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Check out these awesome teens who ran a peanut butter and jelly drive in their school:

We live in an increasingly globalized world where the boundaries and distances between countries continue to shrink. As a result, many employers are finding that a well-informed international perspective can be a valuable asset in an employee.

If you missed the chance to study abroad as an undergraduate, you probably think your chances of ever studying abroad are slim, especially if you plan on going to graduate school anytime soon. However, studying abroad during grad school instead of as an undergrad can be more beneficial for your education and career. Here are a few reasons why studying abroad as a graduate student can benefit your professional pursuits.

Going international as a grad student

Undergrads may be able to get a lot out of their overseas experiences, but grad students may be better equipped for studying abroad. As a grad student, you’ve had more time to mature, which can help you get the most out of an exchange program. And that’s not just in terms of appreciating a new culture and experiencing life in a new place. Grad students can seize upon educational opportunities while succeeding in the classroom. Graduate students who have studied abroad bring to the table a stronger educational foundation, which could open more doors and further propel their careers.

Gaining unique experience

In many professional fields, international experience is a big benefit. Employers gravitate toward job applicants with study abroad experience, for whom prospective business partnerships can be buoyed by cultural understanding. Grad students with study abroad experience will be able to pursue these roles with a greater understanding of their strengths, weaknesses and what their professional field will demand from them.

Tip: Start planning well in advance

If you decide to take advantage of a graduate-level study abroad program, make sure your bases are covered. For example, it’s important to figure out the everyday costs—including living expenses—to make sure you’ll have enough money to get by. Make passport and visa arrangements if you haven’t already done so. And since you’ll be traveling overseas, find a graduate student health insurance policy. Most domestically issued health insurance policies don’t cover international travel, so you’ll need to find a suitable replacement.

If your graduate program has connections with various study abroad opportunities, explore your options and talk with your advisor to figure out what’s best for your education and career. The most important thing for your long-term ambitions is seeking out new opportunities that can push your career forward. It’s more and more likely that one of those steps will bring you overseas.

About the Author:

This guest article is provided by Kristine Esser. She enjoys writing about study abroad opportunities.

Earning an MBA is a coveted goal of many college students and business professionals alike. Some have the desire to enter an MBA program immediately after graduation, but many adults will work in a business environment for several years before making the decision to go back to school and earn their MBA. Earning an MBA can be challenging for many reasons, and one of the most significant challenges relates to cost. According to Forbes, the average cost of an MBA in the United States is just under $100,000. However, in exchange for the time, effort and cost associated with an MBA, those who have this higher-level degree generally will qualify for more coveted positions in a corporation, or business environment. Furthermore, they may command a higher income. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, the average starting salary of an individual with an MBA was over $85,000, and this was over $40,000 more than the average starting salary of an individual with a Bachelor’s degree.

Clearly, there is earning power in many fields for those with an MBA, but the cost of an MBA can be steep. Identifying some of the most affordable MBA programs in the country may help you to find a cost-effective way to enjoy the benefits of an MBA degree without the hefty price tag.

University of Louisiana at Monroe (the College of Business Administration)
For students looking for an option that offers them a flexible schedule, the University of Louisiana at Monroe ranks as one of the most affordable accredited online MBA programs in the country based on a 2013 News & World Report. Tuition for the online MBA at this school is a very reasonable $8,990. What’s more, Monroe is an affordable city to live in with a relatively mild climate much of the year, making it an ideal location for in-state students.

Southeast Missouri State University (Harrison College of Business)
Southeast Missouri State University also offers one of the most affordable MBA programs in the country. With a campus in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Southwest Missouri State University offers an MBA in General Management that can be earned on campus as well as through online education. The in-state cost for the degree is about $9,389, and the out-of-state tuition is about $16,269.

Arizona State University (the W.P. Carey School of Business)
For students who are interested in earning an affordable MBA degree from a larger school with a strong reputation, Arizona State University is a great option. This school’s main campus is located in Phoenix, and there is a second campus in Tempe. These are areas that are known for having great weather and affordable cost of living. The cost of the two-year MBA program for in-state students is reasonably priced at around $22,500 per year, while out-of-state students will pay $30,700. One of the key benefits associated with attending this school is the relatively small class size. Most MBA classes here have less than 50 students each, which ensures that you have access to your instructors and can enjoy personal attention.

Auburn University (College of Business)
Auburn University is located in warm and sunny Auburn, Alabama, and students can earn their MBA degree on campus or through a distance educational program with online courses. The Executive MBA program has been ranked as seventh in the country according to a list by U.S. News. The entire 21-month program is $55,480—just over half the nation’s average MBA cost. Students can choose between six different concentrations, and dual-concentration MBA programs are also available. Research assistantships are also available to the brightest students at the school.

The University of Florida (Warrington College of Business Administration)
The University of Florida is widely known as one of the top state schools in the country, and its MBA program is regarded as top-notch. The cost of in-state tuition for the traditional two-year program is $24,908, and the non-resident tuition is $59,695. Students can choose to attend classes on the campus in sunny Gainesville, or they can pursue on online MBA degree. Notable alumni from this school include Florida Panthers owner Alan Cohen and New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner. Furthermore, the school ranked fourth in a listing of the top MBA programs in the country by U.S. News.

Texas A & M University (Mays Business School)
The Mays Business School at Texas A & M University is a premier academic institution. In fact, the Financial Times ranked this school as first overall in regards to “Best Value for Money” in 2012. The main campus is located in College Station, which is conveniently located between Houston and Austin. It offers a rich tradition, a low cost of living and a fabulous climate. In-state students can complete their MBA degree for about $37,667, and non-resident students will pay about $50,000. This school has the notable distinction of being one of the few in the country that have a private trading center for securities and commodities. The school is also known for its retailing research center and real estate school.

Making the decision to earn an MBA may be one of the best steps that you can make to advance in your career as well as to enjoy a higher quality of life over the years. Putting in a bit of research may result in savings of thousands of dollars per year in tuition—and these aren’t the only schools with programs under $50,000. Both Ohio University and Benedictine College have programs under $30,000 ($29,000 per year and $22,200, respectively) and are also great choices, according to a CNN Money report.

With numerous MBA programs available through schools in your state as well as with distance education programs from schools across the country, there are many programs to consider. Students struggling to decide which MBA classes to take should consider web and graphic design or computer programming. The internet is invading the day to day lives of businesses world-wide and MBA students would be well served to increase their internet intelligence.

Well readers, it feels like we’ve been all over the country and we’re headed back to the Big Apple for our final stop at New York University. As one of the top schools in the country, it’s no surprise that NYU boasts several famous and accomplished alumni, including historian Howard Zinn, Twitter creator Jack Dorsey, filmmaker Woody Allen and actor Alec Baldwin. Although you might still be dreaming of sunny California or the scenic Midwest after our last few articles, try giving NYC one more shot with NYU.

Why NYU?

Located in one of the biggest cities in the world, it’s easy to see why students would want to join the educational environment at NYU. But is there more to the school besides its location that draws more than 20,000 students and nearly 9,000 international students there every four years? Aside from its appeal among celebrities and its reputation for fostering the development of Nobel Laureates and MacArthur Fellows alike, let’s explore three categories of the school that make it an excellent choice for international students.

• Academics

NYU is world-renowned for its superior undergraduate and graduate programs that accommodate students in a variety of different disciplines. The university is home to the famous Tisch School of the Arts and has consistently been ranked among the top theater schools across the globe. Although 22 percent of NYU students major in Visual and Performing Arts, the school offers several well-established programs, including those in Social Sciences, Business/Marketing, Health and Psychology.

A 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps class sizes small, so students get the one-on-one attention they need to succeed. The NYU faculty features especially prestigious members, with top scholars and authors in their respective fields.

• Atmosphere

With the school’s established theater department, it’s expected that student life at NYU is equally vibrant. Campus life is very well-tailored to socializing as well as personal and professional development. Students can take advantage of a large number of cultural, creative, academic and social opportunities, and participate in activities, organizations and events. Not to mention, NYU is located right in one of the coolest, busiest cities in the world, where students can always take advantage of live theater performances, inspiring museums, concert halls, libraries, restaurants and some of the best shopping districts in the country.

• Clubs and Events

Students at NYU are very active on campus, and this close-knit community breeds hundreds of clubs and events to take advantage of. To browse some of the most interesting and attractive offerings, check out the following condensed list:

– Model United Nations

– Radio Station

– Sororities/Fraternities

– Campus Ministries

– Concert Band

– Opera

– Film Society

– Television Station

– Literary Magazine

– Student Government

– International Student Organization

– Student Newspaper

Be Prepared

If you’re planning on studying at NYU as a graduate student, there is also a special form of graduate student health insurance you can purchase to make sure you’re covered while studying abroad. Although New York City is a very diverse community, it might also help to practice your English before arriving and research some core American cultural characteristics to better assimilate into your new school.

This marks the end of our country-wide trip through America’s best educational institution. Now that you’ve got a more in-depth understanding of Purdue, Columbia, USC, Wittenberg University and NYU, which will you choose to fulfill your academic goals? Wherever you end up, just remember to be prepared, study hard and—most importantly—have fun! These years won’t come again.

About the Author:

This guest article series is provided by Kristine Esser. She enjoys writing about study abroad opportunities and is utilizing this series to highlight various U.S. based institutions that would serve as great campuses for international students looking to study here in the states.

Other than your future home, college will likely be the most expensive investment of your life. It is no wonder a good number of college students feast on Ramen noodles and wear the same clothes they’ve had since their sophomore year in high school. Students need to utilize as many discounts as possible, which are widely available to those with a college I.D. card or a .edu email address. Most companies don’t advertise the discounts, but some very common ones offer them at most locations.

Buffalo Wild Wings

If you’re fortunate enough to have a Buffalo Wild Wings near your campus, treat yourself to a plate of Parmesan Garlic or Thai Curry wings. Just be certain to show your student I.D. to receive 10 percent off the purchase. B-Dubs is also a great place to watch all your favorite sporting events.

Amazon.com

You can buy just about anything at the website formerly known as an online bookstore. The Amazon Student program is free to college students for the first six months of enrollment. Some of the benefits include free two-day shipping on select purchases, discounts, and email alerts of upcoming promotions.

Wall Street Journal

Students taking economics classes can get the latest news on US Money Reserve gold prices, stocks, and bonds with a subscription to the most circulated newspaper in the United States. The Journal offers students up to 75 percent off the regular subscription rate. It is also a great tool to prepare students for future investments and other financial endeavors.

J. Crew & Madewell

One thing college students cannot neglect is their wardrobe. Both J. Crew and its women’s fashion subsidiary Madewell offer 15 percent discounts upon presentation of a student ID. The discounts, however, cannot be used for gift cards or in addition to any other promotions being offered at the time.

Apple Stores

Macbooks, iPads, and iPhone are pricey already, but being a student makes them that much more affordable. College faculty, staff, and students can save up to $200 on a brand new Macbook or desktop computer. Students can even show their acceptance letter to college and receive the discount before enrolling in classes.

Greyhound

Whether you’re going south for spring break or home for the holidays, Greyhound is an economical option to consider. Students get a 20 percent discount on fares and 40 percent off shipping via Greyhound. The Student Advantage Discount Card, which must be purchased to receive the benefits, is only $20 and is good until you graduate.

Car Insurance

We all have to have it, and good students can get it for less. Several providers offers discounts for various student achievements. Travelers Insurance, for instance, offers discounts for students with at least a 3.0 GPA. Esurance lowers premiums semi-annually for students who maintain a clean driving record. You can even inquire with your current carrier about student discounts they potentially offer.

After taking an in-depth tour through Purdue, Columbia and USC, our next stop is an institution no less reputable: Ohio’s own Wittenberg University. This private liberal arts university has been ranked 11th in the nation for “Best Classroom Experience” and 15th in the nation for “Professors Get High Marks” by Princeton Review. Its affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) fosters the institution’s focus on both intellectual and spiritual growth.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the many dimensions of this prestigious school.

Academics

Academics at Wittenberg are a top priority, which is why the institution features some of the top faculty members in the country. In the last 10 years alone, faculty members at Wittenberg have won 16 Fulbright awards with several more professors doing research under Fulbright auspices. Wittenberg’s communication program was named the Nation’s Best program by the National Communication Association.

The “Fiske Guide to Colleges” also named Wittenberg University one of the “Small Colleges and Universities Strong in Drama,” alongside elite schools such as Juilliard, Vassar, Princeton and Oberlin. A significant number of students on campus (21%) also major in social sciences at Wittenberg. An 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures individual attention for students, and a campus of fewer than 2,000 students total fosters a close-knit, supportive academic community.

Atmosphere

Located in quiet Springfield, Ohio, the campus offers a small, suburban setting with most students living on campus. This makes the institution highly focused on education, while encouraging the social aspect of college life. The school draws in students from 37 states across the country and approximately 30 foreign countries, offering a diverse student body that enriches the overall learning environment. This diversity-friendly atmosphere makes Wittenberg especially welcoming for international students.

Some of the most unique facilities available on campus include the observatory, East Asian art collection, Martin Luther library collection and the humanities and technology center.

Clubs and Events

There are tons of opportunities for students to get involved on campus. Greek life is one of the most popular social programs at Wittenberg, with 30 percent of men involved in fraternities and 33 percent of women in sororities. The school takes great pride in their football team (the Tigers), who are high-ranking members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division III, and the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). Aside from an outstanding selection of sports teams, Wittenberg features a diverse list of clubs, including (but not limited to):

• Anime Club
• Chinese Dragon Dance Team
• Gay-Straight Alliance
• Habitat for Humanity
• Student Global AIDS Campaign
• March of Dimes
• Student Government
• Pocket Lint Improvisational Comedy
• Comic Book Club
• Diversity Club
• Wittenberg Art League

Wittenberg may be a safe and inviting environment for students of all walks of life, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be protected in case of an emergency. In the U.S., travel insurance is a smart way to keep yourself covered for all of your basic and emergency health needs while studying overseas. Wittenberg will be hard to top, but let’s see if New York University is up to the challenge in the final part of our series!

About the Author:

This guest article series is provided by Kristine Esser. She enjoys writing about study abroad opportunities and is utilizing this series to highlight various U.S. based institutions that would serve as great campuses for international students looking to study here in the states.

College comes along with new expenses and saving money is on the mind of most college students. An indoor vegetable and herb garden can help save money in many ways; plus it can get you started on a journey to a new hobby and healthier living. We know that dorm room space is limited, so we are going to focus our tips on growing vegetables in a small space. When you grow some of your own food and herbs, it saves money since you will not have to buy them and makes organic, healthy food free of pesticides or preservatives.

Here are the steps to take to achieve your indoor dorm garden goal:

• Decide what types of vegetables you want to start growing that will fit in small spaces. You can always consult with a garden expert at your local store or nursery to see if there are certain things that grow better in your climate and for the space you have. You can also often find instructions on seed packets you purchase. Make sure that you can keep up with appropriate watering schedule for the plants you choose.
  • Oregano – besides adding great flavor to pizza and Italian dishes, this herb keeps bugs away.
  • Basil – This bright green plant with shiny broad leaves thrives in warm weather. Basil is considered a staple in pasta sauce and summer salads; try making a homemade basil pesto.
  • Rosemary – It’s easy to grow this hardy herb bush with woody branches. No indoor kitchen garden is complete without Rosemary. Known for the piney aroma similar to Christmas trees. The needle-like leaves emit the piney aroma of Christmas trees. Rosemary pairs well with roasted meat and savory breads, and it creates a wonderful aroma that stimulates the appetite.
  • Radishes – Many root vegetables are a challenge to grow indoors, but radishes are one of the exceptions; especially round or globe varieties that do not root very deeply, grow well in boxes, troughs and pans. Round carrots also do well with the same treatment.
  • Potatoes – Seed tubers used for outdoor plantings are easily grown in large pots, buckets or even plastic sacks. When planting the tubers, leave space at the top of the container for adding more compost to earth up the plants as they develop. Get ready for some tasty potatoes.
  • Mushrooms – Mushrooms are an ideal indoor crop for any time of year. Prepared bags of special compost with mushroom spawn only need watering before being left in a draft-free, dark place such as an attic or cupboard. Keep at 50 to 60ºF (10 to 15ºC) and mushrooms should be cropping a few weeks later.
  • Make a space for your garden. If you have a window, then that is probably the ideal space to put your indoor garden, however it is not necessary to have sunlight, you can choose vegetable and herbs that work around that. Add warm fluorescent lighting, even plants that get sunlight can also benefit from lighting.
  • Gather containers to plant your seeds. Recycling and reusing containers is the least expensive and environmentally friendly way to grow your garden. Yogurt containers, egg cartons, cans, and bottles can made great planters. There are always inexpensive ones to purchase if you have that in your budget and want a uniform look to the garden.
  • Get the soil ready. Preparing the perfect soil is much easier for indoor gardens than their outdoor counterparts because you’re dealing with a lot less space. Use a seed-starting or sterile potting mix right out of the bag. To maintain the soil with rich nutrients that are all natural, use compost from left-over food waste instead of throwing it away.
  • Keep out bugs, bacteria, and other problems with all natural Neem Oil. That is plant-based oil made from need trees, which you can get organically grown. It contains natural estrogen-like chemicals that kills off viruses, bacteria, fungus as well as repel bugs and other pests.

   

About the Author:

Today’s guest article comes from Amanda Greene. She is a blogger and Brand Manager for RHL, a premiere source for online dorm bedding. She enjoys writing about tips and ideas for dorm life and college living.

Far from the busy NYC streets surrounding Columbia University, the University of Southern California is located in sunny Los Angeles– but that’s only part of the reason why this school is listed as one of the Top 10 Dream Colleges in the Nation. This top-tier research university is definitely a popular choice for international and U.S. students alike. In fact, the Institute of International Education reported that USC has the largest number of international students of any university in the country. So, what makes so many students choose the University of Southern California in particular for their academic development? Let’s find out!

USC in 1, 2, 3

We could spend pages writing about all of the many reasons an international student would want to attend USC. But to make it a little easier on readers, we’ll break it down into the three most important categories for evaluating your prospective college: academics, atmosphere and clubs and events.

1. Academics

Every student wants to have a good time in college, but the highest priority is staying afloat with your academic studies. USC has long built its reputation of excellent academics as the oldest private research university of California, and proudly boasts alumni that have since moved on to become business leaders and other high-ranking professionals. The majority of students attend USC to study Business and Marketing, followed by Social Sciences majors and Visual and Performing Arts students.

The university’s Marshall School of Business places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation, while encouraging students to work together on research projects and consider their social responsibilities. The school strives to keep up with the constant evolution of the business environment and view the inner workings of the marketplace from a global perspective.

2. Atmosphere

USC has a large student body located in the equally large city of Los Angeles. This urban setting ensures plenty of attractions and entertainment to keep you busy on the weekends, including world-famous sites like Disneyland, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Staples Center, the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Los Angeles Zoo, the California Science Center and more.

Greek life is big on USC’s campus, with nearly half of students belonging to fraternities and sororities. The university has a very inviting community of students, with regular social events and study groups.

3. Clubs and Events

The clear and sunny weather of Los Angeles contributes to USC’s very active campus life, where students of all interests can easily find clubs and events that suit them. Some of the highlight clubs at the university include:

• Campus Ministries
• Opera
• Marching Band
• Film Society
• Model United Nations
• Radio Station
• Student Newspaper
• Yearbook
• Drama/Theater
• Choral Groups
• International Student Organization
• Student Government

Be Prepared

Leaving your home country behind can easily cause insecurities, so make sure to secure your future in the U.S. by purchasing international student insurance. Since the cost of living in L.A. tends to be higher than average, you can also maintain a sense of security by building up your savings account well before your study abroad experience. Above all, spend some time thinking about which school you’d like to attend and make the decision that fits all of your criteria.

After this brief trip to Los Angeles, our series is headed to to the midwest in Ohio for a look at Wittenberg University. Stay tuned!

About the Author:

This guest article series is provided by Kristine Esser. She enjoys writing about study abroad opportunities and is utilizing this series to highlight various U.S. based institutions that would serve as great campuses for international students looking to study here in the states.