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.