Michael Kirst's Blog, page 5

Education in Latin America: a Guide for Prospective Students

BY ELAINE GLORIA

For a very long time, Latin America hasn’t been an attractive educational destination. The group of countries in Latin America was considered to be of low literacy rates and weak-quality education. But the last decade was time for substantial changes to the region’s countries economies and education in particular. At the moment Latin America has a chance to compete with such favorite student countries like the USA, UK, and Australia.

The number of students has doubled in the last 10 years which is a result of the fast-growing economy and outside investments reffering to legit essay writing service. Besides, Latin America is a good option for international students: it’s cheaper than Europe or North America and offers a wide variety of entertainment and touristic destinations. What’s else needed for a student?!

Top Universities in Latin America

Top Latin American universities are listed in QS Latin America University Rankings, which include 385 universities in 20 countries all over the region. The most attractive destinations to study in Latin America are Chile, Brazil, and Mexico. Though such countries as Columbia, Argentina, and Costa Rica are also significantly popular. The 2019 leading university in Latin America is Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (US) in Chile, while Universidade de São Paulo in Brazil takes the second place in the rank.

Tuition fees

Cost for studying in Latin America is relatively cheaper than countries like the US, UK or Australia. While an average price for studying in a state college in the USA is $9970 and £9250 in the UK, an average price for higher education in Latin America ranges $4000-5000. What’s more, in some countries, like Brazil, for example, public higher education till the postgraduate level is stated to be free on the governmental level.

 

Cost of living

Living expenses in region’s countries are also more affordable than in North America, Europe or Australia. But the prices strongly depend on the city you want to study in. Such cities as Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro would be expensive to live with the approximate cost of $1000 per month, while in smaller towns you’re likely to spend $600-800 per month. All in all, average living costs in the US or UK would be at least 10% higher than in Latin America.

Applications and visas

You should start your university application process with a list of supporting documents required, which is usually listed on each university’s website. Generally, this list contains documents like:

Passport copies;

Copy of a letter of acceptance;

Bank records;

Previous education records;

Employment history;

CV;

Portfolio etc.

The range of documents you need to provide depends on the chosen degree, faculty and university.

To study in most of the Latin American countries, you would need a study permit (visa). Before applying to a chosen university, you need to check whether your native country is on the list of states required to have permission. The approximate visa cost is around $100-160. To apply for a visa, you must provide a list of documents too. Those usually include:

Passport copies;

Birth certificate;

Photocopies;

Signed visa application forms;

Letter of acceptance to a chosen university;

Proof of sufficient funds;

Medical history;

Receipt of visa payment;

Certificate of conviction history;

Bank records etc.

 

Scholarships and funding

Most of the Latin American universities don’t provide financial aid for international students, so if you might need help with the funding, it will be better for you to do it with a home-based organization or international scholarship institutions.

Languages

The most common languages are Spanish and Portuguese. A vast majority of the university courses are taught in these two languages. So most of the students are required to pass a language proficiency test. If you were lucky enough to find a course in English, you should still remember that it won’t be a day-to-day language to communicate here. So a good idea for you would be to be able to speak casual Spanish/Portuguese depending on your destination country.

Culture

Latin America is famous for it’s old and rich culture. Population values its roots and cherishes traditions. At the same time, the region is exceptionally multicultured and ethnically diverse. Latin America is famous for being the place full of diasporas from whole over the world.

The region is a significant tourist attraction. It will serve the needs of the most demanding tourist. You can go skiing in the Andes in Argentina or Chile, sunbathe and go surfing in Brazil and Uruguay, go sandboarding in Peru, explore the Amazon, etc. Latin America has everything: breathtaking panoramas, ancient history, rich culture, unique cuisine, fascinating entertainment facilities. It’s a place where thousands-years-old history meets modern lifestyles.

So if you’re still considering whether to give Latin America a chance, don’t hesitate.  It’s a perfect study destination for ambitious students who want to get a quality education, meet new people, explore the world and experience different cultures.

 

Gloria Elaine has been an editor in the Bookwormlab team since September 2015. She gained professional experience as a PR for a local college before moving to journalism.

It Is OK To take A Break From College

BY KARI OAKLEY

Being overworked is common. We think we are supposed to keep pushing and it’ll pay off. We ignore signs of depression or poor mental health and keep working. Some people don’t think they deserve a break, you do! A break is needed after working so hard for so long. You need a break to refresh yourself and your mind. A break is something you can reward yourself with to show yourself you are doing a great job. Taking care of your physical and mental health should come before anything. Once you are back from your break, you will be back at school or work better than ever.

  What a Break Will do For You

 When you find yourself unhappy with life, you may need to take a break from it. Whatever you are pursuing at the time, find a way to take a break from it. If you are exhausted most days and frequently have physical problems, you need a break. When your mental state is not, well you need to take time to yourself and figure out why. These types of problems usually come from being overworked and stressed. You have to take the time you need to fix them because they will only get worse. Yes, working and going to school are things you have to do, but taking care of yourself is too. Your break will give you time to figure out what you want to do with your life. It will allow you time to reflect and figure out what things in your life are having a bad impact on you. During this time everything will be moving at your pace so you can pay attention to all the factors in your life. After your break is over, you might have a new job or a new major. That means it wasn’t meant for you in the first place. You will come back to your life and start to live it the way you want too. The things that were causing damage to you won’t be there anymore because you will remove them.

When to Take a Break From School

 A lot of students take a gap year before they start college or the year after they have completed college. Their parents don’t always agree because this year can turn into two fast. The key to making sure it doesn’t this doesn’t happen is staying focused while on your break. Your break will be to prepare you to pursue your dream. You should be deciding on the best major for you to study or the best career option for you to pursue. Before the year is over, you will be ready to dive into life. When to Take a Break From Work

Adults don’t take breaks from work often because they don’t feel like they can. When they do, it is called a sabbatical year. When the reality of bills and responsibilities set in, you will jump at the best paying job you are offered. The problem is that the job might not always be the best for you. Working a job that doesn’t satisfy you. It can cause you to be depressed. Some people work jobs that aren’t fit for their physical conditions and eventually damage their bodies. You could also just be overworked from working a lot. All of these things aren’t healthy for you and can cause long term problems. The solution is simple to take a break.

Conclusion

Whether you need a vacation or time to figure out life, make sure you do it. People are most likely going to disagree with it. They will tell you it’s a bad idea and you could mess up your life. Your break is for you and no one else. Taking a break could be the perfect option for you. It gives you the chance to discover yourself and be prepared for college.

Byline:Kari Oakley is a fitness trainer from Kenosha Wisconsin. She now lives in downtown Chicago, and loves to get out. She is a big fan of anything adventure, and loves getting a workout in the outdoors.

 

How College Graduates Can Get Their Dream Job

BY JORI HAMILTON

For many college students, the whole point of going in the first place is to discover what really interests them, earn a degree, and quickly land their dream job. As a student, you want to make a huge difference in the world and your career. But for many students, going from earning good grades in classes to accepting their dream position seems like a vast canyon that can feel improbable to hurdle over.

Many recent graduates actually struggle quite a bit to find a job in their field after college. In fact, over half of all college graduates will hold down a job that doesn’t require a degree at all at some point after graduation. It takes a bit more forethought and preparation to find something really great to transition into. 

That being said, when and how to start strategizing for a post-college career is frequently at the forefront of the minds of many students. Here are five ways to begin preparing early and successfully. 

Try Out Potential Careers

You may be super passionate about your degree and completely dedicated to completing your major so you can work in your chosen field. But why wait? Far too many students wait until graduation to actually apply for jobs in their field, and many quickly realize that working in the real world is a lot different than studying a topic in college. Some even decide that field is not for them after all. Trying out different potential jobs can make it easier to smoothly transition and make an impact right away.  

Getting job experience in fields you are interested in during the two or three summers between school can be invaluable, so don’t be afraid to start early. Not only does it give you a taste of what life after graduation will look like, but it can help build work experience and skills that will give you a leg up when it comes time to apply for a permanent position. 

Get Advice

Expecting to know exactly what career is well-suited for your interests is a bit of a stretch. Sure, you will certainly figure it out over time, but getting advice and input can put you on the right track a lot faster. Visit your college’s career center for advice on all sorts of things, from existing jobs out there, to internship opportunities, to resume and application support. 

Take it a step further once you are in an internship position by asking your new co-workers for their input on how to be successful. The vast majority of them are more than willing to share what did and didn’t work for them, as well as what they would have done differently if they were in your shoes. Mentors can shed light on tips and tricks to successful applications that you didn’t even think of. 

Network

It may seem outdated, but many people still get jobs because of who they know or who has put in a positive word for them. Because of this, the value of networking cannot be understated. Join clubs, keep up with old supervisors, build relationships with professors, and attend events related to your field to interact with professionals in the industry. All of these things could make the difference in quality recommendations or even direct job offers. 

Build a Resume and Cover Letter

Start working on a resume early and try to keep it updated with everything you do that could help you to get a job later. Many professionals keep a “master Resume’ with every shred of experience they’ve acquired and only copy the best and most necessary information into the resume document they send potential employers. The same can be said for a cover letter. There are great resources for building the perfect cover letter or resume.

Getting started on a resume can be challenging, but once you have a template lined out, it can be relatively easy to maintain. College career centers are full of resume experts that can get you set up and proofread everything before you send it out. Many previous employers and mentors are often happy to offer resume suggestions that can make you stand out as well — so don’t be afraid to ask! 

Prepare for an Interview

Preparing and successfully executing the interview is the last major step to landing your dream job. The majority of jobs that you will apply to and interview for will present similar interview questions. These are usually the most important ones to nail, so it helps to think out answers ahead of time. Once this is done, more time can be devoted to job-specific interview questions. 

 While interviewing, try to highlight some of your soft skills as well as your specific qualifications. Practice answering questions with friends until you are able to answer them with confidence. Likewise, spend time thinking of questions to ask your interviewer. Quality questions show that you have thought about this organization and what your place in it might look like. 

Transitioning into your dream job after college can seem like a real challenge, but with the right preparation, it can go smoothly. Build a network, ask for advice, and learn from mentors. Try different positions during internships and figure out exactly what is right for you. Finally, use this information to build a great resume and prepare for an interview that will blow your future employer’s socks off. Good luck!

Bio: Jori Hamilton is a writer from the Northwest who is passionate about education and social justice issues. You can follow her on Twitter @HamiltonJori

Investment Methods Can Bring You Financial Freedom After College

BY KATHLEEN BROWN

 

Every young college student dreams of achieving financial freedom and becoming independent. However, the road towards financial freedom is full of obstacles and challenges so you must stay completely focused along the way. No matter how hard it can be, you must follow certain steps in order to reach the phase you have always dreamt about. The thing is – financial freedom is personal so you need to set some goals. Financial independence means different things for different people. For example, for you a financial freedom might be choosing a career that you have always loved without thinking or worrying about how much would it cost to get it. For some other students, freedom might be when they can spend cash on luxurious things, going on nice trips or retiring early. Some students also dream about getting Dominica citizenship by investment and living somewhere by the beach. In any case, if you want to reach financial freedom it is advisable you follow the following methods.

Proper money management is a must if you want to be financially free. Therefore, good budgeting is important so you can put your finances in right place. You always have to be aware and have a clear overview where, how, and when you are spending money. That way you can see where you need to cut costs and save more money for later.

 

Clean up your student loans, credit cards and other loans you may have. If you want financial freedom then you have to have full income coming your way. So pay off your student debts and then you can start making more serious plans with your money.

 

Have a good strategy about saving money short-term. You must have some money set aside for emergency issues like doctor trips, broken car, appliances, etc. Having cash on hand is a good thing in times of need, so make sure you increase it when you have money to put aside. Try to fund your account bit by bit and even smallest contributions can become handy in emergency times.

 

Learn more about different investment options available to you. Be active and get in touch with some quality financial advisors that can guide you towards financial freedom and safety. They can suggest you different investment tactics, rebalance your budget in order to optimize spending, provide you with plans for specific situations, and do other good things. Truth is that today you have numerous options related to getting financial freedom. You can consider some ways for earning passive income. You may also invest in stocks, real estate or something else that will bring you money long-term. Options are limitless in today`s world.

These were some methods and advice on how you can attain more financial freedom.

Byline:Kathleen Brown is a passionate entrepreneur and enjoys writing articles, overviews, and analyses about everything going on in the industry with a single goal of sharing her expertise with students.

 

Off Campus Housing: 7 Things That Students Need to Consider

BY GLORIA WATSON

Off campus student housing is a smart idea and comes with a number of benefits overstaying in a campus dorm. You get so much more space, privacy and peace if you choose the right place. Choosing an off campus student housing is similar to finding an off plan property Dubai: you will feel overwhelmed and confused with so many choices, but you have to be focused. There are several important factors that you need to consider finding the ideal place for yourself.

Ease of commute

Commuting to and from your classes take up a lot of time, energy, and money. While it would be ideal to live as close to the campus as possible so that you can skip out on commute, but if you can’t, choose a place from where you can travel easily, and preferably by a single mode of transport.

Research within your budget

Research is the key to getting the best you can get within your budget. You wouldn’t take the very first option from all Emaar properties for sale, so why not do the same for house hunting? Look into as many options as available before picking one. Do not exceed your maximum budget because you don’t want to be saddled with an excess expense.

Condition of the house

Look into the condition of the house before you sign up for it. Check out for weird invading windows, temperature control, plumbing, pest control etc. to ensure that the living conditions are comfortable.

Safety is crucial

Safety is an important factor when moving into a new place. Ensure that the neighbourhood is safe and you do not land yourself in the middle of trouble. Look into newspaper reports and ask local people around to check for safety.

Convenience and amenities

While choosing your place, make sure it is not very far from the important amenities such as convenience stores, budget restaurants, medicine stores etc so that you do not have to travel every time you need anything. Also check that it is well connected and close to a main road.

Find the right housemates

Your housemates are very important as you will spend a lot of time together in the house. Make sure you get along well with them, especially when it comes to habits and lifestyle choices, before you decide to live with them. Do not choose too many housemates as bathroom sharing will be time consuming, especially before morning classes.

Rules and documents

Last but not the least, before you sign on any lease make sure you go through the fine prints and explicitly clarify every rule. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially on any modifications, security deposit, future pet ownership etc. so that you do not get into trouble or have to pay unfair fines or charges.

Finding the right student housing will make it so much easier for your academic life. A nice comfortable home to return to is essential, so make sure your new place is nice and conducive to your academic pursuits.

Byline:- Gloria Watson ’24 grew up in Texas and graduated from University of Texas. Nowadays, she’s a freelance writer whose aim to write article on computers and school education today.

Bad Money Habits You Developed in College :How to Get Rid of Them

BY SIENNA WALKER

Students have a tough time. It’s difficult to be a full time student and keep your head above water. School is expensive, stressful, and time consuming. Many students also work part time to supplement their budgets. There’s a lot to juggle, and it’s easy for highly important priorities to get lost in the shuffle. This often leads to students making some glaring mistakes with their money, and unfortunately, some of these habits stick with them long after graduation.

1. Throwing Money at Junk Food

When you’re a busy student, the idea of grocery shopping and preparing meals feels almost impossible. Instead, you order pizza or settle for soggy, fatty drive-thru burgers. Of course these meals aren’t healthy – that’s a separate debate all on its own. In truth, setting a grocery budget and cooking your own meals is healthier for both your body and your bank account. You might still be leading a busy life after graduation, especially if you’re working hard at your dream career, but your time can be mitigated by meal prepping on Sunday nights.

2. Using Credit Cards like a “Get Out of Jail Free” Card

Credit cards can sometimes be helpful in an emergency, but if paying your water bill every month is an emergency, it’s time to do some restructuring.

Relying on credit cards for basic living expenses, like rent, groceries, or utilities, typically indicates that you are living beyond your means. You’re never going to get ahead of yourself if you’re charging the most basic things to your credit card. If it’s on your credit card, that means you can’t afford it. Cut back in other areas and save the credit card for unplanned expenses or a (very) occasional fun night out.

3. Improperly Managing Your Savings

Having a savings account is excellent. You probably had one in college, even if the amount was less than impressive. You may have grown into the habit of tossing some cash into your savings account and allowing your willpower to take over so you don’t dip into it. Unfortunately, savings won’t really do much to help that money grow.

Instead of relying on a low interest rate to accumulate over time, consider investing your savings. There are a wealth of options for investments. There’s the traditional route of the stock market, which many busy people choose for its minimal level of commitment. Then there are slightly more labor intensive methods, like residential real estate investing. Choosing an investment method largely depends on how hands on you want to be.

4. Keeping Your Budget in Your Brain

Once people get into the swing of things, they tend to operate by force of habit. They roughly know when all the bills are due, and a quick check of their bank account balance lets them know where they’re at. Without an actual budget however, they’re likely to struggle. You might have got by without one when you were still in college, as there were fewer expenses to remember, and perhaps you even had the help of your parent. Now however, if you want to have more money, you need to plan carefully, review your spending, and determine where cuts can be made.

Create a calendar and mark dates with what specific amount of money is going in and coming out at any given moment. Keep your receipts for the things that you purchase. Add up what you spend and compare it with what you have left. Would it be a wise decision to cut cable TV and switch to online streaming services? Would a budget grocery store save you enough money in food costs to cover a bill every month? You won’t know without a stable budget.

You learned a lot in college, and you can learn a lot now. Your circumstances and your income are likely very different from the way they were when you were a student. The sooner you teach yourself to be an expert at managing your money, the more money you’ll have for the next big chapter in your life.

 

About the author:

Sienna Walker is an experienced careers and self-improvement blogger with a deep love for creating smart, passive income. She is often found on educational forums, sharing her learning, work, and money management tips with students. Privately, a huge fan of traveling.

 

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Things You Need Pack Or Have When You Go to College

BY JAMES RIDDLE

If you’ve ever packed for a trip, you know how easy it is to forget something valuable. Forgetting something when you leave for college is not as crucial as forgetting a lighter when you go camping in the woods, but it can be frustrating as well. Especially considering it will most likely result in out-of-pocket expenses.

Here are the things you absolutely need in college or university.

Study gear

Let’s start with the basics. At the very least, you’ll have to take something to study with. In most cases, a laptop, a sturdy backpack and a couple of good notebooks will do. If you want to be extra prepared for the classes, take a small lamp, a lunchbox, and a stapler.

Good headphones

If you’re one of those suburban kids who could blast music on full volume without disturbing anyone, college is going to be hard for you. The only way you can listen to music in the dorm is to throw up a party. If you want to listen to music at night without neighbors complaining, a pair of good headphones is a must for you.

They’re also great for blocking out the noise from the not-so-friendly neighbors who can’t care less about you complaining.

Bedding

This point is optional for people who are okay with college bed linens, but for the picky students, it’s a must. If you’re not sure if your college provides beddings, contact them and ask. If they don’t you’ll have to get the basic bedding supplies with you.

Those who don’t trust the college to provide them have to take care of this in advance. Besides, lying in the same bedsheets you have at home creates a cozy atmosphere for those of us who are homesick.

Clothes for the climate

Taking a winter coat with you when you depart for your first year of college is probably an overkill. Take the clothes you’ll probably wear for the next couple of months, and ask your parents to send you warm clothes later.

 

Take a pair of slippers for chilling in the dorm, and make sure your shoes are sturdy. Replacing them if they tear may be a big strain on your budget.

A sewing kit

Clothes tear all the time, and you don’t have the money to get them repaired. You’ll have to do it yourself. Take a simple sewing kit with you, and you’ll save at least a hundred dollars over the course of a year.

Also, take a duct tape for other repairs.

Storage

Whether you live in the dorm or choose to rent, you’ll need some kind of storage space. The room you can afford isn’t going to be big, and your clothes can’t just be lying on the floor. Take a garment rack, a dozen hangers, and make some of the boxes you used for packing to store extra stuff like chargers, clean socks, etc. You might want to bring an extra box to store Diamond Studs jewelry or other valuables.

If you’re renting with plenty of roommates, take a curtain or a large piece of cloth to make your space a bit more private.

A first aid kit

Even though the pharmacy can be a block away, it’s always better to have the first aid meds close to you. Make sure that you pack antidiarrheal, mild pain killers, cough meds, and adhesive tape to treat wounds.

Don’t forget to make a list

When you’re packing for college, don’t just rely on a list from the Internet. Create a list for yourself, check and double-check if it has everything you need, and use it while packing.

By line:  James Riddle is a multi-topic writer at WhenIPost.com passionate about new technologies, marketing trends and branding strategies. He is always seeking to discover new ways for personal and professional growth and is convinced that it’s always important to broaden horizons. That`s why James develops and improves his skills throughout the writing process to help and inspire people.

 

Students Should Care About Saving The Planet: Ways To Help

BY KATE lARSON

Being a student is a tough job. Very often, school work is enough to keep you busy all year long, and it’s complicated to find time for other things. That’s why it’s so easy to forget about saving the planet and leave it to less busy and more motivated people. But saving the planet isn’t just for people who don’t have better things to do; it concerns everyone, especially students.

Regardless of your busy schedule, you should still make time to see how you can help the environment simply because you live here. In a few decades from now, the earth’s problems will be your problems, and it’s better to get a head start on them. Luckily, you don’t have to tear yourself away from your work to research how you can save the planet because we have compiled a list of five things you can do as a student.

Go Solar

Did you know that up to 25% of air pollution is from coal emissions in power plants? Worse still is the fact that the emissions don’t seem to be slowing down. We need to get ahead of the problem and reduce our carbon emissions. Going solar can help tackle this problem head-on. Solar energy is 100% renewable, which means that we can use it for as long as we want, and we’d never add any pollutants to the environment. Solar systems set up by companies like Natural Solar are one of the most significant ways we can save the planet

Use Reusable Bags

When people hear of simple initiatives like this, they often roll their eyes; and for a good reason. What can the use of one single plastic bag do for the planet earth? But think about it. If you use one plastic bag for your groceries twice every week, that’s over 100 plastic bags generated by you alone in a single year. And those bags never decay; they just sit in a landfill for years, causing damage to the environment. Switching to reusable bags will reduce how much non-biodegradable waste you produce, which will reduce the burden on the environment.

Print As Little As Necessary

You already know that paper is gotten from trees and that the more paper we use, the more trees die. Trees are essential to our ecosystem because they convert CO2 to oxygen. And with the amount of C02 our cars are producing, we definitely need all the trees we can get. By using as little paper as possible, you can make sure that you reduce the demand for more paper and the death of more trees. As a student, it’s very unreasonable to ask you to stop using paper. However, by reducing the amount you use, you can have a significant impact on the environment in the long run.

Buy From Sustainable Companies

Another way you can use paper to save the planet is to only buy from companies that have sustainable harvesting methods. Several paper companies replant trees after they fell them to make sure that they leave a minimal footprint. Since you need paper for assignments and projects, you should buy paper that comes from trees you know are being replaced.

Get A Bike, Or At Least Carpool When You Can

Earlier, we mentioned how C02 emissions are bad for the environment.  But as a student, you need to get around on campus, and you can’t exactly walk everywhere. However, getting a bike can help you get around while still keeping your contributions to environmental pollution low. Plus, it’s excellent exercise. If you don’t want to take a bike, you can also carpool. When you and your friends take the same car, you can reduce your carbon emissions to one vehicle, and limit your impact on the environment.

Conclusion

It’s easy to think that saving the environment doesn’t really concern you at the moment. But that’s just not true.  Little things like using solar panels or using minimal amounts of paper can help in ensuring the health of our planet.

Kate Larson is a college student and aspiring blogger, who has a strong interest in the environment and personal well-being. She enjoys travelling and reading, as well as writing novels.

 

 

 

 

 

6 Latest Tech Innovations that Help You In Your Classes

BY SHAHINA PARVIN

 Teaching is all about introducing new topics to the students. Usually, technology is considered a threat for the college students in the United States. In my opinion, technology can play a vital role in the classroom as well. We cannot simply ignore the importance of technology due to its negative aspects. We have to accept the involvement of technology in education if we want to make sure education for everyone.

 Usage of simulations and 3D models:

There are some topics for the college students which are very difficult to understand. In these cases, digital simulations and 3D models can help the students. On the other hand, it is helpful for the teachers as well. Suppose, a teacher is going to give a lecture on tornadoes. Hearing the lecture, some of the students will understand it. However, there are some other students who will not understand it at that very moment. It is easier for them if they have a visualization in front of them. So, the teacher can take the help of a 3D model and it is a win-win situation for both the teachers and the students.

 Importance of cloud storage and social media:

Assignments and projects are very important for the college students. In our time, we had to visit library after library to get an exact reference. However, those days are gone away and the students can take the help of cloud storage now. Thus, they can save their time and invest it for gathering more information. On the contrary, the students can create web pages or virtual communities and share their thoughts. This way, they can get feedback from other students and teachers as well. So, now the students have more opportunity to correct their errors and refine their way of thinking. Technology makes it easy to enroll in best test prep courses that feature engaging, entertaining video lessons, practice questions and quizzes to help students get ready for test day.

 

      Apps development at its best:

Learning with fun is always better than our traditional learning. Technology makes it more fun than ever. Now, the students can learn while playing a game or streaming a video. There are thousands of apps for high school students available in Play Store and App Store. We all are familiar with the apps like dictionary, calculator, translator, etc. and there are more for college students. People will argue that the tech innovations are of no use for the college students. So, let me give you an example. Suppose you are studying geography of a particular location. All you have is a picture of that location and some description of it. Now, it is very difficult to imagine just by looking into a picture. However, if you take the help of Google Maps, Google Earth or Google Map’s Street View, then the whole scenario will be changed.

    Virtual study as a life saver:

You may not remember that there was a time when group study was very popular. It has lost its glamour now and the improvised version of group study takes that place. Now, the students like to collaborate in the virtual world. It is not a problem anymore if you are sick or out of reach. All you need is a device and an internet connection to take part in the virtual group study. Besides, it is much easier to share notes and documents in online platforms.

 Say NO to limitations:

There was a time when the students had to ignore unfamiliar terms or unknown concepts while studying alone. Time has changed and there is no need to skip any topic now. The students can simply search for it in Google or Yahoo, there must be hundreds of essays on their targeted topic. On the other hand, modern tech innovations help us say yes to open education and say no to limitation. A student from a third world country can avail the same resources like a student of a first world country. Moreover, the students can easily access the virtual library of various renowned colleges and universities.

 Gadgets for everyone:

We all are familiar with the usage of laptops and smartphones in the classroom. Except these devices, we can use some other modern tech innovations like- smart pen, digital textbooks, smart backpacks etc. At first, let us look at the smart pen. A smart pen looks like a traditional pen. However, it can record all your notes digitally as it is equipped with a smart software and a sensitive microphone. Thus, you can take important notes on your lecture and record it at the same time for further use. Later, you can upload these notes in Google Docs or Evernote. On the other hand, tablets, e-readers, kindles are very popular among the college students. So, why not we consider digital textbooks? Digital textbooks are easy to use and lightweight compared to our traditional books. Moreover, the price of a digital book is lesser than a physical book.

                                                   Finally, like other innovations of technology, it has a negative impact in the classroom as well. It truly depends on the students whether they want to take advantage of modern innovations in the classroom or not.

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 Author name : Shahina Parvin

Email : Shahinaparvin1000@gmail.com

Website : https://testprepcare.com/

 Shahina Parvin is a professional digital marketing expert and a regular contributor of Stanford.edu. She is highly experienced in Test Prep courses and has been helping the students regarding test prep materials. If you are stuck in choosing test prep courses, you will find https://www.testprepcare.com/ as an exceptionally helpful resource. It has a great reputation of improving SAT scores, ACT scores and writing research paper topics.

 

So, You Graduated College. Now What?

BY SAMUEL BENSON

So, you worked hard and earned your college degree. That’s great! If you are like many other people, you may be wondering what comes next. It does not matter if you have gotten a degree from a top university or a systems engineering online degree, not when real life will hit you.

Look for a Job

Job hunting is going to take a lot of time and effort. You will need to network with others and you will need to make sure your resume is up to date and professional looking. Every job that you apply to will need a new and customized cover letter. It may take you some time to find a good job and you may need to take an entry-level position, to begin with.

Find Employment

Now is the time to enter the workforce and build up experience. You will need to go to work every day and be a responsible and productive adult. In order to make the transition into this new world, you can seek out a mentor at your new job. Many jobs do offer mentors to help go over the expectations, procedures, and transition. This will make it easier for you to adjust to your new life and you can learn how to keep and hold this job.

Student Loan Repayment

Remember those loans that you took out to go to college? Well, it is time to begin paying them back. Some loans will give you a six month grace period. Do not forget about these loans or ignore them. Your credit will take a big hit and your credit score will go down. If you need help repaying your loans or cannot afford the monthly payment plan you need to contact the lender to make arrangements so you can pay something back and begin to get out of debt.

Find a Place to Live

After college, many young people are finding themselves back home. That is okay. If you are looking to make a big move now is the time to do it. You should move before you have too many responsibilities in one location. If you want to head to your dream location you should look for jobs in that area. You should also look for roommates to help with living expenses. If you are going to move to do so before you become tied down and it is much more difficult.

Learn Money Management

As an adult, you will be expected to pay your own way. Once you find a place of your own you will be paying for rent, food, utilities, and daily living expenses. You will need to learn how to develop a budget so you can handle your money. You will need to include the necessities and keep some money aside in case energy such as your car breaking down happens. When developing your budget you can include money for entertainment but it is essential that your bills are taken care of first.

Mental Health

You may have a hard time transitioning from school to work. You may not see your friends as often. It is important you take care of your mental health. There is nothing wrong with seeing a therapist to help with these feelings and keep your mind healthy.

These are some things you can expect to do once you graduate from college. While going to school is hard work, being a productive adult carries just as much if not more responsibilities. Once you have graduated, congratulate yourself for your hard work and then become a productive member of society.