How to Speak Up in College Class When You Are Introverted

BY: SUSAN PARKER

Every human being is different. While some of them are naturally outgoing and love to be in the company of others, there are many others who are quiet and like to keep to themselves. This is a personality trait and one that lives with a person for life. Such reserved and quiet people are termed as introverts.

But being an introvert doesn’t necessarily mean you get to miss out on the joys of life or compromise on the things that you’ve always wanted to do. Though it may not come naturally to you, with some time and effort, you can always achieve your goals.

One of the pain points for an introvert is public speaking, especially speaking up in class. A million thoughts run in the mind of introverts when they have to stand up and talk in a crowd. That said, in today’s competitive environment, getting this ability can make a big difference to your career.

This is why we present to you some strategies that will help you to speak up in class or among a crowd of people, even if you’re introverted.

Accept your fear

The first step is to understand that you’re an introvert and accept that you have a problem talking in a crowd. When you acknowledge this fear, you will take steps towards addressing it. On the other hand, when you are in a state of denial, you will never be able to overcome this fear.

After you accept the fear, verbalize it, and even write down the reasons for your fear. It can be fear of getting ridiculed by others or lack of confidence or just about anything else. Make a list of the reasons that cause this fear in you and start addressing each of it in your own way.

Practice makes you perfect

Practice, practice, and practice. There is no other way to become good at what you want to do and that includes public speaking too. Spend a few minutes every day talking about your favorite topics in front of a mirror. As you gain more confidence, talk in front of your closest friends and see what they have to say. Once you feel confident, start speaking in places with more people and eventually, speaking up in class will become easy.

While practice is important, it is not easy considering that as a college student, you have to juggle between tons of things like your schoolwork, job, social life, and staying healthy. This is why you should take help whenever and from wherever you can, so you get some time to improve your confidence in public speaking. For example, consider taking the NASM practice test and study materials to shave some time off your studying routine so you can focus on this important aspect of speaking as well.

Put yourself in your audience’s shoes

The best of speakers put themselves in the shoes of their audience to appeal well to them. Are you going to be talking in front of your classmates who may have the same doubt as you? Or are you going to explain a concept to your juniors who are eager to learn?

Understanding your audience will take the fear off your mind and can prepare you to deliver a great speech. Remember, there can be many introverts among your audience and by speaking up, you are encouraging them and setting the right example for them to follow.

Never aim for perfection

We are all humans and we make mistakes at all times. So, never aim for perfection as you will fail every single time, regardless of how good a speaker you are. At the same time, make a note of your mistakes and work on them so you don’t repeat the same in the future. This constant cycle of making mistakes, accepting them, and working on them will make you a great speaker eventually. In fact, after a few years, you will reflect on this journey and will feel good about yourself.

Reflect before hand and prepare

As an introvert, you’re probably more comfortable observing people and reflecting on their behavior. While that’s good, you should also ensure that it translates to meaningful action from your end. This means you should not just observe people or watch their reactions but also frame your content in your mind accordingly. This will give you the confidence to speak up and at the same time, what you say will resonate well with your audience, leading to a win-win situation for you.

Start with questions

All of us have doubts regarding what’s being taught in class. While the extroverts prefer to ask directly, introverts either rely on someone else to ask those same doubts or they simply prefer to do their own research to find answers. Though the second solution is not altogether a bad one, you’re better off learning it directly from the teacher and for this, you must stand up and ask that question that’s bothering you.

In fact, this may be a first step towards getting used to speaking in a public place. Remember, everything begins with small baby steps and this is your step towards building your way in public speaking. Never worry about what others would think of your question or whether your teacher would ridicule you for it. Just muster up all the courage in the world, stand up, and ask the first time. After that, it won’t seem so daunting after all!

In short, being an introvert is a natural personality type that doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot be a good public speaker. Though you may not prefer to get all that attention that extroverts seek, it is still important that you stand up and voice your opinion and beliefs to the world. The above-mentioned tips can go a long way in helping you hone on your speaking skills and overcome your fear and inhibitions, so standing up and expressing your thoughts will never be a cause of concern again.

Susan Parker is a writer and tech geek. She volunteers for local environmental conservation programs and writes stories online about things that inspire her.

6 Methods to Cope with Exam Stress

BY EMMA BONNEY

Exam stress can affect even the best and most well-prepared of students, so if you feel anxious thinking exam period is getting close, know you are definitely not alone in this. In order to regain your focus and ace those finals, you need to find some ways to get yourself back on the right track and relax.

While no student is like the other, and for some people studying and revising comes like second nature, for others, no matter how much they study, the thought of going through an exam is nerve-wracking. But fortunately, there are some methods that have proven very efficient when it comes to relieving stress and regaining focus.

Exercise

Exercising stimulates the release of endorphins, which are known for helping your body cope with pain, but most importantly, anxiety and stress. This does not mean you have to get up and go to the gym for 2 hours every day, if you don’t feel like it. Even a walk or some light jogging can help tremendously with clearing your mind and regaining focus.

Yoga can be another good method to relax while also getting some good exercise for both your body and mind. You can do in at home, whenever you find a few free minutes, or go outside, for better results. Find a quiet place on campus or go to a nearby park, put down your yoga mat and start stretching.

CBD Oil

CBD, or cannabidiol, oil is well-known as a holistic method to treat depression and anxiety and can help tremendously with relieving stress. Studies have shown that a tablespoon of CBD oil in the morning can help with both physical and mental relaxation.

Your body naturally produces a certain number of cannabinoids and has two receptors for them, called CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the brain and help you with coordination, pain, appetite and thinking, while CB2 receptors are found in the immune system and are helping with pain. For some time, researches thought that what CBD does is attach to the receptors, but further research has proven that CB actually helps your body use more of its own natural production of cannabinoids.

Get Enough Sleep

A rested mind can deal with anxiety and stress much better than a tried one. Make sure that, no matter how much you think you have to study, you ever lose sleep. When you feel tired, you can’t concentrate, so you will lose focus and it will seem you simply can’t assimilate information. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep at night, to help your body and mind reset.

If you have trouble falling asleep, there are a bunch of methods you can try. A hot shower or bath can help you relax and fall asleep much faster. A hot cup of tea can also help, as well as aromatherapy, especially jasmine and lavender oil.

Get Organized

Getting everything in order around you will give you help you feel more in control of your life, which will boost your confidence through the roof. Oftentimes, a cluttered space will make you feel more anxious and unease, so make some time to put everything back in its place before studying.

Organize your schedule as well, split everything you need to study into bulks and give yourself some deadlines according to the exams you have coming up. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss those deadlines from time to time, but do make sure to give yourself a reward every time you finish something on time. Treat yourself with a good dinner, or allow yourself one night out with some friends.

Meditate

Meditation will help get rid of those bad thoughts and get back on track when you feel like you lost focus. Even 10 minutes of meditation a day can change your entire life for the better. If you don’t feel classic mediation is right for you, there are multiple other types that can help you.

Music meditation is one form of relaxation that is much used by students. Find some calming music and concentrate on the sound. Be aware of the different sounds and how they make yourself feel. If bad thoughts start going through your head, simply acknowledge them and let them pass through.

Eat Balanced

During exams, your schedule can get quite hectic and you may find yourself simply forgetting to eat a good meal. Try to keep a balanced diet and have three meals a day. If you don’t eat enough, your body will get dehydrated and you will find it much harder to deal with stress and regain focus. Forget pizza every night and protein bars.

Eat a good breakfast, cook something for dinner and try to get some healthy snacks to boost brainpower. Nuts and fruits are good snacks that you can keep around for study breaks. Green and black tea are also natural stress relievers, so next time give up that cup of coffee in favor of a good tea.

A bit about myself:

Emma Bonney is a successful blogger whose articles aim to help readers with self-development, Women’s Empowerment, Education, entrepreneurship and content management. My work has been featured and mentioned in a wide range of publication.

How Do You Balance Life While Being A Night Student At College

BY LESLIE WILDER

 

If you tell people that you plan to pursue a degree course and work full time simultaneously, they will stare at you in astonishment. The popular belief is that you can do only one at a time- you can either pursue an academic career or a corporate career – not both at the same time.

But we’re here to tell you that you can do both – and excel at both too. Yes!

Who attends night school?

The people who attend night school usually want to revive their career or want to advance their knowledge about a particular course. You can also choose to attend night school if you want to hold on to your daytime job. A lot of people you will meet as your fellow night students are wives and husbands looking towards reviving their career, or CEOs and CPAs trying to get some advanced knowledge about their course.

Night school has its own advantages because it allows you to keep earning a good amount of money while continuing with your degree. But it also has its disadvantages- you will not be able to spend a lot of time with your family. Also, you may have to give up on a lot of your free time to manage your studies and your job. This is a necessary evil- one of the points of struggle that you will have to overcome in your days as a night student.

Sure, it is going to be a challenge, and you will have to give up a lot of small things on your part. But in the end, the results are rewarding enough. For example, you can study law at night while designing personalized jewelry as your full-time day-job. Again, it is a challenge, but it is far from impossible.

Here are some ways in which you can balance your life as a night student effectively and successfully:

1. First off – determination is key

Even today, there are a lot of people who think that academics and jobs cannot go hand in hand. These people will doubt you from the start and will try to discourage you from your decisions. There will be a lot of people who will doubt your enterprise. Do not let them affect you. Instead, focus on the task on that and block everything else out. Once you do that, you will find balancing your job and your academics quite manageable. If you think you can do it, you definitely can.

2. Make sure you have people to rely on

People will suggest that you should turn your back on all your loved ones and family members for the whole of your academic career. This should not be the case at all. If you have a significant other, or a family of your own, ignoring them for four consecutive years will lead to disastrous results. Instead, manage your time and carve out a schedule that allows you to spend some quality time with your family as well. You may have to sacrifice some birthday parties and some dinner events, but that is where your support system should come in. The people closest to you will definitely understand your situation. However, be sure to give them the attention they deserve as much as you can. Do not shut off your friends and family- you will need them to relax and unwind as well.

3. Be systematic

If you are a night student who works full-time as well, you will hardly have any time to spare. This is why you should put your organizational skills to good use. Mark out the dates of your examinations, dates of submissions, and everything in between. This way, you will not have to remember when your paper is due or when you have an exam coming up- you can simply work towards getting the job done.

4. Carve a schedule that works out for you

You need to have a work schedule that is suitable for you. It may not be the same as other night students, but it should work out for you. Keep some time for self-studying, as well as some quality time for your family as well. You can wake up early in the morning, and complete your studies. You can then go to work, come back home and spend an hour or so with your family. You can then go to night school and finish your classes.

If you have another kind of routine in mind, stick to that. Just remember that your schedule should allow you enough time to rest and unwind. Remember, your health comes first.

5. Get to know other night students

Make friends with other night students in your batch. Almost all of the people you will meet as a night student will be eager to help you out. There can be healthy competition, but overall, you will find them to be your greatest source of support. Not just that, you will want to help them out as well. The exchange of notes, study tips, and guides between you and your fellow students will only strengthen your bond. If you can’t make it to class one day, you can be assured that you will receive all the information you miss. Night school is also the place where you will get a chance to build relationships and friendships that last for a lifetime. Use that opportunity to your advantage and build some great relationships here.

6. The time between shifts is your time

According to the US Department of Labor, employees must be allowed at least eight hours in between shifts (with certain exceptions, of course). So no matter if you work during the day in an on-call shift or split-shift or normal shift, make most of that time in between two consecutive shifts. You can grab some rest or study for your classes at night, whatever suits you best.

7. Join a boot camp program

Boot camps are quite popular all over the USA, whether you want to learn something new like coding or get into a fitness routine. With these short and intensive training sessions, you can learn different things as per your interest. The only requirement is that these might come off as slightly expensive, so you can save up to enroll in a boot camp program. The best thing about boot camps is that these are of short duration, so you can learn and juggle your work timings during the day.

8. Sign-up for online learning

You can leverage a brilliant learning opportunity by signing up for online courses at eminent public and state universities in the USA. Various distinguished educational institutions, including California and Massachusetts University, have launched their own online learning programs for the benefit of working professionals.

In case you are hearing this for the first time, then here is some more information that you might find useful.

As of now, the most renowned USA universities do not have much presence in terms of online learning. But the authorities are now aiming to change that by launching their own digital learning courses – they are even targeting to overcome political and cultural constraints in attracting more and more learners. As such, the scope and nature of their offerings are strikingly diverse. While some institutions probably have higher revenues (from submitted applications) in focus, others are aiming to provide quality education to those who can dedicate time only after doing their day jobs.

These initiatives are wonderful even for those adults who are not yet enrolled anywhere else. So on the off-chance that you are still considering your options for night courses, you can consider digital learning from eminent universities. You can enjoy flexible course timings and also add more value to your work profile.

9. Enrol at a high school

If you think that you need to develop on your education or acquire some new job skills for better growth at work, then joining a high school at night can be a great idea. You will find many middle and high schools conducting night classes for this purpose. Most of these night schools conduct high school diploma programs or the General Education Diploma (GED) for students in social studies, maths, arts and science curriculum. Night schools offer the flexibility for you to conveniently fulfill your professional as well as academic targets.

10. Go for extension programs

Many eminent universities offer extension programs for evening students. These are also certificate programs where you can take full advantage of personal academic advisory bodies, career counselling, and practical training, you can even go for internships with leading companies. In case you have still not finished school, then an extension program is an ideal way to experience the real feel of university classes! Only, before you finalize the course and college, make sure to check for the required accreditations and track record – search for student reviews too, to get an honest idea.

11. Opt for a part-time job online

With hundreds of online jobs available today, bagging a part-time work that pays decently is not a surprise anymore. You can choose from numerous options available today – you can be an online tutor, you can choose data entry work or social media management. Dedicating a few hours to this online job can fetch you enough pocket money to sustain your quick needs conveniently. You can even choose to work as a freelance writer during the day, study and then attend classes at night.

Conclusion

Night students have always been classified as a rare brand, but the reality is shifting soon. A lot of young students who are living on their own find it necessary to find a balance between a full-time job and their education, just so they can support themselves financially. Night school is no longer a space reserved for people who are trying to restart their career, but a lot of young students are deliberately adopting this type of schooling for the aforementioned cause. The important thing to remember is that you should never get discouraged and focus on the task ahead!

 

Leslie Wilder a creative writer & blogger, who is residing in Nashville the capital of U.S. state of Tennessee, I’m also a self-proclaimed happiness junkie, and someone you would generally consider confident and well balanced.

 

7 Tips for Finding an Internship Abroad During College

BY LORRAINE McKINNEY

You are in your final years of college and are looking for an internship. While many college students get an internship close to home, there are also many internships available abroad. Imagine travelling around the world to work for an international company. Here are seven tips to help you find an internship abroad.

1. College – Your own college or university may offer internships abroad. Check with your study abroad office or your advisor and let them know that you want to intern abroad. Even if there are no international internships lined up, you might want to check with the alumni office and see if there are any graduates living abroad that might be able to arrange an internship for you.
2. Places – Before you look into internships it is important that you have a general idea of where you want to go. There are many different international cities that have internships available. You can research these cities online and find out where you want to go. Some cities that you may consider are London for business, Paris for fashion, Spain for government or education, Cape Town for tourism and many more.
3. Research – Another option is to research and find an internship abroad yourself. If you put some time and research into finding an internship abroad you are more likely to enjoy the internship and stick with it. Your college may be able to help you get started and will probably encourage you with your research. Go online and look around for international businesses offering internships. You will have more control over where you end up and how much you might get paid. Here are useful sources to aid in your research: GoAbroad, Internships, Gooverseas, MyInternshipAbroad.

4. Resume – You want to brush up your resume to send to your college or international businesses. You will want to stress the classes and activities you have taken part in that will demonstrate the skills you have learned. You want to research the company you will be interning for so you can hone your resume to suit that company. You want a resume that stands out so you may want to look at some resume examples online. They will show you how to highlight your abilities using certain styles, colors, and fonts.
   5. Volunteer – You can always volunteer for a non profit company in an internship abroad. There are many different positions that you can look into while figuring out your internship abroad. Many non-profits overseas will have hands on or desk work that you can do. This will look good on your resume once you graduate. Be sure to research any international company that is looking for volunteers.
   6. Network – Let people know that you are looking for an internship abroad. Some people may have friends or relatives working abroad that may be willing to help you or connect you to the right people. The more people who know your intentions the more people who might be able to help you. Your parents and their friends or a church group may know people who can help you set up an internship abroad.
   7. Apply directly – “You can apply directly to international businesses. Research the business and see if they are looking for interns. Many business will like bypassing the paperwork that is usually associated with a middleman when dealing with interns,” says an expert from Salsa Dance Lessons. Polish your resume and email some inquiries to different companies overseas. Even if the company you are interested in does not need you they may be willing to pass your resume on to other international companies that could use you.

   Lorraine McKinney is an academic tutor and e learning specialist.

7 Communication Skills Students Need To Succeed Later In Life

BY JIMMY POPWORTH

 

Communication is the most vital life skill you can master as a student. With the changing career landscapes, digital advancements, and stiff competition in both colleges and workplaces, having effective interpersonal skills becomes a must.

Cramming tips at the eleventh hour before your big interview isn’t going to work if you wish to make an impression in the job market. Fortunately, as a student, there’s no better time than the present to acquire essential communication skills.

That is why we’ll be talking about seven crucial soft skills you must master now. They will not only help you in your academic career but also make way for success in the long run.

7 Effective communication skills

Here’s a list of 7 effective interpersonal skills worth mastering as a student:

1.     Body language

In any interaction, your body language will speak volumes before you even say a word. Your facial expression, how you stand, and your eyes depict a story, and all these will establish how others think of you.

Irrespective of what you say, if you don’t seem friendly and confident, people are going to assume that you aren’t. So be aware of your body language and start making necessary changes.

Always look in the eye when you speak to others. Offer warm hugs (with family and friends) or firm handshakes. Don’t slouch, keep your head high, shoulders back and stand straight.

If you develop a strong body language, you’ll appear more confident and approachable. In doing so, People are more likely to have a good impression of you and trust your words.

So whenever you’re speaking with friends or giving a speech at school or college, maintain the right body language. In the future, it will help you build healthy friendships both at the workplace and your personal life.

2.     Active listener

Effective communication skills aren’t just about how you talk or use your body language. It’s about how focused you are while listening to others.

In fact, being a good listener will help you improve your social interactions and relationships. It will also enhance your ability to persuade, influence and negotiate.

When you become an active listener, you’ll have a better interpretation of what messages others are meaning to tell you. It will stop you from getting distracted and demand your focus on the speaker.

Also, you can use your body language to demonstrate that you’re listening by smiling and nodding appropriately. Offer thoughtful comments and feedback.

You can practice this skill during a lecture or while interacting with friends. Once you’ve learned it, it’ll become second nature.

3.     Knowledge and clarity

When you’re sharing information and ideas to a group or while having a casual talk, it’s important to be clear and precise in your presentation. And that is only possible when you have the right knowledge.

Do a thorough study in advance and organize your ideas logically. Make sure to use concepts and language that your audience will understand.

Stay away from unnecessary fluff or jargon, and have a clear message. The more clarity and knowledge you have on your topic, the more confident you’ll appear. This will make your audience more active and interested in your message.

4.     The tone of voice and articulation

How you sound while speaking is one of communication’s most essential elements. If you slur your words, mumble, speak too softly, or use fillers like “um”, “ah” or “like”, your listener will have a hard time interpreting your message. Poor speaking ability also displays a lack of knowledge and confidence.

Practice proper articulation and enunciation of your words. You can do this by recording your voice to hear the quality and tone.

Setting the right tone will decide the direction of your conversation. If you interact in an unfriendly or aggressive manner, your listener will reciprocate the same.

For example, during an interview, being confident in your communication skills will give you an edge and set you apart from other candidates.  By speaking confidently and precisely, and asking propping questions, your prospective employers will consider you as a very well-rounded applicant.

 

5.     Emotional intelligence

It means the ability to interpret, understand, and manage your emotions accordingly. It helps you in avoiding conflicts, empathizing with others, overcoming challenges, and most importantly, in communicating effectively.

You can enhance your emotional intelligence by observing non-verbal signals while communicating with others, like their facial expressions or body language.

Once you learn to notice such signs, you’ll become more empathetic as it will help you understand what your listener is going through. It will also build stronger bonds with others as they’ll feel like they have been heard.

6.     Authenticity

People can easily detect affected behavior and phoniness a mile away. So, when you try to put on a facade or pretend like someone else, it’ll turn them off immediately.

People are more interested in someone who is transparent, original and genuine and speaks from their heart. When you are authentic, you aren’t afraid of showing your true self to others, irrespective of your flaws.

While it may be uncomfortable at first, you can start by defining what you value and who you really are. You cannot create intimacy or connection if you don’t open up or build walls around you.

So, don’t be afraid to show your vulnerability and speak from your heart so that others can relate to you.

7.     Ask great questions

Asking great questions is the best way to know your listener better. It helps you in engaging more deeply into the conversation and in learning more about them.

Open-ended questions invite intimate connection and dialog as it makes your audience feel heard and compels them to share more about themselves. It also encourages others to talk about certain circumstances in a more detailed manner.

This ensures that you achieve your goal and get the information you needed from the person. Because it requires more than a two-word answer, open-ended questions are crucial for productive discussions and shows that there are various ways to interpret and respond to certain matters.

Final advice

To be an effective communicator, you’ll have to put in the work and effort. Communication is nothing but skill and therefore if you keep practicing, you’ll become better at it.

Possessing impeccable interpersonal skills will help you in every aspect of your life. Review these seven skills and try to incorporate them into every social interaction.

As a student, it’ll help you excel in academic life and prepare you for the future.  Especially if you happen to work in the business field, acquiring excellent communication skills will help build your brand successfully in the long run.

 

Jimmy Popworth is an online journalist, writer and web developer with an Associates Degree in Applied Science. His writing style is both informative and witty, and his tastes are eclectic.

 

 

Mission-driven Business Startup Benefits for Students

BY KRISTIAN KRISYK

 

Student life has changed tremendously when compared to one or two decades ago. Nowadays, students have numerous opportunities to learn about their studies in real-life scenarios. Seeing how their knowledge can be applied in an actual work environment is something that motivates students to try harder and perform better at university.

One of the leading students’ interests is learning more about investments in mission-driven startups. With hundreds of new startups being established every month, the business world is moving away from a traditional structure to reach innovation and jump on this speeding train of technical revolution. So, what can students learn from startups and why they should  be involved in this world while still studying?

Student Entrepreneurs

Some of today’s successful startups have been founded by students with an entrepreneurial spirit. This led to student entrepreneurs motivating their other colleagues to invest their knowledge into something that will bring value to them and their community.

Just think about Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, who were both student entrepreneurs who launched their startups, which are now among the top five most successful tech companies in the world.

Startup Ecosystem

A startup ecosystem shows students what to expect once they graduate. As universities across the states are attended by students from other parts of the world, from Asia all the way to the Caribbean, documentation is a considerable part of your investment project.

Students from abroad that hold or looking to hold more than one citizenship will always be on a lookout for best available fast citizenship option to utilize it the best way possible for establishing their own startup or joining an existing one. For instance, foreigners can acquire Dominica citizenship by investment in 2-3 months and as Dominicans can set-up a tax friendly startup structure which will benefit them in a long run.

Undoubtedly, the determining factor of a startup success will be a mission-driven approach. Those students who are focused on their mission will reach out to the desired goal. But how can you know if a startup ecosystem is something for you?

Mission-Driven Leaders in the Startup World

You can’t be successful in a world where everything depends on your idea, hard work, and determination. Investing in startup opportunities will bring you the results you want only if you’re able to fit into this world. And, it’s not an easy world to fit in. Competition is getting bigger and bigger, technology is changing all the time, and you still have to perform well in your exams. Finding time for such a demanding activity is not easy.

However, if there’s a will, there’s a way. You can take your chances in a food industry and start frying uniquely flavored donuts, or create an IoT-based startup that utilizes the most recent and innovative technologies such as LwM2M—the possibilities are endless. With astonishing technological advancements and solutions students can make the most of the startup ecosystem and work passionately on something that can become very profitable in the near future.

Here are three types of mission-driven startup leaders who will turn their ideas into successful projects:

 

• Students who possess empathy through adversity.
• Students who are coachable and looking forward to feedback.
• Students who are experts in the problem they are trying to solve.

Final Thoughts

To enjoy benefits from either joining a startup or establishing your own, you will first need to work on your own skills and knowledge. Although you might have a brilliant idea, you will need to study the startup ecosystem with the same dedication you are studying for your exams—if not even more.

The more startups we have, the more difficult it becomes to succeed. That’s why it’s vital you don’t jump into this environment unprepared. Take your time and start when you feel ready.

BY LINE–Kristian Krisyk had been working in the field of web design for 7 years before becoming an entrepreneur in 2014 in design and marketing. His professional interests and hobbies defined major topics of his articles. These days Kristian runs his business and looks for new development opportunities. Follow him @KristianKrisyk or contact at kristian.krisyk@gmail.com

 

Education in Latin America: a Guide for Prospective Students

BY ELAINE GLORIA

For a very long time, Latin America hasn’t been an attractive educational destination. The group of countries in Latin America was considered to be of low literacy rates and weak-quality education. But the last decade was time for substantial changes to the region’s countries economies and education in particular. At the moment Latin America has a chance to compete with such favorite student countries like the USA, UK, and Australia.

The number of students has doubled in the last 10 years which is a result of the fast-growing economy and outside investments reffering to legit essay writing service. Besides, Latin America is a good option for international students: it’s cheaper than Europe or North America and offers a wide variety of entertainment and touristic destinations. What’s else needed for a student?!

Top Universities in Latin America

Top Latin American universities are listed in QS Latin America University Rankings, which include 385 universities in 20 countries all over the region. The most attractive destinations to study in Latin America are Chile, Brazil, and Mexico. Though such countries as Columbia, Argentina, and Costa Rica are also significantly popular. The 2019 leading university in Latin America is Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (US) in Chile, while Universidade de São Paulo in Brazil takes the second place in the rank.

Tuition fees

Cost for studying in Latin America is relatively cheaper than countries like the US, UK or Australia. While an average price for studying in a state college in the USA is $9970 and £9250 in the UK, an average price for higher education in Latin America ranges $4000-5000. What’s more, in some countries, like Brazil, for example, public higher education till the postgraduate level is stated to be free on the governmental level.

 

Cost of living

Living expenses in region’s countries are also more affordable than in North America, Europe or Australia. But the prices strongly depend on the city you want to study in. Such cities as Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro would be expensive to live with the approximate cost of $1000 per month, while in smaller towns you’re likely to spend $600-800 per month. All in all, average living costs in the US or UK would be at least 10% higher than in Latin America.

Applications and visas

You should start your university application process with a list of supporting documents required, which is usually listed on each university’s website. Generally, this list contains documents like:

Passport copies;

Copy of a letter of acceptance;

Bank records;

Previous education records;

Employment history;

CV;

Portfolio etc.

The range of documents you need to provide depends on the chosen degree, faculty and university.

To study in most of the Latin American countries, you would need a study permit (visa). Before applying to a chosen university, you need to check whether your native country is on the list of states required to have permission. The approximate visa cost is around $100-160. To apply for a visa, you must provide a list of documents too. Those usually include:

Passport copies;

Birth certificate;

Photocopies;

Signed visa application forms;

Letter of acceptance to a chosen university;

Proof of sufficient funds;

Medical history;

Receipt of visa payment;

Certificate of conviction history;

Bank records etc.

 

Scholarships and funding

Most of the Latin American universities don’t provide financial aid for international students, so if you might need help with the funding, it will be better for you to do it with a home-based organization or international scholarship institutions.

Languages

The most common languages are Spanish and Portuguese. A vast majority of the university courses are taught in these two languages. So most of the students are required to pass a language proficiency test. If you were lucky enough to find a course in English, you should still remember that it won’t be a day-to-day language to communicate here. So a good idea for you would be to be able to speak casual Spanish/Portuguese depending on your destination country.

Culture

Latin America is famous for it’s old and rich culture. Population values its roots and cherishes traditions. At the same time, the region is exceptionally multicultured and ethnically diverse. Latin America is famous for being the place full of diasporas from whole over the world.

The region is a significant tourist attraction. It will serve the needs of the most demanding tourist. You can go skiing in the Andes in Argentina or Chile, sunbathe and go surfing in Brazil and Uruguay, go sandboarding in Peru, explore the Amazon, etc. Latin America has everything: breathtaking panoramas, ancient history, rich culture, unique cuisine, fascinating entertainment facilities. It’s a place where thousands-years-old history meets modern lifestyles.

So if you’re still considering whether to give Latin America a chance, don’t hesitate.  It’s a perfect study destination for ambitious students who want to get a quality education, meet new people, explore the world and experience different cultures.

 

Gloria Elaine has been an editor in the Bookwormlab team since September 2015. She gained professional experience as a PR for a local college before moving to journalism.

It Is OK To take A Break From College

BY KARI OAKLEY

Being overworked is common. We think we are supposed to keep pushing and it’ll pay off. We ignore signs of depression or poor mental health and keep working. Some people don’t think they deserve a break, you do! A break is needed after working so hard for so long. You need a break to refresh yourself and your mind. A break is something you can reward yourself with to show yourself you are doing a great job. Taking care of your physical and mental health should come before anything. Once you are back from your break, you will be back at school or work better than ever.

 What a Break Will do For You

 When you find yourself unhappy with life, you may need to take a break from it. Whatever you are pursuing at the time, find a way to take a break from it. If you are exhausted most days and frequently have physical problems, you need a break. When your mental state is not, well you need to take time to yourself and figure out why. These types of problems usually come from being overworked and stressed. You have to take the time you need to fix them because they will only get worse. Yes, working and going to school are things you have to do, but taking care of yourself is too. Your break will give you time to figure out what you want to do with your life. It will allow you time to reflect and figure out what things in your life are having a bad impact on you. During this time everything will be moving at your pace so you can pay attention to all the factors in your life. After your break is over, you might have a new job or a new major. That means it wasn’t meant for you in the first place. You will come back to your life and start to live it the way you want too. The things that were causing damage to you won’t be there anymore because you will remove them.

When to Take a Break From School

 A lot of students take a gap year before they start college or the year after they have completed college. Their parents don’t always agree because this year can turn into two fast. The key to making sure it doesn’t this doesn’t happen is staying focused while on your break. Your break will be to prepare you to pursue your dream. You should be deciding on the best major for you to study or the best career option for you to pursue. Before the year is over, you will be ready to dive into life. When to Take a Break From Work

Adults don’t take breaks from work often because they don’t feel like they can. When they do, it is called a sabbatical year. When the reality of bills and responsibilities set in, you will jump at the best paying job you are offered. The problem is that the job might not always be the best for you. Working a job that doesn’t satisfy you. It can cause you to be depressed. Some people work jobs that aren’t fit for their physical conditions and eventually damage their bodies. You could also just be overworked from working a lot. All of these things aren’t healthy for you and can cause long term problems. The solution is simple to take a break.

Conclusion

Whether you need a vacation or time to figure out life, make sure you do it. People are most likely going to disagree with it. They will tell you it’s a bad idea and you could mess up your life. Your break is for you and no one else. Taking a break could be the perfect option for you. It gives you the chance to discover yourself and be prepared for college.

Byline:Kari Oakley is a fitness trainer from Kenosha Wisconsin. She now lives in downtown Chicago, and loves to get out. She is a big fan of anything adventure, and loves getting a workout in the outdoors.

 

How College Graduates Can Get Their Dream Job

BY JORI HAMILTON

For many college students, the whole point of going in the first place is to discover what really interests them, earn a degree, and quickly land their dream job. As a student, you want to make a huge difference in the world and your career. But for many students, going from earning good grades in classes to accepting their dream position seems like a vast canyon that can feel improbable to hurdle over.

Many recent graduates actually struggle quite a bit to find a job in their field after college. In fact, over half of all college graduates will hold down a job that doesn’t require a degree at all at some point after graduation. It takes a bit more forethought and preparation to find something really great to transition into. 

That being said, when and how to start strategizing for a post-college career is frequently at the forefront of the minds of many students. Here are five ways to begin preparing early and successfully. 

1. Try Out Potential Careers

You may be super passionate about your degree and completely dedicated to completing your major so you can work in your chosen field. But why wait? Far too many students wait until graduation to actually apply for jobs in their field, and many quickly realize that working in the real world is a lot different than studying a topic in college. Some even decide that field is not for them after all. Trying out different potential jobs can make it easier to smoothly transition and make an impact right away.  

Getting job experience in fields you are interested in during the two or three summers between school can be invaluable, so don’t be afraid to start early. Not only does it give you a taste of what life after graduation will look like, but it can help build work experience and skills that will give you a leg up when it comes time to apply for a permanent position. 

1. Get Advice

Expecting to know exactly what career is well-suited for your interests is a bit of a stretch. Sure, you will certainly figure it out over time, but getting advice and input can put you on the right track a lot faster. Visit your college’s career center for advice on all sorts of things, from existing jobs out there, to internship opportunities, to resume and application support. 

Take it a step further once you are in an internship position by asking your new co-workers for their input on how to be successful. The vast majority of them are more than willing to share what did and didn’t work for them, as well as what they would have done differently if they were in your shoes. Mentors can shed light on tips and tricks to successful applications that you didn’t even think of. 

1. Network

It may seem outdated, but many people still get jobs because of who they know or who has put in a positive word for them. Because of this, the value of networking cannot be understated. Join clubs, keep up with old supervisors, build relationships with professors, and attend events related to your field to interact with professionals in the industry. All of these things could make the difference in quality recommendations or even direct job offers. 

1. Build a Resume and Cover Letter

Start working on a resume early and try to keep it updated with everything you do that could help you to get a job later. Many professionals keep a “master Resume’ with every shred of experience they’ve acquired and only copy the best and most necessary information into the resume document they send potential employers. The same can be said for a cover letter. There are great resources for building the perfect cover letter or resume.

Getting started on a resume can be challenging, but once you have a template lined out, it can be relatively easy to maintain. College career centers are full of resume experts that can get you set up and proofread everything before you send it out. Many previous employers and mentors are often happy to offer resume suggestions that can make you stand out as well — so don’t be afraid to ask! 

1. Prepare for an Interview

Preparing and successfully executing the interview is the last major step to landing your dream job. The majority of jobs that you will apply to and interview for will present similar interview questions. These are usually the most important ones to nail, so it helps to think out answers ahead of time. Once this is done, more time can be devoted to job-specific interview questions. 

 While interviewing, try to highlight some of your soft skills as well as your specific qualifications. Practice answering questions with friends until you are able to answer them with confidence. Likewise, spend time thinking of questions to ask your interviewer. Quality questions show that you have thought about this organization and what your place in it might look like. 

Transitioning into your dream job after college can seem like a real challenge, but with the right preparation, it can go smoothly. Build a network, ask for advice, and learn from mentors. Try different positions during internships and figure out exactly what is right for you. Finally, use this information to build a great resume and prepare for an interview that will blow your future employer’s socks off. Good luck!

Bio: Jori Hamilton is a writer from the Northwest who is passionate about education and social justice issues. You can follow her on Twitter @HamiltonJori

Investment Methods Can Bring You Financial Freedom After College

BY KATHLEEN BROWN

 

Every young college student dreams of achieving financial freedom and becoming independent. However, the road towards financial freedom is full of obstacles and challenges so you must stay completely focused along the way. No matter how hard it can be, you must follow certain steps in order to reach the phase you have always dreamt about. The thing is – financial freedom is personal so you need to set some goals. Financial independence means different things for different people. For example, for you a financial freedom might be choosing a career that you have always loved without thinking or worrying about how much would it cost to get it. For some other students, freedom might be when they can spend cash on luxurious things, going on nice trips or retiring early. Some students also dream about getting Dominica citizenship by investment and living somewhere by the beach. In any case, if you want to reach financial freedom it is advisable you follow the following methods.

• Proper money management is a must if you want to be financially free. Therefore, good budgeting is important so you can put your finances in right place. You always have to be aware and have a clear overview where, how, and when you are spending money. That way you can see where you need to cut costs and save more money for later.

 

• Clean up your student loans, credit cards and other loans you may have. If you want financial freedom then you have to have full income coming your way. So pay off your student debts and then you can start making more serious plans with your money.

 

• Have a good strategy about saving money short-term. You must have some money set aside for emergency issues like doctor trips, broken car, appliances, etc. Having cash on hand is a good thing in times of need, so make sure you increase it when you have money to put aside. Try to fund your account bit by bit and even smallest contributions can become handy in emergency times.

 

• Learn more about different investment options available to you. Be active and get in touch with some quality financial advisors that can guide you towards financial freedom and safety. They can suggest you different investment tactics, rebalance your budget in order to optimize spending, provide you with plans for specific situations, and do other good things. Truth is that today you have numerous options related to getting financial freedom. You can consider some ways for earning passive income. You may also invest in stocks, real estate or something else that will bring you money long-term. Options are limitless in today`s world.

These were some methods and advice on how you can attain more financial freedom.

Byline:Kathleen Brown is a passionate entrepreneur and enjoys writing articles, overviews, and analyses about everything going on in the industry with a single goal of sharing her expertise with students.