Zaragoza Logistics Center/MSF Joint Scholarship

March 29th, 2012 by Jonathan Frankel

Zaragoza Logistics Center/MSF Joint Scholarship
Deadline: April 15

The Zaragoza Logistics Center/MSF Joint Scholarship provides those in the MIT-Zaragoza Master of Engineering in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (ZLOG) program the opportunity to obtain a full tuition waiver. Students must have achieved academic excellence as well as exhibited personal achievement.

Those interested must meet the following criteria:

  • Have been granted admission to the MIT-Zaragoza Master of Engineering in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (ZLOG) program.
  • Be fluent in English and have achieved a minimum TOEFL score of 103.
  • Have an undergraduate degree comparable to that of a bachelor’s degree.
  • Work experience in developing countries and being fluent in French are both looked favorably on.
  • Have professional experience in developing countries.

Although this award is open to individuals of all nationalities, African nationals will be given preference during the selection process.

To apply for this scholarship you can submit the scholarship application along with a copy of your passport and a copy of your admissions letter.

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Top Paying Undergraduate Majors

March 26th, 2012 by Jennifer Frankel

As we previously reported, the cost of education has been on the rise for some time now. Especially as US state budgets are cut, colleges and universities are shifting their expenses to the student. Many students – be it US citizens or international students – are looking for ways to finance their education from scholarships to grants to loans. But you may wonder if your education is worth the cost.

While this question has to be individually evaluated and answered, a good starting point is to look at the expected income based on your major (which is your specialization in college or at a university). The path you select will train you in a specific field, which will ultimately determine your job prospects, and thus, your salary.

Not surprisingly, 13 out of the top 20 highest paying positions – whether looking at starting pay or mid-career pay – is engineering. Below is a graph outlining the top paying undergraduate majors in the US:

Looking at these results, it is no wonder why the second most popular field for international students is engineering followed by math and computer science (which ranked third) and then physical and life sciences (which ranked fourth). In fact, it is clear from the data that top paying undergraduate majors that prove more technical in nature are compensated accordingly. Below is a table that reflect the true figures from the graph above:

Starting Median Pay* Mid-Career Median Pay*
Petroleum Engineering $97,900 $155,000
Chemical Engineering $64,500 $109,000
Electrical Engineering (EE) $61,300 $103,000
Materials Science & Engineering $60,400 $103,000
Aerospace Engineering $60,700 $102,000
Computer Engineering (CE) $61,800 $101,000
Physics $49,800 $101,000
Applied Mathematics $52,600 $98,600
Computer Science (CS) $56,600 $97,900
Nuclear Engineering $65,100 $97,800
Biomedical Engineering (BME) $53,800 $97,800
Economics $47,300 $94,700
Mechanical Engineering (ME) $58,400 $94,500
Statistics $49,000 $93,800
Industrial Engineering (IE) $57,400 $93,100
Civil Engineering (CE) $53,100 $90,200
Mathematics $47,000 $89,900
Environmental Engineering $51,700 $88,600
Management Information Systems (MIS) $51,000 $88,200
Software Engineering $54,900 $87,800

*All data was collected from PayScale Salary Survey for full-time employees in the United States who possess a Bachelor’s degree (and no further degree) in order to determine which were the top paying undergraduate majors.


Damon Runyon Research Fellowship

March 22nd, 2012 by Jonathan Frankel

The Damon Runyon Research Fellowship
Fellowship Deadline: August 15

The Damon Runyon Research Fellowship award foundation is currently taking applications until August 15. If you have completed your degree or its equivalent to the following: MD, PhD, MD/PhD, DDS or DVM you may be eligible for this award.

The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation encourages research of cancer and its causes, mechanisms, therapies and prevention. Individuals who are already under the guidance of a sponsor for research in the topics state above may have the opportunity to receive this funding.

The award amount varies depending on the level of the award granted. Level 1 will receive a $50,000 stipend and $2,000 for expenses. Level 2 will receive a $60,000 stipend along with $2,000 for expenses. The level 2 stipend is for physician-scientists that have completed clinical training, their residency and are board eligible.

This award is granted for three years with the second and third year being contingent upon the annual progress report. Applicants that are not US citizens or residents can only apply to conduct their research with the funding of this award in the United States.

To learn more about this fellowship or to submit your application you can apply here.


International Students Working On Campus

March 19th, 2012 by Jennifer Frankel

Did you know that if you are an international student in the US, you are allowed to work on campus up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session? The U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services also allow international students to work up to 40 hours per week during summer, winter, and spring breaks (when classes are not in session). While this will probably not cover all of your costs, it can be helpful to cover many of your personal expenses.

According to the US Department of Homeland Security, on-campus employment is “work that takes place either at your school or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with your school. This work could be for an on-campus commercial business, like a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students.”

In order to work on campus you will need to maintain a legal F-1 status and be currently enrolled in a full-time class load. You can begin working as early as 30 days before classes begins until your graduation (exceptions may apply if you will be enrolling in another program at your school).

While your work does not need to be related to your field of study, many international students look for a position where they can gain transferable skills that will prove useful upon graduation. Many of the positions on campus start at minimum wage (which is currently at $7.25 per hour for the national standard); however depending on your experience and position you may be able to find a higher paying position. On campus jobs include working at your school’s:

  • Cafeteria/dining facilities
  • Bookstore
  • Library
  • Health Club
  • Administrative offices

Or, students can find other opportunities as a:

  • Teaching or research assistant
  • Resident Assistant (RA) after your first year in an on-campus dormitory – free accommodations, sometimes salary or meal plan

Not only does working on campus acts as a secondary source of financial aid, but it also enhances your overall experience in the US. By working on campus, international students will gain meaningful work experience as well as organization and time management skills that will be a valuable asset to your future employer. By working on campus, you will have the opportunity to meet friends and develop contacts who can serve as a reference during your job search.

If you are an international student working on campus, don’t forget that you will be required to pay and report your earnings. Depending on your country, you may be eligible for tax exemptions depending on if your home country has tax treaty.


William E. Jackson Award

March 15th, 2012 by Jonathan Frankel

William E. Jackson Award
Scholarship Deadline: September 30

The William E. Jackson award is given to one graduate student annually that has proven academic excellence in the field of aviation electronics and telecommunications. RTCA grants the chosen recipient of this award $4000 and an honorary plaque during the RTCA Annual Symposium. Graduate students studying aviation electronics or telecommunication systems are eligible for this scholarship by submitting the following through both electronic submission and hard copy submission by September 30:

  • The report in the form of a thesis, project report or technical paper
  • A summary of the material submitted
  • A biography of the candidate
  • A letter of endorsement regarding the research/project from an instructor

The submitted documents must be based on the past three years of research and work within the aviation electronics and telecommunications field. This award is a memorial to William E. Jackson and judging will be based upon his life-long work to aviation systems. For more information on how to submit your documents for this scholarship please visit here.


Tuition and Inflation

March 12th, 2012 by Jennifer Frankel

College costs are on the rise and are showing no signs of wavering. Economists predict that by 2015 state college costs may be as high as $120,000. US and international students are feeling the effects more so than ever as tuition is increasing at a faster rate than inflation. Since 1986, inflation has increased 115.06% whereas tuition has increased 498.31%.

So, what does this mean for you?

First, to understand, let’s discuss inflation. Inflation is the rate in which the price for goods/services rise but the purchasing power falls. For example, the price for a hamburger cost 15 cents back in 1955, but now the cost is $3.22 for that same burger. You are still getting a burger, but your money is worth less now. So, to put it in context, the higher inflation, the less your money buys.

Currently, tuition is increasing at twice the rate of inflation – meaning that you will need more money to get the same education – and the trend shows no indication of changing. Below is a graph that shows the increase in tuition and fees since 1986 (data collected from College Board):

You will notice that the rate has been steadily on the rise, with the largest increase coming from private nonprofit four-year colleges and universities. These rising costs can be attributed to a number of factors, including a decrease in state funding, increased costs to attract professors, and investment in facilities to create a competitive educational environment.

According to the latest data published by Bloomberg, tuition jumped 8.3% over last year doubling inflation. The increase in tuition is causing a new problem – student debt. Last year, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the average student graduated with $27,000 in debt – quite an increase from just $5,000 back in 1982. If you adjust for inflation, then the debt amount would be $12,000 in real terms (less than half the current student debt amount!)

As tuition continues to increase, students will now need to think about their earning potential upon graduation, as well as alternative methods to help fund your education. Maximizing scholarships and grants is the first step in reducing your debt. By thinking smart, consider your career path and earning potential, look for ways to keep your finances low, and seek alternative methods to get additional funding to support your education.


Brazil Science without Borders Scholarship

March 8th, 2012 by Jonathan Frankel

Brazil Science without Borders Scholarship
Scholarship Deadline: Varies by Host School

Undergraduate students from Brazil who want to study in the United States now have the opportunity to do so while receiving financial aid. The Brazilian government has started an initiative to give 100,000 scholarships to some of the best students in Brazil so they can study abroad for one year. The Brazil Science without Borders program is part of this initiative and allows students to study in the US. Students studying in one of the following fields will be given preference to receive this scholarship: science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

To participate in this program students must be currently attending a college or university in Brazil and be nominated by that school, then approved by CAPES or CNPq. Candidates that apply through both CAPES and CNPq will be disqualified. Students that participate in Brazil Science without Borders must return to Brazil to complete their degree after their year of study in the US.

For a full list of eligibility requirements or to apply, you can visit Brazil Science without Borders Undergraduate Program.

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Scholarships, Grants, Loans, oh my!

March 5th, 2012 by Jennifer Frankel

If you are planning to study overseas, you may find that going to school in a foreign country can be costly. While you will still have to cover your tuition, books, and living expenses, now you’ll need to factor in additional flight costs, exchange rates, health insurance, etc. While there is no doubt that studying overseas can help you become more competitive in the job market and advance your career, the immediate dent in your wallet could take a toll.

Whether you are an international, study abroad, or foreign enrolled student, you may – like many students – consider looking for external sources to help finance your education. But where should you look? Scholarships, grants, and loans are a great first step to get the funding you need:

Scholarships

Scholarships are a great way to fund your education since you do not need to worry about paying back the money you receive. Some schools provide scholarships to their students based on financial need, or based on your academic merit. Contact your school to determine the availability along with any requirements and deadlines that you may need to meet.

Additionally, there are scholarships that are provided by independent organizations based on a wide range of criteria. Ever heard about the travel video contest by International Student? They awarded $4,000 to the winner for their video describing why they want to study abroad. Because these scholarships are offered by independent organization, there are a wide range of opportunities as they are looking for students with special qualifications, such as academic, athletic or artistic talent.

Check out International Scholarships to begin the scholarship search.

Grants

Grants are typically granted to students based on financial need by a non profit organization, educational institution, government division, business or individual. The higher your financial need, the more likely you are to be awarded a grant – however this can be quite difficult for an international student.

Unlike scholarships that consider other factors such as field of study, qualifications, etc., grants require students to show that they need the grant based on academic need. However, like scholarships, once the money is dispersed, you do not need to worry about paying it back to the organization.

Check out International Education Financial Aid to see what grants are available.

Loans

Unlike scholarships and grants, international student loans are dispersed to those students who apply for the loan. Once the money is dispersed, you will be responsible for paying back the money you borrowed PLUS interest. Loans are typically easier to receive than scholarships and loans, but international students in the US will need to have a US cosigner in most cases who have spent at least 2 years in the United States.

Keep in mind that there are only certain lenders that will loan to international students. Eligibility will be determined not only lender, but also by school. Before beginning the application process, you may want to check to see if you are eligible. Our partner International Student Loan has also done this process for you where they compare lenders based on your eligibility.

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McGhee Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies Scholarship

March 1st, 2012 by Jonathan Frankel

McGhee Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies Scholarship
Scholarship Deadline: March 2

Are you looking for a cultural academic experience in Turkey along with financial assistance? Georgetown University’s McGhee Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies is now offering scholarships in the amount of $5000. Non-Georgetown students who participate in the Fall 2012 Eastern Mediterranean studies program in Turkey are eligible for this scholarship to offset the program cost. There is not an application for this scholarship as all confirmed McGhee center participants are automatically considered for this award. The number of scholarships awarded is based on the application pool. Those who receive this scholarship will be determined based on financial need as well as their academic standing.

The McGhee Center program uses hands-on experiences and interactions to teach students about the history and culture of the Mediterranean civilization. The program includes a set curriculum of classes like Turkish Language, Eastern Mediterranean Cultures and Societies and East and West: Cultures of Popular Perceptions. Also included is optional community involvement through volunteer opportunities and trips to multiple locations including Bursa, Konya, Edirne and Antalya.

Students need to apply for this program by March 2, 2012 and can do so at the following: Apply Now.


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