The International Student Blog

Perhaps one of the most exciting and perplexing things for international students in Minnesota to understand is the concept of the “Twin Cities.” The Twin Cities, which is a combination of both Minneapolis (the most populated city) and Saint Paul (Minnesota’s capital), is the largest metropolitan area in the state of Minnesota. Since they border each other and were sometimes confused as the same place, people started referring to them as the “Dual Cities” around 1872. The term “Dual Cities” eventually became “Twin Cities” and that is why we refer to them that way today.

Some international students studying in Minnesota may find it easy to distinguish the differences between the two cities; Minneapolis is a much younger city and full of skyscrapers while Saint Paul if full of quaint neighborhoods and late-Victorian style architecture. In the past, the cities’ differences led to an intense rivalry which strangely enough, ended up contributing to some of their current similarities. When St. Paul built its beautiful Cathedral in 1915, Minneapolis quickly constructed its equally stunning Basilica of St. Mary in 1926. Both cities have a University of Minnesota campus which is referred to as the Twin Cities campus.

Because of the extreme rivalry between each cities’ sports teams, the state’s professional sports teams are now named for both cities. So instead of the Minneapolis Millers or the St. Paul Saints, we now have the Minnesota Vikings (American Football) and the Minnesota Twins (baseball).

Hopefully this little tidbit about the Twin Cities has helped any international students in Minnesota who were previously confused about what exactly the Twin Cities were… now you understand they are two cities in Minnesota that border each other and despite their differences have become more similar over time. Perhaps the concept is a bit perplexing, but maybe it’s their unique similarities and differences that make the Twin Cities so great!

It is a secret and forbidden love story set in the backdrop of the rustic American Heartland. It is also a best selling book and a film staring some of the biggest named American actors. Perhaps you have read or seen it. It is the Bridges of Madison County.

The story outlines two siblings, who after going through the belongings of their recently deceased mother, Francesca Johnson, discovered she had a two week affair with a National Geographic photographer, Robert Kincaid, who was sent to Madison County, Iowa to photograph the covered bridges. The two never meet again. She requests her ashes be thrown off the Roseman Bridge, the bridge Kincaid is searching for when he stops Johnson for directions and also the bridge where she leaves a note inviting him to dinner.

Although a fictitious tale, the covered bridges of Madison County are very real and only a short distance from Des Moines, making it an easy trip for international students studying in Iowa to visit. The county was organized in 1846, and is named after James Madison Originally there were 19 covered bridges. Six of still remain today and five are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Roseman Bridge was built in 1883 and is not only famed for its role in The Bridges of Madison County. It is also known as the haunted bridge where two sheriff’s posses trapped a county jail escapee in 1892. It is said the escapee rose up through the roof of the bridge with a cry and disappeared.

Besides the famous covered bridges, international students studying in Iowa may want to visit the Bevington-Kaser Mansion and Historical Complex featuring thousands of historical artifacts in 14 buildings and the Madison County Courthouse which is also featured on the National Register of Historic Places.

Just a stone’s throw from Broadway and the Metropolitan Opera, Sacred Heart University is making a name for itself as one of the premier performing art schools in the US. In addition to its formal performing arts and a music minors, it have been attracting students from around the world with its dynamic Theatre Arts Program as well as a number of Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles.

Theatre Arts Program

Centered around the 776-seat Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts, Sacred Heart University’s Theatre Arts Program is designed to showcase talent and build skills. Whether you want to be an actor, singer, director, designer, or technician, the school’s productions are open to all students, irrespective of major, and provide students with the chance to try indulge their artistic impulses.

Instrumental Ensembles

Like its theatrical productions, Sacred Heart’s instrumental ensembles are open undergraduate and graduate students alike, regardless of major. Encompassing groups as diverse as a marching band, a jazz ensemble, and a winter guard, all students are encouraged to audition. In so doing, students have the opportunity to develop and showcase their talents with likeminded students and faculty who share their passion.

Vocal Ensembles

Sacred Heart’s vocal ensembles likewise run the gamut and include both concert and liturgical choirs. Through work with the school’s dedicated music faculty, students have the opportunity to showcase their vocal abilities in a friendly and nurturing environment. In addition to the personal rewards, participants stand to gain in other ways. All vocal ensemble participants can earn one credit towards their degree per group and may be eligible to receive tuition assistance through Choir Grants.

Thus, no matter your background, this Fairfield, Connecticut based Catholic school has just the right mix of talent to foster your passions.

There are thousands upon thousands of students who choose to study in Missouri! Some say it is because of the highly ranked and prestigious universities within the state, all of the great job opportunities available there, or perhaps the fanatical sports fans of all the collegiate and professional teams. All of these reasons seem to be legitimate, but I for one wonder why no one ever talks about the amazing cities where these universities are located.

The University of Missouri (main campus) for example, is located in the city of Columbia, Missouri. Columbia was named one of America’s best places to live because of the excellent quality of life by Money Magazine, Men’s Journal, and MSN.com. Individuals who study in Missouri make it a point to check out Columbia’s famous Déjà Vu Comedy Club which features some big name comedians and also doubles as a night club. The Blue Note is also one of the premier music venues in Columbia that offers affordable tickets and a variety of different music artist performances.

St. Louis, home to Washington University, has the Missouri Botanical Garden, Edison Theater, Saint Louis Zoo, and several eclectic and historic neighborhoods all over the city. The Edison Theater features some of the best national and international artists in music, dance and theater.

Kansas City offers many attractions as well, including the Boulevard Brewing Company, The Money Museum, the Country Club Plaza, the Kansas City Zoo, and the KC Fountains. Kansas City is actually nicknamed the City of Fountains because it has more fountains than any other city in the world except for Rome, Italy. The Country Club Plaza features over 150 shops, dozens of restaurants, and fun concerts, festivals, and other activities year round.

Clearly there is so much to do for students who study in Missouri and we’ve only discussed three of the state’s cities! So yes, we can say that the awesome schools and jobs draw a great number of students to the state, but there is no denying that having your campus located in a city with so many fun attractions didn’t influence some choices too!

Did you know that US colleges and universities are looking for students just like you? Saturday, March 31st, prospective international students from Asia will have the chance to meet with admissions representatives live! Hobsons is hosting a virtual fair for both prospective undergraduate and graduate international students interested in coming to the US to study.

This event is free of charge, and will give students the opportunity to chat with representatives live to get important information from school across the US. Gain important admissions information right from your computer online.

If you are from Asia and are interested in enrolling in a US school, you will not want to miss this event. With over 25 schools, you can learn more about each school without the cost of traveling! Simply by registering and attending the Hobsons Virtual Student Fair, you will have the chance to win a scholarship up to $3,000 USD.

The Hobsons Virtual Student Fair will be held from 2am – 8am EST on Saturday for your convenience. To attend, prospective international students from Asia can register right online for the virtual student fair.

http://www.internationalstudent.com/hobsons-virtual-fairs/asia-vsf.php

We look forward to seeing you there!

As an international student in Delaware, there is so much to do outside the classroom that you may find yourself packed with things to do! With the state park system in Delaware, you may find yourself laying on the beach listening to the waves or perhaps learning about US history.

One must-see state park for international student in Delaware is the Delaware Seashore State Park! With beautiful white sandy beaches, it provides the perfect getaway opportunity to unwind from the pressures of school. After lying in the sun all day, you may find yourself itching to move around. Delaware Seashore State Park offers over six miles of ocean and bay shoreline. With over a million visitors each year, you can enjoy yourself swimming or sunbathing in two different swimming areas. If you are up for an adventure, you can try surfing and sailboarding on the strong waves coming through the park. You can even try your luck at fishing at some of the banks along the Indian River Inlet. The park also maintains four different hikes, with a 4.6 mile long trail along the beach. You can either walk, or go horseback riding with a local organized group! There are also trails that lead into the forest where you can get a glimpse of Delaware’s ecosystem. Enjoy the sandy upland forests and spot birds, reptiles, and local species. Don’t forget your cameras!

If you are looking for some Delaware history, international students can check out Fort Delaware State Park. You’ll find yourself taken back to the 1800’s when this fortress was built by the Union. Back in the heart of the Civil War, Fort Delaware housed the captured prisoners from the Confederate opponents. After you explore the fort, take the local ferry to view the fortress from another angle and check out Pea Patch Island. With trails along the marshes, this area serves as a different ecosystem home to nine different species of herons, egrets, and ibis birds. In fact, this is the largest wading bird nesting areas on the East Coast!

Delaware has much to offer nature enthusiasts and history buffs! While studying in Delaware is an exciting opportunity – viewing the local attractions will create memories that will last a lifetime!

As we head into the new year, we are excited to announce important enhancements to our International Student Facebook and Twitter accounts! Not only has our number of fans continue to grow, International Student’s Facebook fan page and Twitter handle will now be the new social media hub for our family of international student websites. Instead of having to fan or follow us across multiple accounts and sites – we now offer international students one convenient source for all the very latest social media action.

The sites that we are integrating into one are:

InternationalStudent.com - our main site offers information about studying abroad, including useful advice pages for studying in the USA, UK and Australia along with our dedicated study abroad center for US students who want to travel abroad.

InternationalStudentInsurance.com – finding the correct health and travel insurance plan is often overlooked by most students, but an essential part of any travel or study experience. International Student Insurance offer low cost, comprehensive plans that could save you up to $700 when compared to your schools insurance plan!

InternationalStudentLoans.com – funding your education abroad experience is the most challenging for many students. International Student Loan provides students with a unique loan comparison tool which shows you loans that fits your specific situation, and its designed just for international students.

ESLdirectory.com – locating an english language school (ESL) is the first step for many international students. The ESL Directory is where you can find schools from around the world dedicated to teaching and improving your English language skills.

Whether you are looking for information about which University you should apply for, where to find scholarships, what health insurance plan will save you the most money, how to find a loan to finance your study abroad… with this integration we will be able have a social community where students from around the world can talk about and find information about anything relating to international education.

For most of our fans – the integration will be seamless if you currently fan or follow us on our main international student Facebook and Twitter account. However if you are a follower of one of our other sites, please join us today and move across – over time we will be closing down the other account.

Fan us and follow us today:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/internationalstudent

Twitter: https://twitter.com/intstudent

If you are a prospective international student from the Middle East or Africa, you won’t want to miss the upcoming Hobson’s Virtual Student Fair on March 3, 2012. Dozens of US colleges and universities are looking for students just like you! International students interested in studying in the US will have the opportunity to speak with admission representatives and get important information right from your computer.

Hobsons Virtual Student Fair gives prospective students the chance to chat (or even, video chat!) with representatives from multiple schools throughout the US. Get important information about each school, ask questions with representatives, and choose the school that’s right for you. Those international students who register and attend the virtual student fair will also have the chance to win a scholarship up to $3,000 USD.

Why spend time and money traveling to the US when you can do this from the comfort of your home? The cost is free and admission is easy. To attend, prospective international students from the Middle East and Africa can register right online for the virtual student fair. Hobsons Virtual Student Fair will be on Saturday from 9am – 3pm EST. See more information and register for the Virtual Student Fair:

http://www.internationalstudent.com/hobsons-virtual-fairs/

We look forward to seeing you there!

Most international students that attend a college or university in Tennessee come from China (20.6% of the total international students in Tennessee), India (10.2% of the total international student population), or South Korea (6.8% of the total international student population). More and more college and universities are looking to recruit international students to diversify their school and programs. In fact, many colleges and universities have their own international student offices to help students transition to their new home in Tennessee!

So, you may be asking yourself, why should an international student study in Tennessee? CNN ranked Tennessee as one of the best places to live in America. Whether you plan on hiking the Great Smokey Mountains, touring the country music capital of the world in Nashville, or if you are looking for some southern cooking, no other state can provide all these amenities within a short drive!

One major draw for international students in Tennessee is the low cost of living and affordable tuition. You can view the tuition fees at the various institutions in Tennessee for undergraduate programs. As you will see, the table is broken down by school and tuition. You’ll notice that these tuition fees for international students are less than what some in-state students pay to attend a specific private or state school.