International Student Association Upcoming Events

The International Student Association has a few upcoming events. Involvement is encouraged.

Arlington West at CSULB Monday, May 3^rd thru Wednesday, May 5^{th. Student who choose to volunteer are needed for set up, monitoring, and taking down. If you are interested, contact Cindy Shultheis at cschulth@csulb.edu.}

All students who volunteer will receive a certificate of appreciation from the Center for Peace & Social Justice which will fulfill community service requirement for clubs.

For those who would like to camp out, there will be canopies and cots as well as a bathroom open in CBA.

Another upcoming event is Beach Pride Poolside Wednesday, May 5^{th 11:30-1:30pm. This event is open to all students, and the first 200 students wearing Beach Gear get free food. There will be live entertainment, games, and prizes.}

ISA's 44th Multicultural Dinner Show will be Friday, May 7^{th from 6:30pm – 9pm. If a ticket hasn't been purchased, they will be available at the front desk of the Center for International Education or through officers of the club. All student tickets are $10.}

International Students Association Needs Models

The International Students Association is in need of models for a fashion show which is a part of the 44th Annual Dinner and Culture show. The show will be May 7 beginning at 6:30 pm at the CSULB ballrooms.

"Being an university of over 35,000 students, CSULB is a melting pot of students from diverse backgrounds and cultures," ISA said.

All outfits are provided. There is no experience necessary, and this is solely volunteer based.

If you're interested contact this is the contact information:

qvong1019@gmail.com
Phone: 626-233-9534

International Business Association 2010 Consulate Series

Vice Consul of Commerical Office for the Chinese Consulate Yuwei Tan will present "China-U.S. Trade Relations and the Economic State of China in 2010," Tuesday April 27th hoested by the International Business Association.

Tan will speak in CBA 140 from 5 - 6:30 pm.

Tan will discuss "his corporate role in representing China's business interests, both here and abroad. This will be the highlight of what IBA strives to deliver, the necessity of international trade and the variety of opportunities in the global marketplace," said the CBA Board in an e-mail.

Seating will be limited to just over 100 students, therefore reservations are required.


This is one of the biggest events IBA will host, everyone is encouraged to attend and is welcome to bring guests.



If you're interested please contact Dean Dutro through email at : deandutro@yahoo.com

International Student Association Positions Available

There are positions available for Fall 2010 Spring2011. If you are interested in being an officer, there will be a officer meeting Friday starting at 1pm in room USU 305.

More than one person can fill each position: there can two secretaries for example.


The positions are open to international and domestic students. Schools policy however does not allow for students that are enrolled through open university or are American Language Institute students to hold office. These students are still encouraged to volunteer and may be appointed positions.

The available positions include President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Historian. Other roles available roles are Academic Success Coordinator, Cultural Clubs Liaison and Study Abroad Committee Lead.


All interested parties can email csulbisa@gmail.com for more information.

For more information or to join the ISA e-mail list visit the CSULB International Student Association page.

CSULB No. 3 Producer of Peace Corps Volunteers in CSU

CSULB is the No. 3 producer of Peace Corps volunteers in the California State University system and has seen a 43 percent increase in students serving in the Peace Corps within the last year.

“This is significant because the overall number of volunteers in the field has slightly decreased during the same time period, but CSULB’s share has increased,” said Kate Kuykendall, a returned Peace Corps volunteer and current public affairs officer for the Peace Corps in Los Angeles.

There are 30 CSULB students currently serving in 23 posts. In total, 698 CSULB students have served since the program started in 1961.

Megan Kelly is a CSULB alumna who served in South Africa from 2007-09 and is now in graduate school at UCLA. While serving, Kelly worked on HIV/AIDS education and community outreach projects in her village.

Kelly said she wanted to volunteer for several reasons.

“I wasn’t ready to go to grad school and I wasn’t ready to enter the workforce,” Kelly said. “I wanted to go because I wanted international experience, especially with a program as renowned as the Peace Corps. I wanted to get outside my comfort zone, challenge myself. I
definitely wanted personal growth. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in life.”

The Peace Corps was founded in 1961 when President John F. Kennedy “challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries.”

Since then, 200,000 volunteers have served in 139 countries working on projects including AIDS education, information technology, and environmental preservation.

Application Procces-Direct Exchange

international studies website

Spring Semester

Live in the exciting city of London as you study the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (GE)

Sponsored by CSULB and the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS).

• Open to sophomores with 30 units previous study through seniors 2.6 GPA minimum.
  
• Earn at least 12 CSU academic units.
• Internship opportunity (for credit only - unpaid).
• Courses taught in London by one CSU professor (CSU Fullerton) and adjunct British faculty.
• Humanities (English and History) and Social Sciences classes usually offered, other fields of study and General Education vary each semester.
• PROGRAM COST - approximately $8995.00 ($8195 for homestay option), includes AIFS program fees, housing, and field trips. This figure does not include CSULB tuition and airfare.
• CSU Financial Aid applies, two $500.00 scholarships available.
• Application deadline - Monday, October 25
• Click here to download flyer for spring 2010

California State University, Long Beach

Direct Exchange Program

Application Checklist

 

1.             Application Checklist:

 

¨  Direct Exchange Application  (completely filled out, signed & dated)

¨  Personal Statement Essay – one page maximum

¨  Official CSULB Transcripts

¨  Official or copies of community college transcripts (Transfer students)

¨  2 Faculty Recommendations (one should be from your major or minor)

¨  1 Foreign Language Recommendation Form, if required.

¨  Photocopy of the information page of your passport (with passport # and expiration)

¨  Complete Direct Exchange Course Equivalency Form

¨ If needed, sign up for an interview day & time (Impacted sites only)

 

2.             Post-Acceptance Checklist:

 

¨  Return Exchange University Application and Housing forms to Education Abroad Office

¨  Show Proof of International Health Insurance (photocopy of membership card or purchase study abroad policy)

¨  Obtain visa: visit www.travel.state.gov  (Search - Foreign Entry Requirements)

¨  Attend MANDATORY Pre-Departure Orientation Meeting

 

3. After You Return

 

¨  Fill out evaluation and return to the Education Abroad office.

 

Application Deadlines for CSULB Direct Exchange Programs

 

To participate in the Fall Semester: April 1^st

To participate in the Spring Semester: October 1^st

 

Return application materials to:

 

Education Abroad Office

Center for International Education, BH-201

California State University, Long Beach

1250 Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90840-0109

Telephone: (562) 985-8429   Email: studyabroad@csulb.edu

 

Special Notes:

 

§ Discuss your overseas plans with your academic (major/minor) advisors.

§ You may submit forms as you complete them. Once we have two items, your file is active.

§ We suggest that you apply for or renew your passport immediately to avoid any delays.

§ Request recommendations early. You are responsible for making sure all forms are returned to the Education Abroad Office by the deadline.

§ Research class options and familiarize yourself with your country of interest.

Speak with study abroad alumni. They can answer many 

International Student back in United Arab Emirates

 Former International Student Majid Khalid Shuhail who was reported missing returned to  the United Arab Emirates March 8.

Shuhail a 19-year-old a former Cal State Long Beach American Language Institute student went missing February 19.

For the entire story read the Daily 49er article Former international student back in UAE

CSULB International Buddy Program (IBP)

The purpose of the International Buddy Program at CSULB is to assist foreign exchange students in their adaptation to a new atmosphere. CSULB student volunteers are the ones who assist the foreign exchange students.

Volunteers answer questions and help familiarize foreign students with campus in various ways including events often hosted by the international education department, study abroad club (sac) and international student association (isa)

For more information or for opportunities to join the IBP visit the International Buddy Program Facebook

According to the IBP facebook page this experience is beneficial for both foreign and local students "The volunteer would gain new insights into other cultures, expand their international network, and maybe even learn a new language! This group is open to all students both local and foreign."

The Learning Assistance Center's Conversation Lab will begin next week, February 8th, 2010. Hours are from Monday to Thursday, 10am-5pm.

The IBP facebook provides updates on upcoming events and services for instance the Conversation Lab is a drop-in program, located i the Learning Assistance Center. These labs take palce Monday thru Thursay from 10 am to 5 pm. No appointment necessary, students can take part for as long or as short as they feel necessary. This program is free, its purpose is to help students become more fluent in English.

Increase In International Students

The number of international students at colleges and universities in the United States increased by 8% to an all-time high of 671,616 in the 2008/09 academic year, according to the Open Doors report.

Among all the universities and colleges in the United States CSULB is No.51 with 2, 508 students.

Although overall there was an increase in International Students there were various campuses that reported a decline. "The campuses seeing declines noted varied effects of the current economic conditions and students’ concerns about the H1N1 virus, while those reporting increases cited increased recruitment efforts and the growing reputation and visibility of U.S. campuses abroad," according to a Open Doors report.

Despite the economic conditions that were cited students come to the United States for educational purposed and then may return to their home country for job opportunities, like Senior, Economics major, Kin Lui who said "I pay double what everyone else pays because I'm an international student, but I'm going to go back to Hong Kong once I'm done with my education."

Both International Students and American students can benefit from the diversity, through the opinions and experiences of their peers. Allan E. Goodman, President and CEO said in an Open Doors 2009 report of the Institute of International Education, ". Students from all over the world contribute substantially to their host campuses and to the U.S. economy. Their active engagement in our classrooms provides U.S. students with valuable skills that will enable them to collaborate across political and cultural borders to address shared global challenges in the years ahead.”

information taken from Open Doors 2009 Report based on U.S. universities and colleges

Health Insurance Requirement for both International Students and those Studying Abroad

international health studyabroad.edu

Effective Fall 2009 all visa students will be required to purchase the CSULB approved health insurance. The idea behind the requirement is that "Insurance For International Students permits them to protect themselves from huge medical bills at the event of emergency or illnesses during their studies overseas. In addition, individuals without medical insurance will have great difficulty receiving prompt medical attention.," according to the Indian Student Association.

Alternative health insurance will not be accepted.

Those studying abroad will also have to purchase the same health insurance, for the same reasons. Purchasing the health insurance is a precaution.

Students will not be allowed to register without having first acquired the proper health insurance.

According to the Indian Student Association the "CSULB approved health insurance policy is a CSU group policy offered through Wells Fargo Student Insurance and administered through Anthem Blue Cross." This insurance can be purchased on line through www.csuhealthlink.com.

For more detailed information regarding the required health insurance you can visit the international education health care website.

Foreign Exchange Rate and The Weakening U.S. Dollar

world currencies ( world-currencies.jpg)

A major factor in the cost of studying abroad which is usually overlooked is the foriegn currency exchange. "During the past year, the U.S. dollar has declined nearly twenty percent against the euro. On April 23, 2008, one euro was equal to $1.60, an all-time low for the dollar," according to iiepassport.org.

The weakening U.S. dollar is making the semester or year long stays abroad much tougher financially on students, the cost of flights and tuition are more expensive.

Although studying abroad costs are on the rise there are still measures that can be taken to counter the effects of the weakening U.S. dollar.

Because exchange rates vary alternatives to currency exchange would be travelers checks, atms, or credit cards. Studyabroad.com also suggests exchanging rates (if necessary) at airports or hotels, because they would offer the best rates. Bear in mind that rates may fluctuate daily, and from place to place.

It is best to familarize yourself with the currency in the new country you will be staying in so that you're able to create a budget XE.com provides a universial currency converter.

"Advisers have long been trying to get students to consider more unique study abroad destinations, and due to the current situation with the exchange rate, they may finally get their wish. For those who still want to study in the more popular destinations, or who still worry about affording a study abroad experience at all, numerous financial aid options are available, including scholarships, grants, fellowships and loans," according to studyabroadfunding.org.

Financial Assistance Available for Study Abroad

(collegebound.net)

In the spring and fall semesters International Scholarship Information Workshops are offered. The Financing Your Study Abroad Experience page states "you can't afford not to go!" and there are various ways a study abroad trip can be funded.

If you already receive financial aid, that money can be applied to most study abroad experiences. Loans are also a possibility according to the International Studies website, all students are eligible for either need-based subsidized or non-need-based unsubsidized federal loans. Finally scholarships are available for study abroad experiences, it's recommended you visit the CSULB Office of Study Abroad to look over publications that detail scholarships and other forms of financial assistance available. The Financing Your Study Abroad Experience page also outlines several scholarships that are available and dates for scholarship information workshops.

Aside from Study Abroad other options are intern abroad, volunteer/community service abroad, and work/tech abroad which includes teaching and research abroad. Information for these options are also available on the International Education site under International Study, Internship, Volunteer, and Work Opportunities.

International Education

Study Abroad students visit WWII monument while studying
in Moscow. (csulb.edu photo courtesy of Dmitrii Sidorov)

The International Education department at CSULB provides information and assistance regarding: International Admissions, Study Abroad (Education), Faculty/Scholar/ Researcher Services, International Students, GLOBE Learning Community, Exchange Students,English Language Training, and International Scholarships. Information for these services are available at the Center for International Education website or at the Center for International Education office located in Brotman Hall room 201.