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10 Things International Students Will Need When Studying in the US

June 22, 2016 by Chiranth Nataraj

The United States has the largest population of international students in the world. More than 800,000 students choose the states to educate themselves every year. It’s a life experience they cannot get in their home country. While only 4% of students enrolled in universities and colleges are international, this percentage is growing quickly.

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If you’re planning on joining the thousands of international students in the United States, it’s important to prepare yourself with everything you’ll need when you’re away from home. The following are 10 things every international student needs when studying in the states.

#1: Student Visa
The student visa is the most important thing you’ll need when studying in the United States. There are three student visas:

F1 Visa for Academic Studies
J1 Visa for Practical Training
M1 Visa for Non-Academic/Vocational Studies

#2: Prove You Are Academically Eligible
When you apply for one of these visas, you will need to prove you are academically eligible. This means you are enrolled in an educational program in the United States.

#3: Prove You Are Financially Stable
You will also need to prove you are financially stable because you will not be able to work with these visas while in the U.S.

#4: Show You Have Health Insurance
You must also have health insurance in case you need any medical assistance while in the states.
Bring your medical records with you when you come to the United States. If you’re studying at a university or college, visit the medical center first. You will be able to learn more about the health care options they offer international students and know where you should take your medical record for safe keeping.

#5: Find Out How to Get Health Insurance If You Don’t Have It
The program you are in for studying abroad probably also has health care options you can take advantage for while in the United States. It’s important to know you must have health insurance when living/studying in the states. It is the law.

#6: Identify How You’ll Connect with Loved Ones
It’s important to stay connected with loved ones while in the United States. It can be stressful being in a different country by yourself, and your family can make the adjustment much easier. Many international students use Skype, Google Hangouts, Viber, WhatsApp, and Snapchat to stay in touch with people across the world, but you can also use a mobile phone. It’s wise to look into international rates for calls, so you don’t end up with a large bill to pay.

Don’t forget about regular mail. It may take longer for people to get your messages, but it’s still a great way to stay connected on a deeper level. When you sit down and write a letter, you’ll be able to get into more detail about your time in the states.

#7: Consider Taking a Trip
Many people will explore the United States before settling into their program. Think about if you would like to do that, so you can start to make arrangements.

#8: Schedule the Travel Arrangements
It’s important to get all of your travel arrangement ahead of time, so you can ensure you get to your destination in plenty of time. This is especially true if you want to take some trips before you start the program.
Be sure to research and book:

Airfare
Trains
Buses
Vehicles
Hotels

If you simply want to go from your home country to the university, college, or training center, speak to the school. They often have resources to help you get to your final destination easily and sometimes, for much less money. Many academic institutions are used to helping international students, so this is something they are ready to assist with whenever you need the assistance.

#9: Bring the Essentials
Besides all of the paperwork you need for entering the United States, you will want to bring the following items, so you can make your adjustment as easy as possible:

Clothing for the climate
Special trinkets that will help you feel closer to home
Laptop/computer/electronics
Books or magazines in your native language
Special bedding
Medications

Anything you usually bring with you when you go on vacation will help you get acclimated to the United States. Just know that if you ever need anything, you can go to the store to purchase it. You can also always have a loved one ship you anything that you may forget.

#10: Make a List and Use It
A great way to remember everything you want to bring is to start a list early. That way you can add to the list as you remember things and go off the list when you’re packing.

Now you know what to bring when studying in the United States. Get ready to have the best life experience you’ve ever had and may ever have!

Working in the U.S. while on J1 Visa

January 4, 2016 by Chiranth Nataraj

If you want to work in the United States, but live in another country, you will need a special Visa. There are many Visas available for working in the U.S. One of them is the Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa. This visa is only for people who are seeking to not only work in America, but also study in the country.

Working-in -US-J1

More about the J1 Visa
Working and studying in the U.S. under a J1 Visa means that you are part of an academic program. This program provides education and training that is not offered in the country where you reside. For example, if you want to learn how to fly a plane, but your country does not provide that training, you can come to the U.S. for that instruction under a J1 Visa.

While in the U.S., students can work to develop their new skills. After the completion of the program, students must return to their home country. They must stay there for at least two years before they can apply for permanent residence in the U.S.

Qualifying for the J1 Visa
The J1 Visa is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). There are specific requirements of the INA to be able to get the J1 Visa. Only the consulate will be able to determine if someone is qualified for the visa. Usually, they have to fall into these criterion:

Plan to be in the U.S. temporarily
Able to afford expenses in the country
Ties to the home country to ensure they will return to it after they complete the program

Documents will need to be provided to ensure those interested meet all of the criteria. Usually, the consular officer at the U.S. embassy in the country of origin will be able to help with the verification process. He will be able to tell you exactly what you need and how to get what you need. The most important thing is to enter into a program that is supported by the U.S. If it is not, you will not be able to enter into the country or get a J1 Visa.

To get the J1 Visa, you have to be part of the Exchange Visitor Program. This program is part of the Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation, which is the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs part of the government. You can learn more about them on their website.

Organizations Sponsoring a J1 Visa
Many organizations in the United States are sponsoring exchange programs for those interested in training. Some of these are:

North Carolina State University
Mastercard
Tesla Motors Inc.
The Humane League

There are thousands more you can work with depending on the job you would like to train for and work. There is a J1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program website that allows you to choose from many different jobs, such as:

Au Pair
Camp Counselor
College and University Student
Government Visitor
Intern
International Visitor
Physician
Professor and Research Scholar
Secondary School Student
Short-Term Scholar
Specialist
Summer Work Travel
Teacher
Trainee

After choosing one of these roles, you can see a list of organizations/programs offering them. The next step is to contact them to see how to get started with enrolling in the program.

Final Words of Encouragement

As you are going through the process of getting your J1 Visa, remember to have patience. It’s usually not a quick and easy process. The U.S. has to make sure the program is included, and that you are who you say you are, so the country doesn’t put itself at risk. While no one is saying you are trying to harm Americans, others have done this in the past, and that has become a concern when allowing people into the country.

The good news is that you do have this opportunity. Just because you live in a country that doesn’t provide you the possibilities you want and need, it doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your dreams. The U.S. is the land of opportunity, and while you may need to take some extra steps to take advantage of them, it’s worth it. It’s a great way to get the knowledge and skills you need to not only set you up with a good future for yourself, but for your country as well. In addition, if you find that you enjoy America, you can become a permanent resident after two years of working in your country.

Consider the J1 Visa and then see about getting the training you need in the U.S. It may just be the best decision for your life.

Culture Shock and How International Exchange Students can Cope With It

November 18, 2015 by Chiranth Nataraj

Every country has its own unique culture. The traditions and cultural behavior you observe in your country comes natural to you. You even begin to expect other people across borders to follow the same ideals as you and the people you have back home. This is exactly why most people experience a sudden shock when exposed to cultures across the boundaries of their home.

What is Culture Shock?

The feeling or reaction you have to a new culture that is extremely different from what you are used to can be described as culture shock. You may be well versed with the culture that surrounds you and your home, like continuous water supply, steady electricity, the way people speak, what are the various gestures that could offend in your home country and so on. When you go to a different country you will be surprised to learn that all the things you know and practice are very different there.

Culture-Shock

Simple concepts may be alien to you like the way people dress, what they consider fashionable, how they behave, live and interact. There are tons of unique cultural aspects in a different country that can contradict what you believe and how you behave. In fact, you have already experienced cultural shock in tiny doses. Remember that first day at school? Or the first day of college? How about all the differences between your routine back home and those followed by the school kids that surround you? Being forced to wake up early for class, having to answer tests and do homework.

Remember how you felt then. Now amplify those feelings. That’s what you get when you travel to a country that has its own unique culture. You feel like an outsider, insecure and at a disadvantage. If you prepare yourself and learn how to react and interact with the new environment, you won’t have a hard time coping with things.

Cultural Adjustment Stages for Every Foreign Exchange Student

1. Initial Euphoria
It all starts off like a vacation. You’re going abroad, yay! Oh the things you’ll see, the friends you’ll make. It all sounds so dreamy and marvelous. You will even see certain similarities between the new country and back home. But after a week or even a month, reality will sink in and you will realize this was no holiday; you are here to stay much longer

2. Irritation or Hostility
Slowly you will begin to focus on the differences and even the slightest little thing may annoy you. It might be the small things that are blown out of proportion, forcing you to feel irritated. This is the hardest stage and the one commonly known as culture shock.

3. Gradual Adjustment
Once you’ve settled down, you will start to get accustomed to the new surroundings, the people and the way they work and behave. You begin to understand the various cultural clues and feel like you’ll survive.

4. Adaptation or Biculturalism
Finally, when you give it just enough time, you will begin to feel like you belong and this is actually almost the same as home. Once you adapt to the new culture, you will be able to function normally without feeling different.

Symptoms of Culture Shock

Everyone experiences, culture shock to different extents. For some it may be intense, other less so. Some common effects of culture shock include:
– Intense homesickness
– Avoiding people
– Trouble sleeping
– Looking at the host country as the cause of your feeling miserable
– Compulsive eating or lack of appetite
– Turing into a pessimist

How can International Exchange Students Cope with Culture Shock

Culture shock is a result of numerous things. Not everyone will see the same events as a trigger. The cause of culture shock may stem from lack of knowledge, feeling inadequate or having to question the culture and values you’ve been following your entire life. To help you cope, you can follow some of these tips:
– Do a little research. The more you know, the better you will understand the way things are. Once you get to the host country ask your professors and (native) classmates about the things that confuse you.
– Believe in yourself. You can totally do this. With a positive attitude you will find it much easier to get an enjoyable experience out of it all.
– Be logical when you try to make sense of things. Some cultural practices may not have meaning anymore, but they did long ago.
– Don’t be afraid to be yourself. You should not feel forced to do things differently just because everyone else is, as long as you don’t hurt someone else’s sentiments.
– Be considerate! Not only is it wrong to go around bashing the culture of your host country, it won’t help you feel better.

The best thing to do when you’re out of your element is to give in a little and change to become compatible with the new surroundings.

Disability is Not a Barrier When Visiting the U.S.A.

June 26, 2015 by Chiranth Nataraj

People with disability are not considered as a barrier in USA. They have all the right to education, accommodation, job and family life.
All over the world, people are learning to accept fellow citizens with disabilities. However, there are still disability-related difficulties in many places in the world. The United States is different. It has been able to come farther than many other places in the world. The country passed major disability legislation that celebrated its 25th year in 2015. Results of this law and other influences include: enlightened attitudes toward the disabled, advanced assistive tools and a new confidence disabled people are feeling. In the U.S.A., disability can no longer be considered a barrier.

The disappearance of barriers for the disabled within the U.S. is also due, in part, to the dedicated activity of organizations like Mobility International U.S.A. (MIUSA). This organization is an advocate for disabled people all over the world, with a special focus on the U.S. MIUSA’s mission is to “empower people with disabilities to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development.”

disability

MIUSA wants to change the way people with and without disabilities think about disability. The website says: “It’s time to advance the rights of people with disabilities in society through infiltration. To achieve equitable opportunities through inclusion.” This means they believe it’s important to not set apart those who are disabled, but to integrate them into our world naturally. It’s better for both the disabled and the non-disabled.

Further, MIUSA says: “By implanting innovative programs, we are building bridges to create a new era where people with disabilities will take their rightful place in the world community.”

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990

In 1990, Congress enacted a landmark law that began to change things for people with disabilities in the U.S. The law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and ensures equal opportunity in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities and transportation. It also established TDD/telephone relay services for those with hearing disabilities.

The law, which was updated in 2011, is perhaps known best for the difference it has made in physical challenges of disability. After the law passed, doorways were made wide enough. Ramps were built to accommodate wheelchairs. Restrooms were designed so anyone could use them. Braille plaques were installed in many places to assist the vision impaired. And much more.

A shift in the stigma of disability

Along with barrier-busting support from the ADA and organizations like MIUSA came new attitudes toward disability. In the past, non-disabled people were hesitant to talk with those who were disabled. They didn’t seem to realize that a disability affected only one part of a person’s being. They didn’t understand that other qualities and abilities of a disabled person remained intact. It could even be said that some people were afraid of those who were disabled. They were afraid of what they didn’t know.

The stigmas associated with disability were resolved to a great extent by:

• More knowledge – Once the ADA was enacted, the work of organizations like MIUSA became better known, and people had more experience in general with disability, attitudes changed. There was less fear and less distrust of a disabled person’s abilities. The media helped by changing ways disabled people were seen in the news and entertainment.

• Greater familiarity – Because disabled people had better access through the ADA and because attitudes in general improved toward disability, more disabled people found ways to become integrated into society naturally. Frequent real-life experiences with disabled people helped non-disabled people feel comfortable working with, talking to and trusting those with disabilities. Many accessible tools, such as lower water fountains and higher toilets, are also used regularly by the non-disabled, which has removed some of the aversion to disability.

• Accountability – Once the law and attitudes changed, it became “not cool” to discriminate against disabled people. Many people in the United States pride themselves on accessibility and other support for the disabled. The citizens of the U.S. have over a period of time become more accountable to each other to treat disabled people better and remove whatever barriers they can to accommodate their disabilities and allow them to become a part of the community.

Disability is still difficult, but the barriers have fallen away

No one will deny that disability creates difficulty. It’s still, in many ways, difficult to conduct business or function personally with a disability—even in the United States. However, thanks to the ADA and the work of organizations such as the MIUSA, disability is becoming just one type of difficulty human beings of all types face. For those who want to visit the United States, disability can no longer be considered a barrier to keep them away.

Immigration Enforcement: Why & How Foreign Students Are Tracked

March 2, 2015 by Chiranth Nataraj

SEVIS is a system through which the US tracks international and exchange students. Every international student applying for a US visa should get enrolled under SEVIS
Each year more and more international and exchange students enter the United States. In fact, 1.2 million foreign students entered the US in 2012 for the expressed purpose of studying and attending classes. All of this has put some extra pressure on the existing systems in order to track and monitor these students. But exactly how and why are these actions deemed necessary?

exchange students

Types of US Student Visas:
Before you can come to the United States to study, you will need to obtain a student visa. The three most common types are the F-1, the M-1, and the J-1 exchange visa
• The M-1 Student Visa: This is for students enrolled in non-academic or vocational training. Normally valid for one year, there are possible extensions for up to three years.
• The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: This will allow you to participate in work and study based exchange visitor programs. It will also usually involve sponsorship by either an exchange program or a government scholarship.

Tracking Via the SEVIS System:
Before applying for the visa, you will also need to be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This is the program and information system used by the US government to track international students. It is essentially an electronic network of colleges, universities, US immigration services, and US overseas consular posts.

To enroll in this system, there is an added fee (currently $200, although different programs might vary somewhat). Remember that this is a mandatory enrollment and you should retain proof of payment in order to present to the officer during your visa interview at the US embassy.

Generally speaking, it is the school officials who will have the most access to the SEVIS system. At each institution there should be a single Primary Designated School Official (DSO) who is authorized to access and update the system with changes in your status. Possible changes may include your legal name, US address, major or field of study, education degree level, funding, and authorization for off-campus employment. The DSO is also required to report changes which would constitute violations of your visitor visa status, such as academic suspension, criminal conviction, failure to enroll, and unauthorized off-campus employment.

Why The Need For International Student Tracking?
Sadly, there is a need for this level of tracking. After the World Trade Center terrorist attack back in 1993 it was discovered the driver of the Ryder van used in this bombing had entered the country on a student visa and then dropped out, remaining in the country. He was not heard from again until the bombing. This brought attention to the problems and abuses which were prevalent in the system at the time, such as falsifying documents to obtain such visas and an antiquated INS paper processing system which meant it could take up to two years to detect instances of fraud.

The SEVIS system was formed after it was again discovered that at least one of the terrorists involved in the 9-11 attacks had entered the country through abuse of the student visa system. The person involved never even bothered to show up on campus and no timely notifications were made. SEVIS continues to develop and improve, undergoing six major revisions to resolve technical problems and accommodate new reporting requirements.

Continued Issues With Student Visa System:
Despite tracking through the digital SEVIS system, there are still some issues. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security has lost track of more than 6,000 foreign nationals who have overstayed their student and visitor visas and then essentially vanished. According to recent figures, more than 58,000 students have overstayed their visas in just the past year, although it is those 6,000 that are most worrisome because they had been referred to agents due to heightened concern.

In the future, look for legislators to work on closing these security gaps. That might mean additional reporting and perhaps extra ways and methods used by US and school officials to track foreign students. At the very least, international students who don’t make it onto campus or show up for class will be investigated much more quickly than before.

Cultural Exchange Programs – The opportunity of a lifetime

November 13, 2014 by Chiranth Nataraj

Cultural exchange programs – explore the world, meet new people and learn new cultures with these international programs.

Cultural exchange programs are a great way to experience the culture of another country and broaden your horizons. They help you to challenge your global perspective besides offering diverse academic opportunities. The US government offers plenty of exchange programs to international citizens such as student exchange programs for high schools and universities in the US, work and travel programs, programs for educators and even short term American culture programs. People who have participated in such cultural programs find the experience deeply beneficial and life changing.People who take part in a cultural exchange get to experience a new culture, meet new people and discover fascinating places. All these experiences abroad can offer invaluable insights, help you make informed decisions and make you a more confident person. There are various organizations that offer cultural exchange programs in the U.S. There is the International Cultural Exchange Organization (ICEO) that sponsors cultural exchange programs thereby promoting mutual understanding between countries.

cultural exchange

First, there is the ICEO Summer Work/Travel program that provides foreign college and university students an opportunity to interact with people in the U.S. and experience U.S. culture, while sharing their own culture with them. This program allows international students to work in the U.S. on a J-1 Work and Travel visa during their main break from school. They get to take up jobs that require minimal training, giving them an opportunity to experience working life in the U.S. American employers also stand to gain from this program as it gives them an opportunity to expose their business to an international perspective. With these seasonal jobs, they earn funds that help them with their expenses. The duration of this program is up to 4 months during a break between academic years.

There is the ICEO Internship Program aims to achieve the educational objectives of international exchange by offering international interns an opportunity participate in work based learning program at American host companies. This program may last up to 12 months and the length of the program also depends on the type of internship that the participant has opted for.

ICEO also offers the Training Program to international participants who can undertake bona fide training at American host companies. There are various training programs such as culinary arts, chef training program and other programs in the hospitality and tourism industries. The duration of this program may last from 12 to 18 months depending on the specific training that the participant has decided to undertake and should be specified before arriving in the U.S.

The CCI Greenheart is another organization that promotes academic development and cultural understanding through its cultural exchange programs in the U.S. Greenheart offers a wide variety of exchange programs for high school students, educators, work & travel interns and many more. It even offers short term English language and American culture classes for international participants. There is a Career Advancement Program that offers placements to English speaking J1 visa participants as interns and trainees in U.S. businesses such as hospitality and tourism, Management, finance and commerce, Information media and communications, Public administration, law and many more. CCI Greenheart has an online application system for participants, including program resources.

The benefits of participating in an international cultural exchange are many. For example, participating in a student exchange program teaches you how to survive on your own and also to appreciate the cultural traditions of a new country. It opens up diverse academic opportunities for you as student exchange programs give you the opportunity to learn through a different teaching strategy that is different from the ones offered by your local school.

Cultural exchanges are essential for mutual understanding between nations, international cooperation and the growth of human knowledge. A cultural exchange not only contributes to a person’s intellectual and personality development but also play a crucial role in addressing national and global needs. By participating in a cultural exchange program, you can expand your social network which will prove to be essential in the long run. It will open up attractive employment opportunities as prospective employers will appreciate your flexibility in adapting to a new environment along with the experiences and knowledge you gained while living abroad.

Coming to America – How to Find an Internship

August 20, 2014 by Chiranth Nataraj

Tips and suggestions to find internship in the US

It is easy to see why anyone would want to find an internship in the US. It has the globe’s largest market and opportunities in nearly every industry. Interning in the US not only provides you with connections and business opportunities, but it is a great place to live as well. Exchange scholars coming to the US return with a better understanding of life in the US.Whether you‘re situated in the busy New York, the lively and vibrant Chicago, or the sunny and friendly Midwest, America simply caters for every interest and personality. Regardless of where you are, you’ll never be stuck in finding something to do. In order to find an internship in US keep the following guidelines in mind:

1. Think about Your Goals – To start the process of finding an internship for yourself, consider the skills you would like to learn in your field of interest.
Do you love photography? Would you like to learn more about what a lawyer does all day or does scientific research in a particular field interest you? Would you like to find out how to work on a great website in a corporate setting? Bear in mind that setting clear goals makes it much easier for you to find your ideal internship program.

onestudent 2. Use the Internet to research – Once you’ve got your goals set, you can start looking for internships online. First, try to seek organizations offer internship programs. You should also take the time to look for companies where you would like to intern and make direct contact with them.

You can check out sites that list internship and job opportunities, such as:

GoAbroad.com this will show you the opportunities in various countries.
Internshipprograms.comthis website enables you to search by field, employer, location and date.
Idealist; enables you to find internships at non-profit organizations.

Whether you are actively researching career options or prospective majors, researching can greatly help you clarify your set goals and help you in the process of decision-making.

3. Create a Professional Network – Reach out to alumni as well as those you know from your institution that are willing to discuss individual career path, to tell you how they reached where they are, and how to break into the industry.

4. Create a resume and a cover letter – initially you may perhaps want to create a resume listing all your accomplishments and skills. As you prepare to apply for internships, you will need to read more about the qualifications of that position you’re applying for and ensure your curriculum vitae and cover letter target a specific organization. Just be proud of your achievements, dare to show them off and make sure you sell yourself!

American resumes and cover letters have to be no more than one page long, and must not include photos. Personal information such as date of birth and marital status are not required on the resume either.

5. Find more Information regarding your visa – Before you begin your internship search, make sure that you check the program requirements to find out if you’re eligible for a J-1 Visa. A J visa is issued by the Embassy of the United States in your country after the DS-2019 form is given by the sponsoring organization. In general, the time taken to process the visa varies with the country. An exchange visitor cannot enter the US more than 30 days before the program or internship begins. It is also best not to overstay your visa.

6. Expect culture shock -Finally, understand that culture shock isn’t simply a phrase. It is a real phenomenon. Students should read as much as they can regarding the culture of the region they are intending to go to, whether from the Internet or literature given by companies.

Most people wish to experience the American dream but wonder how to accomplish it. Follow the above mentioned tips and you will be good to go.

High School Exchange Programs for International Students

May 22, 2014 by Chiranth Nataraj

High school exchange programs for international students helps students improve their English Skills

For international students, a high school exchange program in the U.S. can be an extremely rewarding and exciting experience. For most students, studying abroad is their first experience of visiting a foreign country and living away from home. An exchange program offers a great opportunity for international students to experience the American way of life. As an exchange student, it is interesting to go and live with a new family in another country and get exposed to the American language and culture. A great plus with a U.S. high school exchange program is that international students can greatly improve their English language skills as they are always immersed in an English speaking environment.

High school exchange student programs in the U.S.For exchange students, starting to study at any school in the U.S. is a major step in life, more so for students who speak English as a second language. Whether it is choosing their subjects in school, interacting with their teachers or making friends, these are challenges that many international students face.

school teacher

For this reason, high schools in the U.S. are putting greater emphasis on English communication. Many exchange programs are designed so that international students can improve their English proficiency for academic and professional purposes. Through such programs, students develop their English skills while experiencing life in the U.S. It gives them a great opportunity to learn firsthand about the culture of the country and to improve their communication skills. The English skills of students may vary and may depend upon a number of factors such as the length of time the language has been studied, the student’s native language and so on. In the U.S., there are many academic programs whose objective is to enable foreign students to attain a level of English fluency that allows them to function in an American high school soon after arrival. It is often observed that a student may have poor English skills on arrival; learning a second language takes time but a semester or a year exchange program gives students enough time to refine their English skills; in fact, there is a noted improvement in the language skills of students just after a few days of adapting to their new environment.

How host families can help exchange students with their English skills

As a part of their exchange program, international students are required to live with a host family for the period of their stay in the U.S. Host families have a major role to play in helping the exchange students improve their English that will help them throughout their lives. The main goal of visiting exchange students is to practice and improve their English skills. This happens naturally by living with their host families. Since foreign students are encouraged to express themselves in English as much as possible, they pick up the language faster in a very practical way. During their months together, the student’s English proficiency will improve remarkably, something that the host family will find extremely gratifying.

How students can improve their language skills

It is often seen that though most international students are quite comfortable reading and writing in English, they are not as comfortable speaking in the language. Once students arrive in the U.S., they realize that their level of English is not enough to get by in a U.S. school environment.

On their part, international students need to realize that the fundamental purpose of an exchange is to learn a new language and experience a different culture. This will pretty much decide how well they will succeed as exchange students. The big fundamental is that students should prioritize learning English. It is good to make English speaking friends, as there is no substitute for talking with a native speaker; it also helps one pick up cultural and social cues. It is a good idea to read books and listen to CD’s to improve one’s language skills. Watching TV shows and movies is also a good way to get familiar with the language. Reading news and entertainment in English can help with some common conversational topics; there is a better chance of understanding and expressing oneself thereby overcoming both language and cultural barriers. As English language has a huge vocabulary, it helps to note new words and look up their definitions and meanings before using them in a conversation. As always, practice makes perfect; students can start practising their English skills even before they arrive on campus.

All in all, high school exchange programs give international students a wonderful opportunity to go to another country, learn a new language, improve their communication skills and come back home with a better perspective of the world.

Taking Care of Animals the Houston Zoo Way

March 12, 2014 by Chiranth Nataraj

The cultural exchange program that helped China in promoting their zoo’s
Built in 1922, the Houston Zoo offers grand adventures with wild animals in a safe environment. With its 55 acres landscaped to give animals natural habitats, a walk around the trails itself gives a family an easy exercise routine. The more than 800 species shows the diversity of the planet earth and offers an outstanding education experience easy on the budget. All the work has paid off for the Houston Zoo handsomely in that other nations noticed and now want to improve their zoo experience. China has discovered the joys and wonders of promoting zoos in its major urban areas. To create the best zoo experience possible, China has contacted the United States for help.

Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo’s expertise comes from managing 6000 permanent animals. It has implemented a policy of continual improvement of its many exhibits. It has used best practices to manage meals, housing and even medical care. The director of animal management with the Guangzhou Zoo, Liu Xiaqing visited and came to the conclusion Houston excelled at animal management.

Tu Rongxiu the director of animal breeding and protection with the Shanghai Zoo came as well. He noted that Houston Zoo exhibits mimicked natural habitats making the zoo function as an ecological park. Rongxiu commented on the amount of training required for a zoo keeper in Houston showed in their professional treatment of animals.

A First For Both Parties

It had been the first time Houston zoo officials had hosted China officials. The cultural exchange for both parties proved to be beneficial. An article in Parent Magazine 2009 had declared the zoo in the top 10 of the nation. Chief marketing officer, David Brady, has high hopes for a partnership between zoos in different nations. He believed exchanging information on enrichment, observations and animal welfare leads to better zoo practices. The Houston Zoo’s design ensures families can watch how zoo keepers train and care for animals. Rick Barongi, the current zoo director points out the zoo has a deliberate policy of creating environments that allow even children up close observations of animals and trainers. Creative events such as storytelling, game shows run by children, and transparent tunnels that take children next to wild critters safely all make the Houston Zoo world class.
Humane Society International
The Chinese visit came about through an internship program sponsored by the Humane Society International (HSI). This group comes as the largest animal protection group in the United States. The exchange program started in 2012 with wildlife department director Teresa Telecky. Creating a positive program was an attempt to change the course of zoo management in China. Peter H. Li, who is HSI’s China policy specialist set up the exchange. The intent of the program came as a way to create a two week internship at an accredited American zoo.Rongxiu and Xiaoqing stated the program has increased awareness of what practices work best for animals and that United States officials openly admit what areas need improvement. This gives Chinese zoo directors a heads up on what not to develop and to focus on what does work. The United States willingness to share how the higher standards developed in zoo management, veterinary services, education, animal husbandry and conservation show all the possible ways a zoo can care for animals humanely.

Conclusions
Both zoo directors commented that the zoological business in China had grown dramatically in the past 30 years. The rapid growth did not make much time for planning ways that made the experience the most beneficial and safest for the animals. Upon reflection, Chinese zoo directors now wish to take a holistic approach to their practices. Visits outside their country give a fresh perspective, and new ways to approach common problems. The problem has been China and its heavy hand of censorship prevents other countries from easily sharing materials or visiting. By traveling to the United States, zoo directors get full access to global practices without much bureaucracy interfering. With a more global perspective of preserving species leads to naturally developing native habitats. It leads to developing processes and protocols that play to the best interests of all in an interactive way. Though visitors may not see the animals all the time, the native habitats offer learning experiences and enjoyment. Making zoos guardians of animal rights gives them a vested interest in preservation efforts; however they occur.

The U.S. – Peruvian Cultural Exchange Program

February 26, 2014 by Chiranth Nataraj

Young Peruvians reap the benefits of the cultural exchange program between the United States and Peru which was initiated by Graciela Fuentes de Bedoya
Graciela Fuentes de Bedoya’s cultural exchange program has been very productive in today’s ever shrinking world. She is the director and the brains behind the thriving Cultural Exchange Program between the United States and Peru. From an initial trip to the United States when she was in her late twenties, she was inspired to ensure that Peruvians could access all the resources they need. The Peruvian capitalizes on her past experience within the US to promote constructive travel between the countries. According to her, students travelling from Peru will gain a lot of knowledge and cultural experience just as students coming from the United States.

Graciela Fuentes de Bedoya’s compassion and selflessness was a motivating factor in her efforts to promote a Cultural Exchange Program. From what she saw on her first visit to the United States, she realized that something has to be done to uplift the standards of living in Peru. Since the young people hold the key to the future, her idea was to have students visiting the United States, gaining some knowledge and coming back home to apply it. Today there are more than 150 students who take part in the cultural exchange program each summer and Fuentes has sent thousands of students on exchange programs to the U.S. till date. Through her website, it is possible for students to get access to meaningful information on the cultural exchange program.

exchange program

This way, the Peruvians would have more exposure of the outside world and be in a position to uplift their own standards of living. Some of the expectations for the students visiting Peru from the United States include jobs, often related to translation and English speaking, as well as learning a new language. More and more students across Peru are looking for jobs and experiences abroad during their summer breaks. They learn to live alone without the support of family and friends and also figure out how to manage their time and money. But most importantly, they develop their personal skills, learn about others at a global level and have a new view of the world.

American students can expect to learn about a different culture and South American traditions that are not dominant in the North. The Southern continent also offers a number of allures for students visiting. This is because they can access a lot of historic information and learn the background of both the Spanish and Portuguese way of life. Peru has a good coast line with white, sandy beaches that promotes tourism in the area.

Full time Peruvian students who are 18 to 27 years of age visit the United States for a period of up to six months. The exchange students can showcase their culture, familiarize themselves with other traditions interact with people from a different background, and get paid to work legally in the US. Exchange students often come for a few months during their summer break and find work in hotels, ski resorts and pharmacies among others. For the duration that the students spend in the United States, they are able to learn new concepts, improve their English, learn real life career skills as well as enhance their resume by their work experience in American companies. The personal growth and learning for the students as well as the host families is profound and long lasting. Therefore, the cultural exchange program ends up being a favorable to-and-fro that benefits all parties in the long run.

The obvious benefits of the cultural exchange program are that it gives an opportunity for Peruvians to see the outside world. By learning directly from the knowledge and experience of a super power country, it might be possible to influence change at home. Students are the bedrock of the future because it will be up to them to reform their own country and improve their living standards. Such inter cultural learning opportunities change their lives and the exposure to another culture challenges their own cultural values. Therefore, gaining direct knowledge and insight will open up the doors to a better future. Students also gain increased maturity and skills that make them more successful in their academic as well as professional lives.

As much as the Cultural exchange program between the United States and Peru is beneficial, there might be a few hiccups at the beginning. First off, students coming from Peru as well as students coming from the United States will have to embrace a new culture and new language. Communication may be a problem as they try to come to terms with their new surroundings. This is a minor issue that can be easily surmounted with a little preparation, patience and an open mindset. After all, it’s an exciting life changing experience for most!

With Graciela Fuentes de Bedoya at the helm of the Cultural exchange program, young Peruvians and Americans alike can look forward to a brighter future.