EducationUSA Weekly Update   

No. 71 March 3, 2008

I. Scholarships and Fellowships
- Undergraduate: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
- Undergraduate: Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctorate: Boise State University International Programs, Boise, Idaho
- Graduate: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - Competitive Graduate Award, Edwardsville, Illinois
- Graduate: Chicago-Kent College of Law LLM Programs – Tuition Reduction
 

II. News you can use

- New Student-Pulse study signals “explosion of choice in global HE market”
- New ACA publication: The rise of English as language of instruction

I. Scholarships and Fellowships

Undergraduate: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

Program Description
For more than 100 years, Oregon State University (OSU) has had a three-fold mission of teaching, research, and service to the people of Oregon and the world. OSU is Oregon's land, sea, sun and space grant university. With approximately 15,000 undergraduates, all OSU undergraduates participate in the core curriculum, which emphasizes creative thinking, writing, world cultures, the arts, sciences, diversity, literature, and global awareness.

Nearly 1,000 international students are studying at OSU, adding diversity and richness to the university's academic and cultural life. Internships and undergraduate research opportunities offer OSU students the opportunity to gain actual career-related experience while in school.

Eligiblity Requirements
• All applicants must provide complete documentation of all certificates, degrees, titles, or diplomas earned, as well as grades or mark sheets from all academic institutions attended.
• The SAT or ACT is waived for international undergraduate applicants unless they attended a high school in the United States or an accredited American high school outside the U.S.
• All international student applicants must provide official English language test scores (TOEFL). (Recommended minimum scores: Paper-based- 550; Computer-based- 213; iBT/Interactive- 80).
• All international applicants must 1) complete and return the Certification of Finances form and 2) submit documents showing proof of sufficient financial resources before the I-20 can be issued (for F-1 visas).

Award Types: Merit scholarships
Award Duration: Typically 4 years
Application Deadline: April 1 (Fall quarter), July 1 (Winter quarter), October 1 (Spring quarter)

Further information: http://oregonstate.edu/admissions/international.html

Oregon State University offers several scholarships and tuition remission programs that award qualified international students with partial tuition remission.  Some are highly competitive and require an application, while others are automatically awarded based on your previous grades.

The International Cultural Service Program is very selective and selected students receive a partial tuition award, (approximately $9,000-$12,000), in exchange for giving presentations about their country and culture. For a complete list of scholarship awards, visit http://oregonstate.edu/admissions/international/funding.html.

Contact:
Office of Admissions, Oregon State University
104 Kerr Administration Building
Corvallis, Oregon 97331-2106
Phone: 001(541) 737-4411

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Undergraduate: Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana

Program Description
Tulane University is a private university often described as distinctive because of its location in New Orleans. The University is committed to offering an outstanding undergraduate educational experience with top faculty and a strong core curriculum. Tulane also offers the opportunity to be involved in the largest urban renewal project ever undertaken in the United States. Tulane enrolls approximately 6,000 undergraduates with international students comprising eight percent of the student population. The student body is geographically diverse adding to its social and academic diversity.

Tulane University offers limited financial assistance (up to a maximum of $15,000) to international students whom they determine to be financially needy. To determine whether you qualify for aid, submit the Foreign Student Financial Aid Application by March 1 so it can be considered during the period when maximum funds are available.

Eligibility Requirements
International candidates for admission are required to present:
• Standardized test scores for the SAT I Reasoning Test and TOEFL or IELTS is English is a non-native language.
• A certified and translated copy of the candidate’s secondary school academic record and government examination certificates.
• Certification of Finances Form
• All other materials outlined in the application for admission.

Award Types: Need-based and merit scholarships
Average Award Amount: $15,000
Number of International Students receiving Financial Support: 54
Award Coverage: Partial tuition or housing waiver
Award Duration: Typically 4 years

Further Information: http://admission.tulane.edu/applicants/international_students.shtml

Contact
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Phone: 001(800) 873-9283
Email: undergrad.admission@tulane.edu

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Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctorate: Boise State University International Programs
Boise, Idaho

Program Description
All students who possess an outstanding academic record, and who are not residents of Idaho are automatically considered for a Gem scholarship. This scholarship waives the total cost of non-resident tuition, valued at $7,800 per year.

The International Admissions Office awards five scholarships, valued at $7,800 per year, to new freshman or transfer international students with strong academic records applying for the fall semester. Additionally, The International Programs Office awards 15 fee waivers, valued at $7,800 per year, to continuing international students.

Average award amount: $7,800/year
Award duration: 2-4 years, depending on degree level

Deadline
Fall semester: June 1 / Spring semester: October 15

Eligibility requirements

Boise State University offers many scholarships for outstanding freshmen and transfer students as they pursue academic excellence. They offer nonresident tuition assistance scholarships, as well as graduate assistantships for international students. To be eligible for these scholarships, international students must have the equivalent of a minimum cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.0 and submit all application materials to the International Admissions Office by February 15th for admission for the following fall semester. If applicable, submit the Supplemental Scholarship Form or other departmental or college applications. These forms can be found at http://financialaid.boisestate.edu/scholarships/sch_fresh_trans.htm.
Please visit the Boise State University http://financialaid.boisestate.edu/scholarships/ for more scholarship information.
The different academic departments may have additional requirements.

The satisfactory academic progress standards for financial aid eligibility are available at:
http://financialaid.boisestate.edu/forms/sappolicy.pdf

Specific admission requirements by level of study
For admission as an undergraduate student, the minimum TOEFL test score is 500 on the paper-based test, 173 on the computer-based test, or 61 on the Internet-based test. The minimum score required on the IELTS test is 5.0. Note: If you have a TOEFL score of at least 450/133/46, or an IELTS score of 4.5, you can be granted conditional admission as an undergraduate student to Boise State University, but must first enroll in the Intensive English Program.
To be admitted as a graduate student, you must have a minimum TOEFL test score of 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 80 on the Internet-based test. The minimum score required on the IELTS test is 6. Note: If you are applying to a graduate program in Engineering or Business and Economics, the minimum score on the TOEFL test is 587/240/95. The IELTS test minimum score is a 6.5. Conditional admission due to low English proficiency is not offered to graduate level students.
If you are seeking an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree, you will need to submit official transcripts or mark sheets that show you have completed the equivalent of a high school diploma or graduation in the United States. This would be approximately the level of education you would need to complete to be allowed entrance into a university in your home country. If you have completed courses at a recognized or accredited university in your home country, you must submit official transcripts or mark sheets showing the grades that you received, along with a syllabus or course description of the classes you have completed.
If you are a transfer student, your official transcript will be evaluated for transfer credit. If the school you attended is not in the United States, this evaluation will not be completed until after the semester has begun. It takes 4-6 weeks to receive this evaluation. If the school you attended is within the United States, the evaluation process will take 2-3 weeks to complete. A list of the courses that have been accepted by Boise State University will be mailed to you.
Further Information
http://admissions.boisestate.edu/international/  

Contact
International Student Admissions
Sally Pittman, International Admissions Coordinator
1910 University Drive
Boise, ID 83725-1320
USA
E-mail: INTERNTL@boisestate.edu
Phone: (208) 426-1757
Fax: (208) 426-3765

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Graduate: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - Competitive Graduate Award
Edwardsville, Illinois

Program Description
The purpose of the Competitive Graduate Award (CGA) program is to support highly qualified new students, including students from underrepresented groups, who are accepted into advanced degree programs at SIUE.

There is usually 18 CGA awards for the nine-month academic year. They include a monthly stipend, as well as waiver of tuition. The amount of the stipend is $7,425 ($825 per month).

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be new graduate students, whose first term of enrollment as a classified student in a graduate degree program at SIUE will be no earlier than Summer. SIUE undergraduates approved for admission to a 3+2 program may submit an application provided their eligibility for such enrollment does not occur before Summer.

To be considered for an Academic Year  the following must be received by the Graduate School:
1. Your completed CGA applications and supporting materials (three letters of recommendation, all official undergraduate transcripts, cover sheet, statement of history, statement of goals and waiver form and your official TOEFL scores (international students only) must be on file in the Graduate School;
2. Your completed application for admission as a degree-seeking graduate student at SIUE, which includes all official undergraduate transcripts, and for international students, official TOEFL scores, must be on file in the Graduate Admissions Office.

CGA Application packets must include the following documents:
1. Application cover sheet (http://www.siue.edu/graduate/prospective/pdf/cgacover2008-2009.pdf).
2. Official transcripts from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution or where the degree is in progress, and from all other institutions at which baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate work has been completed.
3. Statement of personal history and career goals (http://www.siue.edu/graduate/prospective/pdf/CGAGoals20082009.pdf ). The Graduate School will not accept a resume as a substitute.
4. Statement of Research, Scholarly, or Creative Interests (http://www.siue.edu/graduate/prospective/pdf/cgaresearch.pdf) - may be used by the graduate program in their evaluation of candidates.
5. Three letters of recommendation mailed directly to the Graduate School. The University Fellowship and Scholarship Committee strongly recommends that letters specifically address the applicant's qualifications for the Competitive Graduate Award.
6. For international students, official TOEFL scores (minimum 550 required). The Graduate School will NOT accept copies sent by the applicants.
7. Applicant's Instruction and Waiver Form for Recommendation Letters (http://www.siue.edu/graduate/prospective/pdf/CGAwaiver2008-2009.pdf). 
8. Statement of Financial need form (http://www.siue.edu/graduate/prospective/pdf/cgafinance2008-20092.pdf).  (Use only if you intend to demonstrate financial need.)
9. The required forms are available on the website.

Further Information
http://www.siue.edu/graduate/prospective/awards.shtml

Contact
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Ron Schaefer
Graduate School
Campus Box 1046
Edwardsville, IL
62026-1046
Phone: +1 (618) 650-3010
Fax: +1 (618) 650-3523
E-mail: gradsch@siue.edu

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Graduate: Chicago-Kent College of Law LLM Programs – Tuition Reduction
Program Description

LL.M. Programs at Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
The second oldest law school in Illinois, the College of Law has a history marked by diversity, innovation, and excellence. Chicago-Kent is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools and the Order of the Coif. Chicago-Kent is the leading law school in the nation in applying computer technology to enhance the study of law and in addressing the global implications of new developments in science and technology.
Chicago-Kent offers LL.M. program in the following areas:
• LL.M. In International And Comparative Law
• LL.M. In International Intellectual Property Law
• LL.M. In Financial Services Law
• LL.M. In Taxation
• LL.M. In Family Law
Award type: tuition reduction
Average award amount: $3,000 - $9,000
Award duration: 1 year
Deadline: rolling
Eligibility requirements
1. Application for Admission. The application should be completed, signed and submitted along with the $75 application fee to the Office of International Law and Policy. Students may submit an online application or request a hard copy from the Office of International Law and Policy at (312)906-5134 or by e-mail at intllm@kentlaw.edu.
Candidates are encouraged to submit their application and all supporting documents as soon as possible after October 1, and preferably before February 1. Students are admitted on a rolling-admissions basis so it is to students' advantage to apply early.
2. Personal Statement. Each applicant must submit a personal statement with their application that describes their past and present activities, as well as their plans upon completion of the LL.M. program. This statement should also contain information regarding any relevant factors that may not have been fully explained in the application form and that may assist the members of the Admissions Committee in their review of the application.
3. Letters of Recommendation. We require two letters of recommendation which should be sent directly to the Office of International Law and Policy by the recommendor.
4. Transcripts. Applicants should arrange to have transcripts of all prior legal study and pre-legal study submitted to the Office of International Law and Policy. All applicants who have done academic work at foreign institutions must provide original academic records and officially certified English translation of the original records. In addition, please submit official information on the grading system and the applicants' class ranking (if available).
5. TOEFL. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all applicants who are not native speakers of English or who did not receive their legal education at an institution which uses English as the primary language of instruction. Successful applicants to the LL.M. program typically have a TOEFL score of approximately 600 on the paper based test, 250 on the computer based test, or 100 on the internet based test.

The TOEFL may be waived at the discretion of the Admissions Committee for applicants for whom English has been the primary language of instruction in prior study or who can otherwise substantiate their English proficiency.

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is not required of applicants applying for the LL.M. Programs.

An application is complete only when all of the documents described above have been received.
Further information: http://www.kentlaw.edu/international/llm/
Contact
Chicago-Kent College of Law
Program Coordinator
Office of International Law and Policy
565 West Adams Street
Chicago, IL
60661
Phone: +1 (312) 906-5134
Fax: +1 (312) 906-5355
e-mail: intllm@kentlaw.edu

II. News you can use

New Student-Pulse study signals “explosion of choice in global HE market”

The StudentPulse study conducted by the International Graduate Insight Group (i-graduate) provides the most up-to-date picture of how prospective international students perceive their growing range of options, and shows which considerations currently have the biggest influence on their decisions.

Responses from over 11,000 prospective students from 143 countries indicate that the UK may be beginning to challenge the US as the most popular study destination, despite being seen as the most expensive place in the world to study.

95 per cent of those taking part in the study rated the UK as an attractive or very attractive place to study, compared with 93 per cent who felt the US was attractive or very attractive.

The study also reveals:

• What motivates students to study abroad

• Which factors most influence choice of where to study

• Which subjects are the most popular

• What the cleverest students are looking for

• What prospective international students are most concerned about

Downlowad press release: http://www.i-graduate.org/news/StudentPulse2008pressrelease.pdf

About i-graduate
The International Graduate Insight Group (i-graduate) is an independent research service specialising in the development and delivery of world-class insight tools and studies for stakeholders in education. i-graduate has worked with over 140 institutions worldwide. i-graduate works with universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, North America and South Africa.

About StudentPulse
i-graduate’s StudentPulse is a global study of the perceptions and motivations of prospective international students. The study has evolved over three years from initially being focussed solely on China to a much broader and more comprehensive exercise in October 2007 when a total 11,425 students from 143 countries were surveyed. Responses were gathered both online and at international education exhibitions and fairs.

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New ACA publication: The rise of English as language of instruction

Wächter, Bernd & Maiworm, Friedhelm, English-Taught Programmes in European Higher Education. The Picture in 2007. ACA Papers on International Cooperation in Education. Bonn: Lemmens, 2008. ISBN 978-3-932306-89-1.

International students have long favoured Anglophone countries as study destinations. And it goes without saying that the role of English as the lingua franca has been instrumental in attracting foreign students. In the last years of the past century, continental European higher education institutions started to teach in English, too, seeking to overcome their linguistic drawback. In 2002, the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA) produced the first ever overview and analysis of the phenomenon. The study, published in the ACA Papers on International Cooperation in Education (ISBN 3-932306-47-3), found that English-medium tuition in continental Europe was still a ‘marginal phenomenon’ then - even though the offer was expanding by the day.
How has the situation developed since? English-Taught Programmes in European Higher Education. The Picture in 2007 provides the answer to this question. Drawing a detailed European map of English-medium tuition in 27 European countries, it is essential reading for anyone interested in curricular internationalisation – and not least for those from English-speaking countries challenged by Europe’s English-taught provision. 
To order your copy, please contact the publisher:
Lemmens Medien GmbH
Matthias-Grünewald-Str. 1-3
53175 Bonn
Tel.: +49-228-42137-0
Fax: +49-228-42137-29
E-Mail: info@lemmens.de
Price € 24.80 (paperback version)
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