Study and play in the USA!

Studying overseas is both an exciting and uncertain time for most students. Our tips will help to make your study time in the USA easier and more successful.

Remember, if you have not applied yet the application deadline for the USA is 5 March 2007 for university studies starting in September 2007.

In planning your move to the USA, you may wish to use a professional international student advisor, like your personal StudyLink counsellor. They can tell you about:

• USA institution profiles and courses
• Application processes and provide support
• Financial assistance options
• Admission test requirements, like GRE, SAT, and TOEFL

Improve your English skills
The success and enjoyment of your studies in the USA will largely depend on your English language skills. If English is not your first language and you want to improve your skills, think about the following:

• Consider extra English classes before you leave
• Speak English as often as possible
• Have fun watching American TV, reading magazines or books
• Consider arriving early in the USA to do an English course

Your student visa
The most common student visa is the F-1. Ask your StudyLink counsellor for visa advice, but here are some tips for success:

• Start the application process as early as possible
• Find out the application process for your home country
• Gather all the documents you will need to apply in one place
• Be prepared if you need to attend an interview

Financial issues
International students are expected to have funds to cover the cost of their studies. Ask your StudyLink counsellor for advice and don’t forget to budget for these items:

• Tuition fees
• Living costs like accommodation and food
• Travel and health insurance
• Baggage insurance
• Books and supplies
• Transportation
• Communication
• Personal expenses like clothing, entertainment and laundry

Also find out how you can have additional money sent to you while you are in the USA — just in case!

Don’t miss out on your course of choice: Important deadlines for your application

Australia – Apply now to start in July/August 2007. You should submit your application and supporting documents by mid-April. We encourage you to apply early for best consideration. Keep in mind that you do not need to scan and attach your documents, a counsellor can do this for you. Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course or completing your applications.

USA – The main term starts in September 2007 for most institutions. English language schools and some other institutions allow students to start throughout the year. Application deadlines vary and we encourage you to apply well in advance for best consideration and to allow time to apply for a visa (for example, apply by early March to start in September 2007). Keep in mind that you do not need to scan and attach your documents, a counsellor can do this for you. Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course or completing your applications.

UK – Apply now to start in September 2007. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible for best consideration. Applications should be submitted to StudyLink by the end of June. Our counsellors are happy to help you find a course and institution to meet your background and interests. Contact a counsellor to discuss your study plans.

Start studying one of QIBT’s new Diplomas today

Australia’s Queensland Institute of Business and Technology (QIBT), in association with Griffith University, has a new range of diploma programs on offer.

You can choose to do a Diploma in Biosciences, Engineering or Criminology & Criminal Justice and begin your studies right now. The diplomas have intakes in February and June each year.

These new courses add to QIBT’s current program offerings in the areas of Commerce, Graphic Design, Hotel Management and Information Technology. QIBT also delivers Griffith University’s Foundation and Postgraduate Qualifying programs which are recognised by many well-known universities throughout Australia for the purpose of entry with advanced standing.

Classes are delivered by QIBT and Griffith University on the university’s Mt Gravatt and Nathan campuses in Brisbane. Both campuses are set amidst native Australian bushland yet are a short bus ride from the city.

When you study with QIBT, you’ll have access to modern, well-equipped teaching and library facilities, sporting and recreational amenities, and on-campus accommodation. All staff are fully qualified and programs are taught by university lecturers

Contact a counsellor, to find out more about studying at QIBT.

Newcastle College introduces International Foundation Programs

Newcastle is the UK’s only college to offer two International Foundation Programs which allow you to start your degree program as early as September 2007.

The two foundation programs run from 19 April 2007 to 31 August 2007. You can choose either the International Foundation Program which provides you with access to Newcastle College’s business degree or the Super Intensive International Foundation Program which allows you access to all UK universities.

The International Foundation Program’s content includes one Higher Education Foundation Certificate (HEFC) in business and 20 hours per week of English as a Foreign Language. The English lessons focus on business vocabulary and writing skills.

The Super Intensive International Foundation Program’s content includes three Higher Education Foundation Certificates (HEFCs) in business, quantitative methods and IT, and six hours per week of English as a Foreign Language.

Both programs require IELTS 5.0 for entry.

Newcastle is fast becoming a popular destination for international students. Cosmopolitan and vibrant, it has the benefit of a low cost of student accommodation, food, leisure facilities and nightlife. Located an hour and a half from Edinburgh and three hours from London by rail, Newcastle has an international airport and is easily accessible by sea from The Netherlands and Scandinavia.

To find out how you can be part of Newcastle’s April intake, contact a counsellor.

FLS International teaches English for all occasions

With seven year-round Intensive English Programs on offer, FLS International can prepare you to confidently use your English in any environment and to transfer to college.

For students whose main focus is educational and who wish to study English intensively, the Intensive English Program and Academic Year Abroad offer a chance to focus on English, TOEFL, Business English and other related subjects in a college campus setting.

FLS has Study Tours for students who prefer to combine their studies with exciting trips to historic and cultural sites. Study Tours have a strong English language component and visit places such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Utah, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

Located in Southern California, Nevada, Massachusett, Utah and Pennsylvania, FLS centres are situated in safe, secure environments near some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The centres are also close to institutions such as UCLA, USC, Cal Tech, and Art Center, in Southern California, UNLV in Southern Nevada, Penn State in Pennsylvania and NYU in New York. The impressive research facilities, huge libraries and extensive programs of these schools provide opportunities for every conceivable educational goal.

FLS International has experienced counsellors and administrators who can help you every step of the way whether you require assistance with your initial application, homestay, your educational future or even your recreational plans for the weekend.

If you’d like to improve your English with FLS, contact a counsellor.