How Do I Select a Study Abroad in Asia Program?

There are times when you are studying in college when you need a change of pace. This can be for any number of reasons. Perhaps you have studied only in North American schools where subjects are taught in a particular way, and you desire to experience your educational focus from a different perspective. You might be wondering how you can set your resume out ahead of other college graduates. You may just want to explore the world and go to school at the same time. No matter what the reason, you will find a wealth of opportunities to explore study abroad Asia programs online.

There are many ways to study abroad in Asia. You could select a year-long study abroad China program, or a shorter semester abroad Japan program. In either example, a quality educational liaison will help you enroll in a university located in China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand or other Asian countries. Classes for foreign exchange students participating in a study abroad Asia program are occasionally offered in English, with intensive language studies in the host country language available if you choose to partake.

The courses that you take overseas as part of a study abroad China or Japan program, because they are university credits, should transfer to your current college or university. It does make sense to check with your home university academic guidance counselor to ensure that credits earned in a study Abroad Asia program will apply to your degree program back home.

Good study abroad China programs will also ensure that you are comfortable and safe while studying away from home. You will want to seek out a program that offers guaranteed housing in your host country. It is also helpful if there is some kind of introductory period when you first arrive in the host country, so that the program advisors can offer tips and help you make the successful transition to living and studying in a different culture. For your safety, day and night emergency help should be available to not only you but also your parents and the advisors of your foreign exchange program while you are in country.

Financing a trip on a Study Abroad Asia program is not all that difficult. You may find that you can use student aid from your home university to help pay for the foreign study experience.

It is always wise to talk to students who have gone on the semester abroad Japan program, or other Asian destination program, that you might be considering. Alumni of the Asian study program should be able to share their experiences and offer good advice about the program and how it helped them after they returned home.

Anne is director, student services and programs, for study abroad Asia. Their study abroad China program led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the semester abroad Japan program.

Online Education - A Haven For Cheating?

Online degrees and distance learning are increasing in popularity. Easier accessibility for a growing range of subjects, as well as recent government calls for a push in e-learning, highlight the fact that more and more students will be studying from home in the future and partaking in this more economical and ecological method of higher education. But does being away from the watchful eye of tutors and teachers mean that there is an increased risk of cheating among students? And what are the measures to stop it?

In their article, Probing for Plagiarism in the Virtual Classroom, Lindsey Hamlin and William Ryan discuss the notion of plagiarism, passing off another persons work as one's own, in the context of online education. They describe how e-learning doesn't seem to make plagiarism any more tempting or easier for students to carry out in comparison to traditional learning, and suggest that this is an age old problem of education generally that can be stopped by any respective institution implementing the correct measures. They also offer details of anti-plagiarism software specifically for online education institutions.

Neil Rowe continued this discussion in his article, Cheating in Online Student Assessment, by offering his argument that other forms of online cheating need to be monitored aside from plagiarism. The notion of students being able to receive answers before completing online exams is Rowe's first worry. With students not being tested simultaneously, Rowe identifies that a method to prevent this would be for institutions to write enough random questions to ensure a suitable ratio between number of questions and number of students, in order to minimize the chances that two students will receive the same questions.

Rowe also highlights the chances that students, if unhappy with their performance during an online test, may be able to start again (after conference with external sources) by claiming that they are experiencing connection problems and have lost their answers. Similarly, he also expresses his biggest worry as relating to whom exactly is answering the questions during an online test and the possibility that bright students may complete the tests of less capable students, or at least be called upon for help.

Rowe cites G. J. Cizek for countermeasures against online education cheating. Cizek suggests promoting and teaching the value of honesty above simply employing measures to stop cheating when it happens. One such idea: 'Students could be asked to read and sign a policy statement like an honor code or integrity policy at the beginning of the course', seems an effective starting point, alongside minimizing the temptation for students to cheat by giving them overly easy or overly difficult exams.

Sarah Maple writes about adult education and home learning.

Professors - Using Student-Driven Learning Methods - Active Learning

Student-driven learning methods are based on the concept of active learning. So that you better understand that term, picture a continuum. If at one end you put active learning, what might you put at the opposite extreme--passive learning?--or is that a state that does not exist? Do lectures, video presentations, and guest speakers engender passive learning? After 15 minutes or so for most learners, does the mind typically become occupied with other thoughts? The research would indicate that it does.

For the purposes of this article, I'll define active learning as an approach selected by a professor in which the teaching and learning environment is designed for the learner to be actively engaged in the acquisition and processing of knowledge and information. In an active learning environment, students are doing much of the work, at their own pace, to achieve their individual learning objectives.

Richard Hake (1998), a professor of physics at Indiana University, prefers a synonymous term: interactive engagement. He says that such learning involves methods "designed in part to promote conceptual understanding through interactive engagement of students in heads-on (always) and hands-on (usually) activities which yield immediate feedback through discussion with peers and/or instructors" (p. 65).

Although different theorists and practitioners give different definitions of this approach, those definitions commonly include having students draw on prior knowledge to make mental connections at ever-higher levels of learning. Whatever sources you consult on the topic, and whatever differences you find among them, keep your individual conceptualization of active learning in mind as you learn more about the strategies that work.

As a professor, you have accepted the challenge of accountability for the student learning that occurs as a result of your teaching. Student learning is paramount. Every decision we make about how we teach and what we teach is made with the ultimate goal of fostering learning in students. Therefore, when you strategically choose to use student-driven methods, you are deciding that, to reach the ultimate goal of student learning, (1) students will be directing the learning along a continuum that fits their abilities; (2) the primary focus will be on a unique collection of students; and (3) students will be doing the majority of the work in the classroom and classroom-related activities. Your work comes before class when you are designing and preparing the learning experiences (and believe me when I say that it's a great deal of work to prepare for active learning experiences for students).

The operative word in the phrase active learning is the second one: learning. According to Angelo and Cross (1993), "Learning can and often does take place without the benefit of teaching--and sometimes even in spite of it--but there is no such thing as effective teaching in the absence of learning. Teaching without learning is just talking." I couldn't agree more. As a professor in the age of accountability, you must make the extraordinary effort it often takes to ensure that students are actually learning what you are trying to teach.

Counterintuitively, sometimes it is easier to convince professors of this than it is to convince students. But convince them we must, because students must now also acknowledge that they accept at least as much responsibility for their learning as we have. In a compelling article in The Chronicle of Higher Education (June 4, 1999), Mark Benvennto offers the following, in response to a student had written on an evaluation, i.e., "Get up to the f---ing board -- that's what we pay you for!"

Although many students may not want to hear it, for most of them, interactive learning is the same thing as taking your medicine. You may not like it, but it is good for you. You will learn more by being engaged in a class rather than just listening to a lecture. You will learn more by teaching your classmates, and asking them and the professor questions, than by just listening and answering others' questions. You will learn more working in a group than working alone. You will learn more if you use your mind than if you come to class simply to be entertained.(p. B9)

We need to upgrade students' perceptions of their responsibilities as learners. When we are strategic teachers and they are strategic learners, the teaching/learning experience is incomparable in its efficacy.

Teaching exclusively as you have been taught may be comfortable for you, but it is often not very effective with today's students--nor is it preferable given what is now known about the brain and learning. Wherever you are in your teaching career, you can enhance your success by developing a teaching style that regularly employs some student-directed teaching/learning methods. You will need to experiment, analyze and reflect on your efforts. You will also need to have regular discussions with colleagues experienced in these methods.

To begin, consider ways to promote learning both inside the classroom when the students are right there with you and outside the classroom (when the students are far away). The primary student-directed teaching/learning methods for use inside the classroom include open discussion, learning, role-playing, case studies, and student presentations. Methods for outside the classroom include experiential learning, fieldwork and focused study time. Each of these areas are explored in multiple articles, books, and other resources.

Strategic professors know that using a variety of teaching and learning methods is critical to students' learning and success. Pay attention to the ideas in this article and others available from Meggin McIntosh. In addition, you can learn much more about teaching and reaching the many different types of students who are in today's college classroom by reading the book *Teaching College in an Age of Accountability* (Allyn & Bacon). The book was written by Richard Lyons & Meggin McIntosh (the author of this article).

To learn more ideas that you can use as a faculty member, be sure to check out http://www.TopTenProductivityTips.com and http://www.meggin.com

(c) 2008 by Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D., "The Ph.D. of Productivity"(tm). Through her company, Emphasis on Excellence, Inc., Meggin McIntosh changes what people know, feel, dream, and do. Sound interesting? It is!

Get a College Degree and Be Financially Stable!

The main benefit of a college degree is getting a regular job with salary. Research shows that a person with an associate degree earns 25 percent or more in his annual income than someone who is doing the same task without a degree. This is because college graduates are more entrusted with their skills, with the belief that college has trained them well.

Earning a college degree opens doors of possibilities and potentials of finding great jobs. Most companies prefer to hire someone with a college degree related to the industry. Some demand that every candidate have at least associates. In most instances, an employer will choose a candidate with a college degree over a candidate who has none, given the same knowledge and proficiency.

Many companies have discretion to hire someone with a college degree. This is because a higher degree means more specialization about the field. This graduate has a more comprehensive grasp of the matter at hand. A person with a bachelor's degree will attract more employers.

Knowledge is power. Graduates have this confidence, that they are well-informed and trained in college. This makes them more valuable to a company. Employers always want the best for their company. Thus they are most likely to hire job seekers with a diploma to entrust them with important responsibilities in the company.

A college degree can control your future only to a certain extent. It will also depend on how much you want to be trained and where you want that knowledge to take you. Certainly, it opens more doors for your career and gives you more chances to enjoy all the financial benefits. It also gives you more options in deciding which path to take in your career.

Earning a college degree gives you better chances to make something out of your life. It is like a domino effect. You study hard, get a college degree, land in a good job and earn big money. The whole situation makes you happier and less stressed. Feeling fulfilled is probably one of the best things in life.

More than the financial gains, getting a college degree is no easy feat. People will greatly admire you for working hard to graduate. The working attitude instilled in you college will carry over in your work place, and you will be idolized. Your workmates will look up to you. And that's one of the greatest feelings.

Getting a college degree in a way builds self-esteem. You will get the fruits of your labor once you graduate. Pursuing your goals will be much easier. Being financially secure is not easy. It is not gained in one day. It starts in college. Get a college degree now and build a bright future for yourself!

For more information on College Financial Aid - Advice and College Scholarships please visit our website.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Medical Schools With a Distance Education Option

Medical schools with a distance education option are a great choice for people who want to get their degree but still want to stay at home. Some people who take advantage of the medical schools with a distance education option, however are doing so because it is the only way they can do it. There are advantages and disadvantages to these types of special medical schools, or more so getting your degree this way, not so much the curriculum.

Some advantages of medical schools with a distance education option are that you can stay at home using the online learning curriculum, even work full time, and still go to school. In many ways this is a great way to go because it frees up a lot of your time. These types of schools often have a great plan for giving you the lessons that work a lot like how you'd do it in a traditional school setting. One example is using the Internet for the classroom. You can actually watch real taped classes and follow along in the books. This way you get the same education and training as those who go to the school itself (physically) will get.

The disadvantages of taking your courses from medical schools with a distance education program is that you will have to become your own discipline moderator. In schools your teacher is there after class, during class, before school and after school to talk to you if you get stuck and need help. With distance learning you don't have this option, although you can probably call in and speak to an educator you miss out on the interaction during class that many students find very helpful.

The other thing about attending medical schools and using the distance option is you don't get the benefit of other people in the classroom debating and even asking spin-off questions from yours that you didn't think of. Studying with other people in your class is certainly helpful and makes things easier, but often in distance learning settings you are on your own other than the schools' support sites, phone numbers, and reading materials.

The advantages often come at a price of having to work harder, and discipline becomes harder but in the end I think that this makes you a stronger person in those areas -- something you will need in the medical field. You can also go to schools with a distance education program part of the time, and attend the actual school the other part.

For example if you need to attend the school after a year because you can't move out to the school yet, but want to take that year to still get started on your degree, (maybe you have a baby and need to be at home with the baby so your family can help while you study) you can opt for the online learning curriculum that first year then in the second sign up to take your classes in the actual school setting.

I believe that there are also ways to take part of the classes online while taking the others in the school if time management and obligations are an issue. Each way you learn the same things but in different ways, and there are some wonderful opportunities that this opens up for you, allowing you to manage your time and personal life around your schooling.

Hi! I hope you enjoyed reading this article on medical schools. For more information on this subject please visit http://www.medical-school-reviews.net

Medical School Reviews We recommend it highly!

Ohio State Buckeyes - Tracing the 22 NCAA Titles of the Buckeyes

NCAA Championships is one of the most awaited events in every college team. It is a national title wherein the best of the best from different divisions and states are named. Some of the Big Ten Conference Division are able to make it on this important event while some are not. However, the chances of joining are big since there are many sports sanctioned by this organization.

The most popular sports for this event are football, basketball and baseball. If you look at the track record of the different teams, some might take years before they get their next Championship Titles. Others can do it consecutively but could end up periods of drought. Well, it is quite expected as different teams evolve every year and different players with strong skills and abilities emerge. Not to mention, the coaches of the teams vary and they have different strategies. Some may contribute to their winning streak others just settle for division titles.

The Universities of the Big 10 Conference have their many chances in joining the different NCAA Championship Matches. One of them is Ohio State University. They have won a total of 22 NCAA Titles. Their varsity team is named as the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Out of curiosity, let us try to trace their achievements in NCAA. Below are their records and years that they have won their 22 National Titles from NCAA:

Swimming Team

Their swimming team for men has the most records of NCAA titles for this event. They accumulated a total of 11 titles since 1943. Mike Peppe was the coach in 1931-1963 who led the team to win these 11 titles. He was ranked number one to coach the most titles for the NCAA and Ohio State was one of the teams to win the most titles in a year (for the years 1953 and 1955).

Gymnastics

Their team for men was the winner of the NCAA championships in 1984, 1990 and 2001. They have produced 24 NCAA individual champions under the supervision of Miles Avery. In 2001, Jamie Natalie was the All-around champion.

Golf

The division for men won the NCAA title in 1945 and 1979. In 1945, this varsity team grabbed their first gold under the supervision of Robert Keppler. The second title was under Jim Brown. Both coaches are now in the hall of fame for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Track and Field, Fencing, Baseball and Basketball

Each of these teams grabbed one NCAA title only. Track and field gained the title under the coaching of F.R. Castleman. One of the notable players at his time was George Simpson, who was a champion for both 100 and 220-Yard Dash. Fencing team became National champion in 1942. Their baseball team won in 1966 under the coaching of Marty Karow. On the other hand, their basketball team won in 1960 under the coaching of Fred Taylor. Jerry Lucas was one of the top players at that time and he helped the team to win the title.

Freddie Brister is a huge fan of the Big 10 and the Ohio State Buckeyes. His love for the game of football started with an older brother passing the pigskin around in the backyard with cousins and neighborhood friends. He later played in high school, college and coached high school football for 25 years, before retiring to write for Sports Fan Treasures. Check out his Ohio State Merchandise

Tips to Get Active As a College Student

It is very important that college students get the recommended amount of exercise on a daily basis. They are always caught up in homework, working their jobs and studying for their classes. When students have such a busy schedule they often put off things like diet and exercise. College students also carry a lot of stress on their shoulders. A lot of this stress comes from such a hectic schedule. If students take the time to exercise they can easily loose a lot of their stress. Don't have time? Everyone has time to get exercise into their day. Need some ideas? Read below and you can see how you can start fitting exercise into your daily schedule.

Get involved with sports - Did you have a favorite sport that you loved playing as a child? If so, why not bring it back? Get some of your best friends together and create a sports team. This is a great way to get some exercise have fun and hang out with your friends. Do this a couple times a week with a few other exercises and you'll be all set.

Gym - Do you have a gym around you or a gym your friends go to? If so you should consider joining as well! Working out with you friends is a good way to get even more exercise in. Not only will you go when you want to but when they go as well. Start making exercising fun by doing it with friends.

Parking spot - When you go to the grocery store, park at school, or go to the mall try and park farther away. Everyone comes in and looks for the closest parking spot right away. What is it going to hurt to get some extra exercise? We can all use some more exercise for our bodies. Try parking farther away and see how those extra calories can make a difference.

Make goals - Always make a goal when you start thinking about exercising. Whether it's walking 10 miles a week or getting better at basketball make a goal. When we achieve these goals we feel great about ourselves and when we don't we want to discipline ourselves more.

Treadmill/Walk - Try to make it a habit to walk for at least 30 minutes a day. Rotate between a treadmill and going outside. When it's nice outside get some fresh air and walk around the neighborhood. When it's rainy or cold outside try and go on the treadmill. Add some of your favorite music to help motivate you. Find an upcoming event that you want to get in shape for and use that as your motivation.

Consider these points and find yourself getting more physically fit and healthy. These are great for getting rid of stress and help concentration. Always keep it to at least 30 minutes a day for getting exercise. It is very important to get exercise as a college student so be one of them who stays healthy, improves concentration and get more physically fit.

Start building your credit today at FINDcollegecards.com, where you can compare student credit cards and find more of Tom's work.

Earning Your College Degree Online

I love technology, it's constantly changing and constantly advancing. A lot of people don't know this, but you can actually earn your college degree online by taking courses available to you by many of the top colleges available through e-classes. So who would do a thing such as this? Well first and foremost the best applicant I can think of off the top of my head is a stay at home mom or dad. You want to continue to stay home with your kid(s) but you also want to advance yourself with a college degree so that when your child gets a little older you can be advanced enough to get a good paying job starting at the middle wrung, instead of the lower wrung. The second best applicant would be a person that simply cannot afford (either financially or otherwise) to go to a college.

Maybe they don't have the time, the money, the transportation, or maybe they have a certain circumstance going on in their life that won't allow them to tromp around at college! And lastly, online colleges are good for those that literally cannot pay admin fees, student fees, transfer fees, etc. Hey, college can get expensive! I went to Culinary School in 98 to become a Chef and that alone cost me around $25k! And the price gets even steeper for doctors, nurses, lawyers, etc. Online college classes and programs cost a lot less, and in some cases you can even find free classes online but, they usually won't count towards credits for graduating, but still they are good courses you can use to brush up your techniques along the way.

In fact, just recently a friend of mine who has been in the "job" world for the last 10 or so years has been unemployed for the last few months and looking around for a new job. The problem is, is that most places nowadays want you to have technological abilities, abilities that my friend simply doesn't have or was never taught. So she found a few course studies online, and is now learning html and java web design at home, on her computer, on her own time, for free.

Now as said above most of the colleges online will charge certain fees for the courses or classes you take, otherwise you probably won't be able to get credits to graduate. Some of the colleges I can think of off the top of my head are University of Phoenix (the best), DeVry University, eLearners, Florida Tech, etc. These colleges and universities will allow you to pick from whatever classes and courses you want (just as you would be able to offline), along with minors, majors, time you want to do your courses, credits, extracurricular programs, and more. So it's still, the same exact process online as it is offline. The one tip I have to mention is to be careful about what "schools" you pick.

Try to go with some of the more popular ones I mentioned above or what you can do is call some of the colleges in your state and ask them if they have an online degree program available. This will keep you from getting scammed, and yes there are people out there like this unfortunately. Also, make sure the school you are looking for is noted as being accredited! Educational accreditation is a type of quality assurance process under which services and operations of an educational institution or program are evaluated by an external body to determine if applicable standards are met. Should standards be met, accredited status is granted by the agency. Other than that, what else have you got to lose? Now you can go to college when you want, for whatever you want and you won't have to worry about missing credits, getting someone to watch your kids, or all the fees that offline colleges can impose upon you. Take a chance! Move ahead! You won't regret it.

This author is a HUGE fan of Stay at Home College Degree

Accelerated Nursing Programs - Want a Recession Proof Healthcare Career?

Accelerated Nursing -Pays Off Just Like That

Are you ready for a change? Have you checked this out? Nursing is the nation's largest health care profession, with 2.6 million registered nurses (RNs), and numerous more required in the coming future. Accelerated nursing programs offer a jet-speed route to a impactful career in this field. These fast track nursing programs are a speedier way to culminate your nursing degree vis-a-vis traditional means. What about the prospect of soaking in life, traveling or just hanging out because you have the spare time available - while your other friends are still in school because you've finished school sooner.At the best nursing schools offering fast track nursing, students begin by gaining a firm foundation of rudimentary field knowledge.

In these programs the students are taught, biology, pharmacology, physiology and primary health care. Coursework puts forth the knowledge you need and the clinical training allows you to put what you learn into practice right away. If you already have a degree, accelerated nursing schools or programs can be a delightful way to springboard into nursing. What makes accelerated nursing schools so necessary these days?

Currently there is a sparsity of experienced, skilled nurses that is expected to increase within the next few years, a result of the aging population of Americans, which also includes nursing staff. Side note: if you're searching for useful, time-saving accelerated rn info or free nursing career resources - check out that excellent resource site just...To give you more insight, according to Dr G. Donnelly, the current dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Drexel University, in 2020 the shortage of nurses is expected to be a serious problem.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), accelerated degree programs for non nursing graduates are gaining momentum around the nation. Nursing is an first-rate and rewarding profession that allows those to assist others live the best quality of life possible. Nursing is a career that is embraced by individuals who are very social and love interacting with people. If you're trying to figure out how to get into nursing, look into a fast track nursing program and embark on the path to a more rewarding career.

Accelerated nursing schools let the participant to finish their training in a fraction of the time a standard program would necessitate. To elucidate, the total time involved can range from a year - a twelve months program - to a year and a half for a baccalaureate program, and over a year for a master's degree program. In the U.S., more than forty states have a fast tract nursing course offering. There are practically 50 accelerated master's programs, and over 200 accelerated fast track nursing courses that are baccalaureate programs...If you're reading this and you're ready to advance your career and start living the lifestyle you really want and deserve, find out more today....

B. Betty von Ahlin is a career specialist with a Masters degree in education and leadership and management who advises students and continuing professionals on high-paying rewarding careers. Don't apply to any of the accelerated nursing programs or fast track nursing schools before you read about several all-important facts that can impact your future career success. Check out AcceleratedNursingProgram.Educdata.com to learn more about the right accelerated nursing program. Visit our website to find out more on an accelerated nursing programs that's convenient and affordable for you. Get info, hard-to-find facts, lists of schools and universities and more tips to live the lifestyle you strive for to attain.

Understand What Studying Abroad Entails With These Tips

When you hear the term studying abroad, what do you think of? The first thing should be all of the wonderful educational opportunities there will be. The chance to study abroad in Hong Kong is a once in a lifetime experience for a student of any age. It gives them a way to develop more room for improvements in the social and academic aspect of the world. Let's not also forget about the psychological development that a year abroad Japan can offer.

It makes perfect sense to study abroad in Singapore when you think about it. Where else would you get the opportunity to learn a new language and to understand what is going on around the world? Participating in a semester abroad Japan increases your job marketability as well as your cultural experiences.

However, finding a study abroad Malaysia program is not easy as you may think. Don't choose something that's not right for you. Here are some points to look for:

1. The chance to learn about and understand better a new culture - Learning the ins and outs of a different country's culture through a semester abroad Japan helps you develop a better culturally understanding of the sensitivities of others.

2. Learn more about foreign politics - Understanding foreign politics is a skill that not too many people possess. It's especially attractive for businesses that deal with foreign companies. If something needs to be done which requires an understanding of the politics of the foreign country in question, you'll be able to do so very easily in part to your study abroad in Hong Kong.

3. Immersion is the best way to learn a foreign language - Spending a large amount of time with people of a different country during your study abroad in Singapore, makes it much easier to learn the language. This is especially true compared to studying in a classroom.

4. Become more patient and flexible- By a semester abroad Japan, you learn to be patient and flexible in your approach in your own various aspects of life. Having to face unfamiliar circumstances in a country not your own forces you to.

When you study abroad in Hong Kong, you gain so many more advantages over people in your job field, not to mention a better, all around person. A year abroad Japan transforms you from an ordinary student to one that is competitive, responsible and independent. That international exposure from study abroad Malaysia causes you to adapt seamlessly to different cultures. The modern day competitive business world will be a piece of cake compared to your life.

You can see why a study abroad Singapore influences a student's all-around development, gaining an adaptive and progressive attitude.

Anne is a graduate student who spent time studying a year abroad japan majoring in international studies. Study abroad malaysia program led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the study abroad in Singapore program.

Six Benefits of Community College

The community college can be an excellent place for you to start your post-secondary education. You may earn an associate degree or certificate to enter the workplace, or you may choose to continue your education on a bachelor's degree by transferring credit to an online university or a 4-year institution. Here are 6 good reasons to choose a community college's education program:

Reason #1: Save In Tuition Cost

If you are tight on your education funds to pursue a degree offered by the vast majority of colleges and universities that may cost you over $100,000 to complete the degree program, then enrolling into a community college program can help you to accomplish very similar academic successes at a fraction of the cost.

Reason #2: Credits From Community College Are Transferable

You can take your preparatory core classes at community college and then transfer to a college or university bachelor program for continuous education. Most of college and universities accept transfer credit from community colleges. By taking your preparatory core classes at community college will save your money while enabling you to follow a transitional pathway to independent living.

Reason #3: Enable You To Develop Vocational Skills

If you have enter workplace with a general degree such as liberal arts degree, then community college is a good place to sharpen your skills on specific area that related to your career field. You can find many education programs offered by community colleges are related to career fields which can help you to develop vocational skills to handle your job professionally. Moreover, most of these college education programs can be completed in 1 to 2 years; you can save your time to complete the same subject areas offered in a 4-year degree offered by other universities and colleges.

Reason #4: Locate at Strategic Places

Community colleges are often located at the hearts of towns or cities where you will find it convenience to travel with a public transportation to and from your classes, and save you in term of car and gas costs.

Reason #5: Small Class Size

The class size at community colleges usually small and they only accept limited enrollment making you get lots of one-on-one attention from instructors.

Reason #6: Flexible Learning Schedule

If you are a working individual who has difficulties to fix your time to attend the classes, then community college learning schedule may fit your needs. Most of community college education programs have some sort flexible schedule for you to choose and attend your class that fit into your time. Beside that, you can work with the instructors to make up missed coursework online, enable you to enjoy the benefits of education at a pace that makes sense. Moreover, many of education programs offered by community colleges are available in online degree format, making it a good option for working adults and new parents to purse their desired degree online and at their own learning pace.

Summary
The communication college can be a good option for you to start your post-secondary education and earn an associate degree or certificate to enter the workplace or continue to a higher education after graduated from community college.

Jullie Harvard would like to invite you to explore more information on online degree programs at http://www.studykiosk.com which will help in make your education decision and select an online education program that best fit your career goal.

Nursing is the Ideal Career for Compassionate, Caring People

If you are a person who is compassionate, caring and committed to helping others, then a nursing career could be the best choice you could make. Perhaps equally important, it is also one of the most secure employment sectors due to a continuing shortage of qualified nurses nationwide and this is expected to be the case over the next decade.

The truly good news is that you can train for a new career in nursing at an accredited online nursing school and learn at your own pace from your own home while you continue your present employment. There is no need to take time off from your regular job or family responsibilities to pursue your new career at a traditional campus. A nursing online registered school can provide the necessary training, certifications and degrees, and your online education is recognized by hospitals, clinics and doctors as just as good as those from a campus educational organization.

Nursing is a multi-level career

When you enroll for college course nursing online, you can begin studying for an entry-level position as a licensed practical nurse and start there. As time goes on, you can continue your online training to become a registered nurse (RN) and obtain your registered nurse degree online. At the RN level, you will be eligible for a wide variety of positions and specialties, increased earnings and benefits and even better job opportunities. Moreover, you can train for an receive a BSN (Bachelor of Science Nursing) degree and then an MSN (Master of Science Nursing) degree at a college degree nursing online school and qualify for positions such as nursing supervisor for even greater earnings and career satisfaction. Finally, you can still continue up the nursing career ladder by training to become a nurse practitioner which adds responsibilities formally reserved only for licensed doctors. The sky is truly the limit in a nursing career today!

Get all the facts from this FREE career guide

There is a very excellent, free guide available entitled, “Get A Nursing Degree in Your Pajamas” and it’s yours for the asking by going online to: http://www.nursingeonlineducation.com and requesting a personal copy. This easy-to-read, easy-to-understand publication covers all aspects of training at home, online, for your new nursing career. The site also has an interesting blog filled with even more educational information and can point you to great online schools too. It even discusses how you can fund your online training.

If you see yourself as a compassionate, caring individual who could enjoy and prosper in a nursing career, the time to take the next step is now. You will never have to worry about finding a job notwithstanding the state of the economy no matter where you live. Investigate a nursing continuing education course online today!

How Can College Students Make Money? 5 Methods

People fresh out of high school have an important question. College students have the same question. It is a question that gets asked everyday. What is the question? The same one YOU are asking....How can college students make money?

As a senior in college, I know how hard it can be to find some extra money. Classes take up most of your time, and when you do have some spare time you like to use it for fun. How then is it possible to have time to make money? Believe it or not, there are many ways for college and the online methods are quite easy. Here are 5 suggestions to get you started:

1. Get a Job- Obviously, finding a real job in your area is the best way to create a steady income, but does take up your time. Employers on your campus are usually willing to work with you on your schedule and will help you balance time between work and school. Fast food is another option and you may be able to work with a flexible part time schedule.

2. Sell Textbooks- As a college student I know how much textbooks cost. They are expensive to buy and you can't get much back for them. Although this seems unfair, this presents an opportunity to make money within your college. Post signs around your campus and advertise the books you have. You can sell them for less than what the school bookstore costs and you will make a profit as well as helping out another student. There are also websites that will buy textbooks from you.

3. eBay- If you enjoy using eBay for buying stuff, then you could try to make money selling on it too. You can sell the possessions you no longer use and get some extra cash. If you are talented you may be able to buy broken items to refurbish them and sell them back for a profit. Plenty of people make a decent income selling on eBay. You can try this, but I haven't personally done it and therefore don't know how to offer more detailed advice.

4. Online Surveys- How can college students make money with the least amount of work? Online surveys without a doubt. However, you need to be careful. There are hundreds of sites out there, and only some of them are legitimate. You should only join the free sites and NEVER pay for anything so you know you are not being scammed. If you manage to find some good sites, this is an easy way to earn a little extra money, but the payouts are never as good as the advertisements say.

5. Affiliate Marketing- If you have a little more time on your hands, then affiliate marketing is definitely the best option. This is personally how I make most of my money. Basically you put links for products online and when somebody buys that item, you get part of the pay in commissions. If you use blogs, forums, or other online communities, then putting up links would be even easier for you. It can seem like a lot of work at first, but the pay grows and it gets easier over time.

No matter which method you choose, I think you will find that there are many options for how college students can make money. The first option is already well known, but I hope the last 4 are new answers to the question of how can college students make money. Some of these methods are pretty easy and will not take up much of your time. You will be able to make money and have fun doing it. Good luck to all of you!

I hope this article has been helpful to some of you. If you are interested in affiliate marketing at all, then you should definitely look into the Wealthy Affiliate program. It is where I learned everything I now know, and I truly recommend it. How can college students make money? THIS is the best answer to your question. You can check out this site for a detailed review and then join immediately to discover how to start making money now!

Suggestions For First Year College Students

Here are a few suggestions that will help you ease into your freshman year.

- Explore the Campus - Get to know the campus and surrounding town. Find out where
everything is. Learn about campus activities and where they take place.

- Keep Your Grades Up -Go to class! That is why you are there! The best way to keep

those grades up is to make the effort and put in the time, and go to class. Most professors
will only allow one or maybe two absences so bank them when you need them. Playing
catch up with your coursework is no fun.

- Get enough sleep- - Develop a regular sleep pattern- at nights if possible. Daytime sleep
can affect your body clock and impair your judgment.

- Work with your coach- - Your coach is your valuable ally and resource to develop a
happy life balance and attitude as you transition into college. Keep scheduled calls and
work the action plans. Remember, your coach is there to help- use him!

- Learn to be a college student - Give yourself time to get used to being a college student; don't try to figure it all out yourself (that is why you have a coach). Utilize all the
services at hand like learning & career centers, the library and study groups.

- Get involved in clubs - A great way to start getting active socially. You will get the chance to meet new friends, do something you enjoy and take your mind off of your coursework.

- Make at least two friends in each class - Smile; try to get to know people in your classes. It's always good to make at least two friends in each class in case you have to copy notes. You can also study together.

- Get to know your professors -This is very important! - The best step you can do toward getting a good grade. Meet with them so they can get to know you and you get to know them. Meet up with them after class or schedule to see them during office hours.

- Manage your finances; - Your freshman year of college is probably the first time you will be managing your own money. Create a budget and stick to it and stay away from those college credit card offers, they can be nothing but trouble! Just by getting accepted proves you have it in you to be wildly successful in college. Take these suggestions to heart, stay focused and enjoy your college experience. This is a great time in your life!

Eric Citsay, CCC, is a Certified Personal and Business Coach. He is the founder of Onward & Upward Coaching and Consulting, LLC, a personal coaching company serving exclusively the needs of college students and young adults. visit him at http://www.oucoaching.com or he can be reached at (856) 776-6295 or eric@oucoaching.com

To Land a Great Job, Students Need a Four-Year Plan

Every college student needs a four-year plan that can lead to a great job. Since nobody wants to spend four years in college only to end up in a dead end job, wise students write out, and periodically update, a comprehensive plan that reveals the steps that will lead their goals.

Here is a brief and simplified example that can be tailored to individual needs.

Freshman Year - As soon as possible, select a general and broad career direction that makes sense for you. With that decision, you will be able to conduct some research. Try to find out what the employers in these fields will require of employment candidates, if you interview with them in your senior year. In that way, you can begin to create a path to follow, set goals and establish a timeline for the steps that are required. Don't worry! You can make changes, as you are able to clarify your direction.

From this point forward, you can begin to follow your initial plan of action. Your plan should contain many of the following:

- Identify influential people who can help you, in the future. You'll need a network.

- Build your credibility with high performing students and influential people.

- Volunteer for something in your area of interest.

- Get to know your Professors, Advisors and Career Services staff.

- Research Campus, Community and Work opportunities.

- Understand yourself - What strengths do you bring to the table?

- Pay attention to your attitude and body language. They tell others who you are.

- Evaluate your Leadership, Communication and People Skills.

- Tend to your grades. They are the gateway to many employers.

Sophomore Year - If it has not already been done, you should select a tentative major in your sophomore year. This does not mean that you have to pick out a specific career or job to shoot for. It is still early. As you take your classes and begin to participate in campus, work and community activities, you will gradually gain a clearer perspective.

Take the time to update or expand your plan of action, based on your current goals. Follow your plan of action during year two. It should contain items like these:

- Build and maintain relationships with influential people. Create your network.

- Continue to build credibility with Professors and high performing students.

- Get involved with something in your area of interest.

- Get to know your Professors, Advisors and Career Services staff.

- Participate in Campus, Community and Work opportunities.

- Seek part-time and/or summer jobs in your field of interest.

- Understand yourself - What are your interests, strengths and weaknesses?

- Present the Attitude and Body Language that will help you.

- Find ways to strengthen your Leadership, Communication and People Skills.

- Identify and research potential employers and job hunting web sites.

- Do what is necessary to keep your grades up.

Since employers love people who are able to get things done, begin to build your list of accomplishments. Generally your accomplishments should be aligned with the goals in your plan of action. Try to excel in your areas of interest and strength.

Junior Year - Look back over the past two years and update or expand your plan of action. At this point, your plan should become quite specific. If you have a better idea of where you are trying to go, your plan should include the steps that will get you there. Follow your plan of action for year three. It should contain items like these:

- Continue to build relationships with influential people to expand your network.

- Do something specific to build credibility with Professors and high performing

students. Find ways to help them achieve their own goals.

- Volunteer for something that is important in your area of interest.

- Work closely with your Professors, Advisors and Career Services staff.

- Play a leadership role in at least one Campus, Community or Work opportunity.

- Continue to work at part-time and/or summer jobs in your field of interest.

- Understand yourself - Focus on your strengths and interests.

- Improve your attitude. Present a positive "can do," "let's give it a try" attitude.

- Be certain that your body language and actions match your words.

- Demonstrate your Leadership, Communication and People Skills.

- Identify and research potential employers, alumni & employment web sites.

- Draft your resume - Emphasize accomplishments in your field of interest.

- Develop and practice your interviewing skills.

- Think references and recommendations: Identify the most influential and respected

people who will speak highly of you. Strengthen these relationships.

- Keep your grades up.

During your Junior year, strive to achieve one or two significant accomplishments that will meet or exceed interviewer/employer expectations. These are the things that will be highlighted on your resume, so you will stand out from the other candidates.

Meet with Career Services to see if you are allowed to sign up for campus interviews. If yes, get some interviewing experience. Practice telling interesting stories about how your accomplishments came about.

Senior Year - Finalize and follow your plan of action for year four.

- Keep your grades up.

- Finalize your resume. Your resume should emphasize your accomplishments

and clearly differentiate you from other candidates. What makes you special?

- Prepare for interviews. Practice your responses. Develop thoughtful questions.

- Sign up for and participate in campus interviews. Be ready with examples

and stories that will impress employers. Don't be shy.

- Tap all of your networking sources for useful information and job leads

- Keep organized and detailed records of your contacts

- Contact every employer from your earlier research

- Start utilizing appropriate employment web sites

- Seek references and recommendations from the most influential people in

your network.

- Conduct a thorough and enthusiastic job search campaign. Plan to contact at least

100 employers.

This abbreviated plan can serve as a model for students who are concerned about their futures and are willing to do the hard work. Forward thinking students understand that employment success is earned slowly, during all four years of college. That's why I say that, "The senior year job search starts in the freshman year."

There is no shortcut to employment success. Students who diligently follow their four-year plans are much more likely to be rewarded with great jobs and good salaries at the best employers. Isn't that your goal too?

Visit Bob's web site: http://www.The4Realities.com. Bob Roth is the author of The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College -and- The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job

Bob Roth, a former campus recruiter, is the author of The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job -and- The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College. Known as The "College & Career Success" Coach, Bob also writes articles for nearly 200 College Career Services Offices, Campus Newspapers, Parent Associations and Employment Web Sites. Additionally, Bob has developed 20 Self-Scoring Learning Tools that help college students find success. He has been interviewed on numerous radio programs across the country and also by many newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal. Lastly, Bob serves as an Adjunct at Marist College, teaching a course in Career Development. http://www.The4Realities.com

Affordable Education Abroad

Nigeria is a country with about one hundred and forty million inhabitants: a fast growing country with a near-vibrant economy. The Country over the years has been bedeviled by corruption. The social fabric has been in deplorable condition, leading to unfanciful placements in the world index standards.

Education is vital in human existence; it is a tool which helps government, private sector and informal units. For Nigeria as a country to forge ahead we need qualitative and substantive education. Over the years the educational system has been in disorder and the future of our children is in peril. The efforts of our founding fathers to make Nigerian Universities and Polytechnics solid seem to have gone down the drain.

The latest ranking of World Universities, places the first University in Nigeria- University of Ife, a distant six thousand three hundred and thirty four (6,334).Succor seems to have been found in foreign education. Countries like: U.S, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Finland, Japan, etc have good educational system. Acquiring education outside the country is expensive per se. Average tuition fees (Bsc) of some selected countries (excluding living expenses) for undergraduate are: U.S $8,000, UK 6,000 pounds, Singapore $4,000, Malta $20,000, Malaysia $1,000, Ireland 6,000 euro, Norway-free, Sweden-free, Germany-free, Denmark-free, Finland-free, etc. These fees when converted to Naira is: Malaysia N130,000,UK N1,400,000,US N1,040,000,Malta N2,600,000,etc.

Free education- in all levels, is available in some countries in Europe-Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Germany. In Sweden, all levels of education are free. The Swedish system includes not only traditional universities but also different kinds of Teacher Training, Health Care Training, Technical Training; etc.Education funding is the responsibility of: the Central government, regional authorities and private interests. All institutions of higher education fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education except the University Sciences (Ministry of Agriculture).Higher education is divided into undergraduate studies (combined towards a first degree) and postgraduate studies and research. Sweden has 39 accredited institutions of Higher education that offer structured degree programmes.English language is a mode of study at some universities. Foreign students are allowed to work and study. Sweden has a boisterous economy with a very high per-capita income. Nigerian students should take this opportunity to study in Sweden.

In Finland all institutions of higher education are subject to the authority of the Ministry of Education, Research and Church Affairs. Higher Education in Norway is mainly offered at state institutions: Universities, University colleges, state colleges and art Colleges. Bachelors degree is completed after 3yrs of study, Master's degree is completed after 2yrs duration, and PhD is after 3 years duration. Education is free at all levels in Finland. Foreign students can study in English since some Universities and colleges offer their courses in English Language. Students can work and study in Finland. There is no specific minimum wage, because there is no legislation on it.

In Malaysia there are four kinds of institutions offering higher education, namely: local public University, international Universities, Private Universities, and over 500 Public Higher Educational Institutions(PHEIS).The Systematic Education Group of Colleges operates eight Private Higher Educational Institutions(PHEIS). Systematic's prime objective is to provide training to school leavers for their future career in Accounting ,Business, Computing, Marketing, management, Banking, secretarial and Commerce and industry. Systematic has produced world-class students in professional courses such as LCCI, ACCA, CIMA, ICSA, CIMA, ABE and CIM. A good reason why international students should study in Malaysia is that the holders of student pass or permit are allowed to work while studying to supplement their living. Students are allowed to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Students have options to work in: local companies, multinational companies and embassies. Getting jobs in the multinational companies will depend on your prior qualifications and the salary range from $1,500-$2,500 per month. Students getting jobs in a local company is easy: the salary is from $800-$1,500.Accomodation is from $65/month-$150.The country is so affordable to live in. Lots of Nigerians are already in Malaysia studying for different programmes.

Singapore has an Educational system similar to that of the UK. At Tertiary level it has three Universities and 7 other institutions affiliated to both local and foreign Universities, and 4 polytechnics. The full-time enrollment of the Universities is about 40,000, of which 20,000 are female. Tuition fees of international students are generally 10% more than that for Singapore students. Tuition depends on the discipline you offer.Specialised disciplines like medicine and dentistry costs more than that of science, humanities, and law. Medicine goes for between $8,500 and $10,000/session: humanities, law, social science etc go for between $2,500-6000 for bachelor's degree. The tuition fee for the 4-year Polytechnic is between $1,350-2,500. Singapore government highly subsidizes its higher education through the tuition grant. The tuition fee Loan Scheme helps pay 75%-80% of tuition fees, which makes higher education accessible to almost everyone. If after graduation you can't afford to pay your loan, you will have to work an extra year or two to enable you pay the balance. The economy of Singapore is so boisterous. It is placed 20th in the table of the richest countries with a per capita income of $24,500/year Living in Singapore is inexpensive compared to income earned; and it seems higher education in Singapore is affordable to all able students.

Scholarships helps students who want to study abroad actualize it with less financial burden. Some examples are: British council fellowship programmes, Commonwealth Scholarship and fellowship plan, Commonwealth science council, UNESCO, Ford Foundation, African Education Trust, The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial scholarship etc. British Chevening Scholarships -is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs).They give out scholarships every year in over 150 countries world-wide. This scholarship scheme provides fully funded Master's Degree programmes to talented graduates and young Nigeria.Chevening has since inception produced over 800 Nigerian scholars. This figure puts the country first in Sub-Saharan Africa. British Council Fellowship Programmes- nationals of about 70 countries are eligible for full study at postgraduate level through the British council fellowship scheme, which is administered through its offices overseas. The scheme is advertised through the British Council in countries in which it operates. Details are available from British Council Offices. Ford Foundation-the international Fellowships programme (IFP) provides support for up to three years of formal graduate level study. Fellows must be nationals from Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Chile, Peru, Russia, and Vietnam.

Overseas certificates are rated very high in the country. Most people when they come back to the country with their certificates always get higher positions. A friend of mine who works in a bank went to UK for his MBA.He spent one year in UK before coming back. When he came back his bank promoted him and not up to two weeks after, he got another job (paying twice his salary in his former office).

The dream of studying abroad can be achieved through proper planning. With free schools in Germany, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway, you can study for your PhD, MSC, MBA, Diploma, BSc, LLB etc without paying for tuition. Your first step towards studying abroad is to get adequate information: browse universities sites, countries sites, scholarship sites, and etc.Get prospectuses of Universities or colleges, go through the courses and curriculum. Get many admissions before choosing.

CHIMERE UKOHA IROHA Is a researcher on Study, work, business, tourism and entertainment Opportunities abroad. He's the publisher of OUT OF NAIJA MAGAZINE - http://www.outofnaija.com | myroconcepts@yahoo.com

Good News About Life Experience Degrees

When you hear about Life Experience Degrees, you may notice one thing, there is a lot of good news that comes with it. This is because there are a lot of good things to say about Life Experience Degrees. In fact, did you know that 90% of people who take Life Experience Degrees and online university courses end up in the field of their choice! That is almost 40% higher than traditional schools. However, this is not the only good news that you are going to be hearing about Life Experience Degrees.

Getting your Life Experience Degree is fast, and when we are talking fast, we are talking really fast. In fact, most of the time you can get a four year degree in just three years. That means that you save a whole year of your life. That is a year that you can get into your job career faster. That is one less year of having to pay for college. There is no traditional school that is going to offer you as much flexibility as these online schools can offer you. These are the classes that you want to take and that you should take!

Something else that is good about these online universities is that they are providing you with real world knowledge that you need. There are some things that just can not be learned while sitting in class. Things like self management are something that you have to train yourself to do, and it's something that you can do when you are taking online classes. You can learn to manage your time, and that is something that people look for in the business world.

Last, but not least, getting your education online is affordable, hands down. If there is anything people like more than tradition, it's saving money, and that is something that Life Experience Degrees can offer you. Not only do your credits usually cost less, but you are not going to have to drive to school, so you save on gas. Also, you are not going to have to pay to live on campus. That is a ton of money you just saved right there!

As you can see, there are a lot of reasons why you should take online classes. You are going to save money and get done quicker. Not only that, but you can keep your current job, because the schools are going to work around you. Things do not get any better than this. If you have been waiting for the right moment to go back to school, then now is the time. Success is knocking at your door, and you better answer!

I discovered a only little known secret: In a few countries or territories only little control over the criteria according to which private Universities can grant life experience degrees exist. I then discovered instantdegrees. This service allows to get life experience certificates in full compliance with all pertaining laws. In fact, they are offering life experience degrees from real and legally constituted Universities. So, what more are you looking for? Check out Instantdegrees and get your Life Experience Degrees from accredited online universities.

I'm working in Event Management and Marketing since several years. I'm currently holding a Online Bachelor of BA and am attending a Masters class at titulos universitarios, Spain. I'm mother to a wonderful 1 year old baby-girl, Isabelle. Check out my blog about Life Experience Degrees.

4 Needed Values in Thesis Writing

Thesis writing is backbreaking work. It demands an enormous amount of the writer's research and composition efforts. Then again, besides the academic expertise, this form of schoolwork also requires certain virtues to function and end efficiently. Without such values, all supposed skills fly out the window.

Here are these 4 must-have virtues all thesis writers should absorb for an easier journey to thesis writing:

Patient
In thesis writing, patience is one virtue that should be constantly instilled in every writer. Without a doubt, there will be numerous problems along the way, which each author should then have enough forbearance to handle.

Patience is needed in thinking of the proper thesis statement to jumpstart the paper. It is needed in finding possible resources, as well as in sorting out the relevant data from the irrelevant ones. The virtue of patience is even necessary when the writer stumbles into a roadblock and can't find the words for the paper.

Focused
With such an extensive project where the student calls all the shots, it is easy to get sidetracked by the onslaught of details and information. Thus, the student should be focused and loyal enough to stick to the developed thesis statement until the end. It's never a good thing to change topics in the middle of the thesis year, as it disrupts everything that has been gathered as well as break the momentum of the writer.

Driven
The student needs to have the drive to work despite temptations. One great enticement is the lure of a seemingly long period of thesis duty, specifically lasting for about two semesters or one schoolyear. It may appear like a long enough period to slack off for a couple of months. But take it from the many students who fell into the same trap: one year is actually short when undergoing thesis writing responsibilities. Time moves constantly. It even flies very fast from the middle to end of the year when additional thesis duties keeps on (magically) cropping up.

For that, the student needs to be driven enough to keep on working all throughout the year. It may appear that the writer has all the time in the world, but procrastination quickly eats away time. So, keep researching, then keep writing. That should be the drive of every thesis writer.

Meticulous
This is one virtue that every writer should soak up in order to achieve an exceptional thesis paper. Every data included in the paper is important, and so, the writer needs to be detail-oriented enough to include only the most applicable of facts. Indeed, one inaccurate detail could break the credibility of the thesis paper, and break the student's academic marks in the process.

With all these considered, it is safe to assert that efficient thesis writing calls for a combination of creative skills and personal values. Although said virtues are unable to promise a flawless and problem-free thesis paper, it nevertheless assures a more livable and breathable working condition for the writer.

Alain Perry has been working as a computer science thesis and dissertation professor in Florida for two years. He is also a freelance web designer in the state and loves to blog.

The Transition From High School to College

The transition from high school to college reflects a major lifestyle change as well as a symbolic passage into the responsibilities of adulthood. No longer is your educational direction dictated by others or mandated by law. No longer will your teacher kindly remind you that you neglected to turn in homework assignment #4. The transition to college from high school brings with it numerous opportunities disguised as challenges, and persevering when faced with these challenges will open the door to the abundance of opportunities afforded by a college education.

You have probably followed essentially the same routine from kindergarten through graduating high school - arriving early in the morning, attending class throughout the day and being dismissed in the afternoon. College classes, on the contrary, are often two to three days per week, for varying lengths of time, beginning at practically any time of the day. With the guidance of an advisor, you will be responsible for dictating which classes you take and when, and managing your schedule throughout your college career. While at first glance your college schedule may appear less grueling than in high school, be aware that college demands much more time out of class which you must manage effectively and consistently in order to succeed.

College will also vary greatly from high school in the classroom as well. While high schools typically adhere to uniform attendance policies, you will find that each college professor may have a different policy regarding attendance. Good class attendance in college is important because you have to comply with policies, but its advantages are far greater. Attending each class meeting will help you stay abreast of important dates and test material that are critical to academic success. While high school made it easy to make up a missed test after an absence, the same is not true in college. College professors expect you to take deadlines seriously and respect the guidelines set forth by the course. Additionally, you are responsible for taking detailed notes as the professor lectures and keeping up with required reading and assignments outside of class. Test material is often taken from a combination of textbook material, lecture material and skills acquired through projects and assignments.

Often, high school grades are calculated based on a combination of tests, projects, homework and other assignments. A high school student performing poorly on tests may manage to pass a class by completing all other assignments. Although you may receive credit for assignments in college, tests usually account for a majority of the weight of your grade. Professors expect you to fully grasp the concepts taught by the course, and demonstrate your understanding through performance on tests. Some class grades are calculated strictly from tests, and some even rely solely on a midterm and a final. If you have historically scraped by with lackadaisical study habits, now is the time to change them. College tests usually cover a lot of material, and procrastinating until the night before to study will only set you up for a rude awakening.

Succeeding in college takes dedication, organization and perseverance. You must maintain focus on short term goals such as preparing for next week's test, while steadily working toward longer term goals such as fulfilling the requirements of your degree and building a career in your field. College requires you to set your own goals and then do what it takes to achieve them.

About the Author: Evelyn Saunders, a retired teacher, is the editor for student-loans.net, a provider of student loans and information on how to get private student loans as well as consolidation.

Saving For College Education

A chance to have a college education is perhaps the best gift that parents can give to their children. Cliché as it sounds, it remains true that education provides security for one's future for it leads to obtaining better jobs and earnings compared to those who only have high school diplomas. Studies show that college graduates tend to earn $500,000 more on average than those who are not able to finish secondary schooling.

However, costs of college education today are steadily increasing. As almost everyone wants to go to college, it is still a huge financial consideration, especially for middle-class families. Indeed, college expenses are reported to be one of the most difficult financial problems that most families in the United States have to contend with. To avoid future stress and difficulty of going into debt and bankruptcy, it is essential to start saving for college as early as possible.

Why Save For College?

Saving for your children's college education is tantamount to protect their future. Many make the mistake of relying on bank and student loans, and even scholarship grants, instead of securing their children's education from the onset. Clearly, this type of procrastination and ill-planning for the future has resulted in huge debts and has forced many students to drop out of their courses.

Saving for college is like planning ahead, and it is definitely more sensible than borrowing money. Although it is true that money is spent in both saving and borrowing, the major difference lies in the amount that is spent.

Consider these numbers: Try computing how much money is saved at $200 monthly with seven percent interest for 10 years versus loaning the same amount with the same interest, cost, and time span.

Even without producing an exact figure, it is evident that by saving, one is able earn interest. Whereas in borrowing, one pays for the interest. In the end, saving earns more money, while borrowing basically entails paying more than the principal debt.

General Tips For Saving

It cannot be stressed more that in any plan, time is of the essence. In saving for college, it is imperative that one begins as soon as possible. According to statistics, the college tuition of a child born today will increase by three to four times the present college costs. Thus, college costs that are planned today will no longer be sufficient in a few years.

As such, parents should begin early to offset whatever rise in matriculation that shall inevitably be faced. Saving early means that there is more time for money to grow in interest.

The best way to meet fee surprises is to create a savings plan. For instance, parents can try setting a fixed amount to be put away every month. But before doing so, parents should also try checking current college costs to be able to determine the amount saved per month.

Moreover, there are numerous websites and information desks that may be utilized to check the rate of matriculation fees. In creating a savings plan, it is also necessary to compute the return of investment that may be garnered through interest so that the growth of the money can be monitored throughout the years.

However, it is also important for parents to keep in mind that they should save within their means. Although saving a high amount every month is the best recourse, it is not necessary to sacrifice the family's basic needs. For instance, even a relatively small amount of $50 monthly from the time one child is born can result to around $20,000 in 17 years, plus investment.

Other Saving Options

As for saving college money, most states offer what is known as a 529 plan, a tax-advantaged investment program for higher learning expenses. The plans take after the section number of the Internal Revenue code from which it originated. There is much technicality and computation involved in the 529 plan. But the bottom line is that through this, states have devised a way to help parents save for the college education of their children.

Savings plans, on the other hand, entail that investments should be administered by a particular state and the growth or decline of investments are hinged on the market. At the end of the day, investing in 529 plans grants exemption from federal taxation by the moment college fees need to be paid.

As the saying goes, it's better late than never. For those who have not been able to get an early start, there is still time to begin saving. Remember that every penny saved means another penny for your child's education.

SchoolScholarships.org is your guide to finding college scholarships and other sources of financial aid for school. This article helps you save for college.

Copyright © 2007 SchoolScholarships.org. All rights reserved.

Firefighter Degree Programs Online

Distance learning or online fire science education programs are a good fit for the fire science student. Generally, students who are interested in this degree have had some experience in the fire service either as a volunteer or as a full-time employed fire fighter. Or in my case, many of us started in a Boy Scout Explorer program that introduced us to the fire service. Having the flexibility to complete the program on your own time allows many students to complete an associates, bachelor, or graduate degree in fire science.

There is a lot of discussion about whether or not a degree will help the fire service candidate obtain a job as a firefighter. Many civil service programs award extra points for education, which may put you ahead of another candidate who scored as well as you on their civil service exam and agility test. Those few points may make the difference. This is not true for all potential employers.

Having a degree in fire science is very helpful when it comes time for promotion. Those extra points can really make a difference. If you are not interested in being promoted, then I wouldn't seek a more advance degree. However, I believe that in fire service, as in other arenas, that education is the key to advancement. Not only for the piece of paper, but also for the advanced knowledge you will learn in a program. The fire service is not about the "good old boys" anymore.

Think how confident you are going to feel if you go for your interview as a potential candidate for hire or advancement if you have a portfolio that contains a copy of your degree. Immediately this says things about you; you are a motivated individual who is interested in learning new things, that you have persistence in meeting your goals, and that you can time manage. These are all qualities that any employer is looking for.

Your course work can be done during your down time at the fire station through the Internet. Advisors, instructors, and other students are available through e-mail and sometimes streaming or video. Financial aid is often available to help defray the costs of education.

There are several colleges and universities that provide entire online fire science degree education programs.

Just click on the following link to get online college degree information. It's fast, it's free, and you're under no obligation. You can get information about many types of online bachelors degree programs from many colleges. They also offer information about programs and schools that offer distance learning online masters degree programs.

College Admissions How To Sell Yourself To The College Of Your Choice

Most high school students start their college admissions process too late - they focus on boosting their grades in their junior or senior year. Getting admitted to college requires a bit of planning and forethought; at the very least, getting admitted to the college of your choice does.

First, work on your grades. Your grade point average doesn't tell colleges that you're smart. They tell colleges that you're willing to work hard for a long term, abstract goal. Only 40% of college entrants graduate, and the biggest differentiator isn't intelligence, it's the willingness to put your nose to the grindstone and work hard at it. That's what a decent GPA shows.

Don't pad your GPA by taking "dummy courses" either; colleges are aware of that trick. In high school, you need to balance taking challenging (college prep classes) with getting good grades. As to how good your grades have to be, in general, higher is better, but a solid 3.25 or higher is generally sufficient.

While you're balancing your need to keep your GPA up with taking college preparatory courses, don't forget to have a life. Colleges weigh a lot of candidates. They look for candidates who not only grind their way through school, but maintain a part time job, do community service, are active in their churches, or play sports or have other extracurricular activities. These tell a college that you're looking to become a full, well rounded human being, and understand the need to be active in your community. A good set of extracurricular activities and community service can strongly outweigh deficiencies in your grade point average.

The next step are your standardized test scores. Far too many people put an emphasis on "acing" a test, and they treat the SATs and ACTs as competitions. As a result, a lot of students stress out about those tests, to a huge degree, and that impacts their performance. First, colleges treat those tests as a filter. While your GPA shows that you can work, your SATs show what you understand, and how you think. They're an indicator of the education you've already got, which is a good predictor for how well you'll tackle the (hopefully) more challenging subjects in college.

The part of your college application process that you have the greatest control over is, well, your application. Think of this application as being your resume to get into the school. You have to describe, factually, the things you've accomplished, and weave in details of your life. You have to provide references who can attest to your character, your work ethic, and how well you'll socialize.

Most colleges ask candidates to write an essay, describing what they've done, and what events have impacted their lives. This is your chance to sell yourself in your own words. Don't focus on what others might say - when the college admission boards read essays, they read them in stacks, and check for a sense of personality, a sense of individuality in the essays. Don't do the "three point essay of what I learned on my summer vacation/from football/in church". Describe what you do that you're passionate about, and why it makes your blood sing with joy to do it. Touch on how that skill you're passionate about will enable you to enhance the college experience for other students.

If you're going to need financial aid to pay for school, start the process early - your sophomore year of high school is not too early to start researching grants and scholarships and contests you can enter to rack up funds for college. This degree of preparedness can be the tipping point between admission in the school of your choice, or going to the local state university.

Speaking of your state university, don't disparage them. Have a backup plan; in fact, have several of them. It may do you some good to go work in the real world for a year or two before applying to college, gaining real world experience. And there's something to be said for digging ditches or putting roofing up for a year or two to save money for college while living at your parent's home, to make you appreciate the luxury of sitting in a class room, studying calculus and getting a better job down the road.

You can get more in-depth information about finding the best colleges in USA as well as online accredited degrees by checking out the links

Become a Media Specialist with Library Science Degrees

You can qualify for many interesting and respected professions with a degree in Library Science. Library Science degree programs are designed for future librarians to learn diverse occupations that can range from information technician to research librarian to college professor.

There are many colleges and universities across the US and Canada that provide degree programs for people who love books, language and information retrieval. Today's librarians are expected to be well-versed in not only literature and reference materials, but also various forms of media including CDs, DVDs, websites, visual arts, information technology, and information databases. Certificates, diplomas and undergraduate degrees offer a broad overview of a multitude of topics to qualify for library technician positions. Degree options would include the Associate degree or Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis on Library Science.

Advanced degree programs are usually focused on one specific area of media; in fact librarians are often given the title of media specialists. Graduate students may opt to achieve diplomas such as Master of Library Science (MLS). Those who aspire to a career in research or library administration may enter the top of the field with Doctorate Degrees in Library and Information Science.

The certified librarian is expected to have a Master Degree. Graduate degree programs allow students to focus on a specialty of interest, such as children's literature, library administration, medical literature, art history, or information technology, just to name a few. The choice of emphasis is up to the taste and professional goals of the individual student.

Undergraduate degrees and diplomas may suffice for entry-level positions, such as library aide; however a degree in Library Science is required for positions of authority. Once you have determined your ultimate goal, you will be able to begin the academic path to success. For instance, if you simply want to learn to be a library technician or media aide, you may be able to achieve it in two years or less with certification or an Associate Degree in Library Technology. However, if your greatest desire is to become the director of a huge university library, you will most likely be required to have a PhD in Library and Information Science.

Take some time to assess your ultimate goal for the future and investigate which degrees you will need to get there.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on our website.

Copyright 2008 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

For more help in making a good decision, feel free to contact appropriate schools and universities on our website to request in-depth information about Library Science degrees.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Find Schools offering Good Degree Programs, including Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, and Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

Picking the Right College

Picking a college is one of your largest and most expensive investments in your life. It requires a lot of time and money, so you will obviously want a school that fits your needs and desires. By talking to the right people, asking good questions, and experiencing each school's unique collegiate atmosphere, you can learn a lot. Much of this can be learned in a one-day visit, more so than just looking at the school's promotional materials, websites, or advertising videos.

Arranging your visit in advance will give you some time to do a little research of your own so you aren't going in blind before hand. Arranging an appointment or walk-through is usually very easy and can be done by contacting the admissions office. It is to your best interest to schedule a walk-through on a school day so that you can observe a normal day on campus with students walking around. Also making an appointment to talk to a financial aid administrator, an admissions officer, and a professor in a few majors you may be interested in will really help you grab the most out of your visit. Talking to students will also give you a realistic view on what is happening at the school and how they like it.

Do your homework! Get ready for your walk-through by first going through the school's website, course catalogs, and any materials they have sent you already. As you investigate each school, jot down questions you have, things you see as a strength, as well as noticeable weaknesses. Start to make comparisons of each school, but remain open-minded as many of your questions will be answered during a visit.

Evaluate each campus you visit and remain attentive. Be open to what each school has to offer. During a visit, it's easy to be distracted by stately architecture, an enthusiastic tour leader, and the sheer energy of most campuses. What matters most is whether this college is right for you, your education goals, and your family's budget. Can you envision yourself spending several years there? Bringing a notebook to record your impressions and questions is highly recommended, along with a camera, and a map of each campus as well as the surrounding area. There are also a few things to consider doing or asking during a campus visit:

• Take a guided tour of the campus (dorms, academic facilities, student centers, athletic and fitness centers, and library).
• Try to eat where the students eat.
• Observe a class in session.
• Interview students to learn what they like and dislike about the school.
• Ask about the best places to study on campus.
• Is there a student writing center or tutor program?
• Ask about on-campus and local weekend activities.
• What are the cultural resources on and off campus?
• What medical facilities are available and are they open 24/7?
• Ask about the campus security situation and campus crime statistics.
• Read the school newspapers, student publications, bulletin boards, and online forums.
• At some time during your visit, wander the campus with no specific destination in mind. Most people will feel a sense of whether the school is right or wrong in their gut as they are walking around.

Picking a college doesn't have to be stressful or confusing. Simply gauging what you want with what each college has should give you a pretty good idea of what college is right for you.

Tom Tessin is an author for FINDcollegecards.com that is geared toward students looking for student credit cards

Gain Higher Education in the Form of Diplomas

If you are looking to gain higher education in the form of degrees or diplomas, you are on the right track for a successful future. After all, what kind of jobs could you expect to get without a good education and credentials to prove your competency? Today's employer expects employees to be highly trained individuals with a degree from a good school, college or university. That is why earning your diploma is so important.

When we think of diplomas we often think of high school graduation, but the term is also applied to college degrees at all levels, as well as professional certificates of all kinds. As everyone knows, high school diplomas are the minimum educational requirement these days for any kind of professional success. However, those who seek post-secondary education from a college or university can expect to see their employment prospects rise exponentially after each successive degree is achieved. The high school graduate can confidently enroll in a certificate or degree program at a vocational school, community college or other undergraduate school.

Undergraduate studies are commonly offered at the level of Associate degrees (AA or AS) to help beginners learn the basics of practically any field of study. You could qualify for entry-level positions in multiple fields of health care, business, or many occupational trades with an AA or AS degree. The great part is you would then be qualified to enroll in a Bachelor degree program and begin to gain some real expertise in your chosen area.

Established colleges and universities offer graduate studies to those who have completed Master degrees (MA or MS) and Doctorate degrees (PhD). These graduate degree programs are designed to provide focused, comprehensive training that can lead to highly respected professional careers, including education and research.

Additionally, there are hundreds of accredited online diploma programs you can look into. In the United States, be sure to look for colleges and universities that are approved by the US Department of Education (USDE). In Canada, the best schools will be members of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

So, if you are ready to get ahead in life, start by getting educated. Search our website today for schools, colleges and universities in your area to find the best diploma programs for you!

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on our website.

Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Find Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Online Schools offering Diplomas at SchoolsGalore.com, your resource for higher education.