12/15/2014 - Maroc Resources

Is Studying Abroad Expensive?

Posted by Jon Sage on 12/15/2014 in Education

Most parents will plan for their child’s education well in advance. From preschool, High school and up to college. However, most of this planning is based on going to local schools or colleges. What about studying abroad?

You cannot compare the rewards a person can get from studying in another. The experience can change your perspective from being local to global. Not only that but you will likely gain memories and friendships to last a lifetime.

Interestingly though, one of the biggest barriers that stop people thinking of studying abroad is the cost factor. The students who do decide to study abroad and use the services of an education agent are often surprised at how easy it was to organize, and also at how affordable it can be.

The information below may be useful for students and parents if you plan on sending your child to study abroad. Although the following information can be useful, it is recommended that students and parents see a qualified education agent to ensure they receive up-to-date and advice tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

What is different or special about studying abroad?

There are many reasons people choose to study abroad:

Language acquisition – The world market place is shrinking, and many companies now look for or require staff that can speak a second language. For students in Asian countries where English is a second language, being able to speak English can be a significant advantage in a competitive labor market. Not only is being able to speak a second language such as English important from a career perspective, but it is also invaluable from a real world perspective.

Practical experience – Study coupled with work experience can be an ideal way to gain some real world experience. Many students are surprised to find out that in many countries such as Australia they are free to work and gain an income while studying (currently at the time of this article being written it is 20 hours per week with a student visa). When this is factored into the cost of studying abroad, it can significantly reduce the expense and studying and working overseas can be very affordable.

Career Advancement – International experience is sort after by many employers as a critical asset for prospective employees. Study abroad shows that you are resourceful, adventurous, internationally minded, and diverse.
Studying abroad is an Experience of a lifetime. In a couple years, you may forget a lot of what you have studied in high school and university but if you study abroad, you will never forget the friends you made or the incredible experiences you shared. It is a whole new world that the student will be lucky to partake.

The Cost of a College Education

Posted by Jon Sage on 12/15/2014 in Education

When it’s time to estimate the expense of a college education, the majority of teenagers and their parents always add up the cost of tuition and room and board. However what about the additional costs of college?

The real costs, when it comes to light, can be a big shock for parents and the teenagers. By having a look at the big picture well ahead of time, preferably while teens are still in the early years of secondary school, parents can be much better prepared to afford the real expense of today’s college education.

Textbooks for classes average about $800 per term nowadays, with some majors needing books and laboratory devices that cost far more. If you’re going to major in engineering, you can anticipate paying as much as $1,500 some semesters throughout your upper-level courses. Include printing supplies, notebooks and all the other school requirements as well to the tune of another $500 for the year.

There is another expense that people overlook, In College many students live in close proximity to each other, and it is only natural that they will get sick from time to time. Particularly freshmen. Research studies have revealed that the typical freshman college student spends about one hundred dollars a year on products like cold treatments, tissues, cough syrup and other nonprescription medications.

The dining halls might have a lot to offer. However, no student can go without pizza and burgers for too long, so we’ll note this as a necessity. Add on a couple of hundred dollars each semester for take-out and delivery food. Be truthful and adjust appropriately if you’re truly into eating out. Some people like to eat at a good restaurant once a week; others are great with McDonald’s all the time.

What about transport? Will you be keeping a car on campus? Then you’ll most likely have to spend for a university parking license. Will you be driving home regularly on the weekends to see your family and friends? Taking trips with your new college friends? You’ll need money for gasoline, maintenance on your vehicle and car insurance. If you are going to school thousands of miles from home, it can be fairly pricey to fly home for vacations, so see to it you book flights well in advance to get cheap tickets and save cash.

Computers are as necessary as textbooks for students today. Make sure you consult your college or university to see if they advise a particular brand name or design; some offer special prices that can save you hundreds of dollars.

Web access is another sensible cost that you’ll probably need to consider if you live off-campus in a house. While there will be free internet access at many points on campus, consisting of libraries and class, it’s a lot easier to work from home, so the cost of about $20 a month is worth it.

Entertainment, including movies, dances, and shows, are popular on college campuses. Luckily, the school focuses on providing them at a subsidized price to save students a little money. The occasional new game cartridge, CD or MP3 download should also be budgeted for. Again, be truthful with yourself when estimating how much you’re most likely to spend so that you’re prepared.

When getting ready for the hidden expenses of college, students have to sit down with their parents and honestly assess just how much cash they believe they will require. Prepare ahead to include these to the more apparent costs of tuition, room and board. The resulting figure they come up with will give them a more precise idea of the real expense of a college education.

Where Should You Start Your Career?

Posted by Jon Sage on 12/15/2014 in Career

Choosing a Career path does not start when you are looking for a job in the local newspaper. It starts from the time you leave school and are going to college. Studying hard and going to college, and then graduating and hoping to be a success in the future is a dream everyone has. However, what do we do after we graduate?

Picking a career that suits you is a very important decision to make. There are a lot of factors to take into account. This choice will affect the rest of your life. Not only your life but also that of your family and in the future your children too. If you are trying to choose exactly what direction to go in you can try an online profession evaluation. They are well worth the time.

When considering what classes to take in college, consider the experiences you currently have. Ask yourself these questions:

What classes did I enjoy in school?
What pastimes do I find intriguing?
Do I like being inside my home or outdoors?
Do I enjoy writing or creating new things?
Do I like to solve issues?

When you narrow your search down to two or three fields that are of interest, speak with older close friends or family member who has been working in the field, you are interested in. Ask them, what they like about their Job and what they do not like. Inquire about their work routine. This will help you see the pro’s and Co’s of a particular field.

Another concept is to get a magazine at a college and check out it. Look at the various classes provided. Take a look at the different type of degrees there are and see exactly what catches your interest. Make a visit to the career guidance counselors and speak with them. They are trained to listen to you and point you in the best direction.

Once you have decided, you must then give your best to achieve the goal of being educated in the field you want to pursue.

Finding out exactly what career path to take is a huge decision. Taking the time to get recommendations and information before you make a decision will help you save time and many problems later on in life.