The Quad - James Madison University

When asked about how she chose James Madison University in America, international student Marina Mezzetti from Brazil said she saw the pictures of campus and the quad blanketed with students socializing and studying and she knew she wanted to come to JMU. “The academics here are awesome. The professors are always trying to help you be your best and do your best,” said Mezzetti. “The university has so many opportunities for you to get involved and meet new people. “ Mezzetti originally had plans to transfer to California, but once she stepped foot onto JMU’s campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia she knew she was a Duke for life.

At JMU everyone “bleeds purple” – a loyalty that is a testament to the campus spirit and welcoming environment. As a mid-sized university on 2.8km² of land with approximately 19,700 students, JMU offers big-school opportunities with a small-school feel. Having one of the highest retention rates in its category at 91%, it is clear that students are extremely satisfied with their Madison experience.

This experience has been part of the JMU tradition for more than a century. Originally founded in 1908 as a State Normal and Industrial School for Women, JMU has grown to offer more than 100 degree programs to men and women on the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. With its primary focus on the undergraduate experience, JMU offers abundant hands-on and real world opportunities to complement classroom instruction across all disciplines.  As a Phi Beta Kappa Chapter member, an honor that only 10 percent of the country’s colleges and universities can claim, JMU is committed to the liberal arts and sciences and is consistently recognized for academic achievement. These recognitions have not gone unnoticed. More than 250 companies visit JMU each year to recruit students for jobs and internships.

Students find balance outside of their challenging coursework by choosing from more than 300 clubs and student organizations, Division I athletics and numerous community and cultural events year round.

More than 400 international students from 99 countries attend JMU and enjoy the services and hands on support provided for the international student community. Yana Tyan from Kazakhstan says, “I’m really happy at JMU. It is a wonderful environment with great people and academics. My favorite place is the quad – studying, walking, playing, reading, etc. I also love visiting Washington D.C.” In the coming weeks the international student community will participate in a true American tradition – attending a Washington Nationals baseball game.

Only 2 hours from Washington D.C., Harrisonburg, Virginia is nestled in the heart of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains and offers a variety of outdoor recreation and state of the art campus facilities for living and learning. Students are particularly impressed with off-campus accommodations that offer swimming pools, game rooms, fitness centers, clubhouses and free transportation to and from campus for all student complexes. Downtown Harrisonburg offers the quintessential college-town vibe with a variety of shops, restaurants and performance venues to choose from.

As an alumnus I can say with conviction that JMU is the ultimate university experience. Many schools may say it, but JMU owns it – there truly is something for everyone.

Learn more about James Madison University in the USA.

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As many may already know, Canada has universal healthcare coverage for its citizens.  As a student, you may wonder if this healthcare coverage applies to you. Well, if you’re studying in a degree program, such coverage eventually applies to you.  Specifically, if you have a student visa for a program greater than 6 months, then you qualify – as opposed to coming to Canada on a visitor or tourist visa to study a few months of English, for example.

Each province within Canada has its own provincial authority to oversee healthcare.  For BC, we have MSP – Medical Services Plan.  What’s key to know is you need wait for the rest of the month in which you arrived in BC and then 2 more months… and then you can apply to MSP.  For example, if you arrived on August 27 (for September classes), you would include the rest of August, and then September and October… making you eligible for MSP on November 1.

In BC, monthly costs for MSP are $64 for one person, $116 for a family of two, and $128 for a family of three or more.  Other provinces, such as Ontario, charge no fee.

What’s covered in MSP?  MSP covers hospital visits, medically-required services of a doctor or specialist, maternity care, laboratory services, and other medically-required services.  Simply put, most students will need to visit a doctor and/or a hospital at some point, and these visits are covered. 

What’s not covered? Generally, MSP does not cover any non-medically required services, such as a medical examination for a driver’s license, employment, etc.  Other key items not covered by MSP include dental care (unless medically required surgery is necessary in a hospital), prescription drugs, and eye exams or corrective lenses (e.g. glasses or contact lenses).  If you want insurance for these services, most colleges and universities offer extended healthcare coverage – which can cover some of the costs of dental work, prescription drugs, eye care, etc. – for a small fee (typically less than a dollar a day).

All you need to do is present your MSP card when you need medical attention.  To get MSP, you need only fill out the online form and provide other supporting documents, such as a copy of your visa, letter of admissions to the university, etc.  At Royal Roads University, please come the International Study Centre (ISC), and we’d be happy to help you with your application.

Of course, as a student, you’re likely keen to see more than just your university, city, or even province.  If you do leave the province or country for a small period of time, be sure to get extra coverage to make sure you’re fine for anything not covered by MSP when outside of BC.

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USA has always been an attractive destination and land of opportunities for young and ambitious individuals. According to the annual report Open Doors 2011, the number of foreign students in U.S. colleges and universities increased by 4.7% in the 2010-2011 academic year, exceeding 723,000 people. Based on the latest news US President Barack Obama plans to make a number of changes to open many opportunities for international students, even granting them citizenship. He proposed an immigration reform, creating favorable conditions for foreign graduates of American universities to obtain citizenship and  work experience in the country. So, there’s never been a better time to consider USA for long term higher education plans.

Visa – what to start with?

You can only apply for a visa once you have been accepted by a university that is SEVP (The Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certified. When you get this exciting news applying for a student visa will be one of the key steps in pathway to an overseas education. F-1 is the most common visa for academic students taking an education course.

What papers do you need to apply?

You should apply for your visa as soon as you’re prepared but very important and advisable to do it well in advance. F-1 applicants would need the following documents:

• SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System document) – Form I-20;
• Your printed barcode page from your online DS-160 application form;
• A passport valid for travel to the USA and with a validity date of at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States;
• One photograph;
• Fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee

Also you should be prepared to provide:

• Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions;
• Scores from tests required by your chosen institution such as the TOEFL;
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your studies;
• You should demonstrate the consular your intention to leave the USA after you finish studying

Study to live in Canada

Each year more than 150,000 students from around the world come to study and live in Canada. Canada is a charming country with many picturesque places that provide affordable option to get a quality education and a fantastic quality of life. It is very flexible to foreign students who bring new skills and knowledge and enrich its culture.

How to apply?

If you want to study in Canada for more than 6 months you need to apply for a study permit (that is a student visa). As usual before applying you need to be accepted by a recognized university or college and have ‘Proof of Student Status’ letter. In addition to your acceptance letter you would need financial statements from the bank to cover tuition fees and living expenses and also a valid passport and 2 photos, application form with 2 appendixes and application fee.

What is also important to know is that each province and territory in Canada decides the age when a person is considered to be an adult. This is known as the age of majority and a “minor child” (a person under the age of majority) must be cared for by a custodian (who is a responsible adult in Canada).  Two notarized documents (one signed by the parents and the second one – in Canada) are needed to be prepared and required to give the custodian permission to act as a parent in Canada.

Pay attention that getting visa to Canada may take up to 3 months in high season so it is extremely important to gather the documents as soon as possible and well in advance. In some cases medical examination taken in the certified Medical Centres will be also required.

Usually Canadian embassy does not require original documents and interview.

Good luck and remember that nothing is impossible!

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Located only 50 minutes from Manhattan, LIU Post, rated as one of the safest college campuses in the USA, is situated on a scenic, 1.25 km² (307 acres) of land on Long Island in the historic Village of Brookville, NY. The campus is a woodland arboretum – a place where you can walk and study among 4,000 trees and beautiful flowers. It is the perfect place to relax with friends, sit and read a book, or prepare for exams, while still having access to the pulse of vibrant New York City.

LIU Post is one of the largest private universities in the United States, with more than 4,600 undergraduate students and 3,300 graduate students from 40 countries. You will have many opportunities to make friends from your own country and interact with American and international students.

LIU Post offers more than 85 bachelor’s degree programs, 72 master’s degree programs, and three doctoral degrees, as well as 62 “accelerated and dual degrees” that combine a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Furthermore, the curriculum fosters an individualized approach to help students achieve their goals. The campus is a friendly and welcoming environment where professors will know you by name and assist you with your studies.

LIU Post is accredited by the Commission of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. In addition, all of the academic programs are accredited by the most prestigious organizations in their fields, including AACSB International accreditation for the business program. Only five percent of the world’s business schools earn this accreditation. The Princeton Review ranks LIU Post in its “Top 300” business schools and graduates of the Palmer School of Library and Information Science earn the top salaries in the United States, according to Library Journal.

LIU Post is home to Tilles Center for the Performing Arts—a world-famous concert hall where many internationally renowned musicians perform. Because of its close proximity to Manhattan, many world class performers include the Tilles Center on their tours, including the upcoming show with actor and musician Steve Martin. The campus also features a museum, three art galleries, a student theater, and a movie theater.

Ashish Agarwal, a 2012 Long Island University dentistry graduate from India, speaks highly of his time at LIU Post through Study Group. He explained the complexities of acclimating to American life and the inherent difficulties international students face. Ashish affirmed that “There is no one like Study Group. While separated from my friends, family, and home, it has been Study Group that has most helped me realize my goals and future.”

Whether it’s studying from a wide array of fields, relaxing on the scenic campus, or heading into Manhattan to enjoy the city life, there is something for everyone at LIU Post.

For more information, please visit our website.

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What are the factors that students should bear in mind when selecting a business degree? The ground rules are a little different from the selection of other degree programs. Normally you would advise a student to go the university with the strongest possible overall reputation but other factors can play more strongly when selecting a business program. Some very traditional universities have come late to the notion of offering undergraduate business degrees as they have been reluctant to accept ‘business’ as a truly academic subject area. It therefore makes sense to look to universities such, for example, as those that were originally termed ‘Polytechnics’ in the UK, and are now still sometimes called ‘new universities’, because of their much longer commitment to business education. With a more vocational, ‘jobs-oriented’ outlook, they also adopt a less theoretical and academic approach in their business curriculum and emphasize the need for a more practical and hands-on style of learning and teaching. Most students who study business have a related career path in mind and so it makes sense for them to choose a degree program which adopts this practical approach and encourages them to engage with ‘real life situations’.

This can be taken to a further level in those degree programs which offer students the opportunity to gain work experience for a year or half-year or which provide internships, The ‘sandwich’ course, as this is sometimes called, gives students the chance to put their knowledge of business into practice in a business setting as well as to learn directly from the mentoring they receive from the host business’ own employees. Many international students are initially put off by this approach. They are studying at great expense thousands of miles from home and there is often both financial and emotional pressure on them to complete their undergraduate degrees as soon as they can in order either to move quickly to undertake a higher degree or to go home and seek a job or, more than likely, join the family business and deploy the knowledge and skills they have learned.

This desire to avoid programs with work experience or to spurn the work experience option can be very short sighted. The work experience element is high, to my mind, in the realm of ‘value-added’ elements in any degree program. That type of experience can not only be valuable in itself but also enables students to share their experiences with one another and enrich their learning experience during the final year of their degree program when they have all returned to their lecture and seminar rooms. 

Another by-product of the work experience element can be the offer of a job with the company that the student has been allocated to. Most large companies and multi-nationals in particular have training programs which involve their taking on bright young business graduates. These places can be highly competitive and the student on work experience who has made an excellent impression on the senior staff in the company in which he or she has been placed could find him or herself in a strong position to gain one of these trainee positions or, indeed, the outright offer of a job on graduation. I have even known bright students be taken on immediately and then supported financially during their final year of study. Of course, this will be the exception rather than the norm but why rule oneself out of the running by not taking up the offer of work experience.

Another important question which arises in choosing a degree program in the business field, is whether or not to go for a more general or a more specialized degree. It may be, of course, that a student’s family or sponsors have already pre-selected a program so that the returning graduate will be able to fill a perceived gap in the skills of the family business. If this is not a factor, I would urge prospective business students to choose a more specialized program that will allow them to offer particular rather than general business knowledge and skills to a prospective employer. The ideal structure at university anywhere may be a first year which introduces the student to a broad overview of business and its various functions, before allowing students, with that experience to guide them, to choose a specialization for the remaining years of their degree program, for example, marketing, human resource management or finance.

Finally, consider the degree options which carry great weight in the business world because, rightly or wrongly, they are considered the options that attract the brightest students. Economics provides a good example of this type of program. Sometimes within a business program, Economics hides itself as ‘Business Environment’ and, in fact, the study of Economics does give the aspiring businessman an opportunity to learn about those factors which affect the environment within which individual businesses prosper or wither. Similarly, Accounting is a very strong option to choose. Accountants traditionally rise high in large business organizations because they bring with them a close working knowledge of the financial aspects vital to strategic decision making within businesses. Economists and Accountants become key advisers to business leaders and often end by taking those leadership positions themselves.

Some leaders of business may even have studied something quite different in their undergraduate years, such as Engineering, Psychology or another Science or a Social Science and then, having entered the business world with this different skills-set they gain experience at, say, a middle management level, and then enhance their business expertise by studying for an MBA.

As you can see there are many considerations to think about before you apply for that ‘Business Studies’ or ‘Business Administration’ degree. This may well still be the most suitable degree for you, but at least take these other factors mentioned above into account when you make that all-important choice.

Find business degrees in North America

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When looking at the campus itself, its “roads are royal”. Hatley Castle, the center and heart of the campus, was completed in 1908 by the Premier of British Columbia at the time: James Dunsmuir. He had built the castle for his own family, however given the outbreak of World War II, the family of King George VI were instead to reside there. This never occurred though as the idea of the Royal Family leaving the UK at the time of war was thought to be an idea that England would not be able to accept. Therefore James Dunmuir (now referred to as Lord Dunmuir) and his family were able to reside in the home they built after all.

After the death of Lord Dunmuir and his wife in 1940, the family sold the estate to the federal government of Canada. It was used by the military in training officers for service in World War II. In 1968 the institution was officially named Royal Roads Military College. RRU became a public university in 1995 — with degree granting status.

The beauty of the campus and castle has not escaped the eyes of Hollywood. It is of interest to note that both have been featured in a television series and a block buster film. The castle was the home of Lex Luthor in the TV series “Smallville”, which told the story of Superman’s youth. As well, the castle and campus were home to the X-Men series of movies. Hatley castle itself was transformed into Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.

The campus of Royal Roads University sits beside the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by mountains, in the capital city of British Columbia on Vancouver Island: Victoria. There is no lovelier a city than Victoria, famous for its greenery and flowers, as well as its picturesque downtown. Victoria is also ideally located in that it is only a two hour trip to Vancouver, British Columbia, famous for being one of the top three places to live in the world and close to the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler. Victoria is also three hours away from Seattle, Washington, in the USA. Given all of this you can kayak, hike, sail, golf, ski/snow board, whale watch, dine and shop all year round surrounded by breathtaking beauty!

This theme continues right onto the campus of RRU. Each day, staff and students enjoy walking amongst the trees with views of the ocean. If we like, we can take a break on one of RRU’s many hiking trails through the woods. Or we also can simply sit in the castle grounds. Another thing that must be mentioned is the wildlife which roams free about the campus. Typically I see peacocks, geese, swans (in the summer and fall) and deer.

The Royal Roads University experience is royal indeed!

See a photo gallery of the Royal Roads University campus

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Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to meet one of our US university experts in person.

Later this month, Ian Wright, Director of International Admissions for Long Island University in New York, will be presenting to international students in New York and Boston.

The New York presentation details are:
Date: Wednesday March 14, 2012
Location: Embassy CES language school, 6th floor
Address: use entrance at 328 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001
Time: 12.30pm
Tel: 212 629 7300

The Boston presentation details are:
Date: Friday March 16, 2012
Location: Embassy CES language school
Address: 41 West Street, Boston, MA 02111
Time: 11.30am
Tel: 857-362-8970

Each presentation will take 30-45 minutes and there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions about applying to university in New York.

All international students are welcome.

If you would like to attend, email Tom Griffin at tgriffin@studygroup.com to add your name to the guest list. Bring photo ID on the day.

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I can still remember the moment I stepped foot onto James Madison University’s campus – happy students socializing and studying in picturesque settings, the bluestone buildings along the quad, the sun shining against the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. I knew in that moment that James Madison University was where I wanted to spend the next four years. That was more than ten years ago, and I still can’t get enough of the Blue Ridge skyline.

While the campus visit is a vital part of the university search process, many students today, particularly international students, are not able to simply hop in the car for a weekend visit. With strong academic programs across the globe the campus visit has shifted from campus to our computer. Online search engines and guidebooks are bursting with information, but oftentimes these outlets can be overwhelming. University rankings are exciting, but do not always share the full story of everything a school has to offer. If you are suffering from cyberspace overload here are some tips to avoid crashing.

Beyond the Basics:

Kick off your search with standard sites like the university homepage that links to information for prospective students and admissions requirements. These are central starting points that often include quick facts, online tours and links to academic programs. But don’t stop there. Consider a few outlets beyond these basics to get an insider’s guide on what to expect on campus. Browsing the digital copy of a student newspaper, clicking through the calendar of events, and navigating to an area visitor’s guide website will paint a better picture of life on and off campus. Use the search box typically found at the top of each homepage as a helpful tool for finding specific information.

Save Your Search:

There is so much information available it is easy to get lost clicking away from one link to the next. You may find yourself questioning where you found a virtual tour, a layout of a residence hall, the university that had the exact academic program you had been seeking, etc. Keep these links as you find them in one easy to access document with a short description of each link and the name of the university so that you can refer to it later. Social bookmarking websites like www.diigo.com and www.delicious.com are helpful resources for saving your searches. You’ll save your time and your sanity from re-searching for this information.

Virtual Visuals:

Pictures, videos, and virtual tours are essential to helping you get a better feel for campus. In addition to popular social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, here are a few other websites to keep on your radar.

· www.flickr.com

· www.youtube.com or www.vimeo.com

· www.universitiesintheusa.com

· www.campustours.com

If access to these or similar sites is limited in your country use the information request form or e-mail address provided by the university to request printed materials. Some universities may be able to connect you with a student or professor in your academic area of interest to share their perspective.

Follow Up:

Universities abroad are eager and excited to recruit international students. They want to hear from you and share information about the university. As you find universities that interest you fill out their online information request form. Set up a separate e-mail account to use for university communication so that you know you will receive this information in one spot and will not be overloading your personal e-mail account. A separate account is a great way to share this information with your parents or guardians so that they can access important university updates sent via e-mail.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when starting your online search. Start early, take your time, and enjoy the process. The more effort you put into making an informed decision, the more likely you will be academically and personally successful in your new environment.

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Effective January 1, 2012, James Madison University Undergraduate Admissions now requires all undergraduate students to provide a HARD COPY attested/certified high school transcripts with their complete application package. In addition, all transcripts, as well as a copy of the graduation diploma/certificate, need to be translated into English. The minimum GPA required for undergraduate admissions purposes to JMU-ISC is a 3.0 (U.S. equivalent).

Students also need to provide a copy of their passport, visa if applicable, student letter/letter of intent, a professional letter of recommendation, an official TOEFL/IELTS or Study Group English test score, and a bank statement or financial guarantee (if on scholarship) indicating minimum funds of US $34,000.

Accuracy and completion when filling out the application and required health forms are also very important. Not only does this improve the likelihood of acceptance to JMU, but there is also vital information which potentially impacts the student’s safety and well-being. Organizing immunizations records and other required documents while in one’s home country will not only save time and money, but will lessen the stress factor a student may feel upon arrival in the U.S.

The JMU Graduate Admissions Office has a different set of admissions requirements for graduate students. Different graduate programs have different admission deadlines and starting dates, so it is very important to educate oneself on the specific program requirements for the degree one is seeking.

The application process for international students, residing outside of the United States, typically takes between 6 months to one year. Students need to have a formal credential evaluation of undergraduate course work submitted directly to the JMU Graduate Admissions Office, as well as complete a financial declaration. This is in addition to all other required documents such as a student letter, letters of recommendation, passport, copy of undergraduate diploma, completed health form, and International Student Advisor’s Report (if applicable). One of the unique benefits of the James Madison University Pre-Master’s Program is that graduate students have until the end of their first semester in our program to complete the GRE or GMAT exam as required by the specific graduate program.

In conclusion, doing research ahead of time, and providing up to date, accurate, and complete documents in English will help facilitate a positive, timely and favorable admission process when applying to the James Madison University International Study Center.

Students can then focus on building positive new experiences and academic success. We look forward to continuing to welcome new international students to JMU-ISC, and helping them achieve their academic and future career goals.

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For most people, when we travel and live in a foreign country, we don’t think that anything out of the ordinary will happen to us. The stark reality though, is that unexpected things do happen (like my ribs smashing against the fishing boat in the Gulf of Guanacaste). In the United States, health care and medication is largely a privatized system, which translates to the fact that it can be very expensive.

Just for background, health insurance, most simply put, is any form of insurance that provides protection against the high cost of medical services. Here in the United States, it is both a public and private system. While the majority of citizens have private insurance plans, the government subsidizes the majority of medical costs for seniors and low-income children and families. The two government-run programs, Medicare and Medicaid, draw considerable attention from politicians, press, and public voices in the United States.

Nearly 70% of Americans opt for private healthcare coverage. Out of the United States’ entire population, over 60% buy into plans offered through their employers, while just 9% purchase insurance directly. While healthcare plans are managed by a consortium of private companies, the content of said plans are regulated by both state and federal precedents.

Most schools in the United States require students to either enroll in school-sponsored insurance plans, or provide confirmation of a comparable coverage source. Study Group’s Study Care is one such program.

Study Group’s Study Care is, effectively, a form of private health insurance offered specifically to Study Group students. The insurance, which covers everything from doctor visits to surgery, becomes effective immediately after admitted students leave their home country’s airspace (aka, when you touch off the tarmac for the United States). While a small fee of $50 is charged directly to the student following medical consultations, this fee is only a deductible, or partial payment, of whatever expense was incurred by the visit. So, basically, if a doctor visit cost $250, an insured student will only be expected to pay $50 out-of-pocket.

Some specialty services, such as psychiatric therapy, dental care, or addiction rehabilitation, incur greater direct costs, however, for the sake of time, I’ll defer to the Study Care pamphlet which discusses these details in full. Once a student departs the United States, Study Care coverage becomes null and void. Upon re-entry, however, students’ insurance may be renewed if applicable.

For more information please refer to the following links:
Usa.gov | Health Insurance
Review health insurance options, retrieve information, and learn more about this vital industry.

Study Group | Study Care
Comprehensive insurance plan developed specifically for international students studying via Study Group.

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