Staying Safe While Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an experience that can satisfy twofold: it encourages a sense of wanderlust while still enabling you to receive an education—oftentimes providing much more than can be found inside the confines of a normal classroom. And while it’s exciting to imagine the possibilities of your trip, it’s also prudent to be prepared for what you don’t want to happen. Read on for tips to help you stay safe while studying abroad.

Be Well-versed in an Area and its Laws

Make sure to review the State Department’s information on specific countries, heeding travel warnings and familiarizing yourself with local laws. Register at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week), note their address and phone number, and carry this info with you; in case of an emergency or crime, contact them immediately.

Stay Attentive and Informed

Research local customs, being aware of behavioral and social norms, and use discretion with dress and specific male-versus-female expectations. Understand and respect these cultural boundaries, but remember, never sacrifice your own safety to appease these differences.

Circumvent Unsafe Areas and People

Travel in groups or at least with a trusted buddy, or make same-sex friends in the community who are able to offer guidance on making wise choices within that region. Be aware of your surroundings and never get to the point when you’re too incapacitated to know what is going on around you. (Which ties into our next point…)

Avoid Being Vulnerable

Remain alert, keeping equal tabs on your friends and drinks at the bar. Leave important or showy jewelry at home. Wear a purse or wallet close to your body, especially while in large crowds. (The unsightly “fanny packs” of yesteryear are gone and have been replaced with the more streamlined money belts, which fit smoothly and discreetly under clothes, making it harder for foreign hands to pilfer.)

Use Long-standing Pointers That Work

As you may have heard at the airport or train station, never leave your baggage unattended or accept packages from strangers. Be wary of those asking too many questions or offering unsolicited help. Be confident when saying “no,” and, if needed, keep saying “no”—even at the cost of sounding like a broken record.

A Few Final Tips

All in all, avoid circumstances that put you in peril. Don’t reward aggressive behaviors with aggressive behavior—if you don’t feel right about something, keep your composure and remove yourself from that situation. Pay attention to any warning signals that may be going off in your head.

Once you’ve  acknowledged the world is an interesting yet capricious hodgepodge of cultures, you’ll find using common sense and your best judgment is often the best way to make studying abroad a fun, and, more importantly, safe experience.

For additional reading on this topic, please visit the following links:
Sexual Harassment And Prevention In College Students Studying Abroad
Tips for Traveling Abroad

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Creating a budget for study abroad

Traveling is one of life’s luxuries – and luxury doesn’t come cheap. Whether, you’re traveling abroad to study or you’re traveling for pleasure, you’re bound to run into a few financial hurdles along the way. But if you make a plan – and stick to it – it may be possible to see the world without going broke.

Step 1: Calculate your “big picture” number. Before you start breaking down your study abroad budget, you need to know how much money you will have for the duration of the trip. Whether it’s something you’re funding on your own, or with the help of family or friends, knowing your total budget will make it much easier to itemize expenses later on.

Step 2: Convert your currency. Most people are surprised by the vast difference between currencies. Before you start making an expense list, take your “big picture” number and see what it converts to in the local currency. There are various currency converters online that allow you to do this with amazing accuracy.

Step 3: Figure out your needs. Housing accommodation’s. Food. Transportation. The cost of these necessities should be calculated before you start thinking about the fun stuff. Your study abroad program may set you up with some sort of housing arrangement. Check to see if your current financial aid package can be applied to your study abroad university; if it does, funding for on campus housing abroad may be included in the package. You will also want to set aside 10-15% of your overall budget for emergencies.

Step 4: Get a SID card. These student identification and discount cards are available to all students and may save you hundreds of dollars. They offer discounts on various items, from museums tickets, to transportation, to dining – you can save a few dollars everywhere you go! Be sure to read about the different types and choose the one that’s best for you.

Step 5: Figure out your wants. Now’s the hard part – figuring out everything you want to do. Obviously, you’re in a new country and you will want to see and experience everything. To determine how to budget your “fun money”, be sure to consider the following things:

• Excursions:
  There’s a lot to see and do in a new country. Plan ahead for bigger excursions  on your “must do” list. Be sure to include the cost of transportation there and back, meals, and entrance for each trip as well.

• Nights out:
  Most days abroad will be spent in class or visiting sites, but you still want to have money to do spontaneous things with your new friends. Set aside some money for random events that pop up while you’re abroad. It may help to create a monthly budget for your “party”  money to be sure you don’t run out by month two!

• Souvenirs:
  Chances are you’re going to want to bring back some fun gifts for friends and family, as well as souvenirs for yourself. Check out some of our great out-of-the-box souvenir ideas, and if none of those appeal to you, be sure to set aside some extra spending money.

Step 6: Manage your budget. Okay, so you have your necessities budgeted, you have your emergencies savings set aside, and you have all of your fun money budgeted out for different activities. Now all you have to do now is stick to your budget. Keep a copy of your budget with you while abroad so you can make sure you’re on track. Save receipts and track your spending as well – it will help you stay honest, and stay on budget!

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Financing your Study Abroad Trip

First things first, let’s go over the different ways to apply for assistance to fund your study abroad. And no, robbing a bank isn’t a suggested option. There are three main potential sources for funding your time abroad:

• Scholarships


• Financial Aid


• Loans

And don't forget about the old-fashioned savings option. Once you decide where and when you will be studying abroad, you can start working to save up for your trip. Whether it be a work-study job on campus or babysitting those ruffians next door, you can budget and set aside your paycheck for financing your trip abroad. But let’s be realistic, saving up just might not be enough funding. That’s where our three other options come in.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a great resource that a lot of students neglect simply out of lazoiness. While you may be overwhelmed at the thought of more applications, you should absolutely take the time to scour scholarships. A standard Internet search can yield a lot of results, and speaking with an advisor at your school’s abroad office is important too. Talking to an advisor ensures you getting the information you need from a reliable source.

Advisors may also refer you to smaller scholarships that may not offer as much money but are much less competitive, thereby upping your shot for earning more money. In some cases, universities award scholarships to students just by writing a genuine essay on why studying abroad is important and what you hope to accomplish in a semester abroad.

Financial Aid

Then there’s the option of financial aid, but be careful because each university is different. Semesters abroad are becoming more and more popular for students, and now many schools offer students their existing campus-based financial aid package for their study abroad program. This means, the deal you worked out with your financial aid office at home remains relevant for your study abroad experience.

If your school doesn’t have that policy, your best bet is to be proactive and go to your financial aid office. Ask them if there is anything you can do and how you can apply for any special aid packages that might be available. You may end up lucky, you may not. The only way to be sure is to ask and work with the financial powers that be to get more money.

Loans

And lastly, loans can also be a viable option. However, anytime you consider loans, be cautious about it. Remember, the a difference between financial aid, and scholarships and loans is that you will have to pay back every dollar of your student loans after you graduate.

For the most part, getting a government loan mid-year, after you are awarded your financial aid package, is near impossible. Of course, it never hurts to double-check and see if there are any Stafford or Perkins options, but it is very slim. Depending on your credit or the credit of your co-signer, you can always look into a private (bank) loan. However, bank loans come with the unfortunate slap of high interest rates, but many students turn to private loans when they need money and accept the fact that it comes with an added cost.

Doing your homework and researching the right bank for you can shave off some of those high interest rates. But fair warning, those rates will generally be the same across all institutions because of the Federal Reserve and the current state of the economy setting the borrowing standard.

Getting started

Now that you have an understanding of your funding options, it’s important get started on the right foot. Here are three tips you won't want to forget:

• Start now 
  Don’t wait until the last minute to start saving up for your trip abroad or reaching out for some of these alternative options.


• Ask for help 
  Ask your abroad advisors, ask your parents and ask your friends who have gone through the process recently.


• Don’t be afraid to seek multiple resources 
  If you have to save and apply for scholarships or take out a loan, that’s okay! A combination of options may be the best idea for you financially and if that’s the case, doing all of these things ahead of time and getting multiple, well-advised opinions will only make your planning easier.

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Effective Marketing of Your Study Abroad Experience to Employers

 

Whether or not you planned it, studying abroad may have made you more marketable to future employers. The skills and knowledge you learned while abroad may be easily transferrable into the working world. But it is up to you to demonstrate the link between your study abroad experience and the specific skills valued by the company or organization that you want to work for.

Identifying Your International Competencies

The following list of questions is intended to help you begin to identify some of the international knowledge, skills and experience you may possess. Take time to consider your answers to these questions:

• Flexibility: How have you developed greater tolerance for ambiguity? Are you a productive team player?


• Cultural Adaptability: How have you gained new cross-cultural skills, sensitivity, and awareness?


• Wider Worldview: How have you gained a deeper understanding of international affairs & global issues?


• Language Acquisition: How have you strengthened your primary, secondary or tertiary language skills?


• Leadership: How have you acquired new vision or purpose, abilities to motivate others, core skills in leadership?

These are a set of broad skills which could be highly transferable in your job search and may be viewed as important to employers in their hiring process. They are highly marketable regardless of whether you are seeking a job in the U.S, with a domestic employer, an international organization or looking to work abroad.

The list below includes specific qualities and abilities which students studying abroad may frequently develop. In preparation for a job or informational interview, you may want to think of concrete examples from your experience abroad that demonstrate your development of some of these characteristics:

• Independence/Self-reliance


• Self-knowledge


• Self-confidence


• Flexibility


• Perseverance


• Ability to cope with stress, rejection


• Assertiveness


• Inquisitiveness


• Awareness of lifestyle choices and global consequences


• Adaptability to new environments


• Appreciation for diversity


• Ability to establish rapport quickly


• Open-mindedness


• Understanding and appreciation of other perspectives


• Suspend judgment about people and their actions


• Concern/knowledge of international issues and politics


• Learn quickly


• Greater focus on career interests


• Handle difficult situations


• Critical thinking skills


• Function with a high level of ambiguity


• Achieve goals despite obstacles


• Take initiatives and risks


• Communicate despite barriers


• Learn through listening and observing


• Time management skills

Because you’ve studied abroad, you may have developed important attributes of a globally competent student which employers will value. These include:

• A diverse and knowledgeable worldview


• Comprehension of the international dimensions of your major field of study


• Ability to communicate effectively in another language and/or cross-culturally


• Cross-cultural sensitivity and adaptability

Effective marketing of yourself in your job search requires that you incorporate these attributes into your resume, your cover letter and your talking points during job interviews.

After returning to campus, consider the many ways in which you can “unpack” your international experience and “make sense” of it.

• Visit a career service advisor to revise and re-frame your resume


• Participate in campus or community programs which provides an opportunity to articulate what you learned and how you gained new intercultural and professional skills


• Discuss your experience with international students from the country in which you studied to gain a fresh perspective on the culture and norms of that society


• Practice articulating how you overcame obstacles in adjusting to your overseas experience, became more flexible and open-minded, more competent in a second language, and more self-confident

Resources for Unpacking Your Study Abroad Experience

Global Competency Quick Reference Guide 
Nancy Paul
Career Development Center at Binghamton University, State University of New York
Excellent reference tool to assist students understand meaning of “global competency” and how their experience abroad translates on a resume, in cover letter and during a job interview.

The Other Side of Education Abroad: Same City, Different Results
Sheila Curran
An essay depicting different outcomes in a job interview which were a result of two different approaches to the same study abroad experience.

Coming Home: Relationships, Roots and Unpacking
James L. Citron and Vija G. Mendelson
Abroad View Magazine
Essay on the challenges and opportunities of re-adjusting upon returning to campus.

Help Employers See the Value of Your Study Abroad Experience
Kelly Cuene
Student Branding Blog
How to avoid study abroad misconceptions.

 

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How to Take Advantage of Career Connections While Abroad

While employers believe job applicants with education abroad experiences are most likely to possess the skill sets they seek in their employees, they do not value education abroad – or related international experiences – for its own sake. Employers are, however, actively interested in whether or not a job applicant demonstrates that as a result of their experiences abroad, they have developed the requisite skills and sensitivity that makes them stand out as the strongest candidate for a particular job. 

When you decided to study abroad, you may not have considered the career impact of your international experience. However, why not take advantage of what may be a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to gain extensive international experience and develop skills which employers may find valuable when they look for new employees!

So you need to be smart in preparing to network and interact in your host community in ways that may add important value to your future job search after you return to campus. Here’s what you should do:

• Plan ahead before you go*


• Craft a purposeful networking strategy*


• Know what you need to know


• Identify networking prospects*#


• Use local resources: teachers, community resources, program alumni#

*Discuss with your campus career service advisor
#Discuss with your study abroad advisor – find out what has worked for previous program participants

As Jean-Marc Hachey, author of The Big Guide to Study Abroad suggests, there are many ways you can extend the professional dimension of your time studying abroad.

• Join a multicultural student work team while abroad. Search out courses that require group work where you can gain valuable cross-cultural work experience.


• Intern or volunteer as a researcher with a professor working in your field. If this fails, try to pair up with a local graduate student doing research work, and offer to work with them on a volunteer basis.


• Offer your English skills in countries where English is not the native language. You may easily use your English language skills to: help a professor edit a paper for an international conference, teach English to fellow students, or help an organization write content in English for their web site.


• Meet professionals in your field of interest while overseas. For example, as part of a group of foreign engineering students, take the lead to organize a visit to a local research and development engineering firm. Alternatively, as a political science student, organize a visit to meet with professionals at headquarters of an international organization situated in a neighboring city.


• Volunteer off campus – preferably in your field. Consider a service-learning experience.


• If possible, extend your stay abroad with an internship, language learning or cross-cultural travel with a professional purpose.

Discuss these and other options before you leave campus with your advisors and if possible, with students who have already studied in your country. Craft a plan of action for your service or volunteer experience which best meets your needs. Seek experience which may provide the kind of practical cross-cultural interaction that builds your self-confidence in a cross-cultural environment; provides an opportunity to use a foreign language; creatively problem-solve, and fosters interpersonal relationships working alongside professionals from another culture or ethnic background.

These types of experiences can be placed on your resume and may add significant value during your job search. They may strengthen your narrative in a job interview when you are asked to discuss what you learned while abroad or what you learned about the community in which you studied.

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Navigating the Job Search after Study Abroad

Study abroad has the potential to be life-changing and to bring about unanticipated new perspectives about your choice of major and career focus.  Even if you made the decision to go abroad without any consideration at all to how it might impact your career, the experience has been shown to be tied to career choices made years after graduation.

In the current tough economic climate, there’s intense competition for jobs in every field.  The question is how well prepared are you to compete and what can you do to stand out among your peers when the time comes to conduct a job search in your senior year?  Of course, internships and service-learning in the U.S. or abroad offer unique opportunities to build important skills and competencies, but studying abroad has many unique benefits which you can leverage.  If you carefully assess and analyze the outcomes of your time abroad, you’ll want to do more than just add the experience itself to your resume.

If you did not visit your career service office before leaving campus, it’s time to do so.  It will be useful to discuss the impact of your time abroad with an advisor who can assist you to:

• Reflect upon the career preference you had and whether or not, as a result of your time abroad, you’re considering other options;


• Review how the experience strengthened your interpersonal and analytic skills; provided you with new cross-cultural insights;  improved your language competency;  and made you a more flexible and adaptable person;  and


• Inform you about how to incorporate the above skills and competencies in cover letters and articulate these new attributes in job interviews.

The most important thing you will learn is that employers may not place any special value on the fact that you studied abroad; but, they will value how well you explain how your time overseas strengthened skills and competencies which are important to the company or organization.  It’s true that not every employer is looking for staff who speak a foreign language or who have a “global perspective,” but, since you chose to study abroad, there’s a strong likelihood you’re looking to work somewhere where your international experience is valued and will give you a strategic advantage.

Next steps

You need to craft a job search strategy which is purposeful and develop an intentional game plan to move your search forward in successful ways.  There are important steps you can take to identify employers whose goals and purpose align with your values and interests.   These steps should include the following:

• Assess your career interests, personal values and professional skills


• Align these with a field, a sector, a group of organizations which closely track your career preferences


• Create a plan – with advice from your career service office- which moves your search forward in your senior year


• Create space each week/month to conduct your research, meet with alumni, research organizations and track their job openings


• Monitor all career events and presentations taking place on campus –and participate!

Research and networking

You can also design a networking strategy which leads you to speak with alumni, family and friends –on campus and in the community - who can provide valuable insights and information about the field you’re interested in.

• A career or faculty advisor can help you learn about professional associations and organizations to broaden your understanding of employment prospects in a given field.  It’s important to connect with alumni who can assist you in gaining a better understanding of how to break into a field and provide insight into the kind of skills valued for entry-level assignments


• You can conduct LinkedIn searches after you upload your profile and join your campus alumni group after graduation. Before that, you can search and join groups relating to career interests you have,  geographic locales of interest, and other criteria.  LinkedIn is an invaluable asset – and used widely by professionals all over the world – in researching both organizations and individuals.  Which alumni are now or have ever worked at an organization of interest to you?


• Research websites of organizations where alumni have worked in your field and try to conduct background research which makes you a more informed networker when reaching out to speak with alums online.


• Did you meet useful contacts while abroad?  Be sure to keep in touch with them and let them know about your career plans.

Networking is about building strategic connections.  Develop a plan, stick to it, give yourself time to identify people you want to communicate with, craft a message, follow up, and keep at it.

A job search takes preparation and especially time –while you are completing your degree, something you don’t have a lot of- so organize and prioritize the tasks you need to accomplish month by month.  Don’t wait until graduation is around the corner---as soon as you return to campus from studying abroad, get started.

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Study Abroad Options: Schools & Other Entities

Students typically study abroad through one of three types of programs: school-sponsored programs, provider-based programs, and third-party programs. Following is a description of each:

• School-sponsored study abroad programs are typically directly connected to a college or university and organized and operated by a study abroad office on campus.


• Provider-based programs are offered through private companies that primarily sell study abroad programs and exchanges. Such programs typically have a limited or non-existent relationship with colleges and universities in the United States, or have an indirect relationship with colleges and universities in the United States through students.


• Third-party programs, which are also private companies that primarily sell study abroad programs and exchanges, typically have established academic relationships with colleges and universities in the United States.

School-sponsored programs differ from provider-based programs in that the majority of their study abroad programs connect to the intentions and values of the school. Therefore, school-sponsored programs might offer less of a variety of curricula and programming than do provider-based programs. Also, school-sponsored programs are commonly more intimately and directly connected to students’ overall curricula and degree programs.

Provider-based programs differ from school-sponsored programs in that they typically offer a wider breadth of program types, designs, and options. Provider-based programs are more market and demand oriented, and therefore tend to offer programs that consumers desire most.

Third-party programs differ from school-sponsored and provider-based programs in that they offer a breadth of programs and connect directly to colleges and universities. They offer a nice blend of school-sponsored and provider-based programs.

All three types of programs may offer students opportunities to enjoy adventures, participate in different societies and cultures, and earn college credits while living and studying abroad. All three programs also typically offer students options in program type, duration, and focus of travel and study. In this way, all three types of programs offer students similar opportunities.

Also, all three types of programs typically contract with colleges and universities throughout the world so that students can earn college credits while studying abroad. However, school-sponsored, provider-based, and third-party programs all differ in the degree to which they will readily accept credit transfers. School-sponsored and third-party programs tend to have existing agreements with colleges and universities for transferring credits, while provider-based programs tend to put the onus on students to ensure that their credits will transfer. In this way, all three program types are slightly different.

Following are a few more key differences between school-sponsored programs, provider-based programs, and third-party programs:

• School-sponsored programs are often times connected to schools’ values, goals, missions, and academic interests


• Provider-based programs are often times connected to market demand


• Third-party programs are often times connected both to the demands of a school and the demands of the market


• School-sponsored and third-party programs typically have ready-made arrangements for transferring credits

If you go to school at a small college or university, you might not have access to a school-sponsored study abroad program. In that case, you might consider studying abroad through a provider-based or third-party program. Provider-based and third-party programs can be just as well-organized, affordable, and connected to your field of study as school-sponsored ones—you simply have to conduct a search to find one that’s a perfect fit for you.

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Which course is better MBA or CA after B.com?

CAs today face top challenges from MBAs who are good at communication skills know finance and economy better.”  -Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group.

While this comment might be his personal opinion, the truth is that there is a definitive need to answer this confusion about the better options among MBA and CA. The article intends to do the same.



Commerce is a versatile field, holding multiple career opportunities for those who have a taste for numbers, calculations and managing finances. A career in commerce is also attractive in terms of the monetary rewards it carries, which is quite the obvious reason why students choose to make their career in this field. Statistics speak on their own. BCom (honours) is the most sought-after courses in Delhi University and consequently the most competitive also. A percentage less than 90% in 12^th boards has very bleak chances of making up to the cut-off and if you want a seat in one of the colleges of North Campus, then anything less than 95% is less than enough. Once you secure a seat and pass through all the rigors of the course with flying colours, you are faced with the quintessential confusion of either going for a job or pursuing higher studies. Now if you chose the latter, another conundrum that is bound to crop up is whether seeking a MBA degree will be more rewarding or pursuing CA would be more fruitful.  Here is a head to head to comparison between the two.

The ABCD of CA

As industry and trade is growing, so is the need for chartered accountants to manage their growing business.   The Institute of Chartered Accountants in India is the authoritative body in India which runs chartered accountancy courses in the country. Commerce graduates with at least 50% passing marks are eligible to register for the Integrated Professional Competence Course. After passing through the course, candidates are required to register as articled clerks for admission to final course of Chartered Accountant. It approximately takes 5 years to complete the course including the practical training.

The ABCD of MBA  

Master of Business Administration is the new shining passport to a flying career start in India. The management degree comes in various flavours. While most of the colleges offer Post Graduate Diploma in Management, there are others that offer an equivalent Masters of Business Administration. Most of the colleges have to be approved by AICTE and UGC, although there are exceptions to the rule like Indian School of Business which offers an MBA-equivalent PGDM accredited by  Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, (AACSB), a worldwide agency to accredit international business schools. The course is of two year duration and minimum eligibility requirements include 50% passing marks in graduation from any field.

Which is better; MBA or CA?

Now coming back to the original question, deciding the better between a MBA and a CA is like comparing a one day match with test match. Both have their own relevance, yet one is more popular, has more rewards and is more sought after by the public. Both CA and MBA are an integral part of the company, as both have different duties to perform. As such there should no competition whatsoever amongst the two. However, the fact is as a CA you will be look after the finance and accounts department and can expect to rise to the ranks of CFO of the company, while on the other hand an MBA can expect to raise a notch higher to the position of CEO of the same company.

You are completely within your rights to ask why this preference to MBA. The answer is:

MBAs are better at communication skills, the courses are better designed to understand the global economic scenario and they are trained to be a visionary and leader right from the very start of their course. MBAs are exposed to various aspects of the business and hence are better equipped to take decisions that matter to the future direction of the company. While MBAs take a bird’s eye view of the organization CAs are trained to have a look on the eyes of the fish and this is the precise reason MBAs make better CEOs than CAs.   Therefore, for the time being, the grass is greener on the side of MBAs as compared to CAs, who still make for a good and respectable profession.

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Limitations of e-Learning

Although e-Learning has many benefits for students and organizations alike, it also has limitations.

• Computer literacy and access to equipment. Any e-Learning system involves basic equipment and a minimum level of computer knowledge in order to perform the tasks required by the system. A student that does not possess these skills, or have access to these tools, cannot succeed in an e-Learning program.


• Some topics are not appropriate for e-Learning. Certain subjects that require physical exertion and practice, such as sports and public speaking, are not good candidates for e-Learning. However, e-Learning can be a useful companion to traditional education for teaching background and technical information.


• Students themselves can be a limitation to e-Learning. The flexibility and student-centered nature of e-Learning requires a high level of student responsibility. A successful e-Learning student must be well organized, self-motivated, and have good time management skills. What you get out of an e-Learning program is directly related to the amount of effort you put in.

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How to Study Abroad in France for Free

 



France is the fourth most popular destination for study abroad students in the United States and one of the top study abroad destinations in the world.

Students from all over the world want to go to France to study, and unfortunately, there aren't very many scholarships available. The low cost of education in France means that non-Europeans from affluent countries (i.e. Canadians, Americans, Australians, etc.) don't really need scholarships to pay the cost of their tuition. Scholarships that include a cost-of-living stipend are generally reserved for students who participate in the Erasmus exchanges between European countries and a small number of engineering, business, and medical students from French-speaking former colonies.

The only major scholarships available to American students, the Fulbright Scholarship and the Chateaubriand Fellowship, are so competitive that they are almost exclusively reserved for advanced Ph.D. students. A handful of French government sponsored scholarships do exist, but seek to support students perfecting their French skills and not other areas of study.

You can try to use federal financial aid or find a study abroad program that offers scholarships, but you'll still end up in debt. But what if you want to go to France without accumulating more student loans? Is it possible to study in one of the most expensive countries in the world for free?

Maybe not totally not-paying-a-penny free. But studying in France debt-free is possible.

I've done it. And lots of others have too. You just have to have a little know-how, a lot of patience, and an independent streak. And speaking French reasonably well won't hurt.

Here's how.

Be an Au Pair

If you want to come to France to learn French but don't want or need a degree, you may want to consider coming as an au pair. Au pairs can be up to 30 years old and come to France as a sort of sponsored worker, typically with some kind of exchange program. Au pairs only have the right to work in France as au pairs, have specific working hours of no more than 30 hours per week (after school and on Wednesdays) and get a room, a transportation card, and a small monthly stipend of around EU275 as payment.

Families are also required to pay for 10 hours of weekly French language classes for their au pairs, who must take the classes during their stay and prove enrollment to keep their visa.

Being an au pair in France isn't a very well-paid job, but it provides a way of studying French in France in a non-degree program for free. Note that if you work as an au pair, you may not be able to switch families if things don't work out, and you won't be able to switch to a different kind of visa once you arrive in France.

QUICK TIPS FOR LIVING ON A BUDGET WHILE STUDYING IN FRANCE:

• Consider studying in smaller cities, away from Paris, for a more authentic (and inexpensive) French experience. Many students weigh the benefits between their options before coming to a final decision. Cities such as Grenoble, Lyon, and Cannes are good possibilities.


• Avoid touristy areas where restaurant prices will skyrocket - for trips to these attractions, pack a baguette-and-cheese lunch from the corner store. Don't be afraid of dingy looking restaurants: what you're looking for is many happy-looking people speaking French, the lack of an English-language menu and a fat chef.


• Students and the under-25's are eligible for quite a few discounts in France. Purchase an international youth travel card and you'll get discounted entry to the Eiffel Tower and other major sights around France. In some places, your age alone will be enough to cheapen the price (it never hurts to ask!). Check out all of our resources for student deals and discounts in France.


• Take out large sums of money at a time from your bank account back home at ATM's around the cities. Take this money and deposit it into your newly-opened French bank account. This way, you can avoid repetitive fees for withdrawing money and ease your purchasing convenience with a French debit card.

Consider Direct Enrollment

If you choose to study abroad in France with a regular study abroad program, you'll pay tens of thousands of dollars in program fees for administrative and academic support during your stay. However, some students find the extra level of support to be comforting while studying abroad, and many study abroad providers in France do offer scholarships to help you alleviate costs.

But enrolling directly in a French university costs a whopping EU437 (about $550). (And that includes a year of basic student health insurance!)

In order to enroll directly, you usually have to commit to a more long-term program. You'll first have to decide whether you're going to do a year of undergraduate courses or a master's program. The cost difference isn't huge, but enrolling directly as an undergraduate can be complicated. First, you'd have to make sure that your home university would accept transfer credits from a French university and count the credits towards your major without requiring you to pay any fees. If you prefer to do a master's program in France, you'll earn a degree recognized in all of Europe and not have to worry about equivalencies.

The easiest way to enroll directly in a French university is to already have a reasonably good level of French, as you'll have to take a standardized French test and earn a level of at least B1-B2 (intermediate by European standards) in order to qualify for direct enrollment.

If your level of French isn't good enough from the get-go, you can take a month-long intensive French course in a French university at the beginning of the school year, but the tuition can be ten times regular tuition (at several thousand Euros).

Consider also participating in a foreign exchange program that your university operates - this can be a cost effective method as all of your university financial aid can still be used to foot the bill.

Attend a Grande Ecole for Your Master's

Grandes Ecoles graduate schools like the Ecole Polytechnique (for science and engineering) and the Ecole Normale Superieure (for humanities) are the Ivy League of French universities, and acceptance in one of these prestigious schools is usually accompanied by a full tuition scholarship and a cost-of-living stipend.

Graduates of the Grandes Ecoles are expected to become top contributors to French society, and they earn highly coveted private sector jobs as well as top-notch appointments in all levels of the French administration once they've earned their diplomas. So it's only natural for the schools to be well-funded.

While earning a degree from one of these schools basically means you're set for life in France, admission is highly competitive. Candidates to public French universities are accepted if they have completed the previous year of study, but Grande Ecole students often spend several years preparing for a set of rigorous entrance exams that make the baccalaureat look like a first grade spelling test.

Fortunately for you, these schools also have a mandate to educate the best and the brightest students in the world, and admit foreign students based on a separate set of exams and a quota.



If you're super smart, highly motivated, and speak good French (which you'll definitely have to do to get admitted), a graduate degree from a Grande Ecole is a great start to an international career, and a great way to live in France for free. In addition, most of these schools are accredited by FAFSA, meaning that even though you'll get a scholarship to attend and won't have to use federal financial aid (though you could), you can also defer your student loans during your studies. (Unfortunately, that's not the case for many public French universities.)

To apply, you'll have to fully research the program you want to do, come up with a project proposal, and then take the entrance exam for foreign students in France in May or June for admission the following year. Admissions decisions are released in late June or early July.

Teach English and/or Babysit to Cover Expenses

If you don't want to go to (or can't get into) a Grande Ecole, the best way to fully fund your year abroad is to take advantage of one of the many programs available to native English speakers for teaching or working as an au pair in France.



The winter before you want to go to France, you can apply to the Teaching Assistant Program in France, or TAPIF, to get a job teaching 12 hours per week in an elementary, middle, or high school somewhere in France. Take-home pay is just under EU800 per month, and that amount will cover most of your living expenses. State in your application that you're planning on doing a masters in whichever French city you want to go to, and they'll try to accommodate your choice.

If you miss the January deadline or don't get accepted the first time around, you can always go to the local Minister of Education office (rectorat) and ask to be considered as a local hire. With a student visa, some teaching experience, and native English skills, there's a good chance you'll get a job in the fall, as they often have English assistants change their minds about coming to France at the last minute.

The Teaching Assistant salary of EU800 should be plenty to cover basic living expenses in most French cities, but in Paris, that amount will barely pay the rent. So a good solution is to look at one of the American / Anglophone job boards in FUSAC (France USA Contacts magazine with classified ads) or at the American Church in Paris to try to find a babysitting-for-rent arrangement. Lots of bilingual families in France want their kids to have a native English speaker for a babysitter, and many offer rooms in exchange for part-time babysitting, usually after school or on Wednesdays.

You can consult FUSAC online in advance, as families start posting job ads for the following year as early as February vacation. If you're enrolling in a French university, make sure to indicate that you'll be a student and possibly teaching English, as families can't sponsor work visas other than au pair visas.

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Top Ten Myths About Studying Abroad

Just like any new experience or opportunity, there are many assumptions and falsehoods created about studying abroad. With accurate facts, students can make educated decisions about studying abroad.

#1: Studying abroad is too expensive

Reality: The University of Illinois offers more than 400 study abroad programs that range in costs. Some programs are very comparable to studying at Illinois. Some programs are more expensive and some are less. There are a variety of ways to pay for studying abroad, including scholarships, financial aid, and loans. By planning ahead, you can speak to your family about your financial restrictions, as well as save for your time abroad. If budgeting is a concern, the cost of a program can be factored into choosing the right program for you.

#2: Financial aid doesn't transfer to study abroad.

Reality: The programs listed on this site have been approved by the University of Illinois, which allows most financial aid to apply to study abroad. There are also a number of scholarships set up specifically for studying abroad.

#3: It is necessary to speak a second language to study abroad.

Reality: While some programs do have a language requirement, many programs are taught exclusively in English. Some of these programs are located in countries where English is an official language (ex: Australia, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Singapore, South Africa, and the United Kingdom) and some are hosted in countries where English is a secondary language (ex: Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Italy, Japan, Korea, Sweden, Thailand, and Turkey). To find programs taught in a specific language – such as English – specify a “Language of Instruction” when searching for programs.

#4: It is not possible to complete major requirements while abroad.

Reality: Many students are able to earn credit toward their major while studying abroad. Regulations vary by major, college, and curriculum. Some University of Illinois departments are stricter in their specific requirements but other departments offer some flexibility with their course work. With a large variety of programs, there may be one or several programs that provide courses that fulfill requirements in a specific major or curriculum. If you have questions, please speak with your Academic Advisor in your department and your Study Abroad Area Advisor.

#5: Studying abroad will delay graduation.

Reality: Many students study abroad and graduate in four years. Students earn credit toward graduation requirements for most courses taken abroad. By frequently consulting and meeting with academic advisors, students can even study abroad for an entire academic year without affecting their graduation date. In fact, some students study abroad two or three times and still graduate on time.

#6: It would be better to study abroad after graduation.

Reality: It is difficult to find time after graduation to study or travel in another country. College is a unique time that allows for a summer, semester, or year studying abroad. After graduating, most people find that the demands of work, family, and other responsibilities prevent them from spending significant time abroad.

#7: It's safer to stay in the U.S.

Reality: Most risks faced by students around the world are similar to those in Champaign-Urbana or Chicago, which mostly result from living in an urban environment. The University of Illinois closely monitors our programs and current worldwide news and events. All programs and cities are thoroughly researched before students are permitted to apply.

#8: Studying abroad doesn’t help your career.

Reality: Employers look to hire well-rounded employees who are able to demonstrate the ability to adapt well to new situations and thrive in multi-cultural environments. Businesses are increasingly growing into international companies and utilizing skills gained from a study abroad experience gives potential employees an edge that others lack.

#9: Most University of Illinois students do not study abroad.

Reality: More than 27% of University of Illinois students study abroad. Most colleges are very supportive of studying abroad, and some offer programs specific to their academic disciplines. Nationally, the number of U.S. students studying abroad has increased by over 150 percent in the past ten years.

Bhandari R. and Chow, P. (2009). Open Doors 2009: Report on International Education Exchange. New York: Institute of International Education.

#10: It's difficult to get accepted.

Reality: Most of the students who meet the minimum qualifications and complete the application process are accepted to study abroad. The University of Illinois is looking to increase the number of students studying abroad, and will work closely with students to find the program that best meets their needs and qualifications.

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Top 10 Advantages and Benefits of Distance Learning

Distance learning, also known as online education, is a viable option for many individuals of all ages who desire to get an education. It holds a number of pros and advantages over a traditional learning environment.

1. Choice: An online education provides the opportunity to study more subjects and reach out to programs that are not available in the immediate area.


2. Flexible: Distance learning is much more flexible than traditional styles of classroom education. Students who need to take other classes or work can do classwork whenever they have a free moment instead of being restricted to a rigid schedule.


3. Networking: Students who enroll in classes with online education obtain a wider range of networking opportunities. Instead of being limited to networking in the local area, distance learning enables students to make connections with a more diverse range of people.


4. Pace: Online education enables students to work at their own pace in many circumstances. The requirements are not as strict and typically give a range of due dates when the work needs to be submitted.


5. Scheduling: The schedules for distance learning are more open and allow for students, parents and professionals to take the classes whenever it fits into their schedule. This is beneficial over classroom education that requires students to schedule work and childcare around the class time.


6. Money: Online classes typically cost less than an education in a classroom environment. There are less space limitations and materials required for each student and the savings are passed on from the educational institution to each student.


7. Traveling: A huge advantage to getting an online education is that there is no need to travel to and from class every single day. Someone who doesn’t drive or want to spend money on the costs of public transportation every single day will likely choose to get an online education over the traditional classroom.


8. Selection of Professors: Distance learning enables students to learn from some of the most prestigious professors and guest speakers in each field.


9. No classroom sitting: Sitting in the classroom is not the best way for every student to learn. A student may learn better at his own pace and in a different format than traditional schooling options offer.


10. Effective: Online classes are just as, if not more, effective at teaching students than the traditional classroom style of learning.

Distance learning may not be the ideal option for everyone but should be considered when looking at options for education.

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UPSC Civil Services prelim exam 2014 admit cards out

 

 

 

 

UPSC Civil Services prelim examination 2014 admit cards are out and available at the official website.

Amid uncertainty over the change in pattern of civil services examination doing away with C-SAT, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) started issuing admits cards to the aspirants for the preliminary exam scheduled to be held on August 24.

Candidates can download the admit cards available till August 24, according to the information on the UPSC website or below mentioned link:

http://upsconline.nic.in/eadmitcard/

Candidates have to insert their name, roll number, registration ID and name & year of the examination in all the correspondence with UPSC. Candidates who do not have clear photographs on the e-admit card/ signatures on the scannable attendance lists will have to bring a photo identity proof viz. aadhar card, driving licence, passport, voter I Card etc. and two passport size photographs one for each session for appearing in the examination with an undertaking

A three-member government appointed committee is looking into the demands of civil services aspirants to change the pattern of the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) to give level-playing field to those coming from rural areas. The Center has also earlier asked UPSC to postpone the exams

"Government will decide on the issue within another 2-3 days," Minister of State for Personnel, Public grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh had said on Monday.

There has been no change in the date of civil services preliminary examination, which is August 24, according to the admit cards being issued to the candidates.

There are two compulsory papers of 200 marks each in the preliminary examination. These papers are also known as CSAT I and CSAT II.

The CSAT-II paper carries questions on comprehension, interpersonal skills including communication skills, logical reasoning and analytical ability, decision-making and problem- solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy, and English language comprehension skills (of Class X level).

Students have been objecting to the level of aptitude and English language questions being asked in the CSAT II paper claiming they are much above the standard prescribed for the examination.

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4 Ways to Make Your Scholarship Essay Stand Out

Writing a stellar scholarship essay can help you get more money for college.

It's not easy to separate your scholarship application from the crowd. After all, even if you fit the criteria to a "T," you're still likely to be one of a number of applicants with similar grades, goals, activities, and aspirations.

That's where a great application essay comes in. The essay is your best chance to make the case for why you should receive the scholarship; it helps the scholarship provider learn about the person behind the application, and gives them a much more detailed look at your school and home life.

If you use them right, those few paragraphs can help your application stand out—and could mean the difference between getting a "thanks for applying" E-mail and an award check.

[Find out why you should be applying for scholarships.]

Of course, putting so much emphasis on an essay may make it seem like a daunting task, especially if you don't consider yourself a great writer. By following these four tips, just about anyone can create a standout essay.

1. Know your audience: Although we're looking at scholarship essays as a whole, it's important to realize that every scholarship provider is looking for a specific student who meets unique criteria. When you get your application, look closely at the questions, the organization giving the scholarship, and any past recipients you can find.

Are they emphasizing classroom performance? Looking for someone who's dealt with adversity at home? Interested in character or community service more than grades? Whatever the answer, your research will put you a step ahead of applicants who are copying and pasting "one-size-fits-all" essays.

[Organize your scholarship search with these steps.]

2. Plan far in advance: You can also avoid the "one-size-fits-all" essay by getting an early start on each application. Begin your research and planning a week or so before you think you should, and you'll be able to take enough time to turn out something great.

This will also give you time to craft an outline, which can help your essay stay concise and on target. Think of two or three main points you want to make in response to the essay question, add some supporting information under each of them, and consider a sentence or two of introduction and conclusion. Before you know it, you'll have built the structure and thesis of your essay, and you won't have to rush to write it.

[Check out places to start your scholarship search.]

3. Make it personal and passionate: When you do start writing, don't forget that the main purpose of your essay is to convince the scholarship provider that you're the student they've been looking for. Answer the questions you've set out in your outline, but make sure every point you make is illustrated with a specific detail that shows you care about the subject.

Don't just mention that you work with disadvantaged kids; tell them how your love of soccer got you into coaching those kids. Don't just tell them about your acting awards; show how the stage helped you conquer your shyness. Putting your unique interests and perspectives on the page will go a very long way toward creating a memorable essay.

4. Find an editor: Last but not least, make sure you have time to run your essay by a good editor, whether it's a parent, teacher, or grammar-nerd friend. Even a well-researched and passionately written essay can be derailed by spelling mistakes or awkward sentences, and if you've spent a lot of time looking at your words, it's easy to miss basic mistakes.

A few minutes of proofreading by a trusted editor can make a huge difference. I also recommend reading your essay aloud to yourself, so you can hear how it flows.

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Avoid Making These 4 Scholarship Search Mistakes

Getting a late start and limiting your search can derail your chances at winning college scholarships.

Every scholarship program is different, but make sure you incorporate advanced planning and strong proofreading into each application you submit.

As the school year winds down and the last scholarships for the season are handed out, students across the country are able to take a break and assess how they did. And while thousands of scholarship recipients are heading into summer with a clear idea of how they’ll be paying for college next year, there are also plenty of high school grads and college students wondering why they came up empty.

That’s a question with no easy answer. Every scholarship program is different, and the high cost of tuition has made them more competitive than ever before. But there are a few basic mistakes that are almost guaranteed to cost you. If your scholarship haul wasn’t as great as you’d hoped this year, here are four big mistakes to avoid when the majority of applications open again.

1. Don’t start too late. Being a student is hard work, and between classes, activities, work and your social life, it can be almost impossible to find time to look for scholarships, much less to fill out long applications.

But getting a late start on your search means missing out on opportunities that you didn’t have time to find, and getting a late start on your applications means you have to try and write big-money essays in a big rush. Most scholarship programs are closed over the summer, and that makes it a perfect time to research when they open again and what they’re looking for, so you can hit the ground running in the fall and winter.

[Follow a scholarship application calendar for the year.]

2. Don’t limit your search. You have a wealth of scholarship sources available to you, and it can be a costly mistake to ignore any of them. Your search will probably start online, with a scholarship aggregator like Fastweb. That will find a lot of options for you, but it’s only the beginning.

Your high school, your current or future college and your department or major all provide scholarship opportunities, which you can find online or by talking to advisers. Your employer, or your parents’, may offer scholarships or other tuition assistance.

And whether your hobbies and interests include soccer, sailing, speaking Klingon​ or saving animals, it's likely there are​ scholarships centered around them, too.

[Use these 10 tools to help find ways to pay for college.]

3. Don’t write a cookie-cutter application and expect it to work for everything. There are plenty of elements that just about every scholarship asks about, such as academics, activities and future plans. As a result, you may also be tempted to copy-and-paste your essays and personal statements from one application to the next – but you’re losing money if you do.

Scholarship evaluators are looking for students who stand out and who fit a specific set of criteria. To boost your chances, take some time to learn about the organization presenting the scholarship.

Find out about previous recipients. Learn what the scholarship provider values in a student, and make sure your application emphasizes why you’re the perfect recipient for their exact award.

[Take time to apply for essay contest scholarships this summer.]

4. Don’t expect to get everything right on your first try. We all make mistakes. Unfortunately, in a competitive scholarship program, any little mistake might be the reason that your application gets tossed aside.

To help make sure you avoid typos and essays that don’t make sense, find a trusted editor or proofreader to go over your application before you submit it. It can be a parent, a teacher or a fellow student, as long as they can edit your work with an eye for detail – and you don’t mind hearing some constructive criticism that could pay off in the long run.

There’s often no single, simple reason why one scholarship application is selected over another. But by avoiding these four major mistakes, you can ensure that you’re submitting the best possible applications to all the right programs.

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Find Scholarships for College Degrees That Employers Want

Supply chain management and actuarial mathematics are two disciplines experiencing rapid growth.

The Associated General Contractors of America offers scholarships for current college students worth $2,500 per year for up to three years.

The Scholarship Coach has on several occasions featured scholarship opportunities for in-demand majors. Past subjects have included high-paying future jobs with great postgraduate placement, great majors focused on STEM fields and majors outside science and engineering fields.

Now, we want to take one more look at some in-demand fields. These areas didn't quite fit into either of the previous discussions on the topic, and they may not be the first that come to mind.

These majors are featured on this year's ThinkAdvisor list of 30 majors with the highest starting salary, and they're worth looking into if you're undeclared, undecided or just exploring your options.

[Find additional advice on paying for college.]

Construction management: Construction is traditionally a blue-collar job. But, as outlined by U.S. News, builders are looking more and more for construction managers who have real-world experience and a bachelor's degree.

A course of study in construction management combines classes from the worlds of architecture, civil engineering and hands-on carpentry. The median midcareer salary ranges upward of $80,000 per year, according to ThinkAdvisor's list.

This growing field is rich in scholarships for undergraduate students. You can get a decent overview of scholarship programs at ConstructMyFuture.com, a website run by a group of construction industry trade associations.

In addition, the Associated General Contractors of America offers current college students scholarships worth $2,500 per year, renewable for up to three years.

[Check out these scholarships for architecture students.]

Supply chain management: Global business has never operated more quickly or with more international complexity. As a result, the once-obscure major of supply chain management is growing in popularity at business schools.

The University of Illinois advertises the program as being "for those who are innovative enough to think creatively, yet meticulous enough to forecast the big picture."

Thanks to the unique personalities and requirements of the job, supply chain managers can earn as much as $50,000 right out of school, according to ThinkAdvisor.

The L.L. Waters Scholarship, presented by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics, is one of the longest-running scholarships focused on logistics and supply chain management.

This year's winner was just announced and applications open in April for the annual award. In addition, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals gives out a number of awards through its local and regional "roundtables." And most schools that offer the program, such as Rutgers University, have dedicated scholarships.

[Get tips on finding and applying for college scholarships.]

Actuarial mathematics: This relatively new major is another product of business complexity. Just like supply chain management reflects new skills needed in production, actuarial math reflects new needs of the financial world.

Today's high-level financial and insurance professionals require a specialized combination of math, statistics, economics and analysis, and ThinkAdvisor's featured list notes that skill set is worth a median midcareer salary of more than $100,000.

Actuarial math doesn't feature a ton of specific, national scholarships. Fortunately, since it's so interdisciplinary – with elements of business, math and science – your school will offer plenty of options.

If you're at a college or business school with a dedicated insurance or risk management department, there are likely to be even more scholarship options. The departmental scholarships at Georgia State University are a good example.

Nursing: As the nation's population ages, employment demand for graduates with health care degrees such as nursing is among the most stable. If you're interested in a career helping people, great nursing programs are available at colleges throughout the country.

In addition, nursing careers offer flexible degree options – you can pursue an associate or bachelor's to start – a growing field with an average starting salary, according to PayScale.com, of $54,000.

In addition to the scholarships for nurses we've looked at in the past, students currently enrolled in nursing school can apply now for the National Student Nursing Association's scholarship fund and the AfterCollege/AACN $10,000 Scholarship Fund, which awards one $2,500 scholarship each quarter.

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5 Reasons Why Scholarships Are Essential

Students can't afford not to apply for college aid. Here's why.

Since we launched The Scholarship Coach in December 2010, we've tried to give you as much advice as possible on how to seek out and apply for scholarships, and also highlight the best ways to boost your chances of receiving a scholarship. We also think it's important that you understand the bigger picture as to why scholarships have become so essential to the majority of students who want to graduate with a college degree—and why it's imperative that you understand that scholarships can be vital to your post-college success. Here are the top five reasons why you can't afford not to apply for scholarships in 2011.



1. College costs a lot more than it used to. According to a 2010 Trends in College Pricing report by College Board, since the year 2000, public four-year tuition and fees have increased more than 5 percent annually above inflation. Tuition at public two-year colleges and private four-year colleges also increased by 3 percent above inflation.

[See which public colleges offer the lowest in-state costs and the lowest out-of-state costs.]

2. The economy stinks, and your parents have no money. Well, hopefully that's not 100 percent accurate, but there's definitely some truth to that statement. While parents still very much value contributing to their children's college tuition, the amount that families can afford to contribute has declined. A study commissioned by lender Sallie Mae and conducted by Gallup found that the number of families who planned to cover few if any college costs had risen while the number of parents expecting to cover more than half of the costs had dropped. A similar survey conducted by Longmire and Company, a higher-ed consulting firm, found that 33 percent—the largest percentage of parents—said they planned on contributing less than $5,000 to their child's college tuition, barely enough to cover four years of textbooks.

[Learn more about paying for college.]

3. The cost of college living is up. Unless you plan on living at home and commuting to school—a very good option for a lot of college students—plan on paying a lot more than your older brother or sister paid for your apartment, food, books and supplies. All of these things have gotten more expensive.

4. State support for students has decreased substantially. Although it looks like America may have weathered the worst of the recession (let's hope), many states are still reeling from the economic slump and most have made large cuts in public service funding—including higher education. As a result, public colleges and universities have increased tuition, meaning you're probably going to pay more now.

5. People owe a lot of money. One quarter of the U.S. population—70 million people—owe a collective $700 billion in student loan debt. Sounds like a lot, doesn't it? It is. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, the average college graduate has acquired $24,000 in student loans by the time they graduate, and that figure is likely to increase. Experts say this may be the next financial bubble to burst.

[Read more about the higher education bubble.]

I know what you might be thinking. And the answer is a resounding yes—going to college is worth it. Your college degree will be one of the most lucrative investments you'll make. College graduates earn, on average, $20,000 more per year than someone with just a high school diploma, according to a 2007 report by College Board. The cost of attending college may seem daunting, but that's exactly why finding, applying for, and receiving scholarships are essential to ensure that you won't struggle to make huge student loan payments upon graduation. Scholarships are no longer just a bonus. They're crucial for bridging the gap between the increasing cost of tuition and what you and your family can afford to pay out of pocket.

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B.C.A vs. BSc IT- Which course is better?

B.C.A and as well as BSc IT, both are technical courses that can offer a better job opportunity to Students. These courses can provide a better job in the field of Computer Applications. Today everything is computerized and companies are trying to come out with more new and new applications so students of this course also have access to many job opportunities.



BCA or Bachelor of Computer Applications

BCA or Bachelor of Computer Applications is an undergraduate course in the field of computer applications. This course has time duration of three years. These three years consist of six semesters of six months each. In the last semester as part of the project work, each student has to work in an organization for four to six weeks. After the project work, they have to submit it to the College for internal assessment

BCA course can provide professional knowledge in programming languages like C, C++, and Java etc. They can also provide diverse knowledge in the field of financial accounting and operation management.

Today each and every sector is computerized and students find it easy to grab a job in this area. IT students can start their career as junior programmers. After gaining sufficient experience, they can get into as a senior programmers and project managers. Apart from programming, they can go for other professions such as web designer, database user, system administrator etc

BSc IT

BSc IT (Information Technology) is also a three-year undergraduate course. In this course, students are trained to perform well in computer applications and Software. This course aims to provide better knowledge in core subjects like operating systems, data structure and database applications.

Key Differentiators between B.C.A and BSc IT

• BCA students are involved more in Computer Applications whereas BSc students can have advanced job opportunities in internet technology and database management.


• After successful completion of the course BCA, students can go for postgraduate courses like M.Sc (IT), MCA and MBA. The students who procured BSc can have further courses on MCA (Master of Computer Applications).

Which Course is better?

Both of these courses have their own merits .Students interested to have a job in Software or in computer applications can choose to study BCA. BCA course is also a good option for students who wish to take a postgraduate degree in MCA. Students who are interested in Database operations or Internet can go for BSc IT. Anyway both these courses can offer challenging jobs in the field of computers.

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MSEM vs. MBA vs. MS ?

Is the MS in Engineering Management the credential you need?

The Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) is increasingly recognized by employers and technology professionals as an essential credential for leadership in a technology-driven world. Large and small businesses, government agencies, NGOs and other organizations all require leaders with a balance of technical expertise and business acumen, marketplace insight and an innovative mindset.

U.S. News & World Report has named a degree in Engineering Management a “Smart Choice,” noting “You gain technical know-how plus management skills in this discipline, which is rapidly gaining popularity among business-savvy engineers.”

The MSEM is becoming the professional degree of choice for engineers and other technology professionals seeking to transition into management or enhance their leadership skills and take their career to a new level.

What sets Tufts’ MSEM apart from other degrees you may be considering, such as an MBA or MS in Engineering?

The MSEM builds on your technical expertise while providing the core business skills you need to be a leader in your company and industry. Course content, case studies, and experiential learning are all relevant to professionals working in technology industries. The MSEM provides a business education tailored to your needs as a technical professional, not just a generic business management program.

Like an MBA program, Tufts’ MSEM develops your business knowledge and communication skills, but it goes further in providing you with the knowledge to lead technical teams and execute complex solutions. Topics such as new product development, experience design, technology strategy, lean improvement, software methodologies, multinational strategies, and the art of leadership provide the quantitative, business, and operations knowledge you’ll need to succeed as a leader in the global innovation marketplace.

As in an MS in Engineering program, your peer group includes professionals who speak your language; however, the focus of the MSEM is not to deepen your knowledge and skills within a specific technical discipline, but to build on them to develop your ability to collaborate and lead in a technical environment.

MSEM—The Business Credential for Technology Professionals

	TUFTS MSEM	MBA Programs	MS/PhD Programs
Curricular Focus	Technically focused business curriculum emphasizing leadership development	General business curriculum—cases and content from a range of industries	Technical, research-based coursework to advance your skills in a specific discipline
Faculty	100% of faculty—full-time Professors of the Practice and part-time lecturers—have real-world engineering leadership experience	Most professors are full-time academic/research faculty; part-time faculty with industry experience represent range of industries	Most professors are full-time academic/research faculty
Peer Group	Working, technical professionals from a variety of industries with an average of 7 years experience	Recent college graduates or working professionals in a range of industries	Includes individuals with a engineering or science background; often recent college graduates
Structure	Cohort structure and fully architected curriculum enhance peer-to-peer, experiential learning and leadership development	More flexible scheduling of most part-time MBA programs means you’ll have a different peer group in most classes	Full-time or self-paced part-time programs offered on a traditional academic calendar
Time Commitment	21-month, part-time program with evening or weekend options	2 years for full-time programs; self-paced part-time and distance-learning MBAs can be completed in 3–5 years	2–8 years depending on discipline and degree
Costs	$45,000 all-inclusive – books, course materials, meals	$80,000–$90,000 for equivalent MBA programs	Annual tuition $14,000–$40,000 for a wide variety of institutions, plus fees and course materials/books
Undergraduate Education	Undergraduate degree in an engineering or science discipline is preferred	Undergraduate degree in nearly any discipline is acceptable, but for students with non-business degrees, additional coursework may be required in such areas as calculus, statistics, financial accounting, macro or micro economics, corporate finance	Undergraduate degree in a related discipline; coursework in specific areas may be required for admission to some programs
Admissions	No GRE/GMAT required – we believe your experience as a technical professional tells us more about your capabilities than a standardized test	GMAT	GRE

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How Popular and Prevalent is Distance College Education?

Distance college education is booming, with no signs of slowing down.

According to the Sloan Foundation’s 2009 report, Learning on Demand: Online Education in the United States, 2009, online distance course registrations at colleges have continued to grow much faster than residential or campus enrollments — up 17 percent from 2007 to 2008 alone.

Some Highlights From the Sloan Report

• Almost 4.6 million students were taking at least one online distance course during the fall 2008 term, a nearly 17 percent increase over the number reported the previous year—and a near-tripling from the 1.6 million non-traditional students enrolled just six years prior, in 2002.

• The 16.9 percent growth rate for distance college education enrollments far exceeds the 1.2 percent growth of the overall higher-education student population.

• More than 25 percent of all U.S. higher-education students were taking at least one online distance course in the fall of 2008.

More Distance Learning Facts

• In 2006-2007, the National Center for Education Statistics reported more than 12 million registrations in distance learning courses offered by accredited colleges.

• GetEducated.com estimates that more than 4 million students are enrolled in accredited online college courses in the United States in 2008-2009.

Distance Learning – Now Mainstream

Once considered an alternative method of education reserved for special populations, online university learning has gone mainstream. In 2006-2007, the majority—66 percent—of accredited colleges offered online distance courses.

The good news for today’s non-traditional college student: regardless of your age or state of residence, it is highly possible that your “local” college—an institution that both you and your employer know and trust—offers the distance college education you need in a format that will fit your unique lifestyle needs.

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Who Uses Distance Higher Education?

Today's distance learners, using computers and high-speed transmission lines to virtually connect with professors and other students from around the world, owe a debt of gratitude to the farmers of the past.

That's because the development of distance higher education came about as a way to give rural learners better access to higher education.

That's right - distance learning has a long history. In fact, college level distance education in the USA is more than 100 years old.  What's new about distance learning is not the idea, but the type of student it serves and the number and type of higher education institutions that are using it to reach new types of students.

In the 1880s, publicly-funded land-grant universities operating in rural areas of the United States decided to help farmers master more scientific and efficient farming techniques. However, it wasn't easy—or in many cases even possible—for farmers to leave their fields to go study.

So, in 1892, Pennsylvania State University became one of the first colleges in the United States to launch an aggressive mail correspondence program. Agricultural workers read textbooks, then mailed their completed assignments back to Penn State faculty for grading.


History of Distance Learning and Online Education

Penn State’s experiment in distance higher education was so successful that the university expanded its educational outreach across the United States.

In 1998, Penn State opened a new online campus, known as the World Campus. The World Campus now offers more than 50 online degrees and certificates at both the graduate and undergraduate level. The World Campus’ distance learners live in every corner of the globe.

Penn State’s motto, “A century of commitment to distance learning,” affirms how established and long-standing distance higher education is in the United States.


It’s All About Access

Students who have trouble getting to traditional schools still use distance learning. Those who are most likely to utilize distance learning today include rural learners; military personnel (who are mobile and require a campus that is equally mobile); and single mothers (average age 36).

Single mothers who work full time have historically relied on distance higher education as a way to access education without having to leave their children alone in the evenings or on weekends.

In fact, a 2007-08 survey of distance learners by Primary Research Group found that almost 60 percent of college-level distance learners in the United States are female.

The Distance Learning 'College Kid' - Getting Younger

Since the 1990s, the master’s degree has been the most prevalent degree offered via distance learning in the United States. In 1995, GetEducated.com’s National Survey of Online MBAs tracked three accredited online MBAs (master’s of business administration). Today, GetEducated.com profiles 168 graduate business schools offering almost 400 different distance online MBA degrees.

The MBA is the most popular and prevalent distance online degree earned in the United States.

But, according to the Sloan Foundation’s report, “Online Nation: Five Years of Growth in Online Learning,” the typical online college kid may be getting younger—and seeking more entry level, career-specific education.

The associate degree is materializing as the prime growth area for online education development in the coming decade. More than half the growth in distance higher education in the last five years of the Sloan survey came from two-year colleges, which focus on delivering associate degrees and career certificates in high-demand job areas such as business, IT, justice and healthcare.

The field has clearly shifted from farming for today's online distance learners.

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