myUface Blog

A number of students at myuface (and international students elsewhere) are in need of a lot of scholarship support in order to be able to study in the United States.  There’s nothing at all wrong with that, and we here at myuface try to find universities that will offer the maximum amount of financial aid to students.

However, it’s also important to realize that universities very rarely offer international students a “free ride.”  When they do, it’s usually because the student’s application (test scores, essays, academic record, etc.) is very, very good.  Even in those cases, many universities require some contribution from the student.

For that reason, as you fill out your application on myuface, or as you apply to U.S. universities independently, you should have realistic expectations about just how much help you can expect from those universities financially.  Chance are, you’re going to either have to:

a) contribute some funds yourself; or

b)  work extra hard to identify funds from other sources.

We hope we can offer good advice on both counts:  our blog has a lot of information about finding financial aid.

A few students have asked us some questions about what exactly myUface provides for free, and, in order to be completely clear, we wanted to clarify exactly what it is myUface does.  We don’t want to mislead anyone!

We will send your application to appropriate US universities for free.  We will do our best to find universities that are interested in you as a student.  We will not offer to pay for your U.S. education, however.  We are not a sponsored program, and we are not a scholarship site.  There are definitely costs involved with studying in the US – application fees, travel to the university, room and board, tuition, etc.  myUface can offer advice for reducing these costs.  myUface can try to find universities who will offer you financial aid. However, we do not offer financing ourselves.  Only help finding ways to study.

Again, our service is free, but not the university itself unfortunately.

Once we have your application, we will find the best opportunities for you given your personal needs.  If you have absolutely no financial means, we can work with you to identify fully funded programs for you to apply to.  For instance, in some countries the US Government offers a fully funded 1 year undergraduate program.

Also, if you are in one of the countries that offer an “Opportunity Grant”, you can apply for up to $10,000 in funds to help you pay for things like testing, application fees, travel.

Here you can find an archive of our advice on finding financial aid.

As always, feel free to ask any questions you have.

Our blog readers will know that we at myUface are BIG fans of the US Government funded “Opportunity Grants”. Why? Where else can students apply for up to $10,000 in financial support to help them afford college? We just can’t emphasize enough what a great program this is. Therefore, we wanted to take the time to once again encourage the myUface community to look into Opportunity Grants and explain them here in a bit more detail.

We talked with one of our colleagues from American Councils for International Education  and here’s what we learned:

1. What Are Opportunity Funds?

Opportunity funds supports underrepresented students of modest means by covering the up-front costs of applying to university in the United States. Such costs may include: test preparation and fees; visa and application fees; transportation costs; books and settling in allowance, English language courses, and when appropriate, top-off funds toward tuition. Opportunity support can be used for both graduate and undergraduate education at accredited, degree-granting institutions in the United States. The total amount of support per recipient may not exceed US$10,000. Opportunity support has been provided since 2006 and currently is offered in 23 countries worldwide.

2. Which countries do you have to live in to be eligible?

Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama

How can the myUface community apply? First, you MUST be a citizen and resident in one of the countries listed above. Second, you have to apply to an accredited US university (no short term programs, non accredited universities, etc). Third, you have to apply at your local office of EducationUSA in your country. You can get a list of education advising centers here. Better yet, write us on the blog or email us at contact@myuface.com and WE will get in touch with an educational advisor in your country and start the process for you!

Don’t let this great opportunity pass you by! Remember, myUface wants to help you get into U and there might be up to $10,000 available to help you do just that!!!!

You can find our ninth podcast here.  In it, we talk about the steps you need to take before you go looking for scholarships from U.S. universities.

Over the past week we’ve had hundreds and hundreds of new users visit the site.  I wanted to take a moment and share with you some resources we have that may be of interest to you:

First, we have two myUface guides:

1. The Advantages and Disadvantages of a University Education in the United States
2. Looking for a University in the United States

You can donwload both of these guides (for free of course) here.

Second, you should check out our Series:

1. Should you study in the U.S.? A comprehensive and honest guide to the benefits and disadvantages of a U.S. education (April 2009).
2. Looking for a U.S. University – All of the information you should consider in selecting a U.S. university – including some things you may not have thought about (May 2009).
3. Finding Financial Aid for your U.S. Education – Need help paying for a U.S. education?  Here’s a guide to how to look for and secure financial support.  It’s not easy, but it’s worth a try (June / July 2009)!
4. Preparing For A Visa Interview – A three part series on the misconceptions many students have about student visa interviews (July 2009).
5. Universities in the Fifty States – we look at what it would be like to live as an international student in each of the fifty states.
6. Writing Essays for University Applications – full of advice on how to write, edit and submit an essay with your university application.

The myUface application asks students to estimate the amount they will be able to devote to their own education.

A lot of myUface users are intimidated by these questions.  Some think that, even if they can pay for their education, they should answer differently in order to increase their chances of getting a scholarship.  Other students, who are able to contribute very little, may feel pressured to say they can contribute something, in order to be more attractive to universities.

Let’s clear up the confusion:  the best way to answer these questions is to tell the truth regarding your financial situation.   Even if you can pay your way, many universities may still be interested in offering you a scholarship.  Even if you can’t pay for any of your costs, a university may be able to offer you full tuition.  So no matter what you write, don’t feel that your answer is “disqualifying” you from consideration.  Just give the best estimate you can as to how much you’d be able to contribute.

It’s much better to give universities an accurate picture of your situation now, at the beginning of the process, than later, when the situation may be much more awkward.

Do you haveother questions about the application?  E-mail us at blog@myuface.com or visit the myUface Help Section.

That depends on the student and the university.  myUface simply facilitates a connection between U.S. universities and students.  If a student is very appealing to a university, there’s a good chance they will offer the student a tuition discount of some kind.  If, on the other hand, a student is not a great fit for a university, the university might not accept the student at all, and probably will not offer any financial assistance.

So by using myUface you’re not guaranteeing yourself financial aid.  HOWEVER, by increasing the number of universities who see your application, you do increase the chances that at least one of them will be interested enough to offer financial assistance of some kind.

Via the always-useful Education USA Weekly Update, here are some MORE scholarships that are available. These deal with much more specific audiences (Fulbright alumni and students interested in the “critical” languages).

Remember also what I said yesterday:

that Education USA and their advising centers are a unique resource for international students.  If you haven’t been to one,  use this center locator and see if there’s one near you.  I learned of all of these scholarships through Education USA, for example, and you can learn about these and more at a local advising center.

Now, on with the scholarship info:

SCHOLARSHIP FOR FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS AT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY MORITZ COLLEGE OF LAW

The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law’s LL.M. program is pleased to announce a new scholarship initiative for Fulbright Scholars. Fulbright Scholars who are admitted to the LL.M. program will be granted partial tuition waivers reducing their tuition costs to in-state tuition levels (i.e., approximate value of $15,000 USD for the 2009-2010 academic year).

The Moritz College of Law is part of the largest university in the United States: The Ohio State University. The Ohio State University is located in Columbus, Ohio – the state capital and 15th largest city in the United States. Columbus is home to federal and state government and vibrant legal and business communities. Columbus is easy to navigate, but offers big-city amenities like art galleries, professional sporting events, theater, and great restaurants. Columbus is centrally located, making it an easy flight or drive to many other major U.S. cities.

There are nearly 4,000 international students at Ohio State, hailing from 107 countries. More than 1,600 international scholars visit campus each year. The Moritz LL.M. Program is limited to just 25 students, which allows us to provide personal attention. The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law LL.M. Program: World-class education, small-town feel.

For more information, program description, and application information, visit: http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/programs/llm.

Contact information: Assistant Dean Jessica Richman Dworkin, dworkin.12@osu.edu, 614-688-5328.

—————
Jessica Richman Dworkin
Assistant Dean
International and Graduate Programs
The Ohio State University
Moritz College of Law
55 West 12th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210
614-688-5328

KATHRYN DAVIS FELLOWSHIPS FOR PEACE: 30 FULL-TUITION FELLOWSHIPS TO STUDY CRITICAL LANGUAGES SUMMER 2010

Deadline to apply, February 1, 2010

The Monterey Institute of International Studies is pleased to announce up to 30 full fellowships—including tuition, room, board and books to attend Middlebury Language Schools, June – August 2010. These fellowships link two affiliated institutions known internationally for language and international study: the Monterey Institute and Middlebury College. To be eligible for fellowships, candidates must be admitted to a degree program in international policy, international business, or teaching foreign language, for Fall 2010.

In the fourth year of this program, these fellowships are made possible by a $1 million gift from Kathryn Davis to address today’s critical need for more effective language proficiency. The award covers the cost of tuition, room and board to attend the Middlebury summer Language Schools. Fellowship recipients will study Arabic, Chinese, Japanese or Russian through the Language Schools’ signature immersion model: “No English Spoken Here.” This intense study, equivalent to a full year of college-level language learning, will allow students to enhance language skills to meet enrollment prerequisites at the Monterey Institute for Fall 2010.

“Fellowships for Peace” recipients will be chosen on the basis of academic credentials, experience, and commitment to building a more peaceful world.

Languages of Study at Middlebury College’s Language Schools
Fellowships are offered only for the following languages and levels:
• Arabic – beginning or intermediate
• Chinese (Mandarin) – intermediate
• Japanese – intermediate
• Russian – intermediate
AND

Programs at the Monterey Institute of International Studies
Fellowships are offered only for students admitted to one of the following master’s programs:
• International Business – MBA
• International Policy Studies
• International Environmental Policy
• Public Administration in International Management – MPA
• Teaching Foreign Language

Qualifications
By the time of enrollment at the Monterey Institute in Fall 2010, students must demonstrate that they meet the language proficiency requirements for their program of study.
MBA, International Policy studies, International Environmental Policy and MPA students are required to be at the following levels by the time of enrollment at the Monterey Institute:
• Arabic: Ready to begin studies at the second or third-year college level.
• Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, Russian: Ready to begin studies at the third-year college level.

Teaching Foreign Language students must be at the minimum fourth year college-level in their desired teaching language.
One summer of intensive immersion language at the Middlebury Language Schools is the equivalent of one full year of college language study during the regular academic year. Students who successfully complete their studies at Middlebury should meet the Monterey Institute entry requirements.

Contact Information
Monterey Institute of International Studies
Admissions Office
460 Pierce StreetMonterey, CA 93940 USA
831-647-4123
800-824-7235 (toll-free from inside the US)
admit@miis.edu

www.miis.edu

Via the always-useful Education USA Weekly Update, here are some scholarships that are available at certain institutions.  I’ve listed three here and I’ll list two more in tomorrow’s post.

As an aside, it’s a common theme of this blog that Education USA and their advising centers are a unique resource for international students.  If you haven’t been to one,  use this center locator and see if there’s one near you.  I learned of all of these scholarships through Education USA, for example, and you can learn about these and more at a local advising center.  Anyway, on with the scholarship info:

INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS AT ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY – UP TO $16000 PER YEAR

Roger Williams University is a 53-year-old independent, coeducational liberal arts university that has quickly established itself as a leader in higher education. A dynamic educational environment in which students live and learn to be global citizens, the University is committed to its mantra of learning to bridge the world. With 40 academic programs and a robust array of co-curricular activities available on its waterfront campus in historic Bristol, R.I., RWU looks to a set of core values in fulfilling its mission to prepare students for life as 21st century citizen-scholars. Under the leadership of President Roy J. Nirschel, Ph.D., the institution has achieved unprecedented academic and financial successes. In 2009, U.S. News & World Report named RWU the seventh-ranked baccalaureate college in the north.

International Presidential Excellence Scholarship $16,000 per year
Minimum GPA required for consideration-3.5

International Achievement Scholarship $10,000 – 13,000 per year
Minimum GPA required for consideration-3.0

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Wesley Roy
Associate Director, International Admission
Roger Williams University
One Old Ferry Road Bristol, RI 02809 USA
1.401.254.3500 / 1.401.254.3557
wroy@rwu.edu
www.rwu.edu

RHODES COLLEGE OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – $5,000 – $32,000 PER YEAR

Rhodes College is a small liberal arts and sciences college located in Memphis, Tennessee.

International students are eligible for scholarships at Rhodes valued at US $5,000 to $32,000 per year. There is no separate application process for these scholarships; students must simply submit the application and supporting documents for admission to be considered. Scholarship amounts are based on academic merit, standardized test scores, extracurricular accomplishments and letters of recommendation. There are two additional fellowships for which international students may apply: The Taylor Fellowship for Physics, valued at up to US $15,000 per year, is designed for students who are passionate about physics (www.rhodes.edu/finaid/1413.asp) and the Bonner Service Scholarship, valued at US $12,500 per year, is designed for servant leaders and students excited about community service (www.rhodes.edu/finaid/611.asp). Please see www.rhodes.edu/internationaladmissions or email Lauren Sefton at
SEFTONL@rhodes.edu for more information about the admission process and scholarships at Rhodes College.

For additional information, please contact:

Lauren Sefton, Associate Director of Admissions: SEFTONL@rhodes.edu
Rhodes College, Memphis, TN USA / www.rhodes.edu

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT RAMAPO COLLEGE, NJ -$20,000 PER YEAR

Greeting from Ramapo College, NJ!

Ramapo College offers the most prestigious award the “Presidential Scholarship” to qualified international students which is a $80,000 award to be used over four years ($20,000 per academic year) commencing in Fall 2010. The criteria to be selected for this award are the following;

- Minimum of 3.5 GPA in high school
- SAT scores of at least 1230 in Critical Reading and Mathematics

Currently most of our international students are receiving the Presidential scholarship and I am very confident that many of your students will be eligible for this award which covers all their tuition for the 4 years of their undergraduate degree.

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as fifth in the north in the Top Public Universities-Master’s category, Ramapo College of New Jersey is sometimes mistaken for a private college. This is, in part, due to its unique interdisciplinary academic structure, its size of more than 5,660 students and its pastoral setting in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains on the New Jersey/New York border.

Distinguished by its innovative mission, Ramapo College is supported by its Four Pillars of Learning – International, Intercultural, Interdisciplinary, and Experiential. Ramapo College provides an International focus in nearly all fields of study, preparing students to become globally well-versed and to take advantage of new opportunities in an increasing interdependent world. Ramapo College of New Jersey is listed in the December 2008 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine as among the “100 Best Values in Public Colleges” for 2009. This is the fourth consecutive year Ramapo has been included in the “100 Best Values in Public Colleges.” The college was ranked #66 in the country, and one of two colleges in New Jersey in the Top 100. Ramapo College also is one of 212 institutions recommended by The Princeton Review in the “Best in the Northeast” section in the 2009 edition of The Best Northeastern Colleges.

Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include nursing and social work. In addition, Ramapo College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels. The College also offers three graduate programs as well as articulated programs with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New York Chiropractic College, New York University College of Dentistry, SUNY State College of Optometry and New York College of Podiatric Medicine.

Undergraduate students choose to concentrate their studies in one of five schools with more than 700 course offerings and 40 academic programs. Ramapo College boasts an average student/faculty ratio of 18:1 and average class size of 23, affording students the opportunity to develop close ties to the College’s exceptional faculty.

For further information, please contact:

Rajesh Adhikari
Assistant Director for Int’l Students and Scholars
Roukema Center for International Education, ASB 123
Ramapo College
505 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, New Jersey 07430

Phone: +001 (201) 684-7567
Fax: +001 (201) 684-7989
Email: radhikar@ramapo.edu
www.ramapo.edu/international
www.ramapo.edu/academics

Sponsored Programs Offer Students the Chance to Study in the U.S. – For Free!

If it’s Fall, it must be time to apply for a sponsored program!

Fall is a season of change. The carefree days of Summer give way to more serious thoughts about preparing for the future (both short and long term). Fall brings with it fantastic opportunities around the world for students interested in studying the U.S. or elsewhere. In many countries, recruitment has begun for programs that provide 100% funding to study on short or long term programs in high school, community colleges, undergraduate programs and graduate schools.

Some of our favorites include:

1. The FLEX program for high school students (funded by the U.S. State Department and administered by American Councils for International Education) -
2. The Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program for high school students
3. The Eurasia Undergraduate Program (funded by the U.S. State Department) for non-degree programs in U.S. two and four year colleges
4. The Kosovo – America Education Fund supporting graduate study in the US for Kosova’s next generation of leaders.

Besides these opportunities to study in the US, a little research uncovers many scholarships that fund study in your home region. Some of our favorites include:

1. The US-Central Asia Education Foundation (supports business study in Central Asia at KIMEP and AUCA).
2. The Bolashak Scholarships for young leaders in Kazakhstan to study in numerous countries overseas (including the US).
3. The “Light” Foundation scholarships in Armenia
4. Chevening Scholarships to study in the U.K. (that’s right! myUface will even discuss scholarships to “competitor” countries! Why? Because they may be the right fit for you and that’s our goal…to find the BEST education opportunity for our network).

The list above is by no means exhaustive. However, it does give a glimpse in to the numerous types of sponsored programs that exist for motivated students. myUface is here to help in this process, but it does begin with you! An now that Fall is here, it’s time to get started!