve the puzzle. In actuality, the story is about boys and girls in sixth grade trying to figure out how being social works. The situations that Yoda has a hand in are pretty authentic, and the setting is broad enough to be any school. The plot is age-old but with the twist of being presented on crumpled pages with cartoon sketches, supposed hand printing, and varying typefaces. Kids should love it.
Nightly TV read-aloud show continues
Storytime, the nightly television show in which community members read books to children, will continue to air at 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays on the Education Channel, cable 99.The read-aloud show is recommended for prekindergarten through fifth-grade students.This week’s stories include:Harry Houdini: Escape Artist,The Frog Prince, Continued,Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter,The Keeping Quilt and The Story About Pig.
Memorial scholarship set up for Immokalee students
A memorial scholarship has been established in honor of Sgt. Linda Pierre. The 28-year-old Immokalee resident was one of five U.S. soldiers killed April 16 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.In response to community support, a nonprofit corporation, the Sgt. Linda Pierre Memorial Scholarship, Inc., has been established. The founding committee includes Larry Wilcoxson from Immokalee, Tim Nance and Shari Monetta from Golden Gate Estates, and Chuck Marshall from Naples.A dedication ceremony for the new scholarship will be held at 9:30 a.m. today at Immokalee High School.Donations received by the memorial fund will used to provide scholarships for Immokalee High School graduates in memory of Pierre’s service. A committee consisting of Immokalee community leaders and representatives of Immokalee High School will award the scholarships.Funds will be held at an account at Bank of America. Persons wishing to donate to the scholarship fund can make deposits at any Bank of America banking center in the name of the Sergeant Linda Pierre Memorial Scholarship.
Checks, made payable to the Sergeant Linda Pierre Memorial Scholarship, can also be mailed directly to: Tim Nance -Treasurer, P.O. Box 990129, Naples, FL 34116.Spring Creek Elementary School team wins state, heads to nationals
The Full Circle Team from Spring Creek Elementary in Bonita Springs not only took home the first place trophy, they received the Renatra Fusca Award for outstanding creativity in the solution to their long term problem at the state Odyssey of the Mind competition held recently.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international program which fosters creativity, team work and problem solving as the teams develop a solution to a long-term problem and also demonstrate their quick thinking in a spontaneous problem.This is the second year in a row that Spring Creek has had a team go to the world competition. The team now faces fundraising in a short amount of time. The team will need to raise $10,000 to cover room, board and airfare for the five team members, coaches and parent chaperons. World will be held May 27 to 31 in College Park, Md.
If you are interested in learning more about the team or making a donation please contact Spring Creek Elementary coach Beth Graziani at (239) 947-0001.Police, fire departments to host Naples youth academyThe City of Naples Police and Fire departments will host a Youth Academy this summer.The one-week program will introduce middle school students, ages 11 to 14, to careers in law enforcement, fire service and emergency medical service. Students will be involved in classroom and practical exercises.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Global Change Ecology,Industrial Engineering and Master of Landscape Architecture.
Naples Art Museum names button contest winner
Congratulations to Golden Gate High School sophomore Deanna Caceres for being named the winner of the Naples Museum of Art Button Design Contest. The winning button design was selected based on its representation of this year’s theme,Art!The annual contest, open to students at all grade levels, is designed to promote the importance of the arts for young visitors to the museum. Approximately 2,000 entries were submitted. Caceres’ winning design will become next year’s button, given out to students during visits to the museum during the 2011-12 school year.Additionally, Honorable Mention designations have been awarded to five students in recognition of their outstanding achievement. These designs will be printed as stickers which, along with the buttons, are distributed on Family Days.In addition to Caceres, students recognized include: Matteo Bernal, a third-grader at Veterans Memorial Elementary School; Jaylen Carroll, a sixth-grader at Eden Park Elementary School; Adriana Cruz Lopez, a senior at Lely High School; Emily Serna, a fifth-grader at Sabal Palm Elementary School; and Savannah Raines, a junior at Palmetto Ridge High School.
GED Connection to air on Education Channel
If you’re planning to take the General Educational Development exam anytime soon, you’ll want to be sure and catch the GED Connection television show, which provides adult learners with the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for and pass the newly revised GED exam. The GED Connection series combines 39 video programs, print materials and Internet learning activities to make studying for the test effective. From the first episode through the last, GED Connection takes an in-depth look at the five subject areas covered on the GED exam reading, writing, math, science and social studies.Tune in to The Education Channel, cable 99, each weekday at 6:30 a.m., and 10 p.m., beginning Monday, May 9, to catch all the 30-minute episodes.
Those who would like to prepare for the GED exam in a classroom setting can take advantage of GED preparation classes offered at no cost at the following locations: The Golden Gate Adult Learning Center, 2701 48th Terrace SW, (239) 377-3905; Immokalee Technical Center, 508 N. 9th St., in Immokalee, (239) 377-9900 ; and Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology, 3702 Estey Ave., (239) 377-0984
Bullying awareness panel rescheduled
The Bullying Awareness Discussion Panel originally scheduled for April 27 at Palmetto Ridge High School, which was cancelled due to brush fires in Golden Gate Estates, has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, May 9, in the Palmetto Ridge High School auditorium, 1655 Victory Lane.Parents of students attending any Collier County public school located in Golden Gate Estates are invited to attend this very informative event. District school psychologists, school counselors and behavior specialists will be joined by members of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office to discuss several topics associated with bullying.The focus of the panel is to provide those in attendance with an awareness of bullying as well as information on the topic. Specific areas covered include: state laws and district policy around bullying; procedures followed for investigating bullying in schools; and how to recognize a bullying situation and talk to your children about bullying.To learn more, please contact the district’s coordinator for Safe and Drug Free Schools, Nancy Tarrete, at (239) 377-0128.
Immokalee BETA Club shines at state competition
Some 70 Immokalee High School (IHS) BETA Club members are back home after winning first place honors at the 69th Annual State of Florida BETA Club Convention recently held in Orlando. Immokalee finished first in the state competition in banner, campaign skit, participation, philanthropy, scrapbook and service. The Immokalee Indians also took fifth place in the quiz bowl.Other notable honors: Junior Joseph Flores was elected State of Florida BETA Club president; junior Amelea Rodriguez won first place in the photography competition; junior Dulce Morales won first place in the spelling competition; senior Elva Sandoval won second place in the ceramics competition; junior Linda Jean Pierre won second place in the oratory competition; junior Efren Moreno won second place in the Spanish competition; and junior DJ Kendall won third place in the Math competition.Based on their performance, the Immokalee BETA Club has earned the right to represent Florida at the 31st Annual National BETA Convention to be held June 21-24 in Nashville, Tenn. Until then, club members will be busy raising funds to pay for their journey.
BETA is an acronym for Better Education Through Achievement. The club motto is Let us lead by serving others.” To be eligible to take part in convention activities, BETA members must maintain a 3.0 grade point average. IHS has been involved with BETA for 56 years, and the club has a proud history of doing exceptionally well in both state and national competitions – having won awards at the state level every year since the mid-80’s and at the national level every year since 1990.
Students chosen to travel abroad
Each summer, the Naples Council on World Affairs School Outreach Committee offers scholarships to students in Collier County to participate in an international experience. The Experiment in International Living is a program of World Learning that offers summer programs for high school students. The focus of the programs is to encourage students to expand their understanding of the world and its cultures and potentially change their lives forever. Part of each program will include a home stay with a local host family.This year, seven students have qualified for scholarships and will be traveling to eight countries as student ambassadors. Study abroad in Austria. Barron Collier High School student Maria Casado will travel to Italy where her program will focus on language and the arts.Golden Gate High School student Medens Gerbier has chosen to experience the culture, language, animal habitats and visits to historic religious sites of Thailand. Community School of Naples student Becky Henkind will be exploring China and improving her Chinese language skills as she visits Beijing and travels to the interior to learn about the diverse ethnic minorities living in remote areas of China. Seacrest High School student Kerrie Durham is interested in learning more about the Arabic language and Islamic culture of Morocco. Barron Collier High School student Johanna Fornberg will visit Botswana where she
will explore its diverse ecosystems as well as work with villagers on development projects to improve living conditions in the host village. Golden Gate High School student Revenel Metayer has chosen to experience Ghanaian hospitality and generosity as he learns Twi language, history, culture and economics of Ghana. And Barron Collier High School student Katherine Nunner will improve her Spanish language skills and learn about the traditions and regional cultures of the people during her visit to Spain where she will explore the historic sites.
Nightly TV read-aloud show continues
Storytime, the nightly television show in which community members read books to children, will continue to air at 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays on the Education Channel, cable 99.The read-aloud show is recommended for prekindergarten through fifth-grade students.This week’s stories include:Harry Houdini: Escape Artist,The Frog Prince, Continued,Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter,The Keeping Quilt and The Story About Pig.
Memorial scholarship set up for Immokalee students
A memorial scholarship has been established in honor of Sgt. Linda Pierre. The 28-year-old Immokalee resident was one of five U.S. soldiers killed April 16 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.In response to community support, a nonprofit corporation, the Sgt. Linda Pierre Memorial Scholarship, Inc., has been established. The founding committee includes Larry Wilcoxson from Immokalee, Tim Nance and Shari Monetta from Golden Gate Estates, and Chuck Marshall from Naples.A dedication ceremony for the new scholarship will be held at 9:30 a.m. today at Immokalee High School.Donations received by the memorial fund will used to provide scholarships for Immokalee High School graduates in memory of Pierre’s service. A committee consisting of Immokalee community leaders and representatives of Immokalee High School will award the scholarships.Funds will be held at an account at Bank of America. Persons wishing to donate to the scholarship fund can make deposits at any Bank of America banking center in the name of the Sergeant Linda Pierre Memorial Scholarship.
Checks, made payable to the Sergeant Linda Pierre Memorial Scholarship, can also be mailed directly to: Tim Nance -Treasurer, P.O. Box 990129, Naples, FL 34116.Spring Creek Elementary School team wins state, heads to nationals
The Full Circle Team from Spring Creek Elementary in Bonita Springs not only took home the first place trophy, they received the Renatra Fusca Award for outstanding creativity in the solution to their long term problem at the state Odyssey of the Mind competition held recently.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international program which fosters creativity, team work and problem solving as the teams develop a solution to a long-term problem and also demonstrate their quick thinking in a spontaneous problem.This is the second year in a row that Spring Creek has had a team go to the world competition. The team now faces fundraising in a short amount of time. The team will need to raise $10,000 to cover room, board and airfare for the five team members, coaches and parent chaperons. World will be held May 27 to 31 in College Park, Md.
If you are interested in learning more about the team or making a donation please contact Spring Creek Elementary coach Beth Graziani at (239) 947-0001.Police, fire departments to host Naples youth academyThe City of Naples Police and Fire departments will host a Youth Academy this summer.The one-week program will introduce middle school students, ages 11 to 14, to careers in law enforcement, fire service and emergency medical service. Students will be involved in classroom and practical exercises.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Global Change Ecology,Industrial Engineering and Master of Landscape Architecture.
Naples Art Museum names button contest winner
Congratulations to Golden Gate High School sophomore Deanna Caceres for being named the winner of the Naples Museum of Art Button Design Contest. The winning button design was selected based on its representation of this year’s theme,Art!The annual contest, open to students at all grade levels, is designed to promote the importance of the arts for young visitors to the museum. Approximately 2,000 entries were submitted. Caceres’ winning design will become next year’s button, given out to students during visits to the museum during the 2011-12 school year.Additionally, Honorable Mention designations have been awarded to five students in recognition of their outstanding achievement. These designs will be printed as stickers which, along with the buttons, are distributed on Family Days.In addition to Caceres, students recognized include: Matteo Bernal, a third-grader at Veterans Memorial Elementary School; Jaylen Carroll, a sixth-grader at Eden Park Elementary School; Adriana Cruz Lopez, a senior at Lely High School; Emily Serna, a fifth-grader at Sabal Palm Elementary School; and Savannah Raines, a junior at Palmetto Ridge High School.
GED Connection to air on Education Channel
If you’re planning to take the General Educational Development exam anytime soon, you’ll want to be sure and catch the GED Connection television show, which provides adult learners with the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for and pass the newly revised GED exam. The GED Connection series combines 39 video programs, print materials and Internet learning activities to make studying for the test effective. From the first episode through the last, GED Connection takes an in-depth look at the five subject areas covered on the GED exam reading, writing, math, science and social studies.Tune in to The Education Channel, cable 99, each weekday at 6:30 a.m., and 10 p.m., beginning Monday, May 9, to catch all the 30-minute episodes.
Those who would like to prepare for the GED exam in a classroom setting can take advantage of GED preparation classes offered at no cost at the following locations: The Golden Gate Adult Learning Center, 2701 48th Terrace SW, (239) 377-3905; Immokalee Technical Center, 508 N. 9th St., in Immokalee, (239) 377-9900 ; and Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology, 3702 Estey Ave., (239) 377-0984
Bullying awareness panel rescheduled
The Bullying Awareness Discussion Panel originally scheduled for April 27 at Palmetto Ridge High School, which was cancelled due to brush fires in Golden Gate Estates, has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, May 9, in the Palmetto Ridge High School auditorium, 1655 Victory Lane.Parents of students attending any Collier County public school located in Golden Gate Estates are invited to attend this very informative event. District school psychologists, school counselors and behavior specialists will be joined by members of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office to discuss several topics associated with bullying.The focus of the panel is to provide those in attendance with an awareness of bullying as well as information on the topic. Specific areas covered include: state laws and district policy around bullying; procedures followed for investigating bullying in schools; and how to recognize a bullying situation and talk to your children about bullying.To learn more, please contact the district’s coordinator for Safe and Drug Free Schools, Nancy Tarrete, at (239) 377-0128.
Immokalee BETA Club shines at state competition
Some 70 Immokalee High School (IHS) BETA Club members are back home after winning first place honors at the 69th Annual State of Florida BETA Club Convention recently held in Orlando. Immokalee finished first in the state competition in banner, campaign skit, participation, philanthropy, scrapbook and service. The Immokalee Indians also took fifth place in the quiz bowl.Other notable honors: Junior Joseph Flores was elected State of Florida BETA Club president; junior Amelea Rodriguez won first place in the photography competition; junior Dulce Morales won first place in the spelling competition; senior Elva Sandoval won second place in the ceramics competition; junior Linda Jean Pierre won second place in the oratory competition; junior Efren Moreno won second place in the Spanish competition; and junior DJ Kendall won third place in the Math competition.Based on their performance, the Immokalee BETA Club has earned the right to represent Florida at the 31st Annual National BETA Convention to be held June 21-24 in Nashville, Tenn. Until then, club members will be busy raising funds to pay for their journey.
BETA is an acronym for Better Education Through Achievement. The club motto is Let us lead by serving others.” To be eligible to take part in convention activities, BETA members must maintain a 3.0 grade point average. IHS has been involved with BETA for 56 years, and the club has a proud history of doing exceptionally well in both state and national competitions – having won awards at the state level every year since the mid-80’s and at the national level every year since 1990.
Students chosen to travel abroad
Each summer, the Naples Council on World Affairs School Outreach Committee offers scholarships to students in Collier County to participate in an international experience. The Experiment in International Living is a program of World Learning that offers summer programs for high school students. The focus of the programs is to encourage students to expand their understanding of the world and its cultures and potentially change their lives forever. Part of each program will include a home stay with a local host family.This year, seven students have qualified for scholarships and will be traveling to eight countries as student ambassadors. Study abroad in Austria. Barron Collier High School student Maria Casado will travel to Italy where her program will focus on language and the arts.Golden Gate High School student Medens Gerbier has chosen to experience the culture, language, animal habitats and visits to historic religious sites of Thailand. Community School of Naples student Becky Henkind will be exploring China and improving her Chinese language skills as she visits Beijing and travels to the interior to learn about the diverse ethnic minorities living in remote areas of China. Seacrest High School student Kerrie Durham is interested in learning more about the Arabic language and Islamic culture of Morocco. Barron Collier High School student Johanna Fornberg will visit Botswana where she
will explore its diverse ecosystems as well as work with villagers on development projects to improve living conditions in the host village. Golden Gate High School student Revenel Metayer has chosen to experience Ghanaian hospitality and generosity as he learns Twi language, history, culture and economics of Ghana. And Barron Collier High School student Katherine Nunner will improve her Spanish language skills and learn about the traditions and regional cultures of the people during her visit to Spain where she will explore the historic sites.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Sixty percent of Estonian youths want to continue their education abroad
Of the 1,216 high school and trade school students, who were polled between October and March, only 10 percent believed that Estonia can offer them the higher education they desire. Since we can see that positive-minded about coming back, Estonia needs to, in the near future, actively think about how to secure appropriate opportunities at home to ambitious youths, said Dream Foundation representative Katriin Visamaa, who supports the Bring Talent Home project.It is not that Estonian youth think poorly of domestic univerisites, the poll finds, they just want to have new exciting experiences. Twenty-eight percent also believe a university degree from abroad will make them more competitve on the Estonian market. Still 32 percent say it is very unlikely that they would return to Estonia once they have left. Another 20 percent have not made up their minds.
Dream Foundation concluded that Estonian youths are more ambitious than they used to be. They apparently are not troubled by a potential culture shock, finding the right major, or becoming homesick. But the biggest obstacles are finances, for 61 percent, and studying in a foreign language, for 46 percent.Young people are mainly restricted by external factors over which they have no control, said Visamaa.Although the main destinations could be easily guessed - the UK and the US - students named a diverse list of 43 countries. Other popular destinations included Germany, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, Holland, Australia,Austria and Finland. Most are attracted to countries where English is spoken. But a lot also set their sights on countries like Denmark, Sweden and Finland,where higher education is free.
Another interesting fact is that fields of interest often seem to clash.It was not unusual for a youth to be intersted both in economics and humanities or medicine and acting,said Visamaa. She said this can be interepreted as both versatility or indecisiveness. The most popular areas of study were economics and design, followed by art and law. Then came medicine, psychology,Mathematics, IT, architecture, business and languages.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Study abroad program in Italy
The faculty-in-residence for the university’s study abroad program in Arezzo, Italy, has been appointed.Suzette Grillot, College of International Studies associate dean, has accepted the position and will move to Arezzo before the beginning of the fall semester.While in Arezzo, Grillot will teach two courses during both the fall and spring 2012 semesters.
For me and my family it is a great opportunity to live overseas for the academic year, but more importantly it’s an opportunity for students that haven’t studied abroad or perhaps reluctant to study abroad on their own to provide them an opportunity to be with a faculty member overseas who can help them,Grillot said.Opportunities are still available to students hoping to study in Arezzo, regardless of major or class standing, Grillot said.Students can have four courses each semester that will provide them general education credits, and then they will have language courses they can take, she said.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Engineering,Internet MBA and Industrial Engineering.
They have a full spectrum of courses they can take while studying abroad and at the same time being enrolled at OU and being taught by OU faculty,she said.There are 29 OU students set to travel to Arezzo in the fall, but slots are still open for anyone interested in going, Grillot said.
No matter what your major is, a global experience is beneficial not only just to be a better global citizen, but to provide the certain kinds of skills and experiences that are going to boost ones potential in the global workplace,Grillot said.
For me and my family it is a great opportunity to live overseas for the academic year, but more importantly it’s an opportunity for students that haven’t studied abroad or perhaps reluctant to study abroad on their own to provide them an opportunity to be with a faculty member overseas who can help them,Grillot said.Opportunities are still available to students hoping to study in Arezzo, regardless of major or class standing, Grillot said.Students can have four courses each semester that will provide them general education credits, and then they will have language courses they can take, she said.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Engineering,Internet MBA and Industrial Engineering.
They have a full spectrum of courses they can take while studying abroad and at the same time being enrolled at OU and being taught by OU faculty,she said.There are 29 OU students set to travel to Arezzo in the fall, but slots are still open for anyone interested in going, Grillot said.
No matter what your major is, a global experience is beneficial not only just to be a better global citizen, but to provide the certain kinds of skills and experiences that are going to boost ones potential in the global workplace,Grillot said.
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