Suggestions on studies?

[Crimmy]

Well, I'm starting my senior year here in Mexico.
However, I'd like to study college in another country, preferably England or USA.

I like Art in the form of Painting/drawing, Photography, and Music.

I could do well in the field of chemistry and general science.

However, I do not know of any university in which I can study that, not to mention that even if I could, I would need a scholarship to pay for it.

Now, does anybody know a good place where I can study after I end HS?

EDIT:
Suggestion on what to study are welcome, too.

[Telonius]

Congratulations on finishing high school, and wanting to study abroad! It can be a terrific experience. I'm an American, and taking a semester to study in Germany was one of the best decisions I've ever made. First, I'd strongly suggest checking up on Mexico's government website as well as the US State Department site (http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html) or the UK Home Office (http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf5students) to find out what sort of documentation you'd need. As far as I'm aware, all students from foreign countries will need student visas, whether you're in the US or UK. (I'm not sure if the UK has an exception for EU or Commonwealth students, but that wouldn't apply to you).

The US university system is divided into two general types of schools: state-run and private. Tuition at state-run schools is generally lower than tuition at private schools, but the quality does vary by state. (The University of California at Berkeley, for example, is generally better regarded than the University of Wyoming). You can get the 2008 university rankings from US News and World Reports here (http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/college/national-search). Many universities do offer special scholarships to foreign students - a large number of them can boost the school's prestige. Again, this does vary by school; you would need to contact the university's admissions and financial aid departments to see what they can offer you. If you have excellent grades in your high school, that will help quite a bit.

Almost every US university offers some kind of fine arts or chemistry program. Jiulliard (http://www.juilliard.edu/)is probably the best-known for dance, drama, and music. Stanford (http://www.stanford.edu/)and Columbia (http://www.columbia.edu/)have excellent chemistry programs.

[Myshlaevsky]

I suppose if you're thinking about England the top ones to look at would be Oxford (http://www.ox.ac.uk/) or Cambridge (http://www.cam.ac.uk/). I believe Oxford university is slightly more accomodating to students in general.

[Crimmy]

One other question, though.

Supposing I manage to get in them, would you say it's better or worse to have a part time job while studying?

EDIT:

Also, does anybody here know of schools with Archaeology or Paleonthology studies?

[Myshlaevsky]

One other question, though.

Supposing I manage to get in them, would you say it's better or worse to have a part time job while studying?

EDIT:

Also, does anybody here know of schools with Archaeology or Paleonthology studies?

The university I'm going to, Edinburgh (http://www.ed.ac.uk/home), certainly does an archaeology course. St. Andrew's (http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/classics/archaeology/index.shtml), probably the most prestigious Scottish university, also runs a course in Archaeology.

[RTGoodman]

Of the things you mentioned (arts, science, archaeology), well, you can do that at basically any university in the US. The only different is how well-known the school is.

East Carolina, my alma mater to whom I'm returned for grad school this week, has a relatively good archaeology program that does a bit with Native American stuff (IIRC), and we also have the TOP Maritime Studies (a.k.a. Maritime History and Archaeology) program in the country. As for the arts, we have what's considered one of the top public schools around for studio art and that kind of thing, and our Science programs, I believe, aren't too shabby either.

Really, it comes down to what part of the US you want to come to, what sort of school you'd like (big public university, smaller private college, tiny hippie liberal arts school, etc.), how much you are able/want to pay, and all that. I'd talk to a guidance counselor or student services person (or whatever they call them where you're at - the people that get paid to tell students what they should do with their lives and where to go to school and such), and see what suggestions they can make.


As far as a part-time job, that's totally up to you. I went through my whole undergraduate career without a part-time job, but once I get back for grad school, I'm definitely looking for a job on the side. Most schools can help you out with that, and most provide jobs for students (either through the federal Work Study program, which you probably can'y qualify for, or just through some sort of student worker program).

[Serpentine]

Most unis in Australia have heaps of foreign students (and due to recent controversies, you may be able to get an extragood deal <.<). I think most unis also have archaeology (I know this one does) and paleontology. If you want somewhere to start, I'm at the University of New England. The James Cook University is, from what I've heard, very well spoken of, and I believe the Sydney University (or University of Sydney, or whatever) is pretty prestigious. I also like Charles Sturt, but that's mostly because their Albury campus is completely designed with the environment in mind (recycled and renewable building materials, non-energy requiring heating and cooling, wetland-based water treatment, drop loos, etc).

As for what degree you should take... Have you considered a Double? When I started my BaArts/Science, I intended the Science to be my career education, and Arts to cater to my interests. Turns out I'm better at Arts 9.9 Anyway, there's lots of choices in that regard. Note, though, that a double degree takes significantly longer, and may be more difficult.

[Ichneumon]

If I am correct, I´m not sure, the univeristy of London was actually rather good with art and creative stuff.

[Ichneumon]

One other question, though.

Supposing I manage to get in them, would you say it's better or worse to have a part time job while studying?

EDIT:

Also, does anybody here know of schools with Archaeology or Paleonthology studies?

You can study Archaelogy at Leiden Univeristy, I believe, I´ll check.

EDIT: I am correct.

[Tirian]

Supposing I manage to get in them, would you say it's better or worse to have a part time job while studying?


I worked 20-30 hours a week most of the time I was carrying a full load in college, and it worked well for me. I should say that most of that work was closely related to my field of study (math) and the rest was monitoring a computer cluster which required very little other than staying awake, so I could study or whatever. (In fact, now that I think on it, I was able to both jobs at the same time and double-bill, so maybe I only worked 15-20 hours a week....) I don't know if I'd have enjoyed it so much if I had a job that wore me out and took me off-campus, but lots of people survive doing that too.

[THAC0]

One other question, though.

Supposing I manage to get in them, would you say it's better or worse to have a part time job while studying?



Depends on your program. I studied Music, the program was intense. I would literally be in class for over 40 hours a week before homework and practicing. Most of my classmates didn't work at all. I managed 4-6 hours a week, but even that was killing me sometimes.

[unstattedCommoner]

Congratulations on finishing high school, and wanting to study abroad! It can be a terrific experience. I'm an American, and taking a semester to study in Germany was one of the best decisions I've ever made. First, I'd strongly suggest checking up on Mexico's government website as well as the US State Department site (http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html) or the UK Home Office (http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf5students) to find out what sort of documentation you'd need. As far as I'm aware, all students from foreign countries will need student visas, whether you're in the US or UK. (I'm not sure if the UK has an exception for EU or Commonwealth students, but that wouldn't apply to you).


There should certainly be an exception for EU students; the EU Treaty requires as much.

As a non-EU student in Britain, you will get no financial support whatsoever unless your university sees fit to give you some. See further the UCAS website (http://www.ucas.ac.uk/), particularly here (http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/nonukstudents/), and the British Council (http://www.educationuk.org/).

[Crimmy]

Thanks everyone.
It's still another year and a half before I am legally able to move out of my country [Danged Military service... ¬,¬]

I still need to think about it a lot, because, even with all your help, it's still a very sensitive matter.

@Serpie:
Well, I really wouldn't mind going to Australia. I mean, kangaroos, universities, and an island, all in one? Great stuff for all I care. I'd love to go, and not just for those reasons.

@Ichy: Short but concise. Thanks.

@rtg0922: Well, The "want to pay" matter is not really in my mind, because being from Mexico, I'm not precisely well-off. However, I am willing to do my best.
You say:

Most schools can help you out with that, and most provide jobs for students (either through the federal Work Study program, which you probably can'y qualify for, or just through some sort of student worker program).

I'm curious as to which kind of jobs they have, because I'm really not THAT proficient with any job at all. However, I believe that, if I ever go, I should see what they've got. Strikes me as a good thing for students, too.

@Tirian:
Thanks for the advice.
If I'm lucky and my wits serve me right, I might not need a part-time. However, since I'm not really all that smart and all, I do believe it would be great to have some back-up.

@THAC0:
Well, I never thought music could be all that hard, but if it is, then maybe I'll have to adjust if I get to study that. Thanks anyway, and I'll watch out for it.

@unstatted:
So, unless I get a job on my own, financial support is out. Great to know that now, and not later.
Thank you. Lots of thanks.


Thanks again to you all.
I'll still need more suggestions and/or warnings if I plan to travel in a soon future. :smallwink:

[Lupy]

North Carolina has good, cheap schools, and I'm sure they have scholarships for Hispanic students because of the demographics of the State. Could work in your favor though.

[Serpentine]

@Serpie:
Well, I really wouldn't mind going to Australia. I mean, kangaroos, universities, and an island, all in one? Great stuff for all I care. I'd love to go, and not just for those reasons.I believe that the Australian government does offer some support to foreign students, with some equivalent to Youth Allowance. I'm afraid I don't know the details, though. HOWEVER. The overseas student program here has been heavily criticised recently. It started with a riot by the Indian community over the bashing of Indian students (it's unclear whether they were targeted for being Indian, or whether it was just an unfortunate coincidence. In any case...). It then came out that a number of students are unhappy with the services their programs have provided, and some have even been ripped off (I don't know the details. I'll do a quick search in a sec). It's worth noting that all this stuff has come from Sydney - Armidale (where I am) and other rural places haven't gotten involved at all.
Basically, if you do decide to come to Australia, do some research on the developments here, choose your program carefully, keep track of everything you spend, and look carefully into your rights and the like.

Studying in Australia. (http://studyinaustralia.gov.au/Sia/en/Home.htm)
International (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25861976-601,00.html) student (http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20090528173114651) controversy (http://wotnews.com.au/like/international_students_senate_inquiry_taking_submi ssions_to_reach_solutions/3677970/).

[RTGoodman]

@rtg0922: I'm curious as to which kind of jobs they have, because I'm really not THAT proficient with any job at all. However, I believe that, if I ever go, I should see what they've got. Strikes me as a good thing for students, too.

Usually it's pretty easy to get an on-campus job: safety patrol (you walk around campus and call the cops if you see suspicious activity), computer lab assistant, IT intern/worker, tutor (and if you're from Mexico, you could probably make a killing as a Spanish tutor), library assistant, bus driver, and so on.

As to you lack of experience well, I don't think it'll matter TOO much. One of my former roommates came from a pretty well-off family (both his parents were civilian contractors with the US Department of Defense), and he never had a job of any sort in his life, and wasn't even that great of a student (C+ average, I think). BUT, his first attempt at getting a job was with ECU Safety Patrol or Student Patrol or whatever they call it, and he got one right off the bat. Last I heard, he'd been working there a while, and was actually a supervisor or something.


North Carolina has good, cheap schools, and I'm sure they have scholarships for Hispanic students because of the demographics of the State. Could work in your favor though.

Well, the cheap part is slowly fading away (I'm sorely in debt from a NC public university, as are most of my friends), but yeah, there's definitely opportunity. Crimmy, if you decide to try out NC schools, shoot me a PM - I have several friends in the ECU SALSA (http://www.clubhouse.ecu.edu/SALSA/) (Student Association of Latino Spanish Affairs) group, and I can maybe get some info from them.


As for where to start, pick out a few different schools you might be interested in, no matter the country, visit their websites, and find the International Students section. Every university website probably has one, and that'd be the major hub for information vital to you.

[arguskos]

If you're interested in the sciences, and chemistry in particular, look at the University of Texas at Dallas. They have a strong chem program, and also like giving out scholarships like candy. I don't know how it'll work for someone not from the US, but I bet it can be worked out without too much trouble. Just thought I'd toss that out there.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Also, does anybody here know of schools with Archaeology or Paleonthology studies?

I second Leiden University in the Netherlands as a very good place to do Archeology.

On the topic of Palaeontology, in Utrecht (the Netherlands) we offer the Biogeology (*click*) (http://www.uu.nl/EN/INFORMATIONFOR/INTERNATIONALSTUDENTS/BIOGEOLOGY/Pages/study.aspx) path for Biologists and Geologists (the path starts in the Bachelor's education). It is very much focused on and facilitating towards international students. It is not aimed much at dinosaur-bones type of palaeontology (althought some students end up doing that anyway), but more on palynology and palaeoecology (reconstructing past environment and predicting the results of future changes)(*click* (http://www3.bio.uu.nl/palaeo/education/index.html)).

[Last_resort_33]

If you're looking at England, The University of York (http://www.york.ac.uk) has an excellent Archeaology course, My husband is doing it. From the people I know, I'd recommend most courses there (except possibly economics, That dept. apparently has some problems).

They also have an extensive geek network for any and every type of geek.
They are appararently (comparatively) good for foreign students as well.

[Serpentine]

Just saw a news item on the international students controversy. Apparently part of the cause is a policy saying that international students can stay here after they complete their degree, or somesuch. Seems to basically be that if you stick with mainstream public universities you should be fine.

[Cyrion]

Since you've got a year and a half left of high school, you've got a chance to work on the absolutely most important thing as far as making school in the US affordable- your grades. If you have good grades, you will qualify for merit-based scholarships at many schools. For example, when I went to Drew University (I majored in chem and minored in math and got into an excellent grad school after) anyone who was in the top 2% of their high school class (or #1 or 2 in the case of a small class) qualified for a $12,000 per year scholarship; at the time that was nearly a full ride. Other universities will have similar opportunities. In addition to helping you with getting money, having good grades will dramatically affect which schools you get into. All universities, public or private, are going to be competitive for international students, so you'll want to give yourself the most ammunition you can with your grades.

You will want to make sure that you look into the FAFSA- the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It's the form that all financial aid, federal or not, will require you to fill out, and it reqires some pretty involved information about you and your parents. If you look at it now you'll have time to make sure you have the information by the time you need it.

Best of luck!

[RTGoodman]

You will want to make sure that you look into the FAFSA- the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

For scholarships from schools, yes, I can see those working out. However, I DON'T know if he can even do the FAFSA. It's an application for Federal Student Aid, which may be limited to US citizens, and besides that, it's based on the state and federal income taxes of the student and/or his parents; if Crimmy is Mexican, I don't really imagine his parents pay American income taxes. :smalltongue:

Still, talk to someone at your school that's knowledgeable. They can surely help you, or at least point you in the direction of others that can.

[Telonius]

SALSA (http://www.clubhouse.ecu.edu/SALSA/) (Student Association of Latino Spanish Affairs)

Good lord. I know that I don't have much room to talk, living in DC and all, but that acronym isn't even trying. Some poor schmuck must have had to spend a whole day trying to figure out words to go with the acronym.

[CurlyKitGirl]

For an international student to study in the UK there're several things you need to consider:
UK students tuition fees p.a. : £3 225
Overseas/international students tuition fees p.a.: £9 000 ish.
Plus on top of that you'll need to find accomodation for possibly the shorter holidays.

However, every university - or at least every major one - offers scholarships for international students to some degree.
Best thing to do if you really want to study in the UK is to either start here (http://www.google.co.uk/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=2&oq=uk+university+sc&hl=en-GB&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADBF_en-GBGB251GB251&q=uk+university+scholarships+for+international+stu dents) on the magic of Google if you want to base your decisions on the financial aid you'll be getting from the university or with the Times university ratings.
They grade unis on overall performance, and I think they break it down into subject too.

Exeter University does a very good archaeology degree; but Bournemouth University has one of the best in the country; plus it recently got £8 million solely to buy new archaeology equipment.

EDIT:
And most universities require foreign students from a non - English speaking country to have a TOEFL score of around 5.5; I have seen it as high as 6.5 though.

[Cyrion]

For scholarships from schools, yes, I can see those working out. However, I DON'T know if he can even do the FAFSA. It's an application for Federal Student Aid, which may be limited to US citizens, and besides that, it's based on the state and federal income taxes of the student and/or his parents; if Crimmy is Mexican, I don't really imagine his parents pay American income taxes. :smalltongue:

Still, talk to someone at your school that's knowledgeable. They can surely help you, or at least point you in the direction of others that can.

The FAFSA has a category for "eligible non-citizen." I have zero idea what the qualifications for that are. And you're right, the tax info will be odd. Thus the recommendation that Crimmy take a first look at it now. The FAFSA is due in September, and it might take several months to get documentation figured out.

[Crimmy]

@Serpie:
Well, I'm not all that worried about shootouts and the sort. We just had a very violent matter in Oaxaca, where teachers took the streets by force and bombs.
However, I'd rather finish school sith as little holes as possible. :smallbiggrin:

@rtg0922:
I find that I'm either becoming more stupid, or simply a lot more lost than usual.
How could I forget the fact that I can help with teaching spanish?!
Yes, that sounds like a great opportunity. And the SALSA will certainly be a big help if anything comes up.

@Autopsibiofeeder: maybe the Netherlands will be a bit too much with me, having a completely unknown language in there, I'd have to learn at least the basics before getting there. However, those universities seem very attractive.

@Curly: TOEFL is the only thing I need. That, and enough money just to pay the plane and residence. My english teacher, however, thinks that TOEFL is not really all that great, and a better test is the Cambridge, or the First Certificate.
Exeter and Bournemouth, however, were recommended by a friend of mine.
I would simply need to find enough time to improve my grades.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

@Autopsibiofeeder: maybe the Netherlands will be a bit too much with me, having a completely unknown language in there, I'd have to learn at least the basics before getting there. However, those universities seem very attractive.


I totally understand how you feel. However, you can get around with English pretty well over here. In general, social life and especially in an academic environment. For your Bachelor's education an English/Spanish country would I guess be best, but once you start planning towards a masters (and perhaps beyond): they are (at least in Utrecht) taught in English by default.

Just don't forget about Holland for the future...we have the best....ehhh...tall people :smallsmile:

[Serpentine]

@Serpie:
Well, I'm not all that worried about shootouts and the sort. We just had a very violent matter in Oaxaca, where teachers took the streets by force and bombs.
However, I'd rather finish school sith as little holes as possible. :smallbiggrin:
Erm... Generally speaking (there are definitely (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/02/2587601.htm) exceptions (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/07/02/2614314.htm)), the only people who really have to worry about guns are members of organised crime, people on the wrong side of (mostly Victorian) police, and kangaroos (http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/national/national/general/police-shoot-kangaroo-dead-in-front-of-children/1590232.aspx).

The main safety issue is bashing, not murder. You're not (I believe) black, Asian, Indian or Middle Eastern (though you may be mistaken for such...), so you'll probably be alright *sigh* None of that... well, anywhere outside of Sydney, so far as I know.