Applying for Financial Aid? Best Tips to Get You Started

BY JONATHAN KELLY

Paying for school is not always easy. Whether your parents help you or you are applying for a student loan/financial aid, it can be a lot to consider.  When you start the financial planning process, it can be stressful.  Attempting to figure out a way to afford the education you want, takes planning.  There are an estimated 44.7 million Americans with student-loan debt.  In 2018, 69% of college students took out student loans.

There are many avenues for financial aid, and federal aid is always need-based.  Federal student loans are available for any student.  The private sector also provides student loans, through different lending institutions.  Financial aid will be grants based on financial need.  Scholarships through schools or other organizations are acceptable.  Federal loans or federal work-study is also an option.

Understand Your Eligibility

Part of the application process should start with some basic information.  You will need identification documents for the forms you are filling out.  To qualify for federal student aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study funds, you must prove financial need.  This is the difference between the cost of attendance at the school and your expected family contribution.  Along with this, you must be a U.S. citizen.  You will need a valid social security number and need to be enrolled in a school or accepted as a regular student. You must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving federal student aid each year, and need to maintain your eligible status.  This comes down to making progress on your degree.  You must refile your FAFSA ( Federal Application for Federal Student Aid) every year.  Before filing, gather the documents you need for identification: your tax returns and information about all other income sources.

Stay on Top of the Administrative Work and Know Your Deadlines

There is a finite amount of financial aid available.  The financial aid allocated comes on a first-come-first-serve basis.  This means you must complete your FAFSA as soon as you can, to maximize what you can receive.  There are some important dates for filing, found at the FAFSA website, including information for your state.  You should not wait to file your taxes before filing your FAFSA, because the application does ask for tax return information.  You need to include your parents on your FAFSA forms, even if you pay your own bills and file your individual taxes.  Provide your parent’s financial information, regardless if they contribute to your education costs or not.  You can submit your application more than once.  Also, search for other options if financial aid does not cover most of your college costs.

Consider Scholarships and Grants Before Loans

Financial aid can be a good place to start when you are looking for funding for school.  Yet, it may not cover all your education costs.  Scholarships and grants can be excellent resources because you don’t pay them back.  There are extensive resources for student financial aid.

This includes scholarships/grants, and student programs and internships.  Every state has this information available for you to look at.  If you do end up choosing loans, private student loans are another avenue to think about.  Many schools will point you towards preferred lenders for student loans, but you should do your own research and pick the right lender.

If All Goes Well, prepare for a Financial Package and Money you Provide Yourself

If you did end up qualifying for financial aid, it may not all come in the form of a grant or a gift aid.  The need-aid that is given, is almost always done as a financial-aid package, which may consist of a grant, a subsidized student loan, and work-study.  The total amount of aid given may even fall short of the amount that you were eligible for.  This is a shortfall, which is the extra amount you must provide yourself, besides the expected family contribution.  More importantly, do not count yourself out and do not fall into the misconception that there is an income cut off for financial aid.

Finally, prepare for complications.  You will be filling out endless forms, with some forms being more complex than others. But, the basic aid application form is not as complicated as it looks.  Gather all your information first, and take your time inputting the data.

Take advantage of the money you can receive, which does not have to be paid back.  There are scary statistics showing that the American student-loan debt is upwards of 1.56 trillion dollars.  This is spread across 45 million borrowers.  Paying for school does not have to be stressful, because you can use the resources you have available.  Financial aid is a useful option to consider. The information accessed through federal and private resources will help you.

 

Jon Kelly is a part-time writer and Internet enthusiast. His background in digital marketing (since 2004) has led him to develop a passion for technology and education. He works for 1stOnTheList.com, an award-winning agency in Vancouver, Canada. You can also find him on his personal website, www.1stpage.ca and business site www.1stonthelist.com

 

6 Tips for Requesting a Recommendation Letter from your Professor

BY JANE HURST

At some point in your college career it is possible that you may want to ask your professor for a letter of recommendation for an internship or job. When this occurs there are some steps you want to follow in order to have a chance at receiving the recommendation. Here are 6 tips for requesting a letter of recommendation from your professor.

1. Approach your professor 

About two months or so before you need your letter of recommendation, schedule a time during their office hours to meet with them and ask them if they would be willing to write you a recommendation. Asking them during office hours will allow them to focus on what you are requesting. You can try asking them before or after class, but they will probably be thinking of other things and not be able to pay as much attention as they would in a scheduled meeting.
2. Professor information 

If you are going to ask your professor for a letter of recommendation you need to be sure to use the correct salutation in your email. While you might say, “Dear Professor Y,” it would be better if you said, “Dear Dr. Y,” if they have a doctorate or “Dear Mr./Mrs. Y” if they have a master’s degree. Little things like that will put you on the positive side of your professor. Your email should be formal as you are requesting a formal letter of recommendation.
3. Classes 

In your email you should start by introducing yourself and letting the professor know which classes you took together. If you did not have a class with this professor, but were working with them in an advising position such as a club or organization, you should include that information. Remember that professors can have hundreds of a students a semester. Including this information in the letter can help jog their memory.
4. Summary

After you have introduced yourself in the email and let the professor know why you are writing them, you want to give a summary of what job or internship you are applying for. This way your professor can personalize their letter of recommendation. Give them a brief description and maybe tell them why you are interested in this particular company. The more information you provide to your professor, the better the letter of recommendation will be.
5. Informational materials 

You will want to attach a copy of your resume, cover letter, and any other information that will help your professor fill out the letter of recommendation. Make sure your resume is complete and up to date. You can use online resume builders to create the perfect resume for your professor to peruse. You will also want to update your cover letter to reflect the position you are applying for. Including a link to your personal website on your resume and cover letter can also be helpful for your professor.
6. Follow up 

If your professor has not gotten back to you two weeks before your letter is due you may send them a gentle reminder. Be sure to be formal and do not panic or make demands. Professors do not have a lot of time on their hands, but if they told you they were willing to write you a letter they just may need a quick reminder. This email should just be a couple of sentences long. You should refer to your previous email to help jog their memory. Once they have sent the letter you will want to send them a thank you email. This is a common courtesy that will impress your professor and keep you in their good graces.

 

Byline:

Jane Hurst has been working in education for over 5 years as a teacher. She loves sharing her knowledge with students, is fascinated about edtech and loves reading, a lot. Follow Jane on Twitter.

 

7 Ways to Use Social Media Sites to Obtain an Internship 

By Lorraine McKinney

Being in college is stressful enough. You have reading and writing assignments, tests to study for, and trying to decide what you want to do when you graduate. If you are looking to acquire an internship as part of your career track, here  are seven ways to use social media sites to obtain an internship.

1. Create a unique personal website – One thing business are looking for is someone who is tech savvy. Creating your own personal website will open a door to your world that a paper resume does not do. You can show potential employers your creative side and let them know what you are capable of. Use videos and pictures to promote yourself to businesses. Remember to keep things professional, but be sure to add a few individual items that are unique to you.
2. Headshot – Make sure you have a professional headshot. Potential employers want to see who they are looking into before they meet you. You can get a headshot done by a professional photographer or go online and find out how to do it yourself. Your headshot can be used on your personal website and other correspondences like your email.
3. Facebook – You can find an internship by using facebook. Send personal messages around to your family, friends, and past employers and find out if they are aware of any internships that might be available. You can also post a notice on your facebook page explaining that you are looking for an internship and would appreciate any leads. If you do use your Facebook account to ask about internships, be sure your Facebook account looks professional. Potential employers could look at your account and you want them to have a positive image of you.
4. Twitter – Like Facebook, you can use your twitter account to ask for and seek any leads on internships. You can download your resume so it is available to potential employers. Before you download your resume, though, you want to be sure to look it over and check for any updates you can make. You can check out an online resume builder for examples of how to update your resume and make it your own.
5. Linkedin – This social media site was built with the business world in mind. You can upload your resume and contact potential employers and former employers at the push of a button. Be sure to be professional when you reach out to potential employees and make sure your account reflects your professionalism.
6. Blog – If you have a blog, you should include it on your resume and personal website. You can also provide links to your social media pages on your resume. Blogging will show future employers that you can maintain a site over a period of time with consistency. Employers want to know that you will do what you say you can and will do and showing them that you maintain a blog will go far in convincing them that you have what it takes to work as an intern at their company.
7. Research – This is one of the most important steps to landing an internship. College has prepared you to do the research that you will need to figure out what company you want to work for and why. You will want to show your potential employers that you have taken the time to research what  they do and how they do it. This will impress people who should already be a bit impressed by you. This will help seal the deal. Research a company you are interested in online, at their social sites, and in media. Get to know the company so when you are asked why you want to internship there, you can give them a well rounded and intelligent answer.

 

Lorraine McKinney is an academic tutor and elearning specialist.

 

The Importance of Insurance Education for College Students

BY ANTON LUCANUS

As a young child, insurance is word we may hear tossed around in medical offices or hearing other adults discuss vehicles. By the time we make our way into being a young adult we understand that insurance means safety, and necessary. It is true that insurance is a measure of safety that allows us a form of protection if something should go wrong. Whether it is a broken arm, a flooded house, or a wrecked vehicle, it’s important to have that protection because without insurance, unnecessary costs can rise quickly.

The main problem with insurance isn’t whether or not someone is covered, it lies more within the issues surrounding people not having the proper education about what type of insurances are available or how to go about learning more. Financial education is frequently taught in secondary education, but it should be made a priority for higher education institutions. Unless someone is majoring in business, finance, or accounting, they might not often understand the implications that they will face of not knowing what happens when they are legally considered adults.

Purchasing an insurance policy can seem scary because it can seem like a sale or advertisement where someone is trying to get the most money out of you instead of truly help you make your best purchase for your income range and specified needs, especially when it is done via a call center. For college students, many schools have corporate sponsorships with certain businesses that may allow them the opportunity to get a discount when purchasing an insurance premium. Places like Brantford insurance brokers and other educational resources are able to help those struggling to find education about insurance.

Many studies have concluded that the financial education young adults have is primarily learned from their parents or caregivers. Family income and money skills carry down through generations. It can actually be a hard habit to break for those who struggle with negative spending habits. So understanding where those core financial values come from can help someone looking to improve their financial stability from a young age.

There are many questions a student might have about their personal finances. From budgeting, to credit scores, insurance plans and financing a car, there are so many different things that adulthood can bring. And then there are essential student expenditures: textbooks, private VPN services for public wifi on campus, travel and accommodation. Couple all of that with student loan debt and coming to college can start to seem overwhelming. That overwhelming feeling stems from a lack of uncertainty in the areas of finances. Not all college or university students have their parents to help them when they are venturing out into the real world. For those those students on their own, signing a promissory note of agreeing to pay back over 100,000 dollars can be amazingly frightening. They may start to question whether or not college is even worth it at times. Without proper education, it can be difficult to understand where to even start when creating a plan.

Starting with budgeting, an insurance plan must go in place somewhere in a budget. There are many financial advisors and therapists that can help students budget. Online resources are available to teach students about budgeting. College is not often a place where students are financially fruitful. Most of their money goes to pay for books and tuition before food and housing. All of the necessities of college and time requirements of dedication can make it difficult to even hold a part time job. The most important part of budgeting in college is to understand no spending should be done until necessities are paid for. Reckless spending can be harmful to one’s overall mental health and grades.

Some students may feel insecure discussing finances due to their lack of education in that area which is why it is important to break down the stigma that we are born understanding financial limits. It would be wise for higher education institutions to implement a program that would provide introductory education to first year college students about the financial hurdles they may need to overcome while in college. This program might involve people within the community that are insurance companies, business owners, investors and other financial stakeholders that can come educate and give advice to students about what is available to them.

College students are generally too bogged down with lecture information and exams to think financially first. They are school oriented adults who have a passion for education, they just need to know what is available to them to help them implement financially savvy skills and build good credit scores. Ignorance is only unacceptable in the refusal to be educated. It is crucial to the advancement of society that we continue to educate students on everything available to them and set them up for success, not failure.

 

Byline – Anton Lucanus is the Director of Neliti. During his college years, he maintained a perfect GPA, was published in a top cancer journal, and received many of his country’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarships. Anton writes for The College Puzzle as a means to share the lessons learnt throughout his degree and to guide current students to achieve personal and educational fulfilment during college life.

How To Realign After You Have Been Dumped In College

BY MIKKIE MILLS

It can feel like you have lost everything in the world when you have been dumped. It may seem like the love you had was is the most important thing in your life and now it is gone. It becomes difficult for you to even envision yourself with someone else. Fortunately, you do not have to. There are so many other things that you can do after you have been dumped. It’s not the end of the world, and you will soon see that when you refocus your energy and take time to do these 5 things.

1.Get Rid of Old Memories

The first thing that you should do is consider getting rid of the old memories. Delete this person’s number from your phone. Remove all old pictures of the two of you together from social media. You need to get rid of the memories that are associated with this person because it is only going to trigger painful thoughts. You need to move on as quickly as possible. It will not be an overnight process, but you can resist the urge to call when you have deleted the number from your phone. You will not go down memory lane when you have gotten rid of the pictures that the two of you are together. These are the things that can help you cope quicker.

 

2. Consider The Benefits Of Higher Education Abroad

You may be having a high school heartbreak. It could be a college romance that has gone sour. There are even times where you may be an adult that is part of the working class that is experiencing heartbreak. What you will discover is that it is never too late to consider going back to school even if you’re older. Take time to study abroad and engulf yourself in a completely different culture. There is nothing like going to another country, experiencing a new food, customs and people. You may even find yourself learning a new language. There may be something that you have always wanted to do, but you may have never had the ability to do so.

 

3. Have Good Cry

You don’t have to know all of the answers. It is perfectly fine to have a good cry. In fact, this is something that you need to do as a part of a purge. Express your anger. Get it all out. Take the time that you need to vent. These are the things that are going to help you keep your sanity. You may need to cry multiple times when you have been dumped. It’s okay. This is all part of the healing process.

 

4. Call A Friend

Sometimes crying on your own is not enough. At times you may need to learn how to call out on a friend that can help you with some of the pain that you are going through. It is good to have a friend in your life that can help you process your emotions. If you want to vent you should have a person that you can confide in. That is why friends are so important. They give you the ability to look at life from a completely different angle. The world looks very different when you have another person that you can confide in.

 

5. Take Time To Be Alone

It has been said that the quickest way to get over an old love is to move on to a new love. That is not a healthy thing to do. What works better is taking the time to be alone. Enjoy time to yourself. Look at what you can do alone and realize your self worth. That is how to become a better partner for someone in the future. Carrying all that baggage from one place to another is not healthy. Take the time to get to know and love yourself after you get dumped.

Byline: Mikkie is a freelance writer from Chicago. She has a passion for advanced learning, reading, and health and fitness. She is also a mother of two who loves sharing her ideas on education, learning, health, fitness and yoga. When she’s not writing, she’s chasing the little ones around or can be found at the local climbing gym or doing yoga.

 

 

7 methods to improve memory and concentration for students

BY SEBASTIAN MILLER

Memory and focus are two critical factors that can have a massive impact on one’s academic performance. With a sound memory, which consists of the ability to recall past events precisely with ease, you stand a chance of achieving your targeted grades, irrespective of how challenging your course of study is or what kind of essay writing assisstance you managed to find.

Being able to concentrate in class or while studying is another critical factor that can set a student apart. And excitingly, these things are not that difficult to improve. Here are a few tips to help you improve memory and concentration.

1. Create time for mindfulness meditation

There are enormous benefits you can get from this act. Just 10 to 20 minutes of meditation daily can help boost your attention span, according to research. And in addition to preventing the mind from wandering and reducing anxious thoughts, mindfulness meditation can lower the risk of depression, reduce stress levels, and improve cardiovascular health.

According to research, a neurophysiological link exists between breathing and attention. The study also went further to indicate that breathing, which is a critical element in mindfulness meditation, directly impacts noradrenalin, a natural chemical found in the brain. So, how one breathes affects the chemistry of the brain in a way that can improve one’s concentration and brain health.

2. Stop the distractions

One of the ways you can improve your concentration is to avoid distractions in any form. You also have to discipline yourself and know when to say no to things that are not initially in your plans.

Technology can also help improve your concentration. If you discover that you are spending too much time on social media or other platforms instead of studying or concentrating on your research (probably while working on your assignment), then you can install software or app that prevents access to social media until you are done with your work.

3. Fight and conquer that procrastination

Having too much work on your desk or thinking about too many things at a time can make it more challenging for an individual to concentrate. So, avoid procrastination. Make it a habit to work on tasks at the appropriate time, so that at the end of the day, you will have little to worry about.

Procrastination can increase your workload, which can result in confusion and poor concentration. On the other hand, thinking about too many things at a time can increase your stress levels also.

4. Cut back on sugar consumption

A reduction in sugar consumption can have a massive impact on one’s cognitive ability and general health. Research has pointed out that excess consumption of sugar-laden diets can cause poor memory in both young and old.

Besides sugar reduction, another thing you can do to improve your memory is to start incorporating brain foods into your diet. Examples of such foods include blueberry, fatty fish, dark chocolate, water, flax seeds, and leafy green vegetables.

5. Engage in physical activities

Exercise does not only benefit the body. It can also benefit your mind and help to improve concentration. Exercise helps to boost one’s focus by making sure that the brain ignores any form of distraction.

You can exercise for at least 5 – 10 minutes daily and still reap huge benefits. You don’t have to spend hours daily or engage in rigorous exercise to achieve your aim.

Also, engaging in physical activities can cause you to maintain a healthy body weight, which is essential for your wellbeing. It’s also one of the ways you can keep your mind and body in top shape. Obesity, on the other hand, can cause changes to genes related to memory, which can negatively affect one’s memory.

6. Sleep

Having proper rests, particularly during night hours, is another proven method for students to improve memory and concentration. Research has also pointed out that being sleep deprived can impact one’s memory negatively.

It is also advisable to sleep for at least 7 – 9 hours per day. Another thing to consider about sleep is not only the duration but time of sleep. For instance, if you usually sleep around 10 pm every day, ensure you sleep in the said time regularly.

7. Train your brain

Another method to improve memory is to engage in cognitive exercises regularly. In this case, you need to play brain games and increase difficulty levels gradually. Examples of brain games include crosswords, Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, chess, among others.

Conclusion

Having a sound memory and the ability to focus attentively can help you progress faster in your academic life. So, if your memory and concentration are not as you want them to be, you need to start doing the right thing to improve them. However, the tips on this post can help you achieve that. So, start implementing them to improve your memory and concentration.

 

Author Bio

Sebastian Miller is a former Calling Lake School science teacher. After 4 years of teaching, he decided to become a freelance writer. In Sebastian’s opinion, math is the core of all science and his goal is to enlighten as many schoolers as possible through writing

 

 

8 Strategies to Use When You Don’t Feel Motivated to Study

BY ANNABEL MONAGHAN

Studying is one of your most important tools for success in a college environment. Most full-time students should plan to spend 30 hours a week studying—and that’s outside of time for lectures and classwork. For the studious and most academically motivated in university, this isn’t much of a challenge, but for many of us, studying is a challenge.

Studying requires hours of dedicated focus, and summoning the willpower and energy for that can be tough—especially if you’re dealing with other responsibilities, like a job or parenthood. If motivation is your biggest problem, there are some strategies you can use to overcome it.

Compensating for Study Apathy

When you don’t feel motivated to study, for whatever reason, try some of these strategies to break out of your rut:

 

1. Declutter your room

 Decluttering has a number of benefits all its own, but it can also be a useful way to jump-start your productivity. Picking things off the floor or clearing your desk doesn’t take much effort, but it can feel good and get your body and mind in gear. By the time you’re done, you’ll feel motivated to take on a new task, satisfied that you did something productive—and you’ll probably have a cleaner workspace where you can do it.

 

2. Set up a timetable (with breaks)

 Instead of jumping right into studying, consider setting up a timetable for yourself. For example, you might allocate 20 minutes of studying, followed by a 10-minute break, with repeating cycles like this indefinitely. You’ll begin your momentum since you’ve officially taken a step toward studying, and you’ll establish some degree of motivation for yourself; you know that, no matter what, after 20 minutes of studying, you’ll have time for a break.

 

3. Commit to five minutes

Starting a task requires much more effort and willpower than continuing a task you’ve already started. To overcome this mental hurdle, commit to studying for an inconsequentially small amount of time—like 5 minutes. Most people can convince themselves to study for just 5 minutes, but by the time those 5 minutes are up, you’ll have enough focus and energy to keep that momentum going for another hour or two.

 

4. Start with something easy

You can also jump-start your motivation by choosing to tackle some easy task before diving into the hard material. For example, you might review flashcards of material you already understand before taking on something new, or you might read a short chapter for one subject before beginning work on your term paper for another. Like many of the items on this list, it provides you with a combination of benefits, including a short-term feeling of accomplishment, an excuse to get started, and momentum you can carry into your core studying material.

 

5. Plan to reward yourself

Everything is easier to start when you have a reward waiting for you at the end. If you achieve a certain studying goal, like completing a chapter of content or studying for a full 2 hours, reward yourself with a pizza, a retail purchase, or even an episode of your favorite TV show. It will motivate you to achieve your goal and make studying a more positive overall experience.

 

6. Eliminate distractions

Distractions can be powerful deterrents to studying, so you may have to exercise control in eliminating them. For starters, turn off all notifications on all your devices, or put them in airplane mode if you don’t need internet access. Turn off any televisions or speakers in your environment (apart for some low-level music or white noise, if that helps you), and put away any distracting objects.

 

7. Find what works for you

Everyone has different motivations. Whether you’re studying to become a specialist surgeon or even an 18-wheeler accident attorney, take some time to experiment and find what works for you. Once you know there are a few tactics that can perk you up and/or get you in the mood for a good study session, you can call upon them in the future to build your momentum. Much of your studying success depends on your structure and routines, so don’t neglect this area of your academic life.

 

8. Enlist the help of a friend

Hold yourself accountable to your goals by telling them to a friend or roommate. Explain what you intend to do and how you intend to do it; just telling someone else can serve as a powerful motivator to keep you committed to your goals. They may also be able to provide you with tips, or a better environment in which to study.

 

9. Attend a group session

Many students study more effectively and more consistently when they’re surrounded by their peers, so try to seek out a study group for your class of choice. If you haven’t tried group study sessions before, now’s the perfect time.

 

Annabel Monaghan is a writer with a passion for education and edtech. She writes education and career articles for The College Puzzle with the aim of providing useful information for students and young professionals. If you have any questions, please feel free to email her at annabelmonaghanwriter@gmail.com. 

 

 

Study Abroad? Travel Scholarships And Programs For High School Students 

BY SAMANTHA BROWN

Studying abroad is one of the coolest and most beneficial activities that features high on every high school student’s checklist! From pursuing a course outside your comfort zone, to physically living in a foreign land, where you probably do not know a single soul – it can be one of the bravest decisions you take in your life.

But studying abroad involves hefty expenses too; how do you manage to pay the whopping fees of renowned international universities? Well, that is where you can test and tag for rewarding travel scholarship programs.

Here are some travel scholarships and programs for your dream course.

1. Reach Cambridge University Scholarship

If you are between the age of 14 and 18, then you are eligible to apply for 2 to 3 weeks summer program in the historic Cambridge. To win these free 3 weeks of fun and learning in the heart of England, all you have to do is to write a powerful essay. Get a pen and a paper and start writing because if you win you will be selected to pursue programs in fields like media, engineering, law, biotechnology and even performing arts.

2. Andeo International Homestays Scholarship

If you want to explore foreign destinations without robbing a bank then all you have to do is to stay with a local family in the region where you will study. All you have to do is to apply for Andeo’s individual homestay programs. After that, you have to convince the language teacher of your university to nominate you by filing a short form, and you are done. There are no actual efforts involved in this, you just have to spend your days in a homestay and then you can pack your bags and explore destinations such as Mexico, Japan, and even Germany.

3. National Geographic Student Expeditions

Every year National Geographic guides students on a 2-week long expedition to about 30 exotic destinations of the world with diverse projects. For starters, you can hone your photography skills in Prague under the guidance of experts or experience cultures and customs of Bhutan. It has an expedition for everyone, and if you do not have the funds then apply for a scholarship because National Geographic chooses 22 students each year so that they can chase their dreams without worrying about funds.

4. Two Worlds Youth Travel Programs Scholarship

If you want to convert your dream of studying in abroad into a reality, but cannot decide a specific university yet, then this scholarship would be best for you as it offers a scholarship for programs in 32 countries. It is open for all high school students aged between 15 and 18 and you can pursue programs lasting from just over a summer to an entire year. Two Worlds actually have numerous high school scholarship programs, so you are not bound by any specific criteria.

5. National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)

If you want to learn a new language and garner in-depth knowledge about it, then NSLI-Y is an immersive language program for students just like you. The scholarship is sponsored by the US Department of State, and it allows you to receive training in a critical language for either a summer or a year. The languages in which you can acquire training are Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, Korea, Russian, Turkish, etc. This scholarship is only based on merit and thus you do not have to produce your financial condition while applying for it.

6. American Foreign Service Association Scholarship

It is probably one of the life-changing scholarships offered to high school students to study in abroad. The AFSA conducts an essay writing contest every year, and students making it, are invited for a trip to Washington DC and also taken for a formal meeting with the secretary of the State. Apart from this, they have gifted a significant amount of money and also a complete sponsorship for the excursion program of Semester at Sea.

 

Apart from financial support, these programs also offer a golden opportunity for you to enjoy a host of other benefits. Staying and studying abroad offers the following advantages to you.

Explore the world: the biggest reason for which you should say yes to an abroad study program is that you will be able to discover an unknown country. Bit by bit, you will become acquainted with the customs, culture, museums and natural wonders of a foreign country.

Experience a different education format: another reason which allures students from a foreign country to take up a learning program is that most want to be exposed to learning programs of various styles. Since education is the centerpiece of any study program, you will be shown different aspects of your subject which you might not have experienced in your hometown.

Ace your learning skills: if you are planning to pursue a learning program in a foreign country, chances are that you will be able to learn local languages of the country and with time excel in it.

Amazing career opportunities: if you decide to make a career in that foreign country after completion of your course, then voila, your luck will be by your side. But even if you return home with a new perspective of skills, language, culture, etc, you will be a potential candidate for major recruiters of your country.

So, now that you know which scholarship applications to target, do not sit back anymore. Now is your chance to spread out your wings and fly high!

By-line

Samantha Brown is a freelance writer who specializes on carrier guidance, she is also motivational speaker and author

 

All About Emergency Loans for Students

BY LINDA ANDERSON

Financial emergencies come all the time. Every student has found themselves in a position where they need money fast and they can’t cover the emergency. So, how do you solve this?

Well, the easiest option is to apply for a loan. Accessing emergency loans these days has become very easy. There are literally thousands of loan providers online and offline that can extend a loan for you to cater to whatever emergency that you have as a student.

Why You Should Consider Emergency Loans?

An emergency loan is not the same as a normal bank loan. There are a number of factors that make these loans an ideal option for students. First, you don’t need any serious requirements to get them. The loans are fully secured and unsecured. Even people who have a bad credit history can still get access to these loans. Secondly, there’s a huge diversity of options to go for. From payday loans, title loans, credit card advance and so much more. You can definitely be sure that there is always something that will work for you at the end of it all.

Accessing these loans is also very easy. And we are not talking about the easy requirements here. Many loan providers have online platforms that allow you to apply for the loan anywhere you are. You can use any kind of Internet device too. Mostly, the loans will be processed in a few hours and the money transferred right away for candidates that qualify. After all, this is an emergency. The last thing you want is a credit provider that takes days or even weeks to get you the money. Emergencies need to be addressed quickly and the sooner you get the cash the better it will be.

Important Note: An emergency loan may help you get through financial difficulties. But there can be high fees and interest rates with some of these loans, depending on the type of loan you apply for and its terms. The Federal Reserve Board found that 4 in 10 adults aren’t able to cover an emergency expense of $400 or cover it by selling something or borrowing money. This is actually better than 1 in 2 adults in 2013.

Types of Emergency Loans

There are a few options you can go for in case you need an emergency loan as a student. All these options are different and come with their own unique pros and cons.

1. Personal Loans

Personal loans are designed for people who have a very good credit history. These are typically installment loans extended to a person to use for whatever reason they see fit. The interest rates tend to be better, especially if your credit rating is good. The loans are also secured and unsecured. The great thing with personal loans is that you can even borrow very small amounts of money. The repayment period is often very short though. It is therefore advisable to take a small amount that you actually need so that you don’t have trouble paying it up within the allotted time frame.

2. Credit Card Cash Advance

You can use the available balance in your credit card to take a small short term loan. This service is offered mostly by credit card companies. However, you will not be able to loan a big amount of money. The interest rates on credit card cash advance loans are very high. Processing fees are also charged and once you take the money out, the interest will start accruing. Just like with most loans, the rule here should be to only take the amount you need. Unmanaged debt can easily spiral into a financial problem if you are not careful.

3. Payday Loans

Payday loans are probably some of the most popular emergency loan options in the market right now. Unlike personal loans where you can pay back in installments, payday loans are paid in full. The biggest challenge with payday loans is the interest. In addition to this, there’s a risk that the loans may lead to a debt trap. Think of it this way. Let’s say you have an emergency as a student and instead of just taking the amount of money you need, you decide to borrow extra.

When the salary from your part time job comes in at the end of the month, the entire loan amount will be deducted to repay the debt plus all the accrued interest. You soon realize that whatever is left in your bank account is not enough so to take care of your monthly bills, you decide to take another loan. This process can continue for years. Although payday loans are popular, they are not always the best option for students unless of course the other options don’t work for you.

4. Pawn Shop loans

A pawn shop loan allows you to use an item of value as collateral to secure a loan. The pawn shop will check the value of the item and decide how much they are willing to give you based on that. If you are not able to repay the loan, the item will be sold and the money recovered.

5. Title Loans

A title loan, also known as a car title loan, is a secured loan that you can take using your car title as the collateral. But how do title loans work? First, you will have to temporarily surrender the hard copy of your vehicle title to the borrower. Once this is done, the credit provider will assess your credit needs and extend an amount that fits your credit profile. When the loan is repaid you will get the car title back.

Emergency Loan Alternatives

Before you rush into emergency loans, there could be a few alternatives to try out.

• Low Interest Credit Cards – Low interest credit cards are ideal for students with good credit. But it requires a lot of financial discipline too.
• Medical Bill Repayment Plans – These loans are only specific to medical bills. Many hospitals will have such a facility so talk to them.
• Home Equity Line Of Credit – This loan option applies to homeowners only. You can simply use your home as collateral to secure an emergency loan. The terms of home equity line of credit loans are very unique and different from what we are used too. You need to be very careful before you apply.

Struggle to Repay College Loan?

Many individuals still struggle to repay college loans and handle small emergency expenses at the same time. Like we already mentioned, some studies have shown that over 40% of Americans are not financially capable of covering a small $400 emergency. That should be a red sign for all of you who think to get an emergency loan!

Nevertheless, with emergency loans, you will be able to get the money you need in just a few hours. Just make sure that you choose the right option in order to avoid high fees and high interest rates.

By line for Linda Anderson

I’m a writer and musician residing in Boise, ID in the United States, although I spent a small amount of time (about three years) living in the UK growing up, due to my father’s occupation. I graduated from the College of Idaho with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a focus in marketing.

Exploring Postgraduate Careers In The Large And Diverse Financial Sector

BY JORI HAMILTON

When deciding what type of education and background you want to have, it pays to know the field or career you plan on going into. Consider the benefits of studying finance in college. While some accounting or finance careers will require a college degree, others need only a certificate. You may also be able to start out with certification and then pursue an advanced college degree in order to grow in your career.

Your first step, though, is deciding which jobs interest you the most. From there, you can compare education requirements and job outlook to choose a path.

Accounting vs. Finance

Before you explore the different career paths in accounting and finance, it pays to know how these two fields differ. To the layman, you may assume that they’re similar simply because they have to do with money. They have inherent differences, though, and understanding them will make it easier to choose the right career path for you.

Accounting involves recording and analyzing financial records. Finance, on the other hand, focuses on how money is managed. These descriptions sound similar, but it helps to look at it this way: Accounting deals with areas like accuracy when filing taxes and fiscal compliance, while finance deals with areas like finding the best investment options and personal or corporate budgeting.

Accounting Fields and Jobs

There are various jobs that you can get in the field of accounting and several branches of accounting that you can opt to work in. These include:

 

• Auditing: As either an internal or external auditor, you’ll examine an organization’s funds to see if there has been any mismanagement, either accidental or purposeful. In a government accounting position, you’ll audit government-related individuals or businesses.
• Forensic Accounting: You’ll help businesses, individuals, and/or law enforcement by evaluating financial records. Most of the cases you work will be complex, and some will involve analyzing instances of fraud.
• Management Accounting: You’ll handle budgets and prepare financial records for your organization. Part of this job is also assessing operational expenses.
• Tax Accounting: You’ll prepare taxes at the local, state, and federal levels. You’ll have to remain updated on the most recent codes and code changes, and you’ll have to explain to clients how these changes may affect them.

There are a variety of accounting fields and jobs you can choose from, and these are just four of the more common ones.

3 Most Common Branches of Finance

While there are numerous jobs in the finance field, they tend to fall into one of three branches: corporate finance, personal finance, or public finance. Here’s a breakdown of each type of finance and common jobs in each category.

Corporate Finance

According to Investopedia, corporate finance is a division of a company that handles decisions related to finances and investments. Corporate finance deals with both short- and long-term strategies with the primary goal of maximizing shareholder value. A few examples of positions include:

 

• Benefits Officer: This role combines financial knowledge with human resources. Benefits, like pension funds and healthcare benefits, must be managed to ensure they’re cost-effective for the company while also being beneficial for the employee.
• Cash Manager: The cash manager position ensures that there’s a positive relationship between the company and banks so that short-term credit needs can be met. This position also makes sure that the company always has enough working capital and that any surplus cash is well invested in order to gain interest.
• Financial Analyst: This role handles capital budgeting, which means estimating how much the annual budget can be and then monitoring it to ensure it’s being adhered to. Financial analysts also assess proposals and help make decisions about buying or leasing equipment.

Personal Finance

Personal finance deals with how individuals manage, save, and invest their money. Careers in personal finance help individuals and households make savvy financial decisions. If you want to learn more, check out the best YouTube channels for learning about finance.

One of the most common career paths in personal finance is financial planning. Financial planners work with individuals to create plans to secure their current and future financial situations. After reviewing the client’s current financial status and going over their goals with them, the financial planner will come up with a plan to reach those goals. Financial planning jobs are available at small firms as well as nationwide companies.

Public Finance

Public finance isn’t very straightforward, as it actually has two definitions:

 

1. Financial management for government or government-related organizations. This may include airports, school districts or recreation areas, for example. Jobs include accountants, controllers, treasurers and risk managers.
2. Specialist branch of finance that raises funds for governments and public authorities. Financial management is the primary career path for this type of public finance, and the job usually requires working alongside elected officials to create legislation and policies for different funding sources, like fines or taxes.

For individuals who want to contribute to their community or society, a job in public finance may be a good option. You’ll work to make sure that taxpayer money is used in a way that makes the most sense for both government entities and the public.

Entering the world of finance is a smart move if your main concern is job outlook upon graduation. They are diverse fields that offer a wide range of positions for those interested. Once you have your heart set on a specific career path, getting as much training and education early on will put you in the best position to secure a job after graduation.

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