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52 Earth-Shattering Green Tea Benefits

2011-05-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

History

Green tea is believed to have been discovered by the Chinese over four thousand years ago and used for its herbal and medicinal powers. It comes from a plant named Carmellia Sinensis. Unlike black tea, which is completely oxidized, green tea leaves are simply steamed and hence ensure the preservation of useful antioxidants, tannins and flavonoids. The Japanese trade with Europe, especially with the Portugese, in the 1500s brought about the exchange of tea culture. Today, the Chinese green tea has become popular for its detoxifying capacity and therapeutic properties.

Benefits

Out of all of the health benefits of green tea, weight loss seems the most popular application. It is also useful for Detox diets and can be used as a healthy diet drink suitable for every weight loss program. People also use it for other purposes, and this article will give you some great tips and uses of green tea.

Here are some great benefits, tips and cooking secrets when it comes to green tea:

1. The International Journal of Obesity mentions green tea as having poly phenols which produce extra heat in the body and burn calories
2. Green tea leaves contain Epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, which may be able to obliterate cancer cells without disturbing neighboring tissues
3. The University of Geneva showed some studies which prove that people on green tea diets are more likely to use up fats than people not using green tea
4. EGCD also helps with escalating the twenty four hour energy outflow of the body
5. Green tea reduces the risk of strokes
6. It also has a favorable effect on hypertension and LDL cholesterol
7. Green tea carries catechin polyphenols which can help delay the reaction of gastric and pancreatic lipases, which are enzymes responsible for converting calories into fats
8. Catechin also destroys the bacteria which can cause food poisoning. It also eradicates the toxins produced by these bacteria
9. Catechin may be able to stop cancer cells from further growth
10. Green tea contains caffeine in moderate quantity, which works as an appetite suppressant (high quantities of caffeine, for example in coffee, can cause medical problems including hyper tension and insomnia)
11. Green tea is also good for maintaining good oral hygiene. It contains fluorine, which prevents cavities. It also carries ingredients which suppress plaque formation and bacteria which cause bad breath
12. Polysaccharides and other ingredients in green tea help lower blood sugar
13. Green tea is rich in the anti oxidant Vitamin E, which slows the aging process
14. Cleveland’s Western Reserve conducted a study which shows that having four cups of green tea each day prevents the oncoming of rheumatoid arthritis and can also reduce symptoms in individuals who already have this medical condition
15. For four thousand years, Chinese people have been using green tea for treating headaches and even depression
16. While the other tea leaves are fermented, green tea leaves are steamed and they retrieve their original medicinal capabilities
17. Green tea is also good for your heart
18. It improves the function of your immune system
19. Green tea diets have certain compounds which promote thermogenesis in the body
20. These compounds increase your body’s regular metabolism and also suppress the appetite. This is why it is considered a great diet inclusion
21. It has been discovered that men receiving regular dosages of green tea diet support had a significant four percent raise in their 24-hour energy expenditure
22. They also found that green tea diet aid reduces the respiration quotient. This means that green tea diet aid causes more fats to burn
23. In another study, it was shown that men who were not given green tea diet aid showed only minimal increases in their metabolic rates and almost no reduction in their respiration quotient
24. Some substances in green tea modify how the body utilizes the hormone norepinephrine, which is responsible for escalating metabolism and hence leading to diet aid
25. These ingredients in green tea help increase the speed of fat and calorie burning and optimize diet aid
26. Mega-T Green Tea, another type of green tea, carries a high amount of Green Tea extract which helps curb your appetite.
27. This type of Green Tea also contains chromium
28. Chromium in Mega-T Green Tea helps reduce fats by increasing your metabolic rates. Hence, when you use Mega-T Green Tea, fat-burning happens more rapidly than usual
29. Another useful ingredient of Mega-T Green Tea is the herb Garcinia Cambogia. This herb in Mega-T Green Tea helps you overcome food cravings
30. When you use green tea, you do not need to worry about overeating, because Green Tea lets you know when your stomach has had enough. This basically means that you can always be sure to eat just the right amount of food. And we all know that lesser food intake means lesser fats storage in the body
31. Taking fewer calories usually means you have lower energy levels. This means you won’t have any energy to do your weight loss exercises. But green tea contains guarana, which is a well known energy booster
32. This way, green tea will give you the energy you need in order to exercise and lose some more pounds
33. Siberian Ginseng in green tea gives you a lot of stamina for hard work
34. More stamina means more work done
35. It boosts your energy
36. It also has diuretics which induce sweating, which causes your body perspire and lose liquid weight when you work out
37. Most green tea packages come with diet suggestions in the box which, are the original methods of weight loss
38. Green tea diet happens to be an excellent source of polycatechin polyphenols, a group of antioxidants which act on free radicals
39. Free radicals have harmful effects on the body, since they are the major causes of diseases and aging
40. The presence of polycatechin polyphenols in green tea diets gives individuals a better chance of circumventing disorders and keeping themselves healthy for a much longer period of time
41. The EGCG in green tea diet also acts with the famous compound caffeine. Interaction of these two compounds causes a green tea diet to encourage thermogenesis in the body
42. But no diet can work like a complete miracle. Green tea diets, like all other ones, work best together with additional work outs and diet consciousness from most individuals
43. Green tea diets require restraint and compassion to make any significant impact on your weight loss goals
44. Weight loss experts and dieticians all agree that weight loss supplements greatly help the dieter in his continuing battle for a toned body
45. Green tea extract is the most prominent of the major supplements available on the market
46. Green tea has been historically used as a remedy for indigestion, depression and headaches
47. It is considered an excellent organic alternative to weight loss supplements
48. A journal on the health benefits of plants called Phytomedicine conducted a recent study and published the results which said that people who take green tea extract as weight loss supplement ideally lose about two-and-a-half pounds a month
49. Green tea weight loss supplements come in standardized tablets or in capsule forms
50. You should always try to choose a green tea weight loss supplement which has ninety milligrams of EGCG and fifty milligrams of caffeine
51. Green tea weight loss supplements are normally taken three times a day before meals
52. Though green tea weight loss supplements have zero adverse side effects, it is still advised to talk with your doctor before taking them.

Green Tea Diet Plans

There is perhaps enough said on the facts and myths when it comes to weight loss. Obesity rates are on the rise and it requires more encouragement each day to make people follow a healthy lifestyle, given the amount of fast food and sitting down work which surrounds us. We spend our time in front of television sets and video game consoles, and even at work it is not easy to be active most of the time. Gym memberships expire without you having ever seen the face of the instructor beyond the initial sessions.

People are suffering from so many obesity-related problems and they don’t even know it. Depression, heart palpitations, hypertension are only the few. Obesity also causes blot clots which lead to strokes and cardiac arrests. But more and more people every day are unable to give the unhealthy choices up.

The major reason behind the increase of green tea sales is undoubtedly its application in the weight loss industry. Dieticians have come up with programs based around green tea which offer stable and healthy weight loss possibilities. With some discipline and the right planning, your weight loss routine can help you shed those extra pounds and give you many more benefits. Most fad diets will keep you off coffee, caffeine and tea products which have become a part of most of our lives.
It is difficult to stay off tea and coffee and still be energized enough in order to work on any gym routine or such. With a green tea diet, you can have your morning shot of caffeine and still retain your diet plan.

Some of the most famous diets which can benefit from green tea are as follows:

Atkins Diet
One of the most famous low carb diets with plenty of variety was devised by Dr. Atkins. This diet works best with green tea. Artificial sweeteners are advisable to use in this diet as well. The idea is to eat all of the types of food out there except carbohydrates.

The Zone Diet
A former bio technology researcher at the Massacathusetts Institute of Technology named Barry Sears introduced this plan. The diet is based on consistency and maintenance of insulin levels in your body. But there are certain problems with this plan which can be handled by including green tea. This diet plan requires that you leave sugar out of your diet and replace it with artificial sweeteners and low fat milk.

Sugar Busters Diet
Again, the use of artificial sweeteners is allowed but the main theme is to cut down on the sugars. Green tea also works as a supplement as far as this diet plan is concerned.

Blood Type Diet
Another popular diet plan and regimen includes types of food based on individual blood types. It is more restrictive compared to the other diets and, for example, it encourages people with A and AB blood types to indulge in coffee. Whereas on the other hand, people with blood group O are not allowed to use coffee. But green tea is allowed for all blood types. Again: the sweeteners such as honey, sugar, stevia and syrups are to be avoided.

Paleolithic Diet
This diet is also referred to as the Stone Age Diet Plan and is based on consumption of unprocessed simple foods. It is also validates the use of green tea. But coffee is completely denied. Sugars, especially refined, are to be avoided.

How to Make the Best Cup of Green Tea
Learning a few brewing tips for green tea leaves will give you a great healthy drink. The idea is to get a great taste as well as retain the healthy ingredients. The best way to get a good cup of green tea is to keep the temperature measured. The ideal temperature will bring out the best in those green tea leaves. As a general rule, a temperature between 140F and 185F is suitable.

If water temperature is too scalding, it will make the tea bitter and the delicate aroma will be lost. On the other hand, a very low temperature will not extract the full flavor in the tea. It also does not require much steeping and, in fact, the flavor will become bitter. But if you want a stronger flavor, you can steep the green tea on a low temperature.

Green Tea Patches
The popularity and success of nicotine patches has inspired the oncoming of weight loss patches. They are basically a good idea for people who forget their dosages and have difficulty remembering supplement timings. They are generally made out of ingredients such as seaweed and algae, which are appetite suppressants. Now companies have come up with green tea patches which also aid as far as all popular diets are concerned.

Green tea patches have the natural ingredients such as polyphenols which act as a supplement for weight loss. This recent discovery has helped increased the metabolic rate of the body. Many companies which specialize in pharmaceutical products have now introduced green tea into the market in the form of a supplement. They come in various types of diet pills and also the contemporary weight loss patches. These green tea weight loss patches have no adverse side-effects and are therefore a better alternative to other synthetic products. The most common substances used to aid weight loss these days include things such as ephedra, which may increase heart rates and could also lead to cardiovascular complications.

The antioxidants in green tea weight loss patches destroy LDL cholesterols while enhancing the good cholesterol levels in the body. This creates a balance in the body which could only lead to overall good health and well-being. LDL, which is the bad cholesterol found in the body, needs to be kept low and Green tea weight loss patches are good for people with high LDL because they lower their levels.

There are two ways in which green tea weight loss patches work, number one being that they suppress your appetite naturally and safely. A study from the University of Chicago on lab rats shows that the when injected with green tea, they can lose up to 21% of their bodyweight. This works due to the fact that a substance present in green tea acts as a natural appetite-suppressant which keeps off hunger. Green tea weight loss patches also elevate metabolism. They have high epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) content, which make it possible for green tea weight loss patches to have a distinct advantage over stimulant diet drugs which can be harmful to individuals with heart complications and hypertension.

Some substances in Green tea have been widely renowned to be the world’s most effective dermal protection against the Ultraviolet radiation of the sun. The content of antioxidants can also help prevent cancers including ovarian, stomach, oral, colon, cervical, prostate and breast cancers. The green tea diets can also help reduce harmful intestinal flora, while increasing beneficial intestinal flora. This ability is the main reason for its possible preventive effects when it comes to cancer. This also gives green tea the ability to acts as a powerfully anti-inflammatory substance and also to reduce oxidative stress in smokers and non-smokers alike.

Green Tea Basics
Green Tea Basics

* Chyawanprash is health tonic
* Green Tea Studies
* Green Tea Reviews
* Green Tea Pregnancy

Green Tea Products
Green Tea Products

* Loose Green Tea
* Lipton Green Tea
* Jasmine Green Tea
* Japanese Green Tea

Green Tea Types
Green Tea Types

* Decaf Green Tea
* Black Tea
* Bigelow Green Tea
* Arizona Green Tea

Green Tea Benefits
Green Tea Benefits

* Increase Metabolism With Green Tea
* Green Tea Skin
* Green Tea Nutrition
* Green Tea Cancer

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2011-05-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

Most people understand that Green Tea, and green tea supplements are good for us – but ask anyone why it is good for us, and they probably won’t have an answer. Indeed, it has long been general knowledge that green tea provides support to the human body – and this is backed up scientifically.

In this article, however, we will provide you with more substantial information – so that you can actually understand how green tea works, and exactly what it has been proven to do.

Benefits of Green Tea.

Let’s start with the health benefits of green tea. There are numerous benefits which can be had from the consumption (regular consumption) of the substance. Currently, scientific testing has revealed the following:

- reduction in heart disease.
- reduction in bad cholesterol.
- increase in metabolic rate / fat oxidization.
- prevention of the death of brain cells – meaning less chance of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases.
- lower incidence of cancers.
- helps in weight loss.

As you can see – the potential health benefits from just drinking a cup of green tea can be tremendous. However, these benefits are not felt at their maximum level, until you begin to consume large amounts of green tea every day. For an adult, this would amount to around 8 cups per day.

To get around this, health food companies are now producing supplements with green tea as the active ingredient. By providing green tea in supplement form, a person is able to reduce the need for multiple cups of green tea every day, whilst maximizing their intake of green tea extract.

Generally, one green tea supplements tablets or serving will give you around about 8 cups worth of the vital polyphenols which are contained in green tea. Don’t know what a polyphenol is? Let’s get into the science of green tea now.

The Science of Green Tea.

As we previously said, many people know that green tea is good for you, but they don’t know how it actually works or provides the health benefits that it does. Therefore, a scientific breakdown of green tea is necessary, so that you can fully understand the way in which green tea interacts with the body.

The most important component of green tea is something called a polyphenol – which is a substance also known as a catechin. It is generally understood that the consumption of polyphenols are able to improve your health in numerous ways such as with the factors listed above.

The way that green tea acts with the cells on a biological level is complex. All you need to know is that the polyphenols act to strengthen immune and body cells, whilst weakening intruder cells and cancerous / tumor cells. The effectiveness will be clear. It means that the body is now stronger and more able to fight off the diseases caused by the opposite.

The Best Green Tea Supplements.

As with most health food supplements, no two products are the same. When it comes to green tea supplements, you need to ensure that the quality of the green tea extract included is top of the line. Thankfully, we have done a lot of research into this topic, and have found the following products:

Green4Tea Miracle Tea Review

Green4Tea Miracle Tea
Green4Tea is one of the hottest antioxidant formulas on the planet, and with thousands of people already shedding the weight, what is there to lose? The formula is easy to prepare and drink each day, and you will feel so much better for doing it! Let’s review some of the benefits first!

-You will lower your blood pressure.

-Feel more energized.

-Lose weight quickly.

-Boost your mood.

-Have clearer skin and hair due to a boost in antioxidants and healthy vitamins.

Those are the initial benefits that are noticeable immediately. Green tea is a better weight loss aid than phenforum phentermine. Green4Tea reviews around the web are raving about the benefits this tea is able to produce – and it’s pretty affordable too. Sometimes not everyone can digest a capsule or pill, but this liquid formula is easy to swallow and digest.

The best part is that it is safe for anyone of any age. It’s just green tea after all, with extra potent anti-oxidant and brewing methods that will increase the quality of your life! Other weight loss programs use chemicals and pills, but pure green tea is potent and safe for anyone. Another benefit to this product is that it has a money back guarantee. Don’t like it? Then you can get your money back!

Green Hope International Pvt. Ltd

2011-05-04T01:08:00.000-07:00

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2011-05-04T01:00:00.001-07:00

Botanical evidence indicates that India and China were among the first countries to cultivate tea. Today, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. Hundreds of millions of people drink tea around the world, and studies suggest that green tea (Camellia sinesis) in particular has many health benefits.

There are three main varieties of tea -- green, black, and oolong. The difference between the teas is in their processing. Green tea is made from unfermented leaves and reportedly contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals -- damaging compounds in the body that alter cells, tamper with DNA (genetic material), and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet rays from the sun, radiation, cigarette smoke, and air pollution) also give rise to these damaging particles. Many scientists believe that free radicals contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems, including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants such as polyphenols in green tea can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

Green tea has been consumed throughout the ages in India, China, Japan, and Thailand. In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, practitioners used green tea as a stimulant, diuretic (to promote the excretion of urine), astringent (to control bleeding and help heal wounds), and to improve heart health. Other traditional uses of green tea include treating flatulence (gas), regulating body temperature and blood sugar, promoting digestion, and improving mental processes.

Green tea has been extensively studied in people, animals, and laboratory experiments. Results from these studies suggest that green tea may be useful for the following health conditions:

Atherosclerosis

Population-based clinical studies indicate that the antioxidant properties of green tea may help prevent atherosclerosis, particularly coronary artery disease. (Population-based studies means studies that follow large groups of people over time or studies that are comparing groups of people living in different cultures or with different dietary habits.) Researchers aren't sure why green tea reduces the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Studies show that black tea has similar beneficial effects. In fact, researchers estimate that the rate of heart attack decreases by 11% with consumption of 3 cups of tea per day. In May 2006, however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rejected a petition from teamakers to allow tea labels to claim that green tea reduces the risk of heart disease. The FDA concluded that there is no credible evidence to support qualified health claims for green tea or green tea extract reducing the risk of heart disease.

High cholesterol

Research shows that green tea lowers total cholesterol and raises HDL ("good") cholesterol in both animals and people. One population-based clinical study found that men who drink green tea are more likely to have lower total cholesterol than those who do not drink green tea. Results from one animal study suggest that polyphenols in green tea may block the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and promote its excretion from the body. In another small study of male smokers, researchers found that green tea significantly reduced blood levels of harmful LDL cholesterol.

Cancer

Several population-based clinical studies have shown that both green and black teas help protect against cancer. For example, cancer rates tend to be low in countries such as Japan where people regularly consume green tea. However, it is not possible to determine from these population-based studies whether green tea actually prevents cancer in people. Emerging clinical studies suggest that the polyphenols in tea, especially green tea, may play an important role in the prevention of cancer. Researchers also believe that polyphenols help kill cancerous cells and stop their progression.

Bladder cancer. Only a few clinical studies have examined the relationship between bladder cancer and tea consumption. In one study that compared people with and without bladder cancer, researchers found that women who drank black tea and powdered green tea were less likely to develop bladder cancer. A follow-up clinical study by the same group of researchers revealed that bladder cancer patients (particularly men) who drank green tea had a substantially better 5-year survival rate than those who did not.

Breast cancer. Clinical studies in animals and test tubes suggest that polyphenols in green tea inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. In one study of 472 women with various stages of breast cancer, researchers found that women who consumed the most green tea experienced the least spread of cancer (particularly premenopausal women in the early stages of breast cancer). They also found that women with early stages of the disease who drank at least 5 cups of tea every day before being diagnosed with cancer were less likely to suffer recurrences of the disease after completion of treatment. However, women with late stages of breast cancer experienced little or no improvement from drinking green tea. In terms of breast cancer prevention, the studies are inconclusive. In one very large study, researchers found that drinking tea, green or any other type, was not associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. However, when the researchers broke down the sample by age, among women under the age of 50, those who consumed 3 or more cups of tea per day were 37% less likely to develop breast cancer compared to women who didn't drink tea.

Ovarian cancer. In a clinical study conducted on ovarian cancer patients in China, researchers found that women who drank at least one cup of green tea per day survived longer with the disease than those who didn' t drink green tea. In fact, those who drank the most tea, lived the longest. Other studies found no beneficial effects.

Colorectal cancer. Clinical studies on the effects of green tea on colon or rectal cancer have produced conflicting results. Some clinical studies show decreased risk in those who drink the tea, while others show increased risk. In one study, women who drank 5 or more cups of green tea per day had a significantly lower risk of colorectal cancer compared to non-tea-drinkers. There was no effect in men, however. Other studies show that regular tea consumption may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in women. Further research is needed before researchers can recommend green tea for the prevention of colorectal cancer.

Esophageal cancer. Studies in laboratory animals have found that green tea polyphenols inhibit the growth of esophageal cancer cells. However, clinical studies in people have produced conflicting findings. For example, one large-scale population-based clinical study found that green tea offered significant protection against the development of esophageal cancer (particularly among women). Another population-based clinical study revealed just the opposite -- green tea consumption was associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. In fact, the stronger and hotter the tea, the greater the risk. Given these conflicting results, further research is needed before scientists can recommend green tea for the prevention of esophageal cancer.

Lung cancer. While green tea polyphenols have been shown to inhibit the growth of human lung cancer cells in test tubes, few clinicial studies have investigated the link between green tea consumption and lung cancer in people and even these studies have been conflicting. One population-based clinical study found that Okinawan tea (similar to green tea but partially fermented) was associated with decreased lung cancer risk, particularly among women. A second clinical study revealed that green tea and black tea significantly increased the risk of lung cancer. As with colon and esophageal cancers, further clinical studies are needed before researchers can draw any conclusions about green tea and lung cancer.

Pancreatic cancer. In one large-scale clinical study researchers compared green tea drinkers with non-drinkers and found that those who drank the most tea were significantly less likely to develop pancreatic cancer. This was particularly true for women -- those who drank the most green tea were half as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as those who drank less tea. Men who drank the most tea were 37% less likely to develop pancreatic cancer. However, it is not clear from this population-based study whether green tea is solely responsible for reducing pancreatic cancer risk. Further studies in animals and people are needed before researchers can recommend green tea for the prevention of pancreatic cancer.

Prostate cancer. Laboratory studies have found that green tea extracts prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells in test tubes. In a large clinical study conducted in Southeast China researchers found that the risk of prostate cancer declined with increasing frequency, duration and quantity of green tea consumption. However, both green and black tea extracts also stimulated genes that cause cells to be less sensitive to chemotherapy drugs. Given this potential interaction, people should not drink black and green tea (as well as extracts of these teas) while receiving chemotherapy.

Skin cancer. The main polyphenol in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Scientific studies suggest that EGCG and green tea polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties that may help prevent the onset and growth of skin tumors.

Stomach cancer. Laboratory studies have found that green tea polyphenols inhibit the growth of stomach cancer cells in test tubes, but clinical studies in people have been less conclusive. In two studies that compared green tea drinkers with non-drinkers, researchers found that people who drank tea were about half as likely to develop stomach cancer and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) as those who did not drink green tea. However, a clinicial study including more than 26,000 men and women in Japan found no association between green tea consumption and stomach cancer risk. Some clinicial studies even suggest that green tea may increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Further clinicial studies are underway to determine whether green tea helps reduce the risk of stomach cancer. Although green tea is considered safe for people at risk for stomach cancer, it is too soon to tell whether green tea reduces the likelihood of developing this disease.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Green tea may help reduce inflammation associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two types of IBD. If green tea proves to be helpful for preventing colon cancer, this would be an added benefit for those with IBD because they are at risk for colon cancer.

Diabetes

Green tea has been used traditionally to control blood sugar in the body. Animal studies suggest that green tea may help prevent the development of type 1 diabetes and slow the progression once it has developed. People with type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin, a hormone that converts glucose (sugar), starches, and other foods into energy needed for daily life. Green tea may help regulate glucose in the body.

A few small clinical studies have found that daily supplementation of the diet with green tea extract powder lowered the hemoglobin A1c level in individuals with borderline diabetes.

Liver disease

Population-based clinical studies have shown that men who drink more than 10 cups of green tea per day are less likely to develop disorders of the liver. Green tea also seems to protect the liver from the damaging effects of toxic substances such as alcohol. Animal studies have shown that green tea helps protect against the development of liver tumors in mice.

Results from several animal and human studies suggest that one of the polyphenols present in green tea, known as catechin, may help treat viral hepatitis (inflammation of the liver from a virus). In these studies, catechin was isolated from green tea and used in very high concentrations. It is not clear whether green tea (which contains a lower concentration of catechins) confers these same benefits to people with hepatitis.

Weight loss

Clinical studies suggest that green tea extract may boost metabolism and help burn fat. One study confirmed that the combination of green tea and caffeine improved weight loss and maintenance in overweight and moderately obese individuals. Some researchers speculate that substances in green tea known as polyphenols, specifically the catechins, are responsible for the herb's fat-burning effect.

Other uses

Drinking green tea has been found effective in a small clinical study for dental caries, or tooth decay. More studies need to be performed. Green tea may also be useful in inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis. Research indicates that green tea may benefit arthritis by reducing inflammation and slowing cartilage breakdown. Chemicals found in green tea may also be effective in treating genital warts and preventing symptoms of colds and influenza. Studies also show that drinking green tea is associated with reduced risk of all cause mortality.

Plant Description:
Green, black, and oolong tea are all derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Originally cultivated in East Asia, this plant grows as large as a shrub or tree. Today, Camellia sinensis grows throughout Asia and parts of the Middle East and Africa.

People in Asian countries more commonly consume green and oolong tea while black tea is most popular in the United States. Green tea is prepared from unfermented leaves, the leaves of oolong tea are partially fermented, and black tea is fully fermented. The more the leaves are fermented, the lower the polyphenol content (See: "What's It Made Of?") and the higher the caffeine content. Green tea has the highest polyphenol content while black tea has roughly 2 - 3 times the caffeine content of green tea.

What's It Made Of?:
The healthful properties of green tea are largely attributed to polyphenols, chemicals with potent antioxidant properties. In fact, the antioxidant effects of polyphenols appear to be greater than vitamin C. The polyphenols in green tea also give it a somewhat bitter flavor.

Polyphenols contained in teas are classified as catechins. Green tea contains six primary catechin compounds: catechin, gallaogatechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and apigallocatechin gallate (also known as EGCG). EGCG is the most studied polyphenol component in green tea and the most active.

Green tea also contains alkaloids including caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These alkaloids provide green tea's stimulant effects. L-theanine, an amino acid compound found in green tea, has been studied for its calming effects on the nervous system.

Available Forms:
Most green tea dietary supplements are sold as dried leaf tea in capsule form. Standardized extracts of green tea are preferred. There are also liquid extracts made from the leaves and leaf buds. The average cup of green tea contains between 50 - 150 mg polyphenols (antioxidants). Decaffeinated green tea products contain concentrated polyphenols. Caffeine-free supplements are available.

How to Take It:
Pediatric

There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of green tea, so it is not recommended for children.

Adult

Depending on the brand, 2 - 3 cups of green tea per day (for a total of 240 - 320 mg polyphenols) or 100 - 750 mg per day of standardized green tea extract is recommended. Caffeine-free products are available and recommended.

Precautions:
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. However, herbs contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, people should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.

People with heart problems, kidney disorders, stomach ulcers, and psychological disorders (particularly anxiety) should not take green tea. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid green tea.

People who drink excessive amounts of caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) for prolonged periods of time may experience irritability, insomnia, heart palpitations, and dizziness. Caffeine overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and loss of appetite. If you are drinking a lot of tea and start to vomit or have abdominal spasms, you may have caffeine poisoning. If your symptoms are severe, lower your caffeine intake and see your health care provider.

Possible Interactions:
If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not drink green tea or take green tea extract without first talking to your health care provider:

Adenosine -- Green tea may inhibit the actions of adenosine, a medication given in the hospital for an irregular (and usually unstable) heart rhythm.

Antibiotics, Beta-lactam -- Green tea may increase the effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics by reducing bacterial resistance to treatment.

Benzodiazepines -- Caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) has been shown to reduce the sedative effects of benzodiazepines (medications commonly used to treat anxiety, such as diazepam and lorazepam).

Beta-blockers, Propranolol, and Metoprolol -- Caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) may increase blood pressure in people taking propranolol and metoprolol (medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease).

Blood Thinning Medications (Including Aspirin) -- People who take warfarin, a blood thinning medication, should not drink green tea. Since green tea contains vitamin K, it can make warfarin ineffective. Meanwhile, you should not mix green tea and aspirin because they both prevent platelets from clotting. Using the two together may increase your risk of bleeding.

Chemotherapy -- The combination of green tea and chemotherapy medications, specifically doxorubicin and tamoxifen, increased the effectiveness of these medications in laboratory tests. However, these results have not yet been demonstrated in studies on people. On the other hand, there have been reports of both green and black tea extracts stimulating a gene in prostate cancer cells that may cause them to be less sensitive to chemotherapy drugs. Given this potential interaction, people should not drink black and green tea (as well as extracts of these teas) while receiving chemotherapy for prostate cancer in particular.

Clozapine -- The antipsychotic effects of the medication clozapine may be reduced if taken fewer than 40 minutes after drinking green tea.

Ephedrine -- When taken together with ephedrine, green tea may cause agitation, tremors, insomnia, and weight loss.

Lithium -- Green tea has been shown to reduce blood levels of lithium (a medication used to treat manic/depression).

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) -- Green tea may cause a severe increase in blood pressure (called a "hypertensive crisis") when taken together with MAOIs, which are used to treat depression. Examples of MAOIs include phenelzine and tranylcypromine.

Oral Contraceptives -- Oral contraceptives can prolong the amount of time caffeine stays in the body and may increase its stimulating effects.

Phenylpropanolamine -- A combination of caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) and phenylpropanolamine (an ingredient used in many over-the-counter and prescription cough and cold medications and weight loss products) can cause mania and a severe increase in blood pressure. The FDA issued a public health advisory in November 2000 to warn people of the risk of bleeding in the brain from use of this medication and has strongly urged all manufacturers of this drug to remove it from the market.

Alternative Names:
Camellia sinensis

•Reviewed last on: 9/20/2010
•A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (8/24/2009).
Supporting Research
Alic M. Green tea for remission maintenance in Crohn's disease? Am J Gastroenterol. 1999;94(6):1710.

Belza A, Toubro S, Astrup A. The effect of caffeine, green tea and tyrosine on thermogenesis and energy intake. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007; [Epub ahead of print].

Bettuzzi S, Brausi M, Rizzi F, Castagnetti G, Peracchia G, Corti A. Chemoprevention of human prostate cancer by oral administration of green tea catechins in volunteers with high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia: a preliminary report from a one-year proof-of-principle study. Cancer Res. 2006;66(2):1234-40.

Borrelli F, Capasso R, Russo A, Ernst E. Systematic review: green tea and gastrointestinal cancer risk. Aliment Pharmacol Ther Mar 1, 2004;19(5):497-510.

Boschmann M, Thielecke F. The effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on thermogenesis and fat oxidation in obese men: a pilot study. J Am Coll Nutr. 2007;26(4):389S-395S.

Cooper R, Morre DJ, Morre DM. Medicinal benefits of green tea: Part I. Review of noncancer health benefits. J Altern Complement Med. 2005;11(3):521-8.

Diepvens K, Westerterp KR, Westerterp-Plantenga MS. Obesity and thermogenesis related to the consumption of caffeine, ephedrine, capsaicin and green tea. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2007;292(1):R77-85.

Fujita H, Yamagami T. Antihypercholesterolemic effect of Chinese black tea extract in human subjects with borderline hypercholesterolemia. Nutr Res. 2008;28(7):450-6.

Fukino Y, Ikeda A, Maruyama K, Aoki N, Okubo T, Iso H. Randomized controlled trial for an effect of green tea-extract powder supplementation on glucose abnormalities. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007; [Epub ahead of print].

Gross G, Meyer KG, Pres H, Thielert C, Tawfik H, Mescheder A. A randomized, double-blind, four-arm parallel-group, placebo-controlled Phase II/III study to investigate the clinical efficacy of two galenic formulations of Polyphenon(R) E in the treatment of external genital warts. J Eur Acad DermatolVenereol. 2007;21(10):1404-12.

Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. [review]. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2000 Jul 1;57(13):1221-1227.

Inoue M, Tajima K, Mizutani M, et al. Regular consumption of green tea and the risk of breast cancer recurrence: follow-up study from the Hospital-based Epidemiologic Research Program at Aichi Cancer Center (HERPACC), Japan. Cancer Lett. 2001;167(2):175-182.

Jian L, Xie LP, Lee AH, Binns CW. Protective effect of green tea against prostate cancer: a case-control study in southeast China. Int J Cancer Jan 1, 2004;108(1):130-135.

Jin X, Zheng RH, Li YM. Green tea consumption and liver disease: a systematic review. Liver Int. 2008;28(7):990-6.

Katiyar SK, Ahmad N, Mukhtar H. Green tea and skin. Arch Dermatol. 2000;136(8):989-94.

Kato A, Minoshima Y, Yamamoto J, Adachi I, Watson AA, Nash RJ. Protective effects of dietary chamomile tea on diabetic complications. J Agric Food Chem. 2008;56(17):8206-11.

Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biol Psychol. 2007;74(1):39-45.

Koo SI, Noh SK. Green tea as inhibitor of the intestinal absorption of lipids: potential mechanism for its lipid-lowering effect. J Nutr Biochem. 2007;18(3):179-83.

Kovacs EM, Lejeune MP, Nijs I, Westerterp-Plantenga MS. Effects of green tea on weight maintenance after body-weight loss. Br J Nutr Mar 1, 2004;91(3):431-437.

Kuriyama S, Shimazu T, Ohmori K, Kikuchi N, Nakaya N, Nishino Y, Tsubono Y, Tsuji I. Green tea consumption and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer and all causes in Japan: the Ohsaki study. JAMA. 2006;296(10):1255-65.

Lee W, Min WK, Chun S, Lee YW, Park H, Lee do H, Lee YK, Son JE. Long-term effects of green tea ingestion on atherosclerotic biological markers in smokers. Clin Biochem. Jan 1, 2005;38(1):84-87.

Low Dog T, Riley D, Carter T. Traditional and alternative therapies for breast cancer. Alt Ther. 2001;7(3):36-47.

Lyn-Cook BD, Rogers T, Yan Y, Blann EB, Kadlubar FF, Hammons GJ. Chemopreventive effects of tea extracts and various components on human pancreatic and prostate tumor cells in vitro. Nutr Cancer. 1999;35(1):80-86.

Manami I., et al. Green tea consumption and gastric cancer in Japanese: A pooled analysis of six cohort studies. Gut. 2009.

McKenna DJ, Hughes K, Jones K. Green tea monograph. Alt Ther. 2000;6(3):61-84.

Miura Y, Chiba T, Tomita I, et al. Tea catechins prevent the development of atherosclerosis in apoprotein E-deficient mice. J Nutr. 2001;131(1):27-32.

Nagao T, Hase T, Tokimitsu I. A green tea extract high in catechins reduces body fat and cardiovascular risks in humans. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2007;15(6):1473-83.

Peters U, Poole C, Arab L. Does tea affect cardiovascular disease? A meta-analysis. Am J Epidemiol. 2001;154(6):495-503.

Pianetti S, Guo S, Kavanagh KT, Sonenshein GE. Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3 gallate inhibits Her-2/neu signaling, proliferation, and transformed phenotype of breast cancer cells. Cancer Res. 2002;62(3):652-655.

Rowe CA, Nantz MP, Bukowski JF, Percival SS. Specific formulation of Camellia sinensis prevents cold and flu symptoms and enhances gammadelta T cell function: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Am Coll Nutr. 2007;26(5):445-52.

Ryu OH, Lee J, Lee KW, et al. Effects of green tea consumption on inflammation, insulin resistance and pulse wave velocity in type 2 diabetes patients. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2006;71(3):356-8.

Sano T, Sasako M. Green tea and gastric cancer. N Engl J Med. 2001;344(9):675-676.

Sasazuki S, Kodama H, Yoshimasu K et al. Relation between green tea consumption and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis among Japanese men and women. Ann Epidemiol. 2000;10:401-408.

Setiawan VW, Zhang ZF, Yu GP, et al. Protective effect of green tea on the risks of chronic gastritis and stomach cancer. Int J Cancer. 2001;92(4):600-604.

Shankar S, Ganapathy S, Hingorani SR, Srivastava RK. EGCG inhibits growth, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Front Biosci. 2008;13:440-52.

Steptoe A, Gibson EL, Vuonovirta R, Hamer M, Wardle J, Rycroft JA, Martin JF, Erusalimsky JD. The effects of chronic tea intake on platelet activation and inflammation: a double-blind placebo controlled trial. Atherosclerosis. 2007;193(2):277-82.

Suzuki Y, Tsubono Y, Nakaya N, Suzuki Y, Koizumi Y, Tsuji I. Green tea and the risk of breast cancer: pooled analysis of two prospective studies in Japan. Br J Cancer. Apr 5, 2004;90(7)1361-1363.

Thatte U, Bagadey S, Dahanukar S. Modulation of programmed cell death by medicinal plants. [Review]. Cell Mol Biol. 2000;46(1):199-214.

Tsubono Y, Nishino Y, Komatsu S, et al. Green tea and the risk of gastric cancer in Japan. N Engl J Med. 2001;344(9):632-636.

Vinson JA, Teufel K, Wu N. Green and black teas inhibit atherosclerosis by lipid, antioxidant, and fibrinolytic mechanisms. J Agric Food Chem. 2004;52(11):3661-5.

Wargovich MJ, Woods C, Hollis DM, Zander ME. Herbals, cancer prevention and health. [Review]. J Nutr. 2001;131(11 Suppl):3034S-3036S.

Weisburger JH. Tea and health: a historic perspective. Cancer Letters. 1997;114:315-317.

Westerterp-Plantenga MS, Lejeune MP, Kovacs EM. Body weight and weight maintenance in relation to habitual caffeine intake and green tea. Obes Res Jul 2005;13(7):1195-1204.

Yang G, Shu XO, Li H, Chow WH, Ji BT, Zhang X, Gao YT, Zheng W. Prospective cohort study of green tea consumption and colorectal cancer risk in women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2007;16(6):1219-23.

Zhang M, Lee AH, Binns CW, Xie X. Green tea consumption enhances survival of epithelial ovarian cancer. Int J Cancer Nov 10, 2004;112(3):465-469.

Zhou B, Yang L, Wang L, Shi Y, Zhu H, Tang N, Wang B. The association of tea consumption with ovarian cancer risk: a meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007;197(6):594.e1-6.

The Miracle of Green Tea

2011-05-04T00:52:00.000-07:00

"Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one." (Ancient Chinese Proverb)

Is any other food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. In her book Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healtier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years.

Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.

To sum up, here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful:

2010-08-29T21:14:00.000-07:00

ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXAMINATIONS
IELTS EXAMS
The International English Language Testing System ( IELTS ) is a test of English language proficiency, developed by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate. IELTS is now accepted as evidence of a prospective student’s level of English by most universities in English speaking countries.

There are two different IELTS tests that you can do: Academic and General. If you are interested in studying at a university in an English speaking country you will need to take the academic version of IELTS. IELTS is not a test that you can pass or fail. Your assessment will be reported according to a scale from bands one to nine. You will need to contact the university you wish to enter to find out the IELTS score they require for entry into your chosen course. Band one indicates that you have virtually no English at all. Band nine is considered native speaker proficiency. Universities in countries like the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia typically require a band score of between 6 and 7.

2010-08-29T21:11:00.000-07:00

Free IELTS Practice Tests

The IELTS (International English Language Training System) is the standardized test that Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) recognizes as proof of English language ability for immigration purposes.

Some Canadian immigration applicants are required to take the IELTS to demonstrate that they have sufficient English language ability to integrate into Canadian society and the Canadian work force.

Take this opportunity to practice your English and familiarize yourself with the IELTS test. Canadavisa has 8 free IELTS practice tests available - 2 Listening, 2 Reading, 2 Writing, and 2 Speaking. These tests were prepared by IELTS professionals and will give you a good sense of what the IELTS test will be like. (Please Note: Due to the nature of the tests, only the Listening and Reading tests can be automatically graded.)

Listening Practice Test #1
Listening Practice Test #2
Listening Video Tutorial Reading Practice Test #1
Reading Practice Test #2
Reading Video Tutorial Writing Practice Test #1
Writing Practice Test #2
Writing Video Tutorial Speaking Practice Test #1
Speaking Practice Test #2
Speaking Video Tutorial
IELTS Band Score Calculator
The four sections of the IELTS (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) are measured on a Band Score system from 1-9. To receive the maximum number of points for English language ability on a Federal Skilled Worker application, applicants who are required to take the IELTS, must obtain a Band score of 7.5 or higher in the Listening component and a 6.5 or higher in the other three components.

Calculate your approximate Band Score based on your free practice test results:
Listening: Correct answers out of 40 Reading: Correct answers out of 40
Speaking: Details on how the IELTS Band Score is determined by examiners.
When marking the Speaking category, examiners use detailed performance descriptors which describe spoken performance at each of the 9 IELTS bands. Examiners award a band score for each of the following four criterion areas: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy and Pronunciation. The four criteria are weighted equally. Writing: Details on how the IELTS Band Score is determined by examiners.
When marking the Writing category, examiners use detailed performance descriptors, which describe written performance at each of the 9 IELTS bands. Examiners award a band score for each of the following four criterion areas: Task Achievement, Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. The four criteria are weighted equally.
IELTS / TEF Points Calculator
The calculators below will enable you to determine how many points you would be awarded for your IELTS language test scores under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Simply select whether this is your first or second official language and enter the score you have obtained in each of the four bands of the IELTS (General) or TEF exam. The calculator will show the points Citizenship and Immigration Canada awards for that score in each band, as well as the total score for all the bands.

IELTS Point Calculator (General)
Is English your first language ? ------- Yes No
Band Score
(1-9) Level
Status Points
Awarded
Speaking
Listening
Reading
Writing
TOTAL POINTS AWARDED
TEF Point Calculator
Is French your first language ? ------- Yes No
Test Score
(0-450) Level
Status Points
Awarded
Speaking
Listening
Reading
Writing
TOTAL POINTS AWARDED

IELTS Preparation Online Course
Do you feel you need some more practice and preparation before you take the IELTS? An IELTS Preparation Online Course is now available to Canadavisa visitors through a third party (free for new clients of Campbell Cohen Law Firm as of June 26th, 2010).

Prepared and managed by IELTS professionals, this IELTS Preparation Online course will give you a solid foundation so that you can feel confident when you sit the test. Get tips and detailed instruction on how to prepare and what to expect.

2010-08-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

The IELTS exam
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. IELTS is required for entry to university in the UK and other countries.

Who is it for?
IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.
More than 700,000 people a year take the test.
What is the IELTS test like?
You can choose between the Academic or General Training versions of the test. All candidates do the same Listening and Speaking sections.
The test has four sections:
Listening - 4 sections, 40 questions, 30 minutes
Speaking - interview, 15 minutes
Reading - different for Academic or General Training - 3 sections, 40 questions, 60 minutes
Writing - different for Academic or General Training - 2 pieces of writing, 60 minutes
Score
Out of 9 for each section and an overall score out of 9.

Level
Multi-level. You get a score between 1 and 9. Half scores such as 6.5 are possible. Universities often demand an IELTS score of 6 or 7.

Where do I take the test?
IELTS tests are administered at accredited Test Centres throughout the world - there are currently more than 300 Centres, in over 120 countries. Click here to find a test centre.

What is the computer-based test?
At some centres you can take the computer-based version of IELTS. This is only available for academic modules at some centres only. Click here to review (or buy) the CB IELTS software.
When can I take the test?
Arrange with your closest test centre. There are frequent dates, usually on Thursdays or Saturdays.

How much does it cost to take IELTS?
Fees are set by test centres. Expect to pay around £110 GBP or $160 USD.
Practice papers

Cambridge IELTS 4 Student's Book with Answers : Examination papers from University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations Contains four complete tests for Academic candidates, including practice in the updated Speaking test, plus extra Reading and Writing modules for General Training candidates. You also need to buy the audio CD

Cambridge IELTS 3 Student's Book with Answers : Examination Papers from the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate Contains four complete tests for Academic candidates, including practice in the updated Speaking test, plus extra Reading and Writing modules for General Training candidates. You also need to buy the Audio CD

Cambridge IELTS 2 Student's Book with Answers : Examination Papers from the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate
Four complete practice tests for the Academic module of IELTS, plus extra Reading and Writing papers for General Training candidates. You also need to buy the audio which is at: Cambridge IELTS 2 Cassette Set, although the book does contain the tapescript.
Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS 1 Self-study student's book
More of the same. Four complete practice tests for the Academic module of IELTS, plus extra Reading and Writing papers for General Training candidates.

Other practice material
Check Your Vocabulary for English for the IELTS Examination: A Workbook for Students
Excellent for the writing section.
Insight into IELTS Extra, with Answers : The Cambridge IELTS Course Workbook
Provides extensive practice material for each paper of the IELTS examination, with one unit corresponding to each unit of the Student's Book. It prepares students thoroughly for the updated Speaking Paper, and contains 'Vocabulary Builder' activities to develop and consolidate vocabulary, improving confidence and communicative skills for each exam paper. The answer key and transcripts of the recorded material make it ideal for self-study. You have to buy the Insight into IELTS Extra Cassette extra.

Top 10 Mistakes at Visa Interviews

2010-08-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

Visa interview is most important part of the whole visa process. A successful interview can have greater positive impact in visa grant decision. Following are some of the most common mistakes people make during the interview.

1) Not Prepared Well for the Interview
Being prepared for interview can better equip you for the interview. A prior research and preparation for commonly asked questions and their appropriate answer will be helpful during the interview.
2) Not Providing Complete and Truthful Information
It is very important that you provide complete and truthful information. Any incomplete/false information can lead to unnecessary delay. False information can have severe impact on your future ability to apply for US visa. It may also cause you lot of frustration and legal actions against you.
3) Providing Incomplete Documentation
Must carry all the required documentation with complete and authentic information. Read all the prerequisites and prepare all the documents accordingly. Keeping your documentation well organized can also leave a positive impression on the consulate officer.
4 ) Not Carrying Appropriate Fee
US consulate has strict methods of payments. Make sure you know the method and the exact amount of the applicable fee. For example, most US consulates don't accept cash as the payment method and would prefer separate bank drafts for visa application and visa issuance fee. Refer to an appropriate source for more detailed information.
5) Providing Unnecessary Extra Information
Do not give away any information voluntarily which is not being asked. In many cases, people trying to be over confident and over smart give out more detailed answers than is required. This may trigger additional related questions which may not work in your favor.

For example:
Question: Why do you want to go to the US?
Wrong Answer: I want to see how USA is and if I like it I want to stay back with my son.
Preferred Answer: For tourism purpose and/or to spend some quality time with my son/daughter.
6) Inconsistent Information
Inconsistency in the information about what you provide in the documentation and what you say during the interview can go against your case.
7) Arguing with the Consulate Officer
Never ever make any arguments with the consulate officer. If you want some information ask in a polite manner.
8) Having Poor Communication
Poor communication is the number one reason reason that affect your case in a negative way. If you're not good in English, you should request for a regional language interpreter.

9) Having too Much Communication (talking too much)
Remember, you are the one being interviewed and not the other way around. So, keep your communication brief and to the point. Speak only when asked for an answer.
10) Appearing to be Nervous
Being confident can bring positive results. Especially, incase of visa interview where a consulate officer has to rely on limited information provided by you. Their judgment is highly influenced by the way you react to questions, your body language, and the authenticity of you answers.

Frequently asked questions

2010-08-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

Q: Why are you going to the US?
Ans: "I am going to visit my son/daughter and for tourism purposes."

Q: Have you been to the U.S. before?
Ans: Give the true answer Yes or No.

Note: The consulate can check to confirm this answer.

Q: Do you have relatives in the US? If yes, who?
Ans: Give the true answer Yes or No. "My son/daughter lives there." If you have other relatives in the U.S. mention them.

Note: Do not give details of other relatives unless they ask first.

Q: Who is going to sponsor your visit?
Ans: "My son/daughter is going to sponsor my visit."

Q: Where will you stay in the US?
Ans: "We will stay at XYZ Street, ABC City, PQ State, 1234 Zip code."

Note: Memorize the address. It should correspond to the one on your visa application.

Q: What is your son/daughter you doing? What does he/she do for living?
Ans: "My son/daughter is a designation for name of company."

Note: Memorize the designation and name of company. Show proof of employment and other employment-related papers at this point, ONLY if asked.

Q: How much does your son/daughter earn?
Ans: Give the true answer. "My son/daughter earns $ ___ annually."

Note: Carry financial documents to support your answers. Your answer must correspond with the amount given in the visa application.

Q: Where does your son/daughter work?
Ans: "My son/daughter works for name of company."

Note: Memorize the name of the company.

Q: What does your son/daughter-in-law do?
Ans: Give the true answer. "My son/daughter-in-law works for ____ company or is a home maker or studies at ___ University."

Note: Mention that they study only if they are on F1 or student visa. If they are on H4 dependant visa, then don't say that they are studying.

Q: Who is paying for your son/daughter-in-law's studies?
Ans: "My son/daughter is paying for his/her studies. He is able to pay for all our expenses over and above the expenses of his/her wife/husband's studies."

Note: Make sure your documents show clearly that it is possible for your son/daughter to pay for the studies as well as your visit.

Visa Interview Preparation

2010-08-26T21:48:00.001-07:00

Visa interview is an important step as part of the US visa. Applicant applying for USA visa like Visitor visa, Tourist Visa (B2 visa), Business visa (B1 visa) , H1b Visa or any other Visa must attend Visa interview at US consulate.

Despite having all the documents and meeting all the criteria people often get the Visa refusal . A lot of its depends on the Visa Interview, whether you successfully get the Visa or not. Here are few tips based on the people's experience and facts.
Now don't get nervous with the word interview. This is not like a job interview, however this is an important process (for USA visa seeker) so take it easy with confidence and follow the following tips.

The first essential step toward a successful interview is preparation.

The most important thing that you can carry with you is your self-confidence. Applicants who are well prepared and confident in their responses to the visa officer, are almost always successful in getting the US visa.

General Preparation
Get some information/ general knowledge on what the Visa is all about? What is the process etc.?
Prepare for most commonly asked questions.
Be there a little earlier.
Ask for a interpreter if you are not conversant or confident with English.
Document Preparation:
Fill all the forms/applications neatly and completely.
Know what you have filled in the form. Many times it happens (specially in parent's case) where children or the sponsor fill out the application and the applicant him/her self don't know what information is provided.
Provide correct and authentic information.
If getting copies for documents make sure the copies are of good quality and readable.
Verify that the Names, Date of Birth, etc. should match with the information in your passport.
Organize your documents in proper logical order:
A well organized and orderly arranged documents can make it easy for you to find the right documents quickly during interview.
Physical Preparation:
Your physical presentation is often an important point. What you look like and how you say something are just as important as what you say. So dress up nicely and keep smiling.

Attitude Preparation:
Provide to the point and concise answers. Do not add any thing which is not relevant or not being asked. (In most the cases, this is where people make a mistake by giving unnecessary and unasked details). Other tips for the interview are:

Do not argue.
Do not ask unnecessary questions.
Be polite.

What the officer is looking for?
The primary goal for the interview is to verify all information presented in the application and to make sure that, you (applicant) has enough ties back in your home country and will come back after your visit to the United States.

Documents and interview/questions are a few ways through which the consulate officer tries to determine the eligibility for the visa grant.

What do "ties" mean?
"Ties" are the aspects of your life that bind you to your place of residence, including family relationships, employment and possessions. In the case of younger applicants who may not have had an opportunity to establish such ties, interviewing officers may look at educational status, grades, the situation of parents, and an applicant's long-range plans and prospects in your home country. As each person's situation is different, there is no set answer as to what constitutes adequate ties.

During the interview:
Greet the Interviewer when you see him/her at the beginning.
Communicate clearly and in a comprehensive way. Do not hesitate to politely ask to repeat or rephrase the question, if you don't understand any questions.
Generally asked questions:
Why do you want to travel to the USA?
Who is sponsoring you ?
What do you do?
When did you retired ?
How much pension do you get?
What is your annual income?
Have you ever visited any other country?
Do you have leave granted application? (If you are job holder)
Can I see you Business/visiting card?
Who will look after your business in your absence (if you are a business man).
Do you have a credit card?
How many children do you have ? And where are they? What do they do?
Who is there in USA?
How long will you be staying in USA?
Will you work there?
Will you come back?
How can you assure me that you will come back?
What does your daughter/son/son- in- law do?
How long has your son/daughter been living in USA?

Requirements of Visit / Tourist Visa

2010-08-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

The Visit or Tourist visa is for those people who wants to go to any other country ( UK, Germany, France, USA, Canada, Australia, England, Spain, Italy etc) only for a short stay. His this stay can be for business purpose, for Family Visit or for Tourisum Purpose and he/she doesn't want to stay there for a long time or for setteled down. If someone get the Visit visa, he can't do any work there and nor can calim any benefits from the government of that country. But he can attend the meetings, if his purpose of visit is for Business Purpose.

Questions and Answers: The Visa Interview

2010-08-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

How long will my visa interview last?
The time available for a consular officer to talk with you will be quite brief (perhaps one to three minutes) because of the volume of visa cases that need to be processed daily in most U.S. consulates. Because of such time limits, good organization of your materials and short, direct answers to questions will be appreciated by the consular officer.

Are there any dress requirements for visa interviews?
No, and you will see people dressed in different ways. Businesslike attire is suggested simply for its benefit in making a good first impression. (The consular officer must of course be able to tell that you are the same person as the person in the visa photo so making extreme changes in your appearance after that photograph is taken is not recommended.)

I don’t know yet what I want to do in the future. How do I explain this in my visa interview—or should I just make up something that sounds good?
It’s not uncommon for students, especially undergraduate students, not yet to have firm career plans. Many U.S. undergraduates do not decide on a major until their second or third year of study. However, you probably do have some thoughts as to your most likely career options, and you can briefly outline these. Be honest—describing plans that, however practical, don’t match your real interests may raise concerns about your honesty in general.

I have family who live permanently in the United States. Is that a problem?
It’s not generally a problem and you need to be honest about it, especially as the existence of relatives in the United States is something likely to emerge during your visa application background check. You need to be particularly convincing in documenting what strong ties to your country you do have.

What are the consequences if I don’t tell the truth during a visa interview?
Applicants who provide incorrect information or fraudulent documents during their interviews may become permanently ineligible to receive a visa. (The same goes for individuals who help applicants provide false information.) All approved visa applications are checked against computer records to verify that information presented on the application was presented truthfully.

Can my parents/sponsor come to my visa interview?
The visa officer will want to speak directly with you, the applicant, and you should speak for yourself in order to make a good impression. It is not recommended that you bring along other people for your interview—if you think that the officer may have questions for a sponsor or someone else directly involved in the visa application, they can attend the interview, but you should be the one answering questions unless the officer specifically wants to hear from them.

What if I am worried about my English abilities? Can I bring someone along who speaks better English to the visa interview?
Your English level is required to be good enough for you to participate in your academic program. Therefore it is a mistake to bring along someone to interpret for you. Even if you are planning to enter an English language program and therefore do not need very strong English language skills, you will not need and should not bring your own interpreter—there will be someone at the consulate to interpret as necessary.

Online Jobs in China.

2010-08-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

Sales Engineer
苏州爱恩机械有限公司 - Suzhou
1. Mechanical education backgound, at least college degree. 2. Work with Agent to define customer requirement and demand and support technical support in sales...
From 51job.com - 2010-08-17 - Save Apply Customer Service Specialist
巴德医疗器械（北京）有限公司 - Shanghai
MAIN JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: • Process the dealer’s order ; arrange the shipment ; tracking the backorder • Work with BU and the inventory ...
From Use Meijob Credits to access this Source Site - 2010-08-17 - Save Apply Retail Account Manager – China
Sealed Air Packaging Co.,Ltd. 希悦尔 - Shanghai
Title: Retail Account Manager – China Working Location: Shanghai Job Description 1. Support the retail market manager to develop Cryovac concepts in bot...
From Use Meijob Credits to access this Source Site - 2010-08-17 - Save Apply Senior Sales Representative
瑞狮贸易（上海）有限公司 - Shanghai
- More than 8 years of working experience in a trading company with European or American customers. - Familiar with house ware, kitchenware, shoelace, wooden ar...
From 51job.com - 2010-08-16 - Save Apply Sales Support Assistent
固安捷（中国）工业品销售有限责任公司 - Shanghai
Principal Duties & Responsibilities: -Assist sales business operation of the relevant commercial sales team. -Assist area sales on daily business including: sam...
From 51job.com - 2010-08-16 - Save Apply Sales engineer for PC(personal care) product
维克罗（中国）搭扣系统有限公司 - Zhangjiagang
Essential Job Functions: 1. Demonstrate a high level of technical and product knowledge on PC (Personal Care) product lines - assist customers in qualifying our...
From 51job.com - 2010-08-16 - Save Apply Servo Motion Business Development Manager
艾默生电气(中国)投资有限公司 - Shanghai
Position: Servo Motion Business Development Manager Reports to: General Manager- Servo Motion Industries Location: Based in Shanghai /Beijing KEY RESPONSIBILIT...
From Use Meijob Credits to access this Source Site - 2010-08-16 - Save View Source Page Sales Support Senior Manager (Japanese and English) (Location: DL)
OrangeTree Consultancy - Dalian
Position: Sales Support Senior Manager Location: DL Main responsibilities are: 1) Managing the JP Consumer Non-Sales Team located in Dalian 2) Assist JP Con...
From 51job.com - 2010-08-16 - Save Apply Technical Sales Specialist - Molecular Biology
北京上海市黄浦区广东路689号海通证券大厦2802-2805室(200001) - Beijing
\ \ \ responsibilities ·conduct training, demonstration and presentation to the customers ·product technical support to customers and distributors...
From Use Meijob Credits to access this Source Site - 2010-08-16 - Save View Source Page Customer Service Manager
苏州市-北京住总集团有限责任公司 - Suzhou
Position Requirements 1, 2+ years PV industry and development experience; 2+ years as manager and above experience; familiar with all aspects of PV module manag...
From Use Meijob Credits to access this Source Site - 2010-08-16 - Save Apply Business Analyst (DWH)
BMW China - Beijing
Key Objectives: The Business Analyst will consult all Business departments in the specification of Reports and ensures the correct and efficient realization in...
From Use Meijob Credits to access this Source Site - 2010-08-15 - Save Apply Sales Manager, Payment and Cash Management
上海万宝盛华人力资源有限公司 - Beijing
Job Duties: To initiate and develop cash management business with prospective customers, with focus on various PCM(Payments and Cash Management) products such ...
From Use Meijob Credits to access this Source Site - 2010-08-15 - Save Apply Inside Sales
德莱赛机械（苏州）有限公司 - Suzhou
Requirements: *College graduate or above in Mechanical/Engineering or equivalent disciplines. *2 years relevant working experience in foreign or international...
From 51job.com - 2010-08-15 - Save Apply Sales Manager
微软MSN CHINA - Beijing
Job Title: Sales Manager Job Location: Beijing Job Code: RA000197 Responsibilities: Manage and expand senior level relationships with interactive advertising a...
From Use Meijob Credits to access this Source Site - 2010-08-15 - Save Apply Sales Support Engineer of Casella Product Lin
美国理想工业中国有限公司北京代表处 - Beijing
Location: Beijing Report to: Product Manager of Casella product line Company introduction: CASELLA MEASUREMENT – “THE SUREST MEASURE OF A CHANGING WORLD” Casell...
From Use Meijob Credits to access this Source Site - 2010-08-15 - Save Apply Customer Service Supervisor
德莱赛机械（苏州）有限公司 - Suzhou
Requirements:* Bachelors Degree preferred. Demonstrated experience supervising inside sales, including success in achieving progressively higher quota or other ...
From 51job.com - 2010-08-15 - Save Apply Senior Sales Engineer Building Solutions, Fluid Technology
埃梯梯（中国）投资有限公司 - Beijing
Sr.Sales Engineer -Building Solutions JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Maintain relationship with existing customer in core markets2. Grow the business by developing ne...

SKF中国 - Beijing
Brief description of position Key responsibilities Plan and implement sales activities to achieve defined targets and support the Company business strategies ...
Fragrance Marketing Assistant
丽华（广州）香精有限公司 - Guangzhou
College or above degree in chemicals discipline. 2 years working experience in fragrance or cosmetics related field. Good commend of English is a definite adv...
From Use Meijob Credits to access this Source Site - 2010-08-15 - Save View Source Page Senior Sales Executive
硕达（上海）国际货运有限公司广州分公司 - Xiamen
Job Description: - Actively generate sales revenue for the company through sales and marketing activities which involves not only maintenance of existing accou...

Insurance Fraud

2010-08-15T22:27:00.000-07:00

Burr Ridge doctor gets 5 years for insurance fraud
August 11, 2010
A former Chicago-area physician has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for stealing about $13 million from Medicare and more than 30 other public and private health care insurance programs over roughly five years, the U.S. attorney's office said Wednesday.

Cardiologist Sushil Sheth, 50, of Burr Ridge, whose office was in Flossmoor, "lied thousands of times to Medicare and other insurers in order to receive millions of dollars he did not earn for patients he never treated," the U.S. attorney's office said in a statement.

He used the fraud proceeds to live a lavish lifestyle, purchasing a suburban mansion, property in Arizona, luxury automobiles and investing in various venture capital opportunities, the government said. Sheth regularly submitted claims seeking payment that, when added together, had him providing more than 24 hours of medical services and treatment in a single day, the government added.

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Sheth was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer and ordered to begin serving the 5-year prison term in two months. He pleaded guilty a year ago to one count of health care fraud after being charged in January 2009.

Sheth was also ordered to pay restitution totaling approximately $13 million, and he agreed to forfeit property and funds totaling more than $11.3 million that the government seized from him.

Sheth's medical license was suspended by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation in March. His attorney said at the sentencing hearing that Sheth had surrendered his license.

Sheth admitted that he obtained about $13 million between January 2002 and July 2007, including about $8.3 million from Medicare and some $5 million from other public and private health care insurers. He got the money in fraudulent reimbursement for the highest level of cardiac care when those services were not performed, and then used the proceeds for his own benefit, the government said.

Sheth used his hospital privileges at three unnamed hospitals to access and obtain information about patients without their knowledge or consent, federal officials said. He then hired individuals to bill Medicare and other insurance providers for medical services that he purportedly rendered to patients whom he knew he never treated, the officials said.

Federal agents searched Sheth's Burr Ridge home in June 2007 and seized more than 600 uncashed checks from various insurers totaling more than $6.7 million.

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2010-08-15T22:24:00.000-07:00

Job: Reinsurance Technician
Salary: GBP41000 Location: City of London Posted: 13/08/2010 Contract: Contract Employer: MW Appointments Contact: MW Appointments Reference: 1006-13 Sector: Reinsurance Closing date: 03/09/2010 Email this job to a friend
View job contact details
Add to my shortlist Apply
REINSURANCE TREATY TECHNICIAN �40,000
Lloyds broker have an opportunity for a senior reinsurance treaty technician to join their team, initially on a 6 month contract. You will have sound technical reinsurance knowledge and current processing experience. The role will involve heading a team and you will be responsible for slip preparation, processing reinsurance premiums producing Evidence of Cover and addenda and liaising with clients. Only apply for this role if you are immediately available

2010-08-15T22:21:00.000-07:00

Job: Solvency II Implementation - Various roles
Salary: £Competitive + benefits Location: Canary Wharf, London Posted: 28/07/2010 Contract: Permanent Employer: FSA Reference: solv Sector: Actuarial, Compliance, Reinsurance, Risk Management Closing date: 28/08/2010 Email this job to a friend
View job contact details
Add to my shortlist Apply
Solvency II Implementation - Various roles, Canary Wharf, London, £Competitive + benefits
Solvency II is a fundamental review of the capital adequacy and risk management standards for the European insurance industry, with a view to strengthening the prudential regulation of the sector. As the sole regulator of the UK financial services industry, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has a unique and influential role to play in its implementation, which will involve significant infrastructural and cultural change for both us and the firms we supervise.
Are you keen to develop your career at the heart of Solvency II implementation? We currently have a number of exciting job opportunities through which you can gain a detailed understanding of the future insurance regulatory framework and make a difference across the entire industry.
We need Supervisors who can engage with senior management in regulated firms and make risk-based judgements. We also need individuals in areas of policy-making to analysis at various levels including Market Risk specialists and Life/Non-Life Actuaries. Each involves working with firms throughout the industry and other disciplines within the FSA – so you’ll need to be a team player who can translate technical concepts into practical solutions and have the stakeholder management skills to influence and negotiate at the highest levels.

Insurance job

2010-08-15T22:14:00.000-07:00

Allstate Personal Financial Representative
Binghamton, NY
Career Field Accounting/Financial, Broker/Agency, Sales/Marketing
Insurance Discipline Property & Casualty
Relocation Assistance Not Available
Job Duration Full Time
Salary Offered Open
Allstate Personal Financial Representative
Are you an experienced financial service professional looking to spend more time selling and less time prospecting? Become a Personal Financial Representative with Allstate!
Who we are
We are looking for the best and brightest industry talent - proven professionals who thrive on helping customers prepare for tomorrow. The Allstate group of companies, which includes Allstate Life Insurance Company, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, and Lincoln Benefit Life, has more than 14 million customer households and 13,000 Exclusive Agents representing our Good Hands ®.
Why become an Allstate Personal Financial Representative?
We stand firm in our commitment to helping customers achieve their financial goals, objectives, and lifelong dreams. Our superior brand, large customer base, and unique agent partnership program position Personal Financial Representatives to be introduced as a professional that customers can count on to help them meet their individual protection and retirement needs.
Allstate Support
We'll help you get off to a fast start through comprehensive sales education, while providing financial incentives designed to help you get established. Proven business installation processes and local support will allow you to focus on existing customers (where allowed), all while providing you the resources necessary to help partner agencies identify the right time to introduce you on a favorable basis to Allstate customers. You'll spend less time prospecting and more time selling!
As an Allstate Personal Financial Representative you'll soar to new heights with the following sales support:
Consumer-centric product portfolio including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds and more.
Local business development support to help you execute your business plan.
Allstate Financial Wholesaling support providing in-market sales ideas.
Marketing support to reach new customers through the Allstate brand.
Take the next steps to becoming an Allstate Personal Financial Representative by clicking 'Apply for this job' to submit your resume today!
Qualifications
FINRA Series 6 or 7
FINRA Series 63 or 65
NY State Life & Health Licensing
At least 3 years of life insurance or financial services sales experience.
Track-record of success Industry designations and a 4-year degree preferred.
Submit your resume today! Should you meet the minimum requirements, a recruiter will contact you within 2 business days.

2010-08-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

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Terms and conditions

2010-08-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

Your use of this Web Site and online services contained therein is subject to the following Terms of Service. Please read them carefully.

1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS OF SERVICE

This online service (the “Service”) is provided by Sallie Mae, Inc. (“We” or “Company”) to the person using the Service (“You” or “Your”) under these Terms of Service (the “Terms”) and any operating rules or policies that may be published from time to time by Company. Together with any other written contract, the Terms comprise the entire agreement between You and Company and supersedes all prior agreements between the parties regarding the subject matter contained herein. YOU AGREE TO READ THE TERMS CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE SERVICE. Use of the Service signifies that You have read the Terms and accept them. If You do not agree to the Terms, do not use the Service and any such use is unauthorized.

2. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE

The Service provides You with a capability to review, perform and/or complete certain functions related to education loans (“Loans”).

3. USE OF THE SERVICE

You agree:

To comply with all applicable laws, regulations and requirements. You also agree to comply with all rules, policies and procedures of the applicable guarantors and lenders.
To comply with the information transfer protocols established from time to time by Company.
That, by Your electronic transmission of the Loan information via the Service, You are making any and all certifications required by applicable laws, regulations or guarantor requirements and that such electronic certifications have the same force and effect as a manually signed certification. You agree that parties which whom You authorize to print Loan applications will have the right to print “signature on file” or other similar guarantor-mandated text on the hard copy on which such certification is required. If required by a guarantor or government agency, or at our request, You agree to provide written certification in hard copy form.
To use the Service only for purposes authorized by Company and to comply with current versions of the rules and procedures issued by Company concerning the use of the Service.
To take necessary steps to adequately document and duplicate all of Your files and data. We will not be responsible for the cost of reconstructing files or data lost or destroyed.
That despite our reasonable security measures, We cannot guarantee that electronic communications over the Internet will be 100% secure. You agree to use the data encryption tool that is built into the Service or another data encryption tool that is mutually agreed upon by You and Company.
That You will make no adjustment or modifications to the Service without prior approval of Company.
To use a web browser version that We support in conjunction with Service.
You represent and warrant that all information You furnish in connection with Your use of the Service is accurate, complete and current to the best of Your knowledge and belief and meets all requirements of all applicable laws and regulations.

You are responsible for installing any products furnished by third party suppliers that are necessary to access the Service. We will provide reasonable assistance according to our then current policies and procedures.

We will use data transmitted through the Service for purposes related to the processing and servicing of Loans. We may also use the data for other purposes, provided the proposed usage does not violate applicable laws and regulations or any confidentiality obligations. You consent to the disclosure of Your non-public personal information by Company to its unaffiliated third party service providers for purposes of marketing to You products and services offered by the Sallie Mae family of companies. Please see the Company’s Privacy policy, which is incorporated by reference into these Terms, for the details of Company’s commitment to your privacy.

You acknowledge that the Service does not include equipment, software or communication line access. You will, at Your expense, be responsible for acquiring and maintaining all equipment, software and communication access necessary for You to use the Service.

4. MODIFICATIONS TO SERVICE OR TERMS

Company reserves the right to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, the Service for any reason, at its sole discretion, with or without notice to You.

Company likewise may change the terms and conditions of the Terms from time to time with or without notice to You. Any amendment shall be effective immediately with or without notice.

5. SECURITY/CONFIDENTIALITY

You acknowledge and agree that the Service is, and shall at all times remain, the sole and exclusive property of Company, our affiliates and/or our licensors and that Company and/or our affiliates (or our licensors) are the sole and exclusive owner of all rights to the Service, including any copyrights and all related renewals and extensions. You agree that the Service is proprietary and confidential and that You will not authorize or permit its contents to be conveyed or in any manner communicated or used by any third party or to be duplicated or reproduced without our prior written approval. Your right to use the Service is personal to You. You agree to use the Service solely for Your internal business purposes and not to use the Service for commercial purposes. You agree not to sell, resell, or exploit for any commercial purposes, the Service or use of or access to the Service or any information or technology obtained from the Service. Links to and from the Service do not constitute an endorsement by Company.

You will maintain confidentiality concerning any confidential or proprietary information which You access through the Service and You will protect such information from unauthorized disclosure.

You will restrict unauthorized users from gaining access to the Service. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of Your passwords and for any and all activities that occur under Your passwords or accounts. You agree to immediately notify Company of any unauthorized use of Your account or any other breach of security known to You.

You will take feasible steps to prevent transmission over the Service of any virus or other software routine designed or likely to permit unauthorized access to the Service or to disable, erase or otherwise harm any software, hardware or data accessible over the Service.

The confidentiality obligations of this section will survive the termination of Your use of the Service.

You agree to be solely responsible for Your actions and the contents of Your transmission through the Service.

6. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

YOU EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT USE OF THE SERVICE AND ANY MATERIALS OR INFORMATION PROVIDED IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS.

COMPANY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

COMPANY MAKES NO WARRANTY THAT THE SERVICE WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS, OR THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE, OR ERROR FREE; NOR DOES COMPANY MAKE ANY WARRANTY AS TO THE RESULTS THAT MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE USE OF THE SERVICE OR AS TO THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED THROUGH THE SERVICE OR THAT DEFECTS IN THE SOFTWARE USED IN THE SERVICE WILL BE CORRECTED.

COMPANY MAKES NO WARRANTY REGARDING ANY SERVICES OBTAINED THROUGH THE SERVICE OR ANY TRANSACTIONS ENTERED INTO THROUGH THE SERVICE. COMPANY ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DELETION OR FAILURE TO STORE ANY DATA OR OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED BY YOU ON THE SERVICE.

SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN WARRANTIES, SO SOME OF THE ABOVE EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY OR ACTUAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF COMPANY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SO SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

8. INDEMNIFICATION

You will reimburse us for all damages (including court costs and reasonable attorneys fees) caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of You or Your agents including, but not limited to, failure to maintain borrower confidentiality, the sending of any borrower or loan information over the Internet without encryption, or breach of any representation, warranty or covenant herein.

9. TERMINATION

You agree that Company may terminate Your password(s), account(s) or use of the Service at Company’s discretion for any reason.

10. NOTICE

All notices to a party shall be in writing and shall be made either via email or conventional mail. In addition, Company may post notices or links to notices through the Service to inform You of changes to the Terms, the Service, or other matters of importance.

11. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS TO CONTENT

You acknowledge and agree that content, including but not limited to text, software, music, sound, photographs, video, graphics or other material contained in sponsor advertisements or other information presented to You through the Service (“Content”) is protected by copyrights, trademarks, service marks, patents or other proprietary rights and laws. You are only permitted to use this Content as expressly authorized by Company or the Service, and You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from this Content without express authorization.

12. GENERAL

The Terms and the relationship between You and Company shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia without regard to its conflict of law provisions. You and Company agree to submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located within Fairfax County, Virginia.

The failure of Company to exercise or enforce any right or provision of the Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. If any provision of the Terms is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the parties nevertheless agree that the court should endeavor to give effect to the parties' intentions as reflected in the provision, and the other provisions of the Terms remain in full force and effect.

You agree that regardless of any statute or law to the contrary, any claim or cause of action arising out of or related to use of the Service or the Terms must be filed by You within one (1) year after such claim or cause of action arose or be forever barred.

In no event shall We be liable for damages caused by third parties not under our control or by other causes beyond our reasonable control, including, but not limited to, damages caused by third party telecommunications service providers.

The section titles in the Terms are for convenience only and have no legal or contractual effect.

SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States.

Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan

2010-08-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan® — Interest Repayment Option

For Degree-Granting Institutions
You could save over $8,0001 and pay off your loan as much as 8 years faster1 by choosing the Smart Option Student Loan® as compared to a traditional private 15-year student loan with payments deferred during school and grace periods.1 In addition, applying with a creditworthy cosigner could help you get a lower rate.

The Smart Option Student Loan is an ideal solution for funding up to 100% of your total cost of attendance2 if you still need funds after maximizing grants, scholarships and federal loans.
Attending a career training program? Learn about the Career Training Smart Option Student LoanSM

Student loan

2010-08-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

About Us About Student Finance Statistics Media Centre Recruitment Stakeholders Supplier Information Contact Us Links you are here... Home > Student Loans Company
Welcome...
to the Student Loans Company

The Student Loans Company (SLC) is a UK public sector organisation established to provide financial services, in terms of loans and grants, to over one million students annually, in colleges and universities across the four education systems of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Our other key responsibility is the administration of the collection of repayments, from over two million customers no longer in higher education.

This website provides easy access to key information about the Company and its operation.

Student Finance Applications
If you have a query about your student finance application please check the Student Finance website for your area for information:
Student Finance England
Student Finance Wales
Student Finance Northern Ireland
Student Awards Agency for Scotland
Latest NewsMinister for Universities and Science visits Student Loans Company

Business Secretary and NUS President Elect Visit Student Loans Company

Ed Lester appointed Interim Chief Executive

Professor Sir Deian Hopkin appointed interim Chair of the Student Loans Company

2010-05-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

Compare mortgages before you buyAre you thinking of buying a home but can't decide which type of mortgage is best for you? Before you decide on a loan, it's important that you compare mortgage payments and other monthly costs to determine how each type of loan will affect you financially. Use the Compare Mortgage Loans Calculator to compare rates, costs, and other factors—including potential tax deductions—for up to three different loans. Enter your information here
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2009-10-09T04:58:00.000-07:00

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2009-10-09T04:48:00.000-07:00

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2009-10-09T04:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Loan Guaranty Web Site

Important Announcements:

PDF Documents - To read PDF documents, you need a PDF viewer. Links to viewer software can be found at this link.

VA Announces 6.3% Increase in Maximum Grant Amounts Under the VA Specially Adapted Housing Program. For more information, please go to this link.

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IN THE NEWS:

VA's Loan Guaranty Service is conducting four surveys this Fall as part of the agency's continuing commitment to improve the services provided to veterans. The 2009 VBA Loan Guaranty Service Customer Satisfaction Surveys includes questionnaires to:
Veterans and family members who have received a home loan through the VA's loan guaranty program.
Lending institutions that participate in VA's loan guaranty program.
Veterans who have received a grant through the Specially Adapted Housing program.
Veterans who are eligible for a grant under VA's Specially Adapted Housing program but have not yet used it.
The surveys are completely confidential and approved under OMB Control Number 2900-0711. The surveys are being administered by the independent research firm of J.D. Power and Associates (JDPA). Questions about the survey should be directed to JDPA at 877-774-JDPA (877-774-5372) (toll free).

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We are pleased to announce our new Staff Appraisal Reviewer (SAR) Information page. To get there, please go to this link.

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We are pleased to announce the upcoming 2009 VA Lender's Conference being held October 22-23 in San Antonio, TX . For more information about the conference, please go to this link.

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IN THE NEWS:

Effective immediately, Certificates of Eligibility will no longer display a veteran’s date of birth. This change was made to limit the amount of personal data being displayed on Certificates of Eligibility. Please note, however, that veterans will still need to provide their date of birth when submitting an application for a determination of eligibility in order to process their request.

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VA Reaching Out to Vets with Mortgage Problems. Please read this link for important information to veteran homeowners. Additionally, please read this link which provides some additional information and assistance for Veterans.

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Enhanced VA Mortgage Options Now Available for Veterans Of Potential Benefit to Those in Financial Distress. Please go to this link for more information.

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Please go to this link for 2009 VA County Loan Limits and this link for 2008 VA County Loan Limits. This link has examples for calculating the VA guaranty.

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On October 10, 2008, the President signed S. 3023, the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008. Please go to this link for important information to veteran homeowners.

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If you have been affected by natural disasters, please click on this link for important information to veteran homeowners.

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Public Law 110-289 has expanded the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant program, and increased SAH grant amounts. Click on this link to read the most recent release regarding these changes. Please note that updates to Specially Adapted Housing Fact Sheet (SAH) – October 2008 and Special Housing Adaptation Fact Sheet (SHA) – October 2008 have been posted, and can be found at www.homeloans.va.gov/sah.

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We ask that you report any non-working links, and misspellings to our Webmasters. Please limit your questions to website related issues only. Our webmasters cannot answer loan specific questions about the Home Loan program, they are responsible for content only. Additionally, please do not send your SSN or Service Number in any email correspondence.

2009-10-09T04:16:00.000-07:00

First Home Buyer
RAMS Home Loans makes it easier to buy your first home faster:
With RAMS Home Loans, you can borrow up to 95%* of the full purchase price (or valuation if lower).
We'll even help you with your First Home Owner Grant application.
First Home Buyer Home Loans

Fees conditions, limitations and lending criteria apply. *Funds to cover transaction costs and deposit required. Subject to loan serviceability. If for investment purposes, must hold 20% of the purchase price in equity in other residential real estate or income earning assets.
Self-employed
RAMS makes it easier with great rates and simplified paperwork:
An easy application process with no need for full financials (subject to credit criteria).
Borrow up to 80% of the purchase price with RAMS SE Pro Pack Home Loan.
Variable rate home loan options with ATM, EFTPOS and cheque book access.
Fixed rate home loan option. Fix your rate for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 years.
Self-Employed Home Loans

Fees conditions, limitations and lending criteria apply.
Refinancing
Whatever you're looking for, RAMS Home Loans makes it easier to refinance:
You could receive a lower interest rate on your home loan.
You could upgrade to a better home loan for your current circumstances.
You can borrow additional funds - to renovate, to invest, or for a major purchase.
You could consolidate all your debts into one easy to manage loan, with one monthly repayment.
Refinancing Home Loans

Fees conditions, limitations and lending criteria apply.
Investor
RAMS makes it easier to reach your property investment goals:
Rental income and negative gearing benefits are included in borrowing assessments. So you may be able to borrow more than with many other lenders.
Borrow up to 95%* of the purchase price (or valuation if lower). You simply need to be able to afford the repayments.
Up to 10 years interest only repayments, increasing your potential to tax deduct the entire home loan repayment, for longer.
Property Investment Home Loans

Fees, conditions, limitations and lending criteria apply. See specific products for full details. *Must hold 20% of the purchase price in equity in other residential real estate or income earning investments.
RAMS Home Loans Solutions
Compare our home loans and find a RAMS home loan that's right for you. RAMS is Australia's specialist home loan lender.

No deposit home loan
Looking for a home loan where you can borrow the full purchase price? Ask RAMS.

Lower Standard Variable Rate than the big banks
The RAMS Home Loans Standard Variable Rate is lower than the big banks. If you're on a standard variable rate with one of the big banks, see how much you could save on your home loan.
Can't pay the rent and save money for a deposit?
No worries! A RAMS Fast Track Home Loan could be the perfect solution!

Why pay more just because you’re self-employed?
Not only could RAMS Home Loans range of Low Doc home loans save you money, you’ll also save time with less paperwork and no need to supply full financials. Check out our RAMS SE Pro Pack Home Loan today!

Do you want to get back in control of your home loan?
Check out our range of home loan refinancing solutions: RAMS Easy Start, RAMS SmartWay Pro Pack and RAMS Basic home loans. Or request an appointment with a RAMS Home Loans specialist today!

RAMS Home Loans News and Articles
22/9/09 - RAMS cuts its home loan Fees across all Home Loans
RAMS takes its home loan customer’s feedback seriously. That’s why RAMS Home Loans have reduced the dishonours and arrears fees for their home loans to $15. This significant reduction in fees is in line with the home loan lender’s positioning, making RAMS a desirable and affordable alternative in the home loans market.
9/9/09 - RAMS introduces paperless processing for home loans
Read more about RAMS moving to a paperless home loan application process that will improve the processing capability of RAMS by reducing manual touch-points throughout the home loan application process. RAMS’ new paperless home loans application process means better service for home loan customers.

Marriage and car insurance: What will it cost?

2009-09-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

As you prepare for one of the biggest (and best) days of your life, you may be worrying about money. The ceremony, reception, and honeymoon are expensive, but you might be surprised to learn that getting married can save you money in unexpected ways.

Car Insurance. Marriage can lower your car insurance rates. Married people are considered safer and more stable because of their new commitment and responsibilities, and this can translate into discounts. As a couple, you may qualify for reduced car insurance rates with the same coverage. You could also earn a multiple car discount if you combine both your cars on the same policy. Depending on the driving records and cars of you and your spouse, you may get a better car insurance rate with separate policies. If one of you has a bad driving record, you might get better rates by taking a safe driver course. The only way to know for sure is to compare car insurance quotes from different companies.

New Home or Apartment. If you're moving to a new house or apartment, your new ZIP code could get you lower car insurance rates. If it's closer to where you work or places you visit often, a new location could also lower the car insurance quotes you get. That's because you could qualify for a low-mileage discount on your car insurance, something to look for if you or your spouse will stay at home.

Other Insurance. Be aware that you may need to look for different insurance that covers your new wedding gifts and rings. Although your insurance rates might go down in general, you'll want to consider adding other types of insurance and higher coverage amounts. Remember, you have more assets to protect now, so you'll need to examine all of your options. Keep in mind that you might get better rates if you buy multiple types of insurance from the same company.

Life Changes. Whenever you have changes in your life, it's a good idea to see if your insurance rates have changed and if you need different coverage. Life insurance, home or renters insurance, disability insurance, beneficiaries… it can seem overwhelming, but we can help you understand insurance. With all the changes in your life, you'll need to shop around, which is easy with Insurance.com's free online car insurance quotes application.

Take advantage of auto insurance discounts.

2009-09-19T18:35:00.001-07:00

Perhaps you assume that rates are similar among car insurance companies, and that there's no need to shop around for the best price. However, buying a policy without researching your options first could be an expensive mistake.

Taking advantage of discounts that many auto insurance companies offer can significantly reduce the cost of car insurance. Understanding the factors that impact auto insurance premiums can help you make better decisions about your coverage—and possibly save some money in the process.

Most auto insurance discounts fall into one of three categories. Knowing the categories and using these tips will help you identify possible discounts that could help you save on auto insurance.

Policy Discounts:

Bundling—Most car insurance companies offer multi-policy and multi-vehicle discounts. Consolidating policies—by purchasing homeowners and car insurance from the same company, for example—offers convenience and can save both time and money.
Payment discounts—Some companies offer discounts for full payment instead of monthly payment and for payments using Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). In addition, a few companies offer discounts for e-signatures and paperless billing.
Early shopping or renewal discounts—An easy way to earn a quick discount is to shop 2 weeks before your policy's renewal date, because some companies give early shopping discounts. But, be sure to compare rates carefully with your current policy, as you may earn a discount for continuing to renew your policy.
Coverages and deductibles—Selecting appropriate coverages and deductibles isn't necessarily a discount, but it's a good way to save money. If you own an older car, it may not be necessary or cost-effective to buy collision and comprehensive coverage. If the book value of a car is close to a coverage's deductible, it may make sense to drop that coverage. Another way to lower a premium is to select a higher deductible. The money saved annually could be significant.
Vehicle-related Discounts:

Safety and security—Many auto insurance companies reward drivers of safe and secure cars with discounts. Anti-lock brakes and airbags make your car and its occupants safer and can earn you a discount. Likewise, anti-theft and vehicle recovery systems make your car less likely to be stolen or easier to recover, and many companies offer a discount when you have comprehensive coverage. In addition, monitoring devices like Safeco's Safety Beacon™ ensure that your vehicle is driven safely, which is always worth a discount.
Car type—A few insurance companies offer discounts for hybrid cars. Even if you don't own a hybrid, the type of car you drive can affect how much you pay for car insurance. Insurance companies assign a rating to every car model based on their expectation of collision, injury and theft claims, among other factors. The safer and more secure the car, the more you can reduce your premium. Conversely, an unsafe pickup truck or oft-stolen sports car can significantly raise your premium.
Driver Discounts:

Driving record—A clean driving record can generally save money on car insurance, and many companies also offer specific discounts for safe drivers.
Driver responsibility—Some insurance companies offer discounts to policyholders who complete a defensive driving class, driver improvement course, or accident avoidance class. In addition, drivers who are homeowners, good students, older drivers, or college educated can often earn discounts.
Associations—Members of clubs like AAA, professional associations, and certain occupations are often eligible for auto insurance discounts.
Low Mileage discounts—Many car insurance companies offer discounts for low yearly mileage. If you use public transportation often or participate in a carpool, your vehicle probably has lower annual mileage than normal, which may qualify you for a discount. In addition, members of the military and students living away from home frequently earn discounts because they use their cars less.
There are many ways to save on your coverage, even beyond these discounts. Knowing more about auto insurance policies and premiums can help you take advantage of discounts and savings techniques while ensuring that you have the appropriate protection for your vehicles. For a list of the discounts offered by our car insurance partners, please read about our partner companies.

Calculate Your Savings on Cars and Auto Insurance

2009-09-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

Trying to save money these days? It often means asking some tough questions about whether cutting costs or spending more makes sense.

Should You? Quick Answer
Raise your deductibles? Maybe.
Buy a vehicle report? Yes.
Buy an extended warranty? Be careful.

Should you: Raise your deductibles for Comprehensive and Collision coverage?
Quick answer: It really depends.

When it comes to saving money on car insurance, how do you figure out whether you should give up a little coverage or pay a little more for a lower deductible?

The effect of raising or lowering deductibles for Comprehensive and Collision coverages varies between car insurance companies and is different for each situation, so there is no "quick answer" to this question. Until you see actual prices for different deductibles, you won't know whether it's worth it.

The price of your car, the cost to repair your car, how likely it is to be stolen, and where you live (city, suburb or the country) can all affect the final price you pay for car insurance. If you're paying a lot, you can save more. If your rates are relatively low, it's harder to squeeze out savings by simply raising your Comprehensive and Collision deductibles.

The average driver has a Comp or Collision loss every seven to 10 years. If you can save $75 each year by raising your collision deductible from $500 to $1000, and you don't have a collision loss for 10 years, you will have saved $750 in premium payments—but would pay an additional $500 deductible if you have an accident. Net savings: $250.

To see how your rates compare to average quotes in your area, check out our RateWidget for Car Insurance. If you're paying more than the average driver in your area, it's a good idea to compare rates and consider higher deductibles.

Should you: Get a vehicle history report before you buy a used car?
Quick answer: Yes.

This decision is easy. Always get a vehicle history report on a used car before you buy it, (unless it's the car your grandmother drove only to church for the past 10 years). Some sellers and dealers offer these reports as a selling point—and be sure to check it thoroughly to make sure it matches the dealer's description. A vehicle history report is a relatively cheap way to make sure you're not making an avoidable mistake.

The largest provider of vehicle history reports, Carfax, charges around $30 for a single report, $35 for 10, and $40 for as many as you want in a month. A typical report includes accidents, recalls, current mileage, number and type of owners, suspicious odometer readings, whether the car was totaled or turned in as a lemon, and more. Some providers, such as Carfax, have even started to include service records.

In addition to getting an official vehicle history, check online ratings for safety and read consumer reviews about service issues. The good news about buying a car is that it's easier than ever to spot potential problems!

Should you: Buy an extended warranty for a new or used car?
Quick answer: Do the math and be careful.

In this economy, people are more likely to buy a used car than a new one, and that raises the question of protecting your investment with an extended warranty. One option is to buy a certified used car, which means that the car has been inspected thoroughly and the manufacturer has extended its own original warranty to cover the car for an additional period. If the terms are the same as a new car warranty, this option is often worth the additional price, because it means you won't pay for repairs to faulty parts, the same as with a new car.

Some dealerships will offer an aftermarket warranty from a third-party provider, which may be an insurance company or a warranty company. Make sure you compare prices for different protection levels and deductible amounts. And, be aware that some companies will make you pay for repairs out of pocket and reimburse you later. Some warranty contracts will insist on approving repairs or repair shops before work can be started, and some deductibles will apply on a per part basis, rather than a per visit basis. These differences could be key if you're comparing two warranties that are otherwise similar. If the cost seems high and the actual coverage looks limited, you might want to save your money.

How Your Driving Record Impacts Your Insurance Rate

2009-09-19T18:30:00.000-07:00

In most states, the motor vehicles department has a "point" system, which is used to track your driving record. Generally, each type of infraction (moving violations, parking tickets, at-fault accidents, driving under the influence, etc.) is assigned a certain point value. When you are found guilty of one of these infractions, the appropriate number of points is added to your driving record. The more points you have, the worse your record.

Reviewing Your Record
Typically, an auto insurance company has the right to review the driving record of anyone who applies for an auto insurance policy from that company.

The purpose of this initial review is two-fold:

To determine whether you meet the insurer's standards of insurability (i.e., whether you will be issued a policy at all)
To evaluate your risk potential (i.e., how much your insurance will cost).
However, each insurance company has its own method of evaluating applicants, so the points on your driving record may or may not have a direct impact on the rates you pay for auto insurance.

Other Times Records Are Checked
Once you are issued a policy, your insurer probably has the right to review your driving record at any time (depending on your state). Of course, few insurers have the resources or the inclination to run daily checks on the driving records of every policyholder, so the frequency of these checks actually may be quite low. There are, however, certain times when you can be relatively sure an insurance company will be checking your record. These include:

When you initially apply for coverage
When you request a change to your policy (increased coverage amounts, etc.)
When you add a vehicle to your policy, or change the covered vehicle
When your policy comes up for renewal
If a review of your driving record uncovers negative information, there's a chance your insurance rates will increase. Insurers typically use their own "point" system to determine the amount of the increase (if any). Although these systems can vary, most insurers use a system based on the Safe Driver Insurance Plan, which is issued by the Insurance Services Office (ISO).

The Safe Driver Insurance Plan lists different types of auto accidents and moving violations, and assigns a "point" value (from 0 to 4) to each type based on the severity of the incident. Under the Plan, as you accumulate points, you are assessed surcharges that generally result in higher insurance rates. The number of points charged determines a premium increase.

Driving Courses
Depending upon how many points you’ve received for claims or violations, the courts may mandate the completion of a Defensive Driving Course. Courses are designed to re-instruct you on the effects of distractions within and outside a car, the effects of inclement weather on vehicle handling, driver impairments, and more. Upon completing a course, insurance discounts may be available. Many states offer online courses, making it easy and convenient to fit into your schedule. To find out more, visit www.IDriveSafely.com or contact your local DMV.

Will an Accident or Ticket Increase My Car Insurance Rate?

2009-09-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

When drivers get into an accident, their first thought is often "How much will this cost?" It depends on your insurance company and your state's laws, but part of that cost will likely be an increase in your auto insurance premium – unless the accident was very minor.

How Likely Is a Rate Increase?
The chance of an increase in premium rises along with several factors:

Accident severity.
Your degree of fault, unless you're in a "no-fault" state.
The value of the insurance claim you or the other driver files.
Type of violation, if you get a ticket at all.
Whether the violation or accident appears on your MVR or CLUE report.
How Much Money?
Like everything else about insurance prices, the amount of an increase, if any, varies by company. However, based on a 2008 Insurance.com study of the effect a violation or insurance claim has on premiums, the price can be high. Drivers who had an additional ticket saw their rates increase from $157 to $248 a year while those who had an additional claim saw increases ranging from $302 to $458 annually.

($)Average Annual PremiumNumber of Claims or Violations280021001400700001234ClaimsViolations©2009 Insurance.com.
When Will It Go Up?
These increases are typically seen at renewal time, but if you didn't notify your insurance company (please do!) and no one made a claim, it could take awhile for the company to find out. Rest assured that they will not be happy to uncover a ticket or accident you failed to report. If you're switching companies, they may not find out until they order your driving or claims history, at which time they may decide not to issue you a policy.

Accident Forgiveness
Some insurance companies offer an accident forgiveness feature. If yours does—and you qualify—your rates may not increase if you're found to be at fault in a relatively minor accident. However, there could be severe consequences if you're involved in a major accident and you're driving under the influence. Remember that there are worse things that can happen than a higher insurance premium, like license suspension and jail time.

MVR = Motor Vehicle Report. Not every traffic ticket actually appears on your MVR. In fact, in some states only 75% of all moving violations are ever recorded on an MVR.

CLUE = Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange. C.L.U.E. is a claims history database created by ChoicePoint that allows insurance companies to access your claims information when they underwrite or rate a policy. The report includes claim information such as date of loss, type of loss and amounts paid, and vehicle description.

Car Insurance: What Not to Do

2009-09-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

You can save money on your car insurance. That's the good news. The bad news is that you can't safely save money by slashing your coverages dramatically and dropping damage coverage for your car. Sorry for the reality check, but if anyone tells you to improve your financial situation by calling your auto insurance company and buying a lot less coverage, they simply don't have all the facts.

What? Cheaper is better!
Sometimes, yes. However, you get what you pay for. Everyone wants to save money on their insurance premium, but no one wants to pay out of pocket when the unexpected happens. Car insurance exists because bad things happen. If you reduce your liability coverage and drop uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and drop comprehensive and collision or raise the deductibles, who pays when there's an accident? Most likely, you do.

Dropping and reducing auto insurance coverages is a lot like gambling. It's a decision to stake your financial future on the assumption that you are an excellent driver, that everyone you encounter is an excellent (and insured) driver, and that your car will never be damaged or stolen.

But my friend saved a lot by getting the bare minimum.
It's possible to save money if you only get what's required, just like it's possible to win the lottery or predict the stock market. That doesn't make it a good bet. Let's look at why.

Suppose you have an old car that's only worth around $2,000. Your friend tells you he saved $300 a year by dropping collision coverage. You like saving money, so you do the same, but the next week you lose control of your car and hit a utility pole. You were only going 20 MPH, but that's enough to total the car, since repair costs exceed $2,000. You did save $300 on your premium, but you have no car and no coverage. Now you have to find a car that's as reliable as your old one for as little money as possible.

What if you also tried to save money by lowering your liability limits to the state minimum? For example, in Ohio the minimum limit for property damage coverage is $7,500. If you knocked the utility pole over into a storefront, taking out power for the block at the same time, who pays? If it costs $15,000 to repair the pole and replace the store's window and display, you can bet the extra $7,500 will come out of your pocket somehow. If you have assets, those will be used to provide payment, and if you don't have assets, you'll usually be asked to work out a payment plan. Now you've actually cost yourself money instead of saving it, and this accident didn't even involve any injuries.

So how can I save money?
We did mention that there was good news. Although you don't want to eliminate the protection you have with uninsured/underinsured motorist and Comp & Collision coverages unless there's no choice, you still have options. First, make sure you're getting all of the discounts you're eligible for. Next, compare auto insurance rates from other companies to see if you're paying more than you have to for the same coverage. Rates can vary considerably from one company to the next, so investing a little time in comparing quotes might pay big dividends in savings.

What's your quick advice?
Since you asked, here are some quick tips for sorting out the good advice from the bad.

Don't slash your policy limits. If you want to protect your assets – now and in the future – it's too risky to cut your limits to state minimums.
Insure your car against damage, even if you have to increase the deductibles. Unless you can afford to pay cash to replace your car, try to keep it insured for comprehensive and collision. Comprehensive in particular is relatively inexpensive, especially if you have an older car model. No matter how much someone else would pay for your car, in this economy it's probably priceless to you!
Always buy Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists coverage. With more uninsured drivers on the road, UM/UIM coverage gives you low-cost protection from unnecessary risk.

10 Tips to help you save on car insurance.

2009-09-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

1. Drive less and earn a discount
If you drive less than 7,500 miles per year, you may qualify for a low-mileage discount on your auto insurance. And, some car insurance companies offer a commuter discount if you use public transportation during the week.

2. Don't use your car for business purposes
Some insurance companies will add a "business use surcharge" or increase your car insurance premium as your annual mileage increases. But, if you must use your car for business, be sure to tell your company or agent, so that your daily business travel is covered.

3. Increase your deductible
You might reduce your annual auto insurance premium by as much as 10 to 15% if you increase your deductible from $250 to $500. But, remember that you'll be required to pay the larger deductible upfront if you have an accident.

4. Keep an eye on your credit report
Your credit history is one of many "risk factors" that most auto insurance companies evaluate when setting rates (in states where it's permissible by law). Paying your bills on time and maintaining a solid credit history will help keep your auto and home insurance rates lower.

5. Drive safely
You may be eligible for a price break on your car insurance policy if you have no accidents or traffic violations for a specified period (usually three years – but a few companies will look back five years). Even a single speeding ticket can increase your auto insurance rates 5 to 10% depending on your state.

6. Buy a low-profile car
Cars are rated on a risk scale for auto insurance purposes. In general, sports cars and other high-performance, flashy vehicles are classified as higher risks because they are common targets for thieves and vandals, and because statistically, the people who own them tend to drive more recklessly.

7. Move
If you live in a rural community with little crime and traffic congestion, your insurance premium will generally be lower than if you live in an urban area where your car is more likely to be stolen, vandalized, or involved in an accident. We love city life – but sadly it costs more for car insurance.

8. Keep your car in a garage
Cars parked in garages are less likely to be stolen, vandalized, or struck by other vehicles. Using a garage to store your car may get you to a slight auto insurance premium reduction.

9. Install safety or anti-theft devices
Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts for anti-lock brakes, automatic seat belts, and airbags. Similarly, anti-theft devices such as car alarms and tracking systems (e.g., LoJack®) may also get you an insurance discount because they reduce the chances of your car being stolen or vandalized.

10. Look for discounts
You may receive a discount from your auto insurance company if you buy more than one type of insurance through that same company (e.g., auto and homeowners). A discount may also apply to your auto insurance if you insure multiple cars under the same policy or with the same company. In addition, you can earn money-saving discounts for taking a defensive driving course, being a AAA member or staying with the same auto insurance company for a number of years. These discounts vary by company.

10+ Shop around
OK, it might go without saying, but your current car insurance company might not be the best one for you in the future! We recommend researching your options 30 to 45 days before your current policy is set to renew, especially if you have not shopped recently. (Fact: Insurance.com customers reported annual auto insurance savings of $538 a year in April 2009. Your savings may vary.)

Health Insurance

2009-09-19T18:11:00.000-07:00

Health insurance is insurance that pays for medical expenses. It is sometimes used more broadly to include insurance covering disability or long-term nursing or custodial care needs. It may be provided through a government-sponsored social insurance program, or from private insurance companies. It may be purchased on a group basis (e.g., by a firm to cover its employees) or purchased by individual consumers. In each case, the covered groups or individuals pay premiums or taxes to help protect themselves from high or unexpected healthcare expenses. Similar benefits paying for medical expenses may also be provided through social welfare programs funded by the government.

By estimating the overall risk of healthcare expenses, a routine finance structure (such as a monthly premium or annual tax) can be developed, ensuring that money is available to pay for the healthcare benefits specified in the insurance agreement. The benefit is administered by a central organization such as a government agency, private business, or not-for-profit entity.
The concept of health insurance was proposed in 1694 by Hugh the Elder Chamberlen from the Peter Chamberlen family. In the late 19th century, "accident insurance" began to be available, which operated much like modern disability insurance.[2][3] This payment model continued until the start of the 20th century in some jurisdictions (like California), where all laws regulating health insurance actually referred to disability insurance.[4]

Accident insurance was first offered in the United States by the Franklin Health Assurance Company of Massachusetts. This firm, founded in 1850, offered insurance against injuries arising from railroad and steamboat accidents. Sixty organizations were offering accident insurance in the U.S. by 1866, but the industry consolidated rapidly soon thereafter. While there were earlier experiments, the origins of sickness coverage in the U.S. effectively date from 1890. The first employer-sponsored group disability policy was issued in 1911.[5]

Before the development of medical expense insurance, patients were expected to pay all other health care costs out of their own pockets, under what is known as the fee-for-service business model. During the middle to late 20th century, traditional disability insurance evolved into modern health insurance programs. Today, most comprehensive private health insurance programs cover the cost of routine, preventive, and emergency health care procedures, and most prescription drugs, but this was not always the case.

Hospital and medical expense policies were introduced during the first half of the 20th century. During the 1920s, individual hospitals began offering services to individuals on a pre-paid basis, eventually leading to the development of Blue Cross organizations.[5] The predecessors of today's Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) originated beginning in 1929, through the 1930s and on during World War II.[6][7]

[edit] How it works
A health insurance policy is a contract between an insurance company and an individual or his sponsor (e.g. an employer). The contract can be renewable annually or monthly. The type and amount of health care costs that will be covered by the health insurance company are specified in advance, in the member contract or "Evidence of Coverage" booklet. The individual insurered person's obligations may take several forms:[8]

Premium: The amount the policy-holder or his sponsor (e.g. an employer) pays to the health plan each month to purchase health coverage.
Deductible: The amount that the insured must pay out-of-pocket before the health insurer pays its share. For example, a policy-holder might have to pay a $500 deductible per year, before any of their health care is covered by the health insurer. It may take several doctor's visits or prescription refills before the insured person reaches the deductible and the insurance company starts to pay for care.
Copayment: The amount that the insured person must pay out of pocket before the health insurer pays for a particular visit or service. For example, an insured person might pay a $45 copayment for a doctor's visit, or to obtain a prescription. A copayment must be paid each time a particular service is obtained.
Coinsurance: Instead of, or in addition to, paying a fixed amount up front (a copayment), the co-insurance is a percentage of the total cost that insured person may also pay. For example, the member might have to pay 20% of the cost of a surgery over and above a co-payment, while the insurance company pays the other 80%. If there is an upper limit on coinsurance, the policy-holder could end up owing very little, or a great deal, depending on the actual costs of the services they obtain.
Exclusions: Not all services are covered. The insured person is generally expected to pay the full cost of non-covered services out of their own pocket.
Coverage limits: Some health insurance policies only pay for health care up to a certain dollar amount. The insured person may be expected to pay any charges in excess of the health plan's maximum payment for a specific service. In addition, some insurance company schemes have annual or lifetime coverage maximums. In these cases, the health plan will stop payment when they reach the benefit maximum, and the policy-holder must pay all remaining costs.
Out-of-pocket maximums: Similar to coverage limits, except that in this case, the insured person's payment obligation ends when they reach the out-of-pocket maximum, and the health company pays all further covered costs. Out-of-pocket maximums can be limited to a specific benefit category (such as prescription drugs) or can apply to all coverage provided during a specific benefit year.
Capitation: An amount paid by an insurer to a health care provider, for which the provider agrees to treat all members of the insurer.
In-Network Provider: (U.S. term) A health care provider on a list of providers preselected by the insurer. The insurer will offer discounted coinsurance or copayments, or additional benefits, to a plan member to see an in-network provider. Generally, providers in network are providers who have a contract with the insurer to accept rates further discounted from the "usual and customary" charges the insurer pays to out-of-network providers.
Prior Authorization: A certification or authorization that an insurer provides prior to medical service occurring. Obtaining an authorization means that the insurer is obligated to pay for the service, assume it matches what was authorized. Many smaller, routine services do not require authorization.[9]
Explanation of Benefits: A document sent by an insurer to a patient explaining what was covered for a medical service, and how they arrived at the payment amount and patient responsibility amount.[10]
Prescription drug plans are a form of insurance offered through some employer benefit plans in the U.S., where the patient pays a copayment and the prescription drug insurance part or all of the balance for drugs covered in the formulary of the plan.

Some, if not most, health care providers in the United States will agree to bill the insurance company if patients are willing to sign an agreement that they will be responsible for the amount that the insurance company doesn't pay. The insurance company pays out of network providers according to "reasonable and customary" charges, which may be less than the provider's usual fee. The provider may also have a separate contract with the insurer to accept what amounts to a discounted rate or capitation to the provider's standard charges. It generally costs the patient less to use an in-network provider.

[edit] Health plan vs. health insurance
Historically, HMOs tended to use the term "health plan", while commercial insurance companies used the term "health insurance". A health plan can also refer to a subscription-based medical care arrangement offered through HMOs, preferred provider organizations, or point of service plans. These plans are similar to pre-paid dental, pre-paid legal, and pre-paid vision plans. Pre-paid health plans typically pay for a fixed number of services (for instance, $300 in preventive care, a certain number of days of hospice care or care in a skilled nursing facility, a fixed number of home health visits, a fixed number of spinal manipulation charges, etc.) The services offered are usually at the discretion of a utilization review nurse who is often contracted through the managed care entity providing the subscription health plan. This determination may be made either prior to or after hospital admission (concurrent utilization review).

[edit] Comprehensive vs. scheduled
Comprehensive health insurance pays a percentage of the cost of hospital and physician charges after a deductible (usually applies to hospital charges) or a co-pay (usually applies to physician charges, but may apply to some hospital services) is met by the insured. These plans are generally expensive because of the high potential benefit payout — $1,000,000 to 5,000,000 is common — and because of the vast array of covered benefits.[11]

Scheduled health insurance plans are not meant to replace a traditional comprehensive health insurance plans and are more of a basic policy providing access to day-to-day health care such as going to the doctor or getting a prescription drug. In recent years, these plans have taken the name mini-med plans or association plans. The term "association" is often used to describe them because they require membership in an association that must exist for some other purpose than to sell insurance. Examples include the National Association for the Self Employed and the Health Care Credit Union Association. These plans may provide benefits for hospitalization and surgical, but these benefits will be limited. Scheduled plans are not meant to be effective for catastrophic events. These plans cost much less than comprehensive health insurance. They generally pay limited benefits amounts directly to the service provider, and payments are based upon the plan's "schedule of benefits". Annual benefits maximums for a typical scheduled health insurance plan may range from $1,000 to $25,000.[12]

[edit] Inherent problems with multiple insurance funds and optional insurance
This Section may contain original research or unverified claims. Please improve the article by adding references. See the talk page for details. (June 2009)

Although the general principle of insurance is population solidarity, the economic behavior of insurance companies that are run for profit often seems to go against this very principle. This is exemplified in an Urban Institute paper which argues that the whole medical insurance industry in the United States is geared to managing two groups that it tries to keep from overlapping: the group of people who are healthy and will make only very small claims as policy holders (which it seeks to attract), and the group of people who will make above average claims (which the companies will do all they can to avoid paying out for — by exclusions, higher co-pay rates, etc). The authors say that these activities are antithetical to the whole concept of insurance (which is that the fortunate healthy should meet the health care costs of the unfortunately ill). The paper argues that American insurers are so focused on the process of managing these groups that they forget that their primary aim ought to be to buy cost-effective, efficiently delivered care on behalf of their clients [13]. On the other hand, insurance companies might argue that they are trying to achieve fairness to policy holders given the fact that the split nature of the market means that risks are not evenly distributed between the various funds.[citation needed]

[edit] Adverse selection
Insurance companies use the term "adverse selection" to describe the tendency for only those who will benefit from insurance to buy it. Specifically when talking about health insurance, unhealthy people are more likely to purchase health insurance because they anticipate large medical bills. On the other side, people who consider themselves to be reasonably healthy may decide that medical insurance is an unnecessary expense; if they see the doctor once a year that's much better than making monthly insurance payments.

Because of adverse selection, insurance companies employ medical underwriting, using a patient's medical history to screen out those whose pre-existing medical conditions pose too great a risk for the risk pool. Before buying health insurance, a person typically fills out a comprehensive medical history form that asks whether the person smokes, how much the person weighs, whether the person has been treated for any of a long list of diseases and so on. In general, those who present large financial burdens are denied coverage or charged high premiums to compensate.[14] One large U.S. industry survey found that roughly 13 percent of applicants for comprehensive, individually purchased health insurance who went through the medical underwriting in 2004 were denied coverage. Declination rates increased significantly with age, rising from 5 percent for individuals 18 and under to just under a third for individuals aged 60 to 64.[15] Among those who were offered coverage, the study found that 76% received offers at standard premium rates, and 22% were offered higher rates.[16] On the other side, applicants can get discounts if they do not smoke and are healthy.[17]

[edit] Moral hazard
Main article: Moral hazard
Moral hazard occurs when an insurer and a consumer enter into a contract under symmetric information, but one party takes action, not taken into account in the contract, which changes the value of the insurance. A common example of moral hazard is third-party payment—when the parties involved in making a decision are not responsible for bearing costs arising from the decision. An example is where doctors and insured patients agree to extra tests which may or may not be necessary. Doctors benefit by avoiding possible malpractice suits, and patients benefit by gaining increased certainty of their medical condition. The cost of these extra tests is borne by the insurance company, which may have had little say in the decision. Co-payments, deductibles, and less generous insurance for services with more elastic demand attempt to combat moral hazard, as they hold the consumer responsible.

[edit] Self-Funded Health Insurance
Main article: Self-funded health care
[edit] Other factors affecting insurance prices
A recent study by PriceWaterhouseCoopers examining the drivers of rising health care costs in the U.S. pointed to increased utilization created by increased consumer demand, new treatments, and more intensive diagnostic testing, as the most significant driver.[18] People in developed countries are living longer. The population of those countries is aging, and a larger group of senior citizens requires more intensive medical care than a young healthier population. Advances in medicine and medical technology can also increase the cost of medical treatment. Lifestyle-related factors can increase utilization and therefore insurance prices, such as: increases in obesity caused by insufficient exercise and unhealthy food choices; excessive alcohol use, smoking, and use of street drugs. Other factors noted by the PWC study included the movement to broader-access plans, higher-priced technologies, and cost-shifting from Medicaid and the uninsured to private payers.[18]

[edit] Comparison
See also: Health care systems
The Commonwealth Fund, in its annual survey, "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall", compares the performance of the health care systems in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and the U.S. Its 2007 study found that, although the U.S. system is the most expensive, it consistently under-performs compared to the other countries.[19] One difference between the U.S. and the other countries in the study is that the U.S. is the only country without universal health insurance coverage.

[edit] Australia
Main article: Health care in Australia
The public health system is called Medicare. It ensures free universal access to hospital treatment and subsidised out-of-hospital medical treatment. It is funded by a 1.5% tax levy on all taxpayers, an extra 1% levy on high income earners, as well as general revenue.

The private health system is funded by a number of private health insurance organisations. The largest of these is Medibank Private, which is government-owned, but operates as a government business enterprise under the same regulatory regime as all other registered private health funds. The Coalition Howard government had announced that Medibank would be privatised if it won the 2007 election, however they were defeated by the Australian Labor Party under Kevin Rudd which had already pledged that it would remain in government ownership.

Some private health insurers are 'for profit' enterprises, and some are non-profit organizations such as HCF Health Insurance and GMHBA Health Insurance. Some have membership restricted to particular groups, but the majority have open membership. Membership to most health funds is now also available through comparison websites like moneytime and iSelect. These comparison sites operate on a commission-basis by agreement with their participating health funds.

Most aspects of private health insurance in Australia are regulated by the Private Health Insurance Act 2007.

The private health system in Australia operates on a "community rating" basis, whereby premiums do not vary solely because of a person's previous medical history, current state of health, or (generally speaking) their age (but see Lifetime Health Cover below). Balancing this are waiting periods, in particular for pre-existing conditions (usually referred to within the industry as PEA, which stands for "pre-existing ailment"). Funds are entitled to impose a waiting period of up to 12 months on benefits for any medical condition the signs and symptoms of which existed during the six months ending on the day the person first took out insurance. They are also entitled to impose a 12-month waiting period for benefits for treatment relating to an obstetric condition, and a 2-month waiting period for all other benefits when a person first takes out private insurance. Funds have the discretion to reduce or remove such waiting periods in individual cases. They are also free not to impose them to begin with, but this would place such a fund at risk of "adverse selection", attracting a disproportionate number of members from other funds, or from the pool of intending members who might otherwise have joined other funds. It would also attract people with existing medical conditions, who might not otherwise have taken out insurance at all because of the denial of benefits for 12 months due to the PEA Rule. The benefits paid out for these conditions would create pressure on premiums for all the fund's members, causing some to drop their membership, which would lead to further rises, and a vicious cycle would ensue.

There are a number of other matters about which funds are not permitted to discriminate between members in terms of premiums, benefits or membership - these include racial origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, nature of employment, and leisure activities. Premiums for a fund's product that is sold in more than one state can vary from state to state, but not within the same state.

The Australian government has introduced a number of incentives to encourage adults to take out private hospital insurance. These include:

Lifetime Health Cover: If a person has not taken out private hospital cover by the 1st July after their 31st birthday, then when (and if) they do so after this time, their premiums must include a loading of 2% per annum for each year they were without hospital cover. Thus, a person taking out private cover for the first time at age 40 will pay a 20 per cent loading. The loading is removed after 10 years of continuous hospital cover. The loading applies only to premiums for hospital cover, not to ancillary (extras) cover.
Medicare Levy Surcharge: People whose taxable income is greater than a specified amount (currently $70,000 for singles and $140,000 for couples) and who do not have an adequate level of private hospital cover must pay a 1% surcharge on top of the standard 1.5% Medicare Levy. The rationale is that if the people in this income group are forced to pay more money one way or another, most would choose to purchase hospital insurance with it, with the possibility of a benefit in the event that they need private hospital treatment - rather than pay it in the form of extra tax as well as having to meet their own private hospital costs.
The Australian government announced in May 2008 that it proposes to increase the thresholds, to $100,000 for singles and $150,000 for families. These changes require legislative approval. A bill to change the law has been introduced but was not passed by the Senate.[20][21] An amended version was passed on 16 October 2008. There have been criticisms that the changes will cause many people to drop their private health insurance, causing a further burden on the public hospital system, and a rise in premiums for those who stay with the private system. Other commentators believe the effect will be minimal.[22]
Private Health Insurance Rebate: The government subsidises the premiums for all private health insurance cover, including hospital and ancillary (extras), by 30%, 35% or 40%, depending on age. The Rudd Government announced in May 2009 that as of July 2010, the Rebate would become means-tested, and offered on a sliding scale.
[edit] Canada
Main article: Health care in Canada
Most health insurance in Canada is administered by each province, under the Canada Health Act, which requires all people to have free access to health care. Collectively, the public provincial health insurance systems in Canada are frequently referred to as Medicare. Private health insurance is allowed, but the provincial governments allow it only for services that the public health plans do not cover; for example, semi-private or private rooms in hospitals and prescription drug plans. Canadians are free to use private insurance for elective medical services such as laser vision correction surgery, cosmetic surgery, and other non-basic medical procedures. Some 65% of Canadians have some form of supplementary private health insurance; many of them receive it through their employers.[23] Private-sector services not paid for by the government account for nearly 30 percent of total health care spending.[24]

In 2005, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled, in Chaoulli v. Quebec, that the province's prohibition on private insurance for health care already insured by the provincial plan could constitute an infringement of the right to life and security if there were long wait times for treatment as happened in this case. Certain other provinces have legislation which financially discourages but does not forbid private health insurance in areas covered by the public plans. The ruling has not changed the overall pattern of health insurance across Canada but has spurred on attempts to tackle the core issues of supply and demand and the impact of wait times.[25]

[edit] France
Main article: Health care in France
The French model of health insurance has been ranked by the World Health Organization as the best in the world, because it permits a high quality of care and nearly total patient freedom. The national system of health insurance was instituted in 1945, just after the end of the Second World War. It was a compromise between Gaullist and Communist representatives in the French parliament. The Conservative Gaullists were opposed to a state-run healthcare system, while the Communists were supportive of a complete nationalisation of health care along a British Beveridge model.

The resulting programme is profession-based: all people working are required to pay a portion of their income to a health insurance fund, which mutualises the risk of illness, and which reimburses medical expenses at varying rates. Children and spouses of insured people are eligible for benefits, as well. Each fund is free to manage its own budget, and used to reimburse medical expenses at the rate it saw fit, however following a number of reforms in recent years, the majority of funds provide the same level of reimbursment and benefits.

The government has two responsibilities in this system.

The first government responsibility is the fixing of the rate at which medical expenses should be negotiated, and it does this in two ways: The Ministry of Health directly negotiates prices of medicine with the manufacturers, based on the average price of sale observed in neighboring countries. A board of doctors and experts decides if the medicine provides a valuable enough medical benefit to be reimbursed (note that most medicine is reimbursed, including homeopathy). In parallel, the government fixes the reimbursment rate for medical services: this means that a doctor is free to charge the fee that he wishes for a consultation or an examination, but the social security system will only reimburse it at a pre-set rate. These tariffs are set annually through negotiation with doctors' representative organisations.
The second government responsibility is oversight of the health-insurance funds, to ensure that they are correctly managing the sums they receive, and to ensure oversight of the public hospital network.
Today, this system is more-or-less intact. All citizens and legal foreign residents of France are covered by one of these mandatory programs, which continue to be funded by worker participation. However, since 1945, a number of major changes have been introduced. Firstly, the different health-care funds (there are five: General, Independent, Agricultural, Student, Public Servants) now all reimburse at the same rate. Secondly, since 2000, the government now provides health care to those who are not covered by a mandatory regime (those who have never worked and who are not students, meaning the very rich or the very poor). This regime, unlike the worker-financed ones, is financed via general taxation and reimburses at a higher rate than the profession-based system for those who cannot afford to make up the difference. Finally, to counter the rise in health-care costs, the government has installed two plans, (in 2004 and 2006), which require insured people to declare a referring doctor in order to be fully reimbursed for specalist visits, and which installed a mandatory co-pay of 1 € (about $1.45) for a doctor visit, 0,50 € (about 80 ¢) for each box of medicine prescribed, and a fee of 16-18 € (20-25 $) per day for hospital stays and for expensive procedures.

An important element of the French insurance system is solidarity: the more ill a person becomes, the less the person pays. This means that for people with serious or chronic illnesses, the insurance system reimburses them 100 % of expenses, and waives their co-pay charges.

Finally, for fees that the mandatory system does not cover, there is a large range of private complementary insurance plans available. The market for these programs is very competitive, and often subsidised by the employer, which means that premiums are usually modest. 85% of French people benefit from complementary private health insurance.[26][27]

[edit] Netherlands
Main article: Health care in the Netherlands
In 2006, a new system of health insurance came into force in the Netherlands. This new system avoids the two pitfalls of adverse selection and moral hazard associated with traditional forms of health insurance by using a combination of regulation and an insurance equalization pool. Moral hazard is avoided by mandating that insurance companies provide at least one policy which meets a government set minimum standard level of coverage, and all adult residents are obliged by law to purchase this coverage from an insurance company of their choice. All insurance companies receive funds from the equalization pool to help cover the cost of this government-mandated coverage. This pool is run by a regulator which collects salary-based contributions from employers, which make up about 50% of all health care funding, and funding from the government to cover people who cannot afford health care, which makes up an additional 5%.

The remaining 45% of health care funding comes from insurance premiums paid by the public, for which companies compete on price, though the variation between the various competing insurers is only about 5%. However, insurance companies are free to sell additional policies to provide coverage beyond the national minimum. These policies do not receive funding from the equalization pool, but cover additional treatments, such as dental procedures and physiotherapy, which are not paid for by the mandatory policy.

Funding from the equalization pool is distributed to insurance companies for each person they insure under the required policy. However, high-risk individuals get more from the pool, and low-income persons and children under 18 have their insurance paid for entirely. Because of this, insurance companies no longer find insuring high risk individuals an unappealing proposition, avoiding the potential problem of adverse selection.

Insurance companies are not allowed to have co-payments, caps, or deductibles, or to deny coverage to any person applying for a policy, or to charge anything other than their nationally set and published standard premiums. Therefore, every person buying insurance will pay the same price as everyone else buying the same policy, and every person will get at least the minimum level of coverage.

[edit] United Kingdom
Main article: National Health Service
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is a publicly funded healthcare system that provides coverage to everyone normally resident in the UK. It is not strictly an insurance system because (a) there are no premiums collected, (b) costs are not charged at the patient level and (c) costs are not pre-paid from a pool. However, it does achieve the main aim of insurance which is to spread financial risk arising from ill-health. The costs of running the NHS (est. £104 billion in 2007-8)[28] are met directly from general taxation. The NHS provides the majority of health care in the UK, including primary care, in-patient care, long-term health care, ophthalmology and dentistry.

Private health care has continued parallel to the NHS, paid for largely by private insurance, but it is used by less than 8% of the population, and generally as a top-up to NHS services. There are many treatments that the private sector does not provide. For example, health insurance on pregnancy is generally not covered or covered with restricting clauses.[29] One of the major insurers, BUPA, excludes many forms of treatment and care that most people will need during their lifetime or specialist care most of which are freely available from the NHS. These include:

ageing, menopause and puberty; AIDS/HIV; allergies or allergic disorders; birth control, conception, sexual problems and sex changes; chronic conditions; complications from excluded or restricted conditions/ treatment; convalescence, rehabilitation and general nursing care ; cosmetic, reconstructive or weight loss treatment; deafness; dental/oral treatment (such as fillings, gum disease, jaw shrinkage, etc); dialysis; drugs and dressings for out-patient or take-home use† ; experimental drugs and treatment; eyesight; HRT and bone densitometry; learning difficulties, behavioural and developmental problems; overseas treatment and repatriation; physical aids and devices; pre-existing or special conditions; pregnancy and childbirth; screening and preventive treatment; sleep problems and disorders; speech disorders; temporary relief of symptoms.[30] († = except in exceptional circumstances)

BUPA's competitors include, among others, AXA, Aviva, Groupama Healthcare and Pru Health.

Recently the private sector has been used to increase NHS capacity despite a large proportion of the British public opposing such involvement.[31] According to the World Health Organization, government funding covered 86% of overall health care expenditures in the UK as of 2004, with private expenditures covering the remaining 14%.[32]

[edit] United States
Main articles: Health insurance in the United States, Health insurance reform, and Health care in the United States
The United States mixed economy health care system relies heavily on private (for profit) and not-for-profit health insurance, which is the primary source of coverage for most Americans. According to the United States Census Bureau, approximately 84% of Americans have health insurance; some 60% obtain it through an employer, while about 9% purchase it directly.[33] Various government agencies provide coverage to about 27% of Americans (there is some overlap in these figures).[34]

Public programs provide the primary source of coverage for most seniors citizens and for low-income children and families who meet certain eligibility requirements. The primary public programs are Medicare, a federal social insurance program for seniors and certain disabled individuals, Medicaid, funded jointly by the federal government and states but administered at the state level, which covers certain very low income children and their families, and SCHIP, also a federal-state partnership that serves certain children and families who do not qualify for Medicaid but who cannot afford private coverage. Other public programs include military health benefits provided through TRICARE and the Veterans Health Administration and benefits provided through the Indian Health Service. Some states have additional programs for low-income individuals.[35]

A few states have taken serious steps toward universal health care coverage, most notably Minnesota, Massachusetts and Connecticut, with recent examples being the Massachusetts 2006 Health Reform Statute[36] and Connecticut's SustiNet plan to provide quality, affordable health care to state residents.[37]

In 2006, there were 47 million people in the United States (16% of the population) who were without health insurance for at least part of that year.[34] About 37% of the uninsured live in households with an income over $50,000.[34]

In 2004, U.S. health insurers directly employed almost 470,000 people at an average salary of $61,409.[38] (As of the fourth quarter of 2007, the total U.S. labor force stood at 153.6 million, of whom 146.3 million were employed. Employment related to all forms of insurance totaled 2.3 million.[39] Mean annual earnings for full-time civilian workers as of June 2006 were $41,231; median earnings were $33,634.)[40] The insurance industry also represents a significant lobbying group in the United States. For 2008 insurance was the 8th among industries in political contributions to members of Congress, giving $28,654,121, of which 51% was given to Democrats and 49% to Republicans, with the top recipient of insurance industry contributions being Senator John McCain (R-AZ).[41] The leading contributor from the insurance industry — as measured by total political contributions — was AFLAC, Inc., which contributed $907,150 in 2007.[42]

[edit] California Health Insurance
In 2007, 87% of Californians had some form of health insurance.[43] Services in California range from private offerings: HMOs, PPOs to public programs: Medi-Cal, Medicare, and Healthy Families (SCHIP).

At times, it is difficult to navigate the complex health insurance system. California developed a solution to assist people across the State and is one of the only States to have an Office devoted to giving people tips and resources to get the best care possible. California's Office of the Patient Advocate was established July 2000 to publish a yearly Health Care Quality Report Card on the Top HMOs, PPOs, and Medical Groups and to create and distribute helpful tips and resources to give Californians the tools needed to get the best care.[44]

Additionally, California has a Help Center that assists Californians when they have problems with their health insurance. The Help Center is run by the Department of Managed Health Care, the government department that oversees and regulates HMOs and some PPOs. The number to call is 1.888.466.2219, they have staff on hand to help you through the process of filing a complaint, or just figuring out what to do next.

Student loan scheme

2009-09-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

List of Successful Candidates 2008 - Click Here [PDF: 268 KB]

Pursuant to the announcement made by the Federal Finance Minister in his 2001-2002 budget speech, a STUDENTS LOAN SCHEME (SLS) for Education was launched by the Government of Pakistan in collaboration with major commercial banks of Pakistan (NBP, HBL, UBL, MCB and ABL). Under the Scheme, financial assistance is provided by way of Interest Free Loans to the meritorious students who have financial constraints for pursuing their studies in Scientific, Technical and Professional education within Pakistan.

The Scheme is being administered by a high powered committee comprising Deputy Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, Presidents of the commercial banks and representative of Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan.

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE SCHEME National Bank of Pakistan

ELIGIBILITY

Under the scheme the students are eligible to apply for loans provided:

He/She has obtained admission on merit through normal course/procedure in the approved Universities/Colleges of the public sector mentioned hereunder.
He/She falls at the time of admission within the age bracket of:-

For Graduation Not exceeding 21 Years
For Post-Graduation Not exceeding 31 Years
For Ph.D Not exceeding 36 Years

He/She has secured 70% marks in the last public examination.
He/She has undertaken the study of the subjects given below.
He/She is unable to pursue studies due to financial constraints.

TYPES OF LOAN

The loan facility will be available for entire duration of the study for:-

Schedule Fee Paid directly to the
University/College
Boarding expenses excluding meal charges
Procurement of textbooks--- Disbursed directly to the student

REPAYMENT

The maximum period of repayment of loan is 10-Years from the date of disbursement of first installment. The borrower shall repay the loan in monthly installment after six months from the date of first employment or one year from the date of completion of studies, which ever is earlier.

Under the Scheme, loans is available in the following subjects.

APPROVED UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES

i) Engineering ii) Electronics
iii) Oil Gas & Petro-Chemical Technology iv) Agriculture
v) Medicine vi) Physics
vii) Chemistry viii) Biology, Molecular Biology & Genetics
ix) Mathematics x) Other Natural Sciences
xi) DAWA and Islamic Jurisprudence (LL.B/LL.M Sharia) xii) Computer Science/Information
System and Technology including hardware.
xiii) Economics, Statistics and Econometrics xiv) Business Management Sciences
xv) Commerce
a Top

OTHER INFORMATION

Application Forms are available from the designated branches mentioned above or may be downloaded from National Bank of Pakistan website www.nbp.com.pk/studentloan
The students desirous of availing loan under the Scheme may apply on prescribed form for financial assistance subject to he or she has got admission on merit through normal procedure in the Universities/ Colleges afore-mentioned.
Applicants are required to submit/send their applications on the prescribed form, duly completed in all respect, to the designated branches indicated against each University/College by the given date. Incomplete application shall not be entertained.
Students who have availed this facility in the last / previous year(s) need not to apply.
ONLY SUCH APPLICATION RECEIVED BY THE DESIGNATED BRANCHES ON OR BEFORE 28TH FEBRUARY 2008 SHALL BE ENTERTAINED. LOAN FACILITY IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.

2009-09-03T06:31:00.000-07:00

Loan Deferments

If you have previously borrowed student loans under one of the U.S. Federal loan programs you are eligible to defer repayment while you are enrolled at the Yale School of Management. Since interest continues to accrue on unsubsidized Stafford loans while repayment is deferred, you may wish to continue to make interest payments if you have borrowed under this program.

Contact your loan servicer and request the forms for loan deferment on the basis of full-time student status.

Deferments begin with the first day of classes.
Some servicers will grant deferment for the whole two-year period, others may require that you request deferment on a semester-by-semester or year-by-year basis.
Ask about policies regarding the period June-August when the Yale School of Management is not in session. You may need to request a forbearance for the summer months in order not to have to make payments during that time.
Submit your deferment forms to Patricia Golebiewski, Assistant Registrar, in the Office of Student and Academic Services.

We send the completed deferment forms to the National Student Loan Clearinghouse (NSLC), which in turn notifies the servicer that you are eligible for the deferment.
The loan servicers will not process deferments until you have registered for the fall semester and they receive verification through the National Student Loan Clearinghouse that you are enrolled, registered, and therefore eligible for the deferment.
The University sends an enrollment verification report to the NSLC (our certification alone is not sufficient!). These reports are submitted to the NSLC electronically several times during each academic year.
Questions? Contact the Office of Student and Academic Services (432-6012).

Stafford Loans

2009-09-03T06:01:00.000-07:00

For Undergraduate and Graduate Students
There are important benefits you get with Stafford Loans. You get fixed-rate, low-interest, deferred payment loans for college. Currently, the federal Stafford Loan program is the largest and most common source of student loans in the country.

Loan TypesSubsidized Stafford Loans - With subsidized loans, the federal government subsidizes, or pays, the interest accrued while you're enrolled in school at least half-time and during the first six months after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment.
Unsubsidized Stafford Loans - With unsubsidized loans, no one pays the interest for you while you're in school as with a subsidized loan. But, you'll get that low-interest, long-term, deferred-payment loan.

Print this page
E-mail this page

APPLY NOW FOR A LOAN
Contact us toll-free:
1.877.804.3603

FAQs
Stafford Loans for College Students
Stafford Loans for Grad Students

FeaturesNo principal payments are required while you're in school at least half time
When you have a subsidized loan, interest payments are covered by the U.S. government while you are enrolled
For unsubsidized loans, you get the option to pay the interest as it accrues while you're in school or postpone paying the interest until you begin repayment, in which case it is capitalized (added to the principal balance).
There is a 6-month grace period after graduation or dropping below half-time enrollment before you begin payments
Repayment term generally up to 10 years. With an extended payment plan, it's possible for qualifying borrowers to take up to 25 years to repay
Other flexible repayment plans are available
There's no pre-payment penalty
No credit check is required
No collateral is required
Almost everyone is eligible for a Stafford Loan

Basic RequirementsYou must be a U.S. citizen/national, a U.S. permanent resident, or an eligible non-citizen
You must be enrolled or plan to enroll at least half time
You must be accepted for enrollment or attend a school that participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program
You must not be in default on any education loan or owe a refund on an education grant
You must submit the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Interest RatesFor subsidized undergraduate Stafford loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2006, interest rates are as follows:

July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2008 - 6.80%
July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 - 6.00%
July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 - 5.60%
July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 - 4.50%
July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012 - 3.40%
On or after July 1, 2012 - 6.80%
Interest rates for graduate and unsubsidized undergraduate Stafford loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2006 remain fixed at 6.80%.

How Much Can You Borrow?There are limits and they depend on what year you are in college, whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, and whether you are a dependent student or you are independent from your parent or guardian. These limits are applicable for loans made on or after July 1, 2007.

Dependent Undergrads Independent Undergraduates & Students whose Parents cannot get a PLUS Loan Graduate/Professional Students
1st year $3,500 $9,500 – With no more than
$3,500 in subsidized loans $20,500 – No more than $8,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans
2nd year $4,500 $10,500 – With no more than
$4,500 in subsidized loans
3rd and
4th years (each) $5,500 $12,500 – With no more than
$5,500 in subsidized loans
Maximum total debt from Stafford Loans when you graduate $23,000 $57,500 – No more than $23,000 in subsidized loans $138,500 – No more than $65,500 in subsidized loans.

The graduate debt limit includes Stafford Loans received for undergraduate study.
or contact us toll-free at 1.877.804.3603

2008-11-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

How to Optimize Your AdSense Performance
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Two Australian AdSense team members, Mel Ann and Tim, have put together a good introductory guide to optimizing AdSense.

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The GIMP is a very powerful, open source digital image editing application that rivals its commercial counterpart - Adobe Photoshop. Open source alternatives are great not only because they’re free, but because of the helpful community that typically surrounds them.

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google.com submitted on 2 April, 2008
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80 excellent Adobe Photoshop video tutorials
YouTube submitted on 2 April, 2008
It is a collection of excellent Adobe Photoshop video tutorials which you can use as a starting point to improve your skills or observe how professionals do their job. Others are about speed painting, design of buttons and interfaces, beauty retouching, digital matte painting, photo manipulation, effects and much more.

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These are the collection of all Audio presentations held at Stanford university startup school sponsored by Ycombinator from 2005-2007.

XML Foundations
UC Berkeley Fall 2005
Course overview, XML syntax, Namespaces, Introduction to Styling and Transformaation; XPath; Introducing XSLT, Cascading Style Sheets(CSS), Introduction to Schema Languages; DTDs, XSD, Content Syndication; RSS and Atom, XML and User Interfaces etc...

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This talk will discuss new challenges and hopes for weblike systems on the net.

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2008-11-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

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2008-11-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

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students loans

2008-11-06T09:33:00.000-08:00

Financial Aid BasicsAll students who wish to apply for federal financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you do not think you will qualify. Also, be aware you will need to file the FAFSA if you are interested in borrowing any federal student loan: Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS Loan, Federal Graduate PLUS Loan.

To qualify for federal aid you must:

qualify for financial need (except for certain loans).
have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate, pass a test approved by the U.S. Department of Education, and meet other standards your state establishes that the Department approves, or complete a high school education in a home school setting that is treated as such under state law.
be working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program.
be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
have a valid Social Security Number (unless you're from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).
register with the Selective Service if required. You can use the paper or electronic FAFSA to register, you can register at www.sss.gov, or you can call 1-847-688-6888 (TTY users can call 1-847-688-2567).
maintain satisfactory academic progress once in school.
certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant.
certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes.
not be incarcerated.
The information you supply on your FAFSA will be used to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is a measure of you (if you are an independent student) or your family's financial strength based on you or your family's income and assets. The EFC determines your eligibility for federal student aid and also indicates how much your money you and your family are expected to contribute to your educational costs. The EFC is not an "out-of-pocket" expectation and many families meet their EFC through borrowing.

If your EFC is below a certain number, you may qualify for a Pell grant. Your eligibility for other types of federal assistance will be determined by your school. If you are going to college for the first time, each of the schools you list on your FAFSA will provide a financial aid award letter to you after you have been offered admission. Usually, these offers come between February and April depending upon when you filed the FAFSA (file as soon after January 1 of the year you will attend as possible), responded to any school requests for additional information and when you were granted admission. Be sure to compare the offers you receive and be sure to understand what types of aid you are being offered and whether or not any or all have to be repaid. Remember, aid comes in the form of grants (and scholarships), work and student loans.

If you are returning to school as an upperclassman, you will need to file the FAFSA again. In fact, you need to file for every year you wish to be considered for assistance. The good news is the renewal FAFSA will be easier for you to complete. Expect your financial aid award letter to come sometime between May and July depending upon when you filed the FAFSA, responded to any school requests for additional information and when your school's financial aid office gets to your file.

For more information about the financial aid process, see our sections on the home page that relate to your specific situation.

Financial Aid - High School StudentsChances are it's your first time filing for financial aid and you need to know how to get the ball rolling. We're here to help you find your way! Believe it or not, getting money for college is not as confusing or complicated as you might think.

The financial aid process is a little bit different for each student, but there are a few things that hold true for just about everyone. First, apply even if you think won't qualify. There are many variables involved in determining eligibility and there's just no way to know for sure if you don't try.

Second, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for Federal Student Aid programs as well as eligibility for many private grant/scholarship programs. Filing the FAFSA is essential even if you don't think you will qualify for federal financial aid.

Filing the FAFSA is Never a Waste of Time
While many people hate the paperwork involved, you really should file a FAFSA even if you don't think you're eligible for federal assistance. Why? Because the FAFSA is used by many non-government aid programs in order to determine your eligibility for the scholarships, loans, and other programs they offer. Of course, the FAFSA is also used to find out if you qualify for federal loans. Because of this, completing the FAFSA gives you two big advantages. First, you may be eligible for non-federal aid. And second, even if you don't want a loan now, the paperwork is done in case you change your mind.

Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The quickest way to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is online at: FAFSA on the Web.

Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st of the year in which you will need funding.

It will be easier to fill out the FAFSA if you have these items handy:

Your Social Security card and driver's license
Your W-2 Forms or other records of earned-income (and your spouse's, if you are married) federal income tax return.
Your parent's federal income tax return (unless you are filing as independent)
Records of other untaxed income you received, including welfare benefits, social security benefits, TANF, veteran's benefits, and military or clergy allowances
Your current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, and other investments
Your business or farm records, if applicable
Your alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
If you or your parents have not completed federal income tax returns yet, use estimates from pay stubs and bank statements.

Tip:
If you or your parents' income has not changed significantly, you have a choice. You can use the amount of tax you paid last year or you can estimate. Here's an easy way to estimate the amount of tax you owe:

Take the line item from your federal income tax return titled "This is your total tax."
Divide it by your adjusted gross income.
Multiple this number by your estimate of this year's adjusted gross income to obtain an estimate of the amount of you tax owe.
Other Applications You May Need to File
CSS Profile Incoming freshman may also need to complete the CSS Profile Application. Many private colleges require the profile. Why? It gives financial aid administrators more information to determine your eligibility for need-based assistance and funding directly from the school.

The Profile must be completed earlier than the FAFSA - usually in the middle of October of the year prior to the year you'll need funding. Check with your college to see if you are required to complete the CSS Profile. You can register and apply online at: CSS Profile

Institutional Aid Applications Some schools require you to complete a form they provide you. This is called an institutional aid application. On this form you will tell the school about outside scholarships you expect to receive and whether you're interested in other types of aid such as work study. Often you can also use this form to explain any special circumstances not taken into account on the FAFSA. If your school requires one of these applications, they will mail it to you.

Eligibility for Financial Aid
Colleges use the processed data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or the CSS Profile to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Whether you complete the FAFSA or the Profile, the basis for determining your award is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) determined by your household, demographic and financial data.

The EFC is a measure of your family's ability to pay for college based on student and parent income and asset information, your state of residence, household size, and number of household members in college. You can request a free copy of the EFC Formula by calling 1-800-4FED-AID and requesting the current SFA Handbook.

The school you attend establishes a Cost of Attendance (COA). The COA includes tuition, room and board, fees and estimated living expenses including books and supplies.

COA - EFC = Financial Need
Financial need is a official term for how much need-based financial aid you're eligible for. Your financial need is calculated by subtracting the EFC from the COA. In order for you to receive need-based aid, your Cost of Attendance must be greater than your Expected Family Contribution.

The financial aid office at your school will use the need-based resources they have available to try to meet your Financial Need.

Here is a sample calculation:

Sally filed her FAFSA online on January 15. On February 10, she received her Student Aid Report (SAR). The EFC on her SAR is "01200" (which means $1,200). Her school has a COA of $18,000. Using the formula above Sally figured out that her Financial Need is $16,800.

The financial aid office at Sally's school used this information to construct a financial aid package for Sally that might look something like this:

$5,000 Institutional Grant
$3,500 Federal Stafford Loan
$1,600 Federal Work Study
$1,550 Federal Pell Grant
$1,000 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
$1,000 Federal Perkins Loan
Total aid: $13,650

That means Sally's need for financial aid (after subtracting the EFC) is $16,800. Since the financial aid office was only able to meet $13,650 of that, she has an unmet need of $3,250. Unmet need, a common occurrence in financial aid packages, is the difference between cost of attendance and the total financial aid package. In plain language, what that means to Sally is that in addition to the EFC of $1,200, she will also have to contribute $3,250 for a total of $4,450.

Follow-up Forms
Once the college has received your FAFSA data, they may still need additional information to complete your award. This process is called "verification". If you are selected for verification, the school will request that you fill out a Verification Worksheet, and that you provide copies of your and your parents' federal income tax returns and W-2 wage earnings statements. Warning: the college will not process your financial aid, without this additional documentation.

If you plan on accepting Stafford or Perkins loans, you will also need to complete promissory notes. The college you attend will provide you with specific information on how to complete this part of the process.

You should also spend some time searching for and applying to EVERY source of outside funding. Scholarships are a great resource for unmet need. Once source is ScholarshipExperts, another division of Goal Financial, which has been voted by Forbes magazine as the best scholarship website every year since 2003.

Read everything the college sends you carefully and respond to requests promptly. If you have questions or don't understand something, call the financial aid office and ASK! They'll be more than happy to provide a helping hand! Finally, remember, you'll have to re-apply every year.

Types of Financial Aid
Federal Student Aid
There are three types of Federal financial aid: grant programs, work study and loans.

Grant Programs
Federal Pell Grant

Available to the neediest students only
Up to $4,731 for the 2008/2009 award year
Eligibility based on EFC of zero to 4,041 for the 2008/2009 award year
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant

Available to the most needy undergraduates only
Up to $4,000 annually
Based on EFC and student must usually be Pell eligible
Work Programs
Federal Work Study

Available to students with financial need
Net Federal Work Study Earnings may not exceed financial need
Award is paid directly to the student in the form of a paycheck
Loan Programs
Federal Stafford Loan (FFELP/Direct)

Subsidized - the government pays interest for you while you are enrolled half-time or more OR Unsubsidized - you pay the interest or defer interest until you graduate or are no longer enrolled or not in deferment. The interest is accruing daily, however, you are not required to pay the interest until the loan enters repayment. Any accrued interest will be added to the principal of the loan.
Fixed interest rate of 6.8% for Unsubsidized or 6% for Subsidized
Up to 25 years to repay depending on total borrowed.
Available to Undergraduate and Graduate Students.
Range from $3,500 to $20,500 depending upon grade level. Graduate Health Professional loan limit is up to $38,500.
Payment begins 6 months after you graduate or are enrolled on less than a half time basis.
Federal Perkins Loan

The maximum amount an undergraduate student may borrow is $4,000 per award year; the maximum for a graduate or professional student is $6,000 per award year.
School determines eligibility
5% fixed interest rate
No interest charged while enrolled at least half time
Payment begins 9 months after you graduate or are enrolled on less than a half time basis.
Federal Grad PLUS Loan

Available to graduate students
Fixed interest rate of 8.5%
Must meet credit criteria requirements
May borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus other financial aid including other loans.
Payment begins within 60 days after the second disbursement of the loan, but may be deferred while attending school half-time or more (interest will still accrue).
Up to 25 years to repay if total borrowed amount exceeds $30,000. Ten years is the standard repayment term.
Federal PLUS Loan

Available to parents of undergraduate students
Fixed interest rate of 8.5%
Must be creditworthy
May borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus other financial aid including other loans
Payment begins after the second disbursement of the loan
Up to 25 years to repay if total borrowed amount exceeds $30,000. Ten years is the standard repayment term
In all cases, your school's financial aid office determines your eligibility for the above sources of assistance. Unless your school is a Direct Lending institution, you are free to select your lender.

State Aid
Many states offer assistance to their residents or to non-residents studying at a college in their state. Assistance can come in the form of scholarships, grants and/or loans. Certain states have a specific application you must complete in order to be considered for assistance. Check with the financial aid office at your school to see what state aid programs are available.

Institutional Assistance (money supplied by the school you attend)
Institutional Assistance can come in the form of scholarships, grants, loans and/or work. Check with the financial aid office of the school you will be attending to see what you need to do to apply for this type of aid.

Scholarships
Thousands of scholarships, based on need and/or achievement, are awarded each semester. One source is ScholarshipExperts, another division of Goal Financial, which has been voted by Forbes magazine as the best scholarship website every year since 2003.

Financial Aid - Undergraduate StudentsWhether it's your first time filing for financial aid and you need to know how to get the ball rolling, or it's just one more thing on your to-do list, we're here to help you find your way! Believe it or not, getting money for college is not as confusing or complicated as you might think.

The financial aid process is a little bit different for each student, but there are a few things that hold true for just about everyone. First, apply even if you think you won't qualify. There are many variables involved in determining eligibility and there's just no way to know if you don't try.

Second, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for Federal Student Aid programs as well as eligibility for many private grant/scholarship programs. Filing the FAFSA is essential even if you don't think you will qualify for federal financial aid.

Filing the FAFSA is Never a Waste of Time
While many people hate the paperwork involved, you really should file a FAFSA even if you don't think you're eligible for federal assistance. Why? Because the FAFSA is used by many non-government aid programs in order to determine your eligibility for the scholarships, loans, and other programs they offer. Of course, the FAFSA is also used to find out if you qualify for federal loans. Because of this, completing the FAFSA gives you two big advantages. First, you may be eligible for non-federal aid. And second, even if you don't want a loan now, the paperwork is done in case you change your mind.

Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The quickest way to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is online at: FAFSA on the Web.

Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st of the year in which you will need funding.

It will be easier to fill out the FAFSA if you have these items handy:

Your Social Security card and driver's license
Your W-2 Forms or other records of earned-income (and your spouse's, if you are married) federal income tax return.
Your parent's federal income tax return (unless you are filing as independent)
Records of other untaxed income you received, including welfare benefits, social security benefits, TANF, veteran's benefits, and military or clergy allowances
Your current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, and other investments
Your business or farm records, if applicable
Your alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
If you or your parents have not completed federal income tax returns yet, use estimates from pay stubs and bank statements.

Tip:
If you or your parents' income has not changed significantly, you have a choice. You can use the amount of tax you paid last year or you can estimate. Here's an easy way to estimate the amount of tax you owe:

Take the line item from your federal income tax return titled "This is your total tax."
Divide it by your adjusted gross income.
Multiple this number by your estimate of this year's adjusted gross income to obtain an estimate of the amount of you tax owe.
Other Applications You May Need to File
CSS Profile

Incoming freshman may also need to complete the CSS Profile Application. Many private colleges require the profile. Why? It gives financial aid administrators more information to determine your eligibility for need-based assistance and funding directly from the school.

The Profile must be completed earlier than the FAFSA - usually in the middle of October of the year prior to the year you'll need funding. Check with your college to see if you are required to complete the CSS Profile. You can register and apply online at: CSS Profile

Institutional Aid Applications
Some schools require you to complete a form they provide you. This is called an institutional aid application. On this form you will tell the school about outside scholarships you expect to receive and whether you're interested in other types of aid such as work study. Often you can also use this form to explain any special circumstances not taken into account on the FAFSA. If your school requires one of these applications, they will mail it to you.

Eligibility for Financial Aid
Colleges use the processed data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or the CSS Profile to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Whether you complete the FAFSA or the Profile, the basis for determining your award is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) determined by your household, demographic and financial data.

The EFC is a measure of your family's ability to pay for college based on student and parent income and asset information, your state of residence, household size, and number of household members in college. You can request a free copy of the EFC Formula by calling 1-800-4FED-AID and requesting the current SFA Handbook.

The school you attend establishes a Cost of Attendance (COA). The COA includes tuition, room and board, fees and estimated living expenses including books and supplies.

COA - EFC = Financial Need
Financial need is an official term for how much need-based financial aid you're eligible for. Your financial need is calculated by subtracting the EFC from the COA. In order for you to receive need-based aid, your Cost of Attendance must be greater than your Expected Family Contribution.

The financial aid office at your school will use the need-based resources they have available to try to meet your Financial Need.

Here is a sample calculation:

Sally filed her FAFSA online on January 15. On February 10, she received her Student Aid Report (SAR). The EFC on her SAR is "01200" (which means $1,200). Her school has a COA of $18,000. Using the formula above Sally figured out that her Financial Need is $16,800.

The financial aid office at Sally's school used this information to construct a financial aid package for Sally that might look something like this:

$5,000 Institutional Grant
$3,500 Federal Stafford Loan
$1,600 Federal Work Study
$1,550 Federal Pell Grant
$1,000 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
$1,000 Federal Perkins Loan
Total aid: $13,650

That means Sally's need for financial aid (after subtracting the EFC) is $16,800. Since the financial aid office was only able to meet $13,650 of that, she has an unmet need of $3,250. Unmet need, a common occurrence in financial aid packages, is the difference between cost of attendance and the total financial aid package. In plain language, what that means to Sally is that in addition to the EFC of $1,200, she will also have to contribute $3,250 for a total of $4,450.

Follow-up Forms
Once the college has received your FAFSA data, they may still need additional information to complete your award. This process is called "verification". If you are selected for verification, the school will request that you fill out a Verification Worksheet, and that you provide copies of you and your parents' federal income tax returns and W-2 wage earnings statements. Warning: the college will not process your financial aid, without this additional documentation.

If you plan on accepting Stafford or Perkins loans, you will also need to complete promissory notes. The college you attend will provide you with specific information on how to complete this part of the process.

You should also spend some time searching for and applying to EVERY source of outside funding. Scholarships are a great resource for unmet need. One source is ScholarshipExperts, another division of Goal Financial, which has been voted by Forbes magazine as the best scholarship website every year since 2003.

Read everything the college sends you carefully and respond to requests promptly. If you have questions or don't understand something, call the financial aid office and ASK! They'll be more than happy to provide a helping hand! Finally, remember, you'll have to re-apply every year.

Types of Financial Aid
Federal Student Aid
There are three types of Federal financial aid: grant programs, work study and loans.

Grant Programs
Federal Pell Grant

Available to the neediest students only
Up to $4,731 for the 2008/2009 award year
Eligibility based on EFC of zero to 4,041 for the 2008/2009 award year
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant

Available to the most needy undergraduates only
Up to $4,000 annually
Based on EFC and student must usually be Pell eligible
Work Programs
Federal Work Study

Available to students with financial need
Net Federal Work Study Earnings may not exceed financial need
Award is paid directly to the student in the form of a paycheck
Loan Programs
Federal Stafford Loan (FFELP/Direct)

Subsidized - the government pays interest for you while you are enrolled half-time or more OR Unsubsidized - you pay the interest or defer interest until you graduate or are no longer enrolled or not in deferment. Interest is still accruing on a daily basis. However, you are not required to pay the interest until the loan enters repayment. Any unpaid interest will be added to the principal when the loan enters repayment.
Fixed interest rate of 6.8% for Unsubsidized and 6% for Subsidized
Up to 25 years to repay depending on total borrowed.
Available to Undergraduate and Graduate Students.
Range from $3,500 to $20,500 depending upon grade level. Graduate Health Professional loan limit is up to $38,500.
Payment begins 6 months after you graduate or are enrolled on less than a half time basis.
Federal Perkins Loan

The maximum amount an undergraduate student may borrow is $4,000 per award year; the maximum for a graduate or professional student is $6,000 per award year.
School determines eligibility
5% fixed interest rate
No interest charged while enrolled at least half time
Payment begins 9 months after you graduate or are enrolled on less than a half time basis.
Federal Grad PLUS Loan

Available to graduate students.
Fixed interest rate of 8.5%
Must meet credit requirements
May borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus other financial aid including other loans.
Payment begins after the second disbursement of the loan, but may be deferred while attending school half-time or more (interest will still accrue).
Up to 25 years to repay if total borrowed amount exceeds $30,000. Ten years is the standard repayment term.
Federal PLUS Loan

Available to parents of undergraduate students
Fixed interest rate of 8.5%
Must meet credit requirements
May borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus other financial aid including other loans
Payment begins after the second disbursement of the loan
Up to 25 years to repay if total borrowed amount exceeds $30,000. Ten years is the standard repayment term
In all cases, your school's financial aid office determines your eligibility for the above sources of assistance. Unless your school is a Direct Lending institution, you are free to select your lender.

State Aid
Many states offer assistance to their residents or to non-residents studying at a college in their state. Assistance can come in the form of scholarships, grants and/or loans. Certain states have a specific application you must complete in order to be considered for assistance. Check with the financial aid office at your school to see what state aid programs are available.

Institutional Assistance (money supplied by the school you attend)
Institutional Assistance can come in the form of scholarships, grants, loans and/or work. Check with the financial aid office of the school you will be attending to see what you need to do to apply for this type of aid.

Scholarships
Thousands of scholarships, based on need and/or achievement, are awarded each semester. Once source is ScholarshipExperts, another division of Goal Financial, which has been voted by Forbes magazine as the best scholarship website every year since 2003. .

Financial Aid - Graduate StudentsFinding funding for graduate study can be a difficult task, but, believe it or not, getting money is not nearly as confusing as you might think. The financial aid process is a little bit different for each student, the first step is checking with your school about what funding is available.

Most graduate students turn to student loans. A graduate student can borrow as much as $20,500 or for a Health Professional student, as much as $38,500 through the Federal Stafford Loan Program. You can also borrow through the Federal Grad PLUS program, however the loan is based on credit and repayment begins within 60 days after the second disbursement (there are deferment programs that allow you to delay payment while you are enrolled half-time or more). Under the Federal Grad PLUS you can borrow as much as your cost of attendance minus other financial aid including other loans. There are also alternative/private loan options to help meet costs not covered by the Stafford loan. Many lenders offer programs that allow you to defer repayment until after you graduate.

If you do have to borrow, borrow only what you need. Keep in mind your expected salary as you sign your promissory note or accept a financial aid offer.

The financial aid process is a little bit different for each student, but there are a few things that hold true for just about everyone. First, apply even if you think won't qualify. There are many variables involved in determining eligibility and there's just no way to know if you don't try.

Second, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for Stafford Loan programs as well as for many private grants, fellowships and scholarships. Filing the FAFSA is essential.

You should also be sure to contact both your school's graduate admissions office, and your department to inquire about the availability of assistantships, tuition remission, and/or school-specific fellowships.

For graduate students, financial aid is a fellowship, loan or assistantship program. The majority of graduate students rely on some form of financing (such as the Federal Stafford loan) to pay for their college tuition and expenses.

Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The quickest way to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is online at: FAFSA on the Web.

Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st of the year in which you will need funding.

It will be easier to fill out the FAFSA if you have these items handy:

Your Social Security card and driver's license
Your W-2 Forms or other records of earned-income (and your spouse's, if you are married) federal income tax return.
Records of other untaxed income you received, including welfare benefits, social security benefits, TANF, veteran's benefits, and military or clergy allowances
Your current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, and other investments
Your business or farm records, if applicable
Your alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
Other Applications
Institutional Aid Applications
Some schools require you to complete a form they provide you. This is called an institutional aid application. On this form you will tell the school about outside scholarships you expect to receive and whether you're interested in other types of aid such as work study. Often you can also use this form to explain any special circumstances not taken into account on the FAFSA. If your school requires one of these applications, they will mail it to you.

Eligibility for Financial Aid
Colleges use the processed data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or the CSS Profile to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Whether you complete the FAFSA or the Profile, the basis for determining your award is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) determined by your household, demographic and financial data.

The EFC is a measure of your family's ability to pay for college based on student and parent income and asset information, your state of residence, household size, and number of household members in college. You can request a free copy of the EFC Formula by calling 1-800-4FED-AID and requesting the current SFA Handbook.

The school you attend establishes a Cost of Attendance (COA). The COA includes tuition, room and board, fees and estimated living expenses including books and supplies.

COA - EFC = Financial Need
Financial need is a official term for how much need-based financial aid you're eligible for. Your financial need is calculated by subtracting the EFC from the COA. In order for you to receive need-based aid, your Cost of Attendance must be greater than your Expected Family Contribution.

The financial aid office at your school will use the need-based resources they have available to try to meet your Financial Need.

Here is a sample calculation:

Sally filed her FAFSA online on January 15. On February 10, she received her Student Aid Report (SAR). The EFC on her SAR is "01200" (which means $1,200). Her school has a COA of $25,000. Using the formula above Sally figured out that her Financial Need is $23,800.

The financial aid office at Sally's school used this information to construct a financial aid package for her that looks like this:

$8,500 Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
$12,000 Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
Total aid: $20,500

Sally's need for financial aid (after subtracting the EFC) is $23,800 and the financial aid office was able to meet $20,500 of her need through loans. With any luck, some or all of the loan can be replaced with a grant award from the college Sally attends. Alternatively, Sally might be offered graduate tuition remission for work performed as a graduate assistant. If those options do not materialize, Sally may need to consider additional borrowing under the Federal Grad PLUS program or through a private loan in order to cover the remaining $4,500.

Since the Cost of Attendance included expenses beyond tuition such as room and board, Sally might also be able to find housing at a cost less than what the school has budgeted for her.

Follow-up Forms
Once the college has received your FAFSA data, they may still need additional information to complete your award. This process is called "verification". If you are selected for verification, the school will request that you fill out a Verification Worksheet, and that you provide copies of your federal income tax returns and W-2 wage earnings statements. Warning: the college will not process your financial aid, without this additional documentation.

If you plan on accepting Stafford or Perkins loans, you will also need to complete promissory notes. The college you attend will provide you with specific information on how to complete this part of the process.

You should also spend some time searching for and applying to EVERY source of outside funding. Scholarships are a great resource for unmet need. One source is ScholarshipExperts, another division of Goal Financial, which has been voted by Forbes magazine as the best Scholarship website every year since 2003.

Read everything the college sends you carefully and respond to requests promptly. If you have questions or don't understand something, call the financial aid office and ASK! They'll be more than happy to provide a helping hand! Finally, remember, you'll have to re-apply every year.

Types of Aid
Loans are the primary source of financial aid for graduate students. Other sources include fellowships, grants, scholarships and work programs.

Loan Programs
Federal Stafford Loan (FFELP/Direct)

Subsidized - the government pays interest for you while you are enrolled half-time or more OR Unsubsidized - interest is accruing on a daily basis. You pay the interest or defer interest until you graduate or are no longer enrolled or not in deferment. However, you are not required to pay the interest until the loan enters repayment. Any unpaid interest will be added to the principal amount of the loan when the loan enters repayment.
Fixed interest rate of 6.8% for Unsubsidized and 6% for Subsidized
Up to 25 years to repay depending on total borrowed.
Available to Undergraduate and Graduate Students.
Maximum of $8,500 Subsidized and $12,000 unsubsidized for a total of $20,500. Graduate Health Professional loan limit is as much as $38,500.
Payment begins 6 months after you graduate or are enrolled on less than a half time basis.
Federal Grad PLUS Loan

Available to graduate students.
Fixed interest rate of 8.5%
Must meet credit requirements
May borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus other financial aid including other loans.
Payment begins within 60 days after the second disbursement of the loan, but may be deferred while attending school half-time or more. However, interest is accruing daily and any unpaid interest will be added to the principal amount once the loan enters repayment.
Up to 25 years to repay if total borrowed amount exceeds $30,000. Ten years is the standard repayment term.
Work Programs
Federal Work Study

Generally offered to very few graduate students
Available to students with need
Net Federal Work Study Earnings may not exceed financial need
Award is paid directly to the student in the form of a paycheck
Institutional Assistance
Check with your school regarding availability

Grants
Tuition Remission
Graduate Assistantships
Scholarships
Corporate/Employer Benefits
Check with your employer about tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing advanced degrees or loan forgiveness programs.

Financial Aid - Adult LearnersAlthough there are lots of differences between adults returning to college and traditional students, as far as financial aid is concerned, the steps are pretty much the same.

Whether it's your first time filing for financial aid and you need to know how to get the ball rolling, or it's just one more thing on your to-do list, we're here to help you find your way! Believe it or not, getting money for college is not as confusing or complicated as you might think.

The financial aid process is a little bit different for each student, but there are a few things that hold true for just about everyone. First, apply even if you think you won't qualify. There are many variables involved in determining eligibility and there's just no way to know for sure if you don't try.

Second, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for Federal Student Aid programs as well as eligibility for many private grant/scholarship programs. Filing the FAFSA is essential even if you don't think you will qualify for federal financial aid.

Filing the FAFSA is Never a Waste of Time
While many people hate the paperwork involved, you really should file a FAFSA even if you don't think you're eligible for federal assistance. Why? Because the FAFSA is used by many non-government aid programs in order to determine your eligibility for the scholarships, loans, and other programs they offer. Of course, the FAFSA is also used to find out if you qualify for federal loans. Because of this, completing the FAFSA gives you two big advantages. First, you may be eligible for lots of non-federal aid. And second, even if you don't want a loan now, the paperwork is done in case you change your mind.

Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The quickest way to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is online at: FAFSA on the Web.

Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st of the year in which you will need funding.

It will be easier to fill out the FAFSA if you have these items handy:

Your Social Security card and driver's license
Your W-2 Forms or other records of earned-income (and your spouse's, if you are married) federal income tax return.
Your federal income tax return
Records of other untaxed income you received, including welfare benefits, social security benefits, TANF, veteran's benefits, and military or clergy allowances
Your current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, and other investments
Your business or farm records, if applicable
Your alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
If you or your spouse have not completed federal income tax returns yet, use estimates from pay stubs and bank statements.

Tip:
If you or your spouse's income has not changed significantly, you have a choice. You can use the amount of tax you paid last year or you can estimate. Here's an easy way to estimate the amount of tax you owe:

Take the line item from your federal income tax return titled "This is your total tax."
Divide it by your adjusted gross income.
Multiple this number by your estimate of this year's adjusted gross income to obtain an estimate of the amount of you tax owe.
Other Applications You May Need to File
CSS Profile Incoming freshman may also need to complete the CSS Profile Application. Many private colleges require the profile. Why? It gives financial aid administrators more information to determine your eligibility for need-based assistance and funding directly from the school.

The Profile must be completed earlier than the FAFSA - usually in the middle of October of the year prior to the year you'll need funding. Check with your college to see if you are required to complete the CSS Profile. You can register and apply online at: CSS Profile

Institutional Aid Applications Some schools require you to complete a form they provide you. This is called an institutional aid application. On this form you will tell the school about outside scholarships you expect to receive and whether you're interested in other types of aid such as work study. Often you can also use this form to explain any special circumstances not taken into account on the FAFSA. If your school requires one of these applications, they will mail it to you.

Eligibility for Financial Aid
Colleges use the processed data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or the CSS Profile to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Whether you complete the FAFSA or the Profile, the basis for determining your award is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) determined by your household, demographic and financial data.

The EFC is a measure of your family's ability to pay for college based on you and (if you are married) your spouse's income and asset information, your state of residence, household size, and number of household members in college. You can request a free copy of the EFC Formula by calling 1-800-4FED-AID and requesting the current SFA Handbook.

The school you attend establishes a Cost of Attendance (COA). The COA includes tuition, room and board, fees and estimated living expenses including books and supplies.

COA - EFC = Financial Need
Financial need is a official term for how much need-based financial aid you're eligible for. Your financial need is calculated by subtracting the EFC from the COA. In order for you to receive need-based aid, your Cost of Attendance must be greater than your Expected Family Contribution.

The financial aid office at your school will use the need-based resources they have available to try to meet your Financial Need.

Here is a sample calculation:

Sally filed her FAFSA online on January 15. On February 10, she received her Student Aid Report (SAR). The EFC on her SAR is "01200" (which means $1,200). Her school has a COA of $24,000. Using the formula above Sally figured out that her Financial Need is $16,800.

The financial aid office at Sally's school used this information to construct a financial aid package for Sally that might look something like this:

$5,000 Institutional Grant
$9,500 Federal Stafford Loan
$1,600 Federal Work Study
$1,550 Federal Pell Grant
$1,000 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
$1,000 Federal Perkins Loan
Total aid: $19,650

That means Sally's need for financial aid (after subtracting the EFC) is $22,800. Since the financial aid office was only able to meet $19,650 of that, she has an unmet need of $3,150. Unmet need, a common occurrence in financial aid packages, is the difference between cost of attendance and the total financial aid package. In plain language, what that means to Sally is that in addition to the EFC of $1,200, she will also have to contribute $3,150 for a total of $4,350.

Follow-up Forms
Once the college has received your FAFSA data, they may still need additional information to complete your award. This process is called "verification". If you are selected for verification, the school will request that you fill out a Verification Worksheet, and that you provide copies of you and (if married) your spouse's federal income tax returns and W-2 wage earnings statements. Warning: the college will not process your financial aid, without this additional documentation.

If you plan on accepting Stafford or Perkins loans, you will also need to complete promissory notes. The college you attend will provide you with specific information on how to complete this part of the process.

You should also spend some time searching for and applying to EVERY source of outside funding. Scholarships are a great resource for unmet need. One source is ScholarshipExperts, another division of Goal Financial, which has been voted by Forbes magazine as the best scholarship website every year since 2003. There are some scholarships available which are specifically for adult learners.

Read everything the college sends you carefully and respond to requests promptly. If you have questions or don't understand something, call the financial aid office and ASK! They'll be more than happy to provide a helping hand! Finally, remember, you'll have to re-apply every year.

Types of Financial Aid
Federal Student Aid
There are three types of Federal financial aid: grant programs, work study and loans.

Grant Programs
Federal Pell Grant

Available to the neediest students only
Up to $4,731 for the 2008/2009 award year
Eligibility based on EFC of zero to 4,041 for the 2008/2009 award year
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant

Available to the most needy undergraduates only
Up to $4,000 annually
Based on EFC and student must usually be Pell eligible
Work Programs
Federal Work Study

Available to students with financial need
Net Federal Work Study Earnings may not exceed financial need
Award is paid directly to the student in the form of a paycheck
Loan Programs
Federal Stafford Loan (FFELP/Direct)

Subsidized - the government pays interest for you while you are enrolled half-time or more OR Unsubsidized - interest is accruing on a daily basis. You pay the interest or defer interest until you graduate or are no longer enrolled or not in deferment. However, you are not required to pay the interest until the loan enters repayment. Any unpaid interest will be added to the principal when the loan enters repayment.
Fixed interest rate of 6.8% for Unsubsidized and 6% for Subsidized
Up to 25 years to repay depending on total borrowed.
Available to Undergraduate and Graduate Students.
Range from $3,500 to $20,500 depending upon grade level. Graduate Health Professional loan limit is up to $38,500.
Payment begins 6 months after you graduate or are enrolled on less than a half time basis.
Federal Perkins Loan

Available to needy undergraduate and graduate students
The maximum amount an undergraduate student may borrow is $4,000 per award year; the maximum for a graduate or professional student is $6,000 per award year.
School determines eligibility
5% fixed interest rate
No interest charged while enrolled at least half time
Payment begins 9 months after you graduate or are enrolled on less than a half time basis.
Federal Grad PLUS Loan

Available to graduate students.
Fixed interest rate of 8.5%
Must meet credit requirements.
May borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus other financial aid including other loans.
Payment begins after the second disbursement of the loan, but may be deferred while attending school half-time or more.
Up to 25 years to repay if total borrowed amount exceeds $30,000. Ten years is the standard repayment term.
In all cases, your school's financial aid office determines your eligibility for the above sources of assistance. Unless your school is a Direct Lending institution, you are free to select your lender.

State Aid
Many states offer assistance to their residents or to non-residents studying at a college in their state. Assistance can come in the form of scholarships, grants and/or loans. Certain states have a specific application you must complete in order to be considered for assistance. Check with the financial aid office at your school to see what state aid programs are available.

Institutional Assistance (money supplied by the school you attend)
Institutional Assistance can come in the form of scholarships, grants, loans and/or work. Check with the financial aid office of the school you will be attending to see what you need to do to apply for this type of aid.

Scholarships
Thousands of scholarships, based on need and/or achievement, are awarded each semester. One source is ScholarshipExperts, another division of Goal Financial, which has been voted by Forbes magazine as the best scholarship website every year since 2003. There are scholarships available for adult students as well.

Corporate/Employer Benefits
Check with your employer about tuition reimbursement or loan forgiveness programs

Financial Aid - ParentsFinding funding for your child's education can be a stressful task, but, believe it or not, getting money is not nearly as confusing as you might think. Because the financial aid process is a little bit different for each family, eStudentLoan has customized our web site. The best way to learn more is to select the type of student you will be enrolling from our home page.

Parents have a lot of financing options to pay for higher education. Some (or all) of the financing of an education can be borne by the student. The first option to consider is the Federal PLUS loan. The Federal PLUS is a low, fixed interest rate loan which carries federal benefits, such as death and disability forgiveness benefits. You might be able to postpone payments until 6 months after your child graduates or attends less than half-time. If you do not wish to borrow on your child's behalf, you might consider a private loan. The rates offered are competitive and repayment can generally be completely deferred (although interest will accrue) while your child attends college half-time or more. Your child may also borrow a Federal Stafford loan in his or her name. In general, the order in which you borrow should be, Stafford first, PLUS second and private only if you need additional funding.

Take an active role in the financial aid process with your child. Encourage your child to seek out scholarship opportunities, such as ScholarshipExperts, another division of Goal Financial, to offset college costs. Our experience tells us that parents and students who partner on the process make good, balanced decision about paying for higher education.

And most important, take a deep breath and relax. You have options

Student loan

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Private Student LoanThe cost of education continues to increase. After you first take advantage of Federal student loans, you may discover you still have significant unmet expenses you need to cover to pay for your education.

Private student loans may be a good option to help you fill the gap between what federal, state and school assistance provides and what you actually need in order to afford higher education. Private loans (sometimes called alternative student loans) are credit-based consumer loans to be used specifically for paying educational expenses.

Private loans, like auto or home loans, are based on your creditworthiness. Most students will need a creditworthy co-signer such as a parent or other relative in order to obtain a private loan. Terms and conditions applicable to these loans vary greatly.

Factors such as interest rate, Annual Percentage Rate (APR), the interest rate, length or repayment, loan minimum and maximum amounts as well as fees should be carefully considered when researching and choosing a private loan.

One feature of many private loans is the ability to completely postpone (defer) repayment until you graduate from college, but interest is still accruing. Also, private loans almost always offer lower interest rates than credit cards.

While we encourage students and families to pursue federal financial aid before considering private education loans, there are many student/family situations where a private loan is viewed as a preferred alternative. Sometimes parents want their student to be responsible for his/her education. In other cases, the convenience of needing no Federal forms to get needed funds is also a consideration. Whatever your situation may be, know that a private loan might be an affordable option to help pay your education expenses. Just remember, borrow only what you need and compare your options before you borrow.

Federal Stafford LoanOverview
The U.S. Department of Education administers the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. Both the FFEL and Direct Loan programs consist of what are generally known as Stafford Loans (for students) and PLUS Loans (for parents).

Schools participate in either the FFEL or Direct Loan program but sometimes participate in both. Under the Direct Loan Program, the funds for your loan come directly from the federal government. Funds for your FFEL will come from a bank or other lender that participates in the program. Eligibility rules and loan amounts are identical under both programs, but repayment plans differ somewhat.

In order to apply for a Stafford loan, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to apply for all types of federal student aid and serves as your application for the Stafford loan program as well.

Borrowing
If your school is a Direct Loan school, your school will provide all the necessary instructions for you to obtain your Stafford loan. If your school is a "FFEL School", you will need to choose a lender for your loan. Note: Your school may present to you a list of lenders from which to choose your loan. However, you are free to choose any lender that participates in the FFEL program -- including the lenders you find on eStudentLoan. This "Preferred Lender List" is simply provided to you as a convenience as hundreds of lenders offer Stafford loans. Be sure to research your options. While the terms and rates are set by the federal government, lenders will sometimes offer an incentive that can reduce the cost of borrowing.

Once you have chosen a lender, you will also need to sign a promissory note. The promissory note is your legally binding agreement to repay your loan. Be sure to also read the "Borrower's Rights and Responsibilities" which should be part of the loan package. Your school will also conduct an "Entrance Interview" that you must complete in order to receive your loan proceeds. The Entrance Interview will be conducted in-person or online and is an informational session to ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities connected with borrowing a federal loan. The session will likely last no more than 20-30 minutes.

Your school will determine your eligibility for either a Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Stafford loan. "Subsidized" means the government pays the interest on your loan while you are in school. "Unsubsidized" means you are responsible for either making interest-only payments on your loan while you are in school or deferring the interest (allowing the interest to be added to your loan principal) while you are in school. Interest on Unsubsidized loans accrue daily.

Loan Limits
Stafford loans have fixed maximums based on your year in school. If you're a dependent undergraduate student, each year you can borrow up to (for the 2008-09 academic year):

$5,500 if you're a first-year student enrolled in a program of study that is at least a full academic year (no more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans).
$6,500 if you've completed your first year of study and the remainder of your program is at least a full academic year (no more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans).
$7,500 if you've completed two years of study and the remainder of your program is at least a full academic year (no more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans).
If you're an independent undergraduate student or a dependent student whose parents have applied for but were unable to get a PLUS Loan (a parent loan), each year you can borrow up to:

$9,500 if you're a first-year student enrolled in a program of study that is at least a full academic year (no more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans).
$10,500 if you've completed your first year of study and the remainder of your program is at least a full academic year (no more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans).
$12,500 if you've completed two years of study and the remainder of your program is at least a full academic year (no more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans). This amount remains unchanged for both academic years.
If you are a graduate student each year you can borrow up to $20,500 of which not more than $8,500 may be subsidized.

You cannot borrow more than your cost of attendance (determined by your school) minus other financial aid including other loans. As a result, the amount you may borrow could be less than the maximums listed above.

Interest Rate
The interest rate on Stafford loans disbursed after July 1, 2006 is fixed at 6.8%. However, the interest rate on the subsidized portion as of July 1, 2008 is 6%. You may be charged fees up to 2%. However, some lenders and guaranty agencies pay this fee on your behalf. Still, you need to pay careful attention to ensure your lender offers this benefit.

Repayment
You will not have to begin repayment of your Stafford loan until 6 months after you graduate, leave school or drop below half-time attendance.

There are five different repayment plans available:

Standard - even monthly payments over a ten year period.
Extended - even monthly payment over a 12-30 year period depending upon the total amount you borrow.
Graduated - payments start out low, and then increase in stages. You can generally take from 12 to 30 years to repay your loan. The length of your repayment period will depend on the total amount you owe when your loan goes into repayment. However, you will pay more in interest over the life of the loan than the standard repayment plan.
Income Sensitive - monthly payment is based on your yearly income and your loan amount. As your income increases or decreases, so do your payments. Each payment must at least equal the interest accrued on the loan between scheduled payments, and no scheduled payment amount can be more than three times greater than any other scheduled payment amount. You may take from 12 to 30 years to repay your loan depending on the total amount you have borrowed.
Income Contingent -- monthly payment plan only offered by the Direct Loan Program. Payments are based on a borrower's adjusted gross income (AGI), including any spousal income, family size, and loan amount. The monthly amount can change annually.
Remember, borrow only what you need and compare your options to make sure you get the loan that's right for you.

Federal Parent PLUS LoanOverview
Parents of dependent students can borrow a PLUS Loan to help pay education expenses of an undergraduate student enrolled at least half time in an eligible program at an eligible school. Unlike the Stafford loan, there are no maximum amounts for the PLUS loan. The amount you may borrow is based on the cost of attendance of your school minus any financial aid including other loans. PLUS Loans are available through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. An acceptable credit history is a requirement to receive a PLUS loan. A credit check is required and the person must meet certain criteria to qualify.

Applying for a Federal PLUS Loan
While filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is technically not a requirement to receive a PLUS loan, most schools do require a FAFSA be filed before they will certify a PLUS. We always recommend families file a FAFSA whether you think you will qualify for federal assistance or not.

If the school is a Direct Loan school, a parent will need to contact the school directly in order to receive the loan. Funds for "Direct Loans" come directly from the federal government.

If the school (and most are) is a FFEL school, you will need to obtain your loan through a bank or lender. Your school may provide a list of lenders to help you narrow your choices. However, you may choose any lender you wish including lenders found on eStudentLoan. Compare your options before you borrow. Some lenders offer repayment incentives that can lower the cost of a PLUS loan.

Eligibility
A parent is required to pass a credit check. However, the check is not as stringent as it is for other loans with which you may be more familiar (e.g. an auto loan or mortgage). For example, assets are not a requirement to qualify for a PLUS loan. If the parent borrower is denied based on credit, they may still be able to get the loan if they can get someone such as a relative to endorse (co-sign) the loan. The student and parent must also meet other general eligibility requirements for federal student aid.

Loan Limits
A parent may borrow up to the cost of attendance (established by the school) minus other financial aid including other loans.

Interest Rate
For PLUS Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2006, the interest rate is fixed at 7.90 for Direct PLUS Loans and 8.50 percent for FFEL PLUS Loans.

Fees
A fee of up to 4% can be charged to borrow a PLUS loan. Many lenders pay this fee on behalf of borrowers, but not all. It's important to carefully review the terms of your loan when they are presented by your lender.

Repayment
Repayment of a PLUS loan begins within 60 days after the final disbursement of the loan. PLUS loans, like all federal loans, are disbursed in equal amounts over the course of an academic year. For a school that uses semesters, that would mean one disbursement in the beginning of the Fall and one in the beginning of the Spring. Payment would begin after the Spring disbursement. However, for loans disbursed on or after 7/1/2008, parents may now defer repayment until six months after their student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half time basis. Pay particular attention to the disclosures provided by your lender.

Repayment Term
The standard repayment term is ten years. However, depending on the total amount borrowed the repayment term can be extended up to 25 years. If extenuating circumstances develop during repayment, a borrower may request forbearance (temporarily stop paying). During forbearance, the borrower does not have to make payments, but interest does continue to accrue and is added to the principal if no payments of interest are made.

Federal Graduate PLUS LoanOverview
Graduate and professional students can borrow under the PLUS Loan Program. The terms and conditions applicable to Parent PLUS Loans also apply to Graduate PLUS loans. You may borrow up to your cost of attendance (determined by your graduate or professional school) minus other financial aid including other loans. You must not have an adverse credit history and meet other criteria. Repayment begins within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. If you are still enrolled you can qualify for an In-School Deferment to avoid making payments. Contact your school or your servicer once the final year's disbursement is made to request the deferment. However, most lenders will automatically put the loan in deferment for you, but it is still better to double check. The loan carries a fixed rate of 8.5 for FFEL loans and 7.9% for a Direct loans. The standard repayment term is 10 years, but can be up to 25 years depending on your total borrowing.

In order to receive a Graduate PLUS Loan, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Federal Student Loan ConsolidationA Consolidation Loan allows you to combine all the federal student loans you received to finance your college education into a single loan. Consolidation can significantly lower your monthly payment, offers the security of a fixed interest for variable rate loans and provides the convenience of making one single payment each month.

Visit the Department of Education's consolidation loan page to apply for student loan consolidation. You can also contact you current lender or bank to determine if they are able to consolidate your loan for you.

Most federal education loans are eligible for consolidation, including subsidized and unsubsidized Direct and FFEL Stafford Loans, SLS, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Nursing Loans, and Health Education Assistance Loans. Private education loans are not eligible. Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS Loan borrowers also can consolidate their loans.

Career and Technical Training LoansThere are a number of lenders that provide financing for your program if you are attending a career or technical training program Here are a few lenders to consider:

Sallie Mae - Career Training Loan
Wells Fargo - Education Connection® Loan

As you consider your options, pay careful attention to the interest rate, fees, repayment term and to whether or not you may defer payment while enrolled in your program. If you are able, we always recommend paying, at minimum, the interest on your loan while you are in school. We also strongly encourage you to apply with a co-signer.

2008-11-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

Loans for Graduate Students

Taking your education to the next level is exciting, but financing it can be a little scary. We offer both fixed and variable interest rate loans, and customer service that’s unparalleled within the industry to help you make the choices that are best for you.
Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Graduate PLUS Loans, CitiAssist® Loans
Start a Loan Application
Stafford Loan
Graduate PLUS Loan
CitiAssist® LoanCall 1-800-STUDENTFederal Stafford Loans Fixed at 6.80% Apply Online
Basic Eligibility: You must be:
A U.S. citizen, national, or eligible non-citizen
Enrolled as a full- or half-time graduate student

Interest Rate: 6.80%
Loan Benefits: Receive a 0.25% interest rate reduction when you enroll in our auto-debit payment program and receive only electronic statements.
Fees: 1.00% origination fee (1.50% 07/01/07 to 06/30/08)
1.00% federal default fee

Borrowing Limits: Borrow up to $20,500 per year.
Loan Funds: Your loan funds will be sent directly to your school and credited to your account at the Bursar’s Office.
Paying Back Your Loans: The standard repayment term is 10 years. Repayment begins six months after you graduate, leave school, or drop your attendance below half-time.
More: The Federal Stafford Loan can be either subsidized or unsubsidized; your eligibility for each will be defined in your award letter from your school. The government will pay the interest for you on subsidized loans, while you pay the interest on unsubsidized loans.
More Details
Federal Graduate PLUS Loans Fixed at 8.50% Apply Online
Basic Eligibility: You must be:
A graduate, law or health professions student
A U.S. citizen, national, or eligible non-citizen with a satisfactory credit history

Interest Rate: 8.50%
Loan Benefits: Receive a 0.25% interest rate reduction when you enroll in our auto-debit payment program and receive only electronic statements.
Fees: 3.00% origination fee
1.00% federal default fee

Borrowing Limits: Borrow up to the total cost of education less any other financial aid awarded.
Loan Funds: Your loan funds will be sent directly to your school and credited to your account at the Bursar’s Office.
Paying Back Your Loans: The standard repayment period begins immediately following the final disbursement of your loan. The standard repayment term is 10 years. However, we automatically grant an in-school deferment at the time of your final disbursement.
More: The credit check performed for a Graduate PLUS Loan is less strenuous than the credit checks performed on private loans. Additionally, Citi recommends applying for a Federal Stafford Loan before considering a Graduate PLUS Loan.
More Details
CitiAssist® Loans As low as 4.50% (4.46% APR) Apply Online
Basic Eligibility: You must be:
At least 18 years of age, 19 in AL and NE, and 21 in MS and PR.
Enrolled at least part-time as a graduate student at an accredited and approved college or university in the U.S.

Interest Rate: As low as 4.50%(4.46% APR)
View our APR examples.
Loan Benefits: Receive a 0.50% interest rate reduction after 48 on-time, consecutive monthly payments.
Receive an additional 0.25% interest rate reduction when you enroll in our auto-debit payment program.

Fees: 0.00% to 5.00%
View our APR examples.
Borrowing Limits: Borrow up to the total cost of education less any other financial aid awarded. A $1,000 minimum loan amount may apply.
Loan Funds: Your loan funds will be sent directly to your school and credited to your account at the Bursar’s Office.
Paying Back Your Loans: The standard repayment term is up to 20 years. Repayment begins nine months after you graduate or leave school.
More: You may apply for a private loan on your own or with a co-signer. Learn more. Since private loans are credit-based, applying with a creditworthy co-signer may increase the likelihood of your approval and may help you get a lower interest rate.
More Details

Social Insurance Agency

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National Pension

The National Pension is a basic public pension system which is designed to provide people with the common pension benefits called gBasic Pensionh.

Coverage

Compulsory Coverage

You must be covered by the National Pension system which will provide you with Basic Pension benefits, and you will be categorized according to your status as follows:

- Category ‡T insured persons: All registered residents of Japan aged 20 or
over but under 60, except for the Category ‡U or ‡V insured persons. The persons include in the Category are mainly, self-employed persons, freelance workers and students as well as their spouses

- Category ‡U insured persons: Persons enrolled in the Employeesf Pension
Insurance system or Mutual Aid Association (except for persons aged 65 or over but under 70 who are eligible to receive pension due to old age or retirement)

- Category ‡V insured persons: Category ‡U insured personfs dependent
spouses aged 20 or over but under 60

How to Enroll in the System and Register yourself under each Category

When you become subject to the Category ‡T insured person, you need to register yourself at your Municipal Office within 14 days, by submitting gApplication to Enroll in the National Pension for the Category ‡T insured personsh (SHIKAKU SHUTOKU TODOKE - ICHIGO HIHOKENSHA)
When you become subject to the Category ‡U insured person, your employer needs to enroll you in the Employeesf Pension Insurance or the Mutual Aid Associations. Within the procedure you are automatically enrolled in the National Pension, so no extra procedure is necessary.
When you become subject to the Category ‡V insured person, you need to ask your spousefs employer to register you at the Social Insurance Office within 14 days, by submitting gApplication to Enroll in the National Pension for the Category ‡V insured personsh (SHIKAKU SHUTOKU TODOKE - SANGO HIHOKENSHA).

Voluntary Coverage

The following persons can enroll in the National Pension on a voluntary basis:

(1) Persons aged 20 or over but under 60 who are receiving the old-age (retirement) pension from the Employees' Pension Insurance or the Mutual-Aid Association
(2) Self-employed persons aged 60 or over but under 65 who have not satisfied the minimum qualification period for benefits or who have not reached maximum insured period to be eligible for full benefits
(3) Japanese citizens aged 20 or over but under 65 who are living overseas
(4) Persons born before April 1, 1965, aged 65 or over but under 70 who have not satisfied the minimum qualification period

How to Voluntarily Enroll and Register yourself

If you are subject to the above, except (3), you need to register yourself at the Municipal Office.
If you are subject to (3) above, you may register yourself at the Social Insurance Office in charge of your latest residence in Japan. If you have never lived in Japan, you may register yourself at the Chiyoda Social Insurance Office.

Benefits

Old-age Basic Pension

You can receive the Old-age Basic Pension at the age of 65 if you have been covered under the National Pension and Employeesf Insurance systems. To satisfy contribution requirements, your total insurable periods* need to be 25 years or more.
* Your total insurable periods include your contribution-paid period, contribution-exempted period and other qualifying period when you are covered as the Category ‡T, Category ‡U or Category ‡V insured persons.

Benefit Amount

\792,100 / year (full benefit amount for 40 years of contribution payment)

If you have not contributed or have been exempted from payment, the amount is:
\792,100 x (‡@+‡A+‡B+‡C+‡D) / 40 years * x 12
‡@ Number of contribution-paid months
‡A Number of full contribution-exempted months** x 1/3
‡B Number of three-quarter contribution-exempted months** x 1/2
‡C Number of half contribution-exempted months** x 2/3
‡D Number of one-quarter contribution-exempted months** x 5/6
* Shorter for some people, depending on date of birth
** Depending on your income or according to the National Pension Law, you may be granted an exemption of full- or partial- amount of contribution payment.

How to Claim Your Old-age Basic Pension

To claim your benefit, you need to file the gClaim for the Old-age Benefits under the National Pension / Employeesf Pension Insuranceh (KOKUMIN NENKIN / KOSEI NENKIN HOKEN - ROREI KYUFU SAITEI SEIKYUSHO) at your nearest Social Insurance Office (including one in a Social Insurance Bureau) or the Pension Consultation Center. You need to attach your Pension Handbook and a certified extract copy of your Family Registry. Please ask at these Offices for the details of your necessary documents of evidence.

Option of gEarly Paymenth or gDelayed Paymenth

The pensionable age for the Old-age Basic Pension is 65 in principle. However, you may opt to receive pension at whatever age after 60. The pension amount varies depending on the time when you claim and receive your pension. Your pension reduces when you opt to receive benefits before 65 and increases when you opt to receive benefits after 65 compared to your pension receivable at the age of 65. Specifically, your pension receivable at the age of 60 is 70 % of that for age 65 and your pension receivable at the age of 70 or older is 142 %. Please note that once you receive your payment, the receivable rate will not change. In addition, if you apply for early payment of the Old-age Basic Pension, you may not apply for the Disability Basic Pension.

How to Apply for the gEarly Paymenth or gDelayed Paymenth

Early Payment

If you opt for the early payment of your Old-Age Basic Pension, you need to attach the gApplication for Early Payment of the Old-Age Basic Pension under the National Pensionh (KOKUMIN NENKIN ROREI KISO NENKIN SHIKYU KURIAGE SEIKYUSHO) when you file the main claim form to your nearest Social Insurance Office (including one in a Social Insurance Bureau) or the Pension Consultation Center. If you are currently receiving your specially-provided Old-age Employeesf Pension, you need to submit gApplication for Early Payment of the Old-Age Basic Pension for the Beneficiaries of the Specially-provided Old-age Employeesf Pension under the National Pension / the Employeesf Pension Insuranceh (KOKUMIN NENKIN / KOSEI NENKIN HOKEN - TOKUBETSU SHIKYUNO ROREI KOSEI NENKIN JUKYUKENSHA ROREI KISO NENKIN SHIKYU KURIAGE SEIKYUSHO) to the same office.

Delayed Payment

If you opt for the delayed payment of your Old-Age Basic Pension, you need to attach the gApplication for Delayed Payment of the Old-Age Basic Pension under the National Pension / Old-age Employeesf Pension under the Employeesf Pension Insuranceh (KOKUMIN NENKIN ROREI KISO NENKIN KOSEI NENKIN HOKEN ROREI KOSEI NENKIN SHIKYU KURISAGE SEIKYUSHO) when you file the main claim form to your nearest Social Insurance Office (including one in a Social Insurance Bureau) or the Pension Consultation Center. If you are already receiving your specially-provided Old-age Employeesf Pension, you need to submit gApplication for Delayed Payment of the Old-Age Basic / Employeesf Pension under the National Pension / the Employeesf Pension Insuranceh (KOKUMIN NENKIN / KOSEI NENKIN HOKEN - ROREI KISO / KOSEI NENKIN SHIKYU KURISAGE SEIKYUSHO) to the same office.

Additional Pension Plan

There is an extra voluntary plan to pay a small additional benefit to your Old-age Basic Pension. If you opt for this plan and pay the contribution of \400 / month, you can receive additional benefit, which is subject to early / delayed payment option. However, this contribution is not subject to the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments.

Benefit Amount

The annual amount is \200 ~ Number of month to which the Additional Contribution was paid.

Disability Basic Pension

You can receive the Disability Basic Pension when you have a certain level of disability specified by law. To be eligible, you must be covered by the National Pension Insurance system on the date of your first medical examination on the sickness or injury which caused above-mentioned your disability.

To satisfy contribution requirements, as of the previous day of (the date of) your first medical examination, your contribution-paid periods and contribution-exempted periods need to be more than two thirds of your total insurable periods up to two months prior to your first medical examination month. If the date of your first medical examination is before March 2016, you need to satisfy the above-mentioned requirements or to fill the proceeding one year with the contribution-paid or contribution-exempted period.

Benefit Amount

Grade 1 Disability Basic Pension: \990,100 / year

Grade 2 Disability Basic Pension: \792,100 / year

Additional annual benefits are paid as follows for your eligible dependent child(ren) under age 18 (20 if with certain grade of disability specified by law). The benefit is paid until the first March 31 after the child becomes age 18.

\227,900 each for your first and second child
\75,900 each for your third and subsequent child

How to Claim Your Disability Basic Pension

To claim your Disability Basic Pension, you need to file the gClaim for the Disability Basic Pension under the National Pensionh (KOKUMIN NENKIN - SHOGAI KISO NENKIN SAITEI SEIKYUSHO) at your nearest Social Insurance Office (including one in a Social Insurance Bureau) or the Pension Consultation Center. You need to attach your Pension Handbook, a certified extract copy of your Family Registry, the certificate of diagnoses issued by your doctor, your X-ray film if necessary, as well as your report on your medical history and on how your disability affect your livelihood/work.@@Please contact these Social Insurance Offices for the details of your necessary documents of evidence.
If you had your first medial examination on your disability before you become 20 years old, or if you are aged over 60 but under 65 and living in Japan, you need to file the Claim form to your Municipal Office, instead of the Social Insurance Offices.

Survivorsf Basic Pension

If an insured person dies while contributing to the National Pension, his wife who takes care of his dependent child(ren), or his dependent child(ren) can receive the Survivorsf Basic Pension. The eligible child is aged 18 (until first March 31 after the 18th birthday), or under 20 if he/she has a certain grade of disability specified by law. To satisfy contribution requirements, at the day before his death, his contribution-paid periods and contribution-exempted periods need to be more than two thirds of his total insurable periods up to two months prior to his death. If the date of his death is before March 2016, he needs to satisfy the above-mentioned requirements or to fill the proceeding one year with the contribution-paid or contribution-exempted period.

Benefit Amount

Survivorsf Basic Pension for the deceased personfs wife taking care of one child:

\1,020,000 /year
(\792,100 + \227,900 (additional annual benefits for the first child))

Additional annual benefits for the second and subsequent child are as follows:

\227,900 for the second child
\75,900 each for the third and subsequent child

Survivorsf Basic Pension for the only child: \792,100 /year (basic amount)

If there are two eligible children, \227,900 is added to this basic amount and divided evenly between the two. For the third or subsequent eligible child, further \75,900 is added for each child and the grand benefit total is equally shared between all children.

How to Claim Your Survivorsf Basic Pension

To claim your Survivorsf Basic Pension, you need to file the gClaim for the Survivorsf Basic Pension under the National Pensionh (KOKUMIN NENKIN - IZOKU KISO NENKIN SAITEI SEIKYUSHO) at your nearest Social Insurance Office (including one in a Social Insurance Bureau) or the Pension Consultation Center. You need to attach the deceased personfs Pension Handbook, a certified copy of his/her Family Registry, and the medical certificate of his/her death issued by the doctor. Please contact these Social Insurance Offices for the details of the necessary documents of evidence. If the deceased person has the coverage period only as a Category I insured person, or only as a Category III insured person, not the mix of I or III or any other, the claim need to be filed at the Municipal Office, instead of Social Insurance Offices.

Widowfs Pension

If your husband dies after contributing for at least 25 years as the Category ‡T insured person and if he has not yet received old-age pension, you can receive the Widowfs Pension while you are aged over 60 but under 65. You are quailed if you have been married to him for at least 10 years and you are financially supported by him at the time of his death.

Benefit Amount

Equivalent to your late husbandfs unpaid Old-age Basic Pension (portion for the Category ‡T insured period) x 3/4

How to Claim Your Widowfs Pension

To claim your Widowfs Pension, you need to file the gClaim for the Widowfs Pension under the National Pensionh (KOKUMIN NENKIN - KAFU NENKIN SAITEI SEIKYUSHO) at your nearest Municipal Office. You need to attach your deceased husbandfs Pension Handbook, a certified extract copy of your (his) Family Registry, and a certified copy of your (his) Resident Registry. Please contact the nearest Social Insurance Office (including one in a Social Insurance Bureau) or the Pension Consultation Center for the details of your necessary documents of evidence.

Lump-sum Death Benefit

If an insured person dies without receiving any pension benefits, and if his/her total contribution-paid month and half number of the contribution-exempted months as a Category ‡T insured person add to at least 36 months, any family member who shared the livelihood with him/her can receive the Lump-sum.

Benefit Amount

\120,000 - \320,000 / year depending on the contribution paid periods of the deceased person

How to Claim Your Lump-sum Death Benefit

To claim your benefit, you need to file the gClaim for the Lump-sum Death Benefith (SHIBO ICHIJIKIN SAITEI SEIKYUSHO) at your nearest Municipal Office. You need to attach the deceased personfs Pension Handbook, a certified extract copy of your (his/her) Family Registry, and a certified copy of your (his/her) Resident Registry. Please contact the nearest Social Insurance Office (including one in a Social Insurance Bureau) or the Pension Consultation Center for the details of your necessary documents of evidence.

Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments (Exclusively for Non-Japanese Citizens)

If you are not a Japanese citizen, you can claim the Payments after you leave Japan. You can claim the Payments if you have not received any pension benefits and if you have at least 6 months of coverage as a Category‡Tunder the National Pension system. The covered months here mean a total of: ‡@number of your contribution-paid months;
‡Anumber of the third-quarter contribution-exempted months ~ 1/4;
‡Bnumber of the half contribution-exempted months ~ 1/2;
‡Cnumber of the one-quarter contribution-exempted months ~ 3/4.
You need to file a claim within 2 years after you leave Japan.

PLEASE NOTE that if you receive the Payments based on your coverage period, you can not use the same periods again to apply for the totalization benefits under the Social Security Agreement between other countries.
If you are from the country with which Japan has the Agreement, you are advised to consider well, before applying for the Payments, whether you would like to use your coverage periods under Japanese system either to claim for the Payments now or to claim later for the totalization benefits.

Payments Amount

You can find your payments amount as shown below, depending on the month for which you made the latest contribution payment.

If your last contribution is paid for the month between April 2005 and March 2008, your Payments amount is shown in the chart below.

Number of
your
contributed months (months) Payments amount if:
Your last contribution
is paid between
Apr. 2007 - Mar. 2008 Your last contribution
was paid between
Apr. 2006 - Mar. 2007 Your last contribution
was paid between
Apr. 2005 - Mar. 2006
6 - 11 \42,300 \41,580 \40,740
12 - 17 \84,600 \83,160 \81,480
18 - 23 \126,900 \124,740 \122,220
24 - 29 \169,200 \166,320 \162,960
30 - 35 \211,500 \207,900 \203,700
36 - \253,800 \249,480 \244,440

If your last contribution is made for the month of April 2008 and after:

Your Payments amount = Each amount shown in the chart above for gYour last contribution is paid between Apr. 2005 - Mar. 2006h x Monthly contribution amount of the year of your last payment

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13,580 yen (Monthly contribution amount of the Fiscal Year 2005 *)

* The monthly contribution amount for the National Pension was \13,300 from April 2004 to March 2005. The amount increases every April (first month of the Japanese fiscal year) from 2005 onward.

Application Form@- The form includes information on the Payments in the language of English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Indonesian.

Contributions

The contribution amount for the National Pension is \14,100/month (for the fiscal year 2007: to be increased every year).

Payment of the Contributions

You may pay the contribution at banks, post offices and convenience stores by using the payment notices sent to you from the Social Insurance Agency. You can take advantage of discount by opting for the advance payment through automatic bank remittance.

Exemption of the Contributions

You can apply for the exemption from contribution payments if you satisfy certain conditions specified by law, specifically, if you are receiving the Disability Basic Pension or the Public Assistance under the Livelihood Protection Act. You may also be exempt from contribution payment if the previous yearfs income of you/your spouse/your home owner is low, and if your application is approved.
The type of exemption is as follows: total amount exemption, three-fourths amount exemption (contributions payable: \3,530), half amount exemption (contributions payable: \7,050) and one-quarter amount exemption (contributions payable: \10,580).

In calculation of your pension benefits, however, your period of total amount exemption will count as one-third of full contribution paid period, the three-fourths amount exemption as half, the half amount exemption as two-thirds and the one-quarter amount exemption as five-sixths. If you fail to pay the due contribution during the granted period, that will be considered to be non-payment rather than partial-exemption.

How to Apply for Exemption

To establish the exemption you need to apply at the Municipal Office to which you register yourself. You need to apply for the exemption every year.

Recovery of the Past Exempted-Contribution

If you were exempt from the due contribution payments in the past, you can retroactively recover the payments for those as old as 10 years.
Please note that a specific index will be imposed on your past contribution amount when you recover the payments. That is, if you were granted the contribution exemption in a certain fiscal year (April to March) and you recover the contribution three or more fiscal years later, your old contribution amount is indexed by certain rate according to the age of the due contribution.

How to Repay the Exempted Contribution

For retroactive payments, please contact the Social Insurance Office (including one in a Social Insurance Bureau) or the Pension Consultation Center.

Special Payment System for Students

If you are a student (including night time schools) and your income is less than a certain amount, you may be allowed to postpone contribution payment if your application is approved.

This granted period protects you just as the covered period does. So, if you become disabled or die during this granted period, the Disability Basic Pension or the Survivorsf Basic Pension will be provided if you satisfy the following conditions:
(1) By the second months preceding to the month of your accident, your contribution unpaid months are not more than 1/3 of your whole covered months.@@Or
(2) You paid your contributions for the last 12 months up to the second months preceding the month of your accident.

This granted period counts as qualifying period for the Old-age Basic Pension, however, unless you have this period filled with actual contribution afterwards, this period will not be reflected to the old-age benefit amount.
You can retroactively pay the postponed contribution in the same way as the grecovery of the past exempted-contributionh above.

How to Apply for Special Payment System for Students

To establish the exemption you need to apply at the Municipal Office to which you register yourself. The application form is available at the Municipal office or the Social Insurance Office (including one in a Social Insurance Bureau). You need to apply for this Special System every year.

Contribution Postponement System for Low Income Youth

If you are in your twenties and your/your spousefs income is lower than a certain level, this system allows you to postpone your contribution payments. To establish your postponement, your application needs to be granted. The procedure and application are the same as those for the gSpecial Payment System for Studentsh.

2008-11-03T08:15:00.000-08:00

Further sites of interest for Testing Resources & Admission to College or meeting workplace requirements
Basic skills terms
ABE = Adult Basic Education
GED = General Education Development
ESOL = English for Speakers of Other Languages
ESL = English as a Second Language
TABE = Test of Adult Basic Education
The TABE test is an academic test that measures a persons grade level in reading, mathematics, and language.
TABE scores are used to place students in academic classes that closely match their current academic level.

IALS = International Adult Literacy Survey
NALS = National Adult Literacy Survey
ABLE = Adult Basic and Literacy Education

GED Website - FYI
www.acenet.edu/calec/ged/intro-TT.cfm

GED Resources
http://www.learnatest.com/GED/resources/resources_index.cfm

GED 2002 Resources
http://www.readiowa.org/abe/gedresources.html

Assessment Preparation Resources
http://www.smc.maricopa.edu/sub1/lac/testprep.html

Workplace Math Skills
http://www.readiowa.org/workplacemath/contents.html

PBS Adult Learning & Literacy Service
http://www.pbs.org/als/

Admission tips
http://www.supercollege.com/channel.cfm?loc=3&t=4

Online SAT prep
http://collegeapps.about.com/library/weekly/aa032001a.htm

SAT Test preparation tips
http://www.freesat1prep.com/sat/sat-prep/preparation_tips.htm

Tips on Taking the Scholastic Aptitude/Achievement Test (SAT)
http://www.ldresources.com/education/sat.html

MORE TESTING RESOURCES

Find and take a variety of tests at:
All The Tests.com
A collection of all IQ tests, EQ tests, earning power, health profile and many others.
You can even design your own test and post on your own website.

Take a FREE IQ test at www.emode.com/tests/uiq
[*note: detailed analysis of scores will require you pay a fee,
the free info, is all you need, have fun with these online tests]

Take free online Personality and Career Interest tests
Find resources on this page of librarysupportstaff.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Developing workplace skills ~
Related sites for employers:
US Dept. of Labor
Workforce Investment Act Information and Tools
http://www.doleta.gov/usworkforce/wia.asp
The Job Seekers section of the Employment and Training Administration Website (ETA).
Excerpt quoted from website
This section provides information on every step of the job search process - dealing with the loss of a job, researching new opportunities, finding training to acquire different skills, starting a new job and making long-term career plans.
http://www.doleta.gov/jobseekers/

United States Dept. of Education - Educational Resources listed by "State"
www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/resource/statelink.html

I also have some General Career Resources on my Finding Library Jobs & More pages
and
I have resource links for those interested in
starting their own business or working from home
Learn what you need to know >>> 4homebiz.html

QUALITY EDUCATION.

2008-11-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

Not exactly FREE but "Bargain" Quality Education at:
Virtual University - $15 for 3 courses.
Online discussion with classmates & instructors
Courses cover Web Page Design,
Internet and Writing Skills and much more!
VU offers Continuing Education Credits
AARP WebPlace for Learning - Some courses are FREE,
and some may require a fee.

PC Show and Tell
Excerpt quoted from website:
PCShowAndTell Personal Subscription
* $30 USD per year
* Unlimited access to the PCShowAndTell library of audio/video software solutions.
* Now with over 40,000 animated, voiced tutorials, on more than 100 of your favorite software applications.
Free 2 week trial
www.pcshowandtell.com/index.asp

Training Center.com
Online Courses
Courses are sold as sets. Select the set you want to take, and
pay one small fee to take all of the courses, in that set,
(as many times as you wish), for one full year.
There are no other charges.
For example, if you sign up for
"Set 1: Technical General",
you will pay one fee of $125, and you will have access to all
171 Courses for an entire year.
Start with any course you want.
The system remembers where you left off.
They offer Microsoft Certification courses and More!!
Course sets price range $75 to $585 (that price buys 7 sets - 608!!! courses!)
Take advantage of the FREE trial offer,
to sample their style of delivering
the courses.
Training Center.com

Need to Know ALL about Computers!!
From "Mousing" to Getting Online
For $89.00 - This spot is a good start

Search for Online Courses at CoursePal.com
Search for Degree Program$, Free Learning Opportunities, & More

Excerpt quoted from site:
www.coursepal.com/
Online Learning, distance learning, eLearning, virtual education
call it what you like
is exploding in popularity and usefulness.
Traditional universities, online companies & established corporations are now offering degree programs,
individual courses, certifications, online tutoring and more.
Today you can choose from thousands of institutions & hundreds of thousands of courses,
some of the world's best, right from your computer!
www.coursepal.com/

Search TutorGig.com for Online Tutorials - Free & Fee Based tutortials
http://www.tutorgig.com/

Visit: World Wide Learn
The Worlds Directory for Online Courses, Tutorials, & Education
**Note** - Most of these offerings are *NOT* "Free"
but if you want to see what's out there
this is a good place for finding online learning sites.
http://www.worldwidelearn.com

2008-11-03T08:09:00.000-08:00

Testing What You Know or Have Learned

General Tests & Quizzes
Graduate Entrance Tests & GRE Resources
GED, & SAT, Workplace Skills resources
Reducing Test Anxiety
http://www.byu.edu/ccc/Learning_Strategies/test/anxiety.htm
Tips for handling Test Anxiety
http://www.utdallas.edu/student/slife/counseling/testanx.html

This site is NOT Free - but may be useful to you
to prepare for various TESTS
with practice tests at:
http://www.learnatest.com/
Such as: Academic, Civil Service, Firefighter, GED, Law Enforcement,
Military, and Real Estate
They have courses available as well (for a FEE)
http://www.learnatest.com/shop/careerlist.cfm?MBC=COURSE

Audio - Tests you can Listen & Learn from:
Online Quiz Center
http://www.audiowhiz.com/tests/ontests.htm

Here are some sites for FREE tests

Free IQ, Entertainment, and Computet Tests
http://www.teststeststests.com/

Free Sample Test Sites for MCSE, Cisco, A+, and Novell

http://www.cert21.com
http://www.brainbench.com
htp://www.testfree.com/exams.asp
http://www.freemcse.com/freestuff.asp
This site offers a FREE test of the month
usually for IT Certication typ courses
http://www.bfq.com/
BankInfo - Banking Compliance Tests
http://www.bankinfo.com/tools/tools.html

Peterson's Test Preparations
http://iiswinprd03.petersons.com/testprepchannel/default.asp

Graduate Entrance Tests
GRE - Graduate Record Examination
GMAT - Graduate Management Admission Test
MAT - Miller Analogies Test
MCAT - Medical College Admission Test
LSAT - Law School Admission Test
TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language

GRE resources

A Free online GRE course
Excerpt quoted from site:
http://www.testtutor.com/gre/
The GRE tutorials cover everything you will need to beat the GRE. From
the basic mathematics (fractions, algebra etc.) that you have forgotten to
hints and tips for answering the hardest of questions. For those who have a
slow and/or expensive internet connection our tutorials are available in a
print version so that you can print them and study off-line

Test Preparation and Reference Materials
http://www.gre.org/refmats.html

GRE Test Tips and Techniques
Test Tactics and Sectional Strategies for the GRE
http://www.testinfo.net/gre/gre-tips.htm

From Petersons
http://iiswinprd03.petersons.com/testprepchannel/gre_index.asp

GRE Test Preparation Practice Exercises
**Warning - annoying popup ads for this site**
http://www.syvum.com/gre/

Select sections from GRE test book
http://www.west.net/~stewart/gre/

GRE test prep online, sample GRE CAT tests and tutoring by 800score.com
http://www.gre-test-prep.com/

PDF file to print out
GRE Test Taking Tips and Techniques
http:// www.teacherebooks.com/ebooks/gre_tips.pdf

Books to consider for purchase:
Cracking the GRE, 2003 Edition
Karen Lurie
Cracking the GRE with Cdrom c. 2002
Karen Lurie

Kaplan GRE Exam with CDrom
Staff of Kaplan Inc

How to Prepare for the GRE: Graduate Record Examination with Cdrom
Sharon Weiner Green Ira K. Wolf

FREE ONLINE TUTORIAL SITES

2008-11-03T07:04:00.000-08:00

Online Education & Tutorial Listings for Variety of Subjects

Learn That.com
The most comprehensive directory
of educational resources,
distance learning, free online
computer courses, and web based training.
Business skills offerings too, such as
the basics of Quickbooks
And practical offerings - free advice articles such as
Dealing with Conflict in the Workplace
or learn a skill such as "Remembering Names"
Check out all that : Learn That has to offer!!
FREE Tutorials.Com
Docnmail.com
Free Online Courses & Tutorials for everyone
Variety of subjects to choose from.
Wanna Learn.com - Free tutorials in several subject areas
Something for every "learning" interest!
actDen - Digital Education
More free learning, easy to follow tutorials
Microsoft Software Tutorials & Online Courses
Free Education Online
LearnWell.Org free courses.
Her Home Office - FREE Learning Tutorials
Several Courses Available!!
Top Free Online Courses
This site has Terrific Courses!
The Land Grant Training Alliance.
Courses Available on:
Word Processing, Presentation Graphics,
SpreadSheets, Databases & the Internet.
FREE-ED.Net
Free Online- Courses, Tutorials & Activities
Computers & Training.Com
FREE Online Training
FREE Courses from Job Guide -Monster.Com
Teaching you Tech Skills for Todays' Technology.
Tech Tutorials
Directory of Free Computer and Networking
tutorials for the I.T. professional.
The directory currently contains
"1367" FREE! Tutorials!
FREE Courses - from Barnes & Noble
Interesting & Wonderful Selections!
Third Age - Learning Center Online courses
Free Tutorials - ALL Learning for FREE
You have to check out "Chalksoft"!!
The ChalkSoft Academy offers you the opportunity
to study online for free.
No catches, no gotchas. Enjoy.
FREE DOWNLOADS TOO!
They have MUCH to offer.
From Help2Go Look at the
5 Minute Computer Guides and
Internet Guides.
Free and/or Not all that Much
4courses.Com Online Courses
Still Looking for Something??
Try:
"Find Tutorials" The Tutorials Search Engine
"Try a FREE Learn@Hand course
to see for yourself
the quality of training that is offered
at unbelievable prices.
You'll have several choices of FREE courses to take.
Try out web-based online learning today, FREE!"

2008-06-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

Employment

Working at NIU allows employees to make a difference in the lives of students
and in the northern Illinois community.

The university offers full-time permanent positions for faculty, Supportive
Professional Staff and Civil Service.

NIU also provides resources for:

Students interested in a part-time job in on
campus, career planning or an internship
Employers who wish to recruit
NIU students
Alumni who want to take advantage of
the special career benefits afforded to them

Available Positions

Search job openings on campus

Human Resource
Services

Find out more about university employment

2008-06-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

February 14 Student Scholarship Fund

Northern
Illinois University has established a scholarship fund to honor the memory of
the students slain in the February 14 tragedy.

The February 14 Student Scholarship Fund will receive gifts through the NIU
Foundation for the general scholarship fund and work through the NIU Scholarship
Committee to distribute scholarships to deserving students in the name of those
who lost their lives in the shooting at Cole Hall.

There are three ways to contribute to this fund:

Visit NIU
Foundation Online Gifts
Call 1-877-GIV2NIU (1-877-448-2648)
Download, print and mail a gift form (.pdf)

QoL

2008-06-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

Quality of Life (QoL)

Quick Links:
Events • Resources • White Paper •
Discussion Forums • Committee

The mission of the IGDA’s Quality of Life
Committee is to make the process of game development easier and more
pleasant for everyone.

QoL Events & Presentations

The IGDA hosts several Quality of Life oriented
events, summits and lectures each year. These events serve the purpose of
furthering the IGDA's QoL work, providing a forum for developers to
converse/connect and to work together to overcome challenges of poor working
conditions. The proceedings, notes and materials from
these events are catalogued (as much as possible) on this page.

QoL Resources

A compilation of resources and references are
provided to help educate the industry on the issues, challenges and
opportunities related to quality of life and working conditions. Resources are
provided in the following categories:

Quality of Life White Paper

The Committee has documented the impact of quality of life issues on employee
turnover and on the loss of qualified personnel in the Quality of Life White Paper. The White Paper
elaborates on “best practices” to improve quality of life and reap the economic
benefits of a happier team. The Committee first presented this White Paper at a
panel during the 2004 Game Developers Conference.

Discussion Forums

Dive into the Quality of
Life Discussion Forum. The IGDA hosts online discussion forums to faciliate
peer-to-peer communication and the sharing of knowledge.

Related Special Interest Groups

Human Resources SIG

A big part of the quality of life challenge is about human
resource management. While there are many general purpose HR resources,
there is nothing specific to the game industry. The HR-SIG
is meant to be resource for the community of game industry HR professionals
and those involved in the HR process. The HR-SIG's private mailing list often
discussed quality of life related issues and solutions.

Production SIG

The Production SIG is dedicated to refining and
formalizing a structured approach to game production, one that outlines proven
practices for development teams taking on interactive projects. Instead of
reinventing the wheel, inexperienced and veteran development teams can both
benefit from a toolbox of production strategies drawn from the experience of
industry leaders.

GDC Student Scholarships

2008-06-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

2008 GDC Student Scholarship Recipients

Chase Bowen Martin -
Indiana University
Lisa Deanne Brown -
Carnegie Mellon University
Michael Callahan - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Mike Cornford - Great
Northern Way Campus (Canada)
Tatyana Dyshlova -
Brown University
Elizabeth England -
Guildhall at SMU
Jordan Fine -
Macquarie University (Australia)
Matthew Gaydos -
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Enrique Saúl González Di
Totto - The University of Tokyo (Japan)
Haris Halvatzis -
University of Macedonia (Greece)
Sean Hathaway - FullSail
Jon Hayward - Edith
Cowan University (Australia)
Yuichi Hiruta - Tokyo
University of Agriculture and Technology (Japan)
David Larsson -
Blekinge Institute of Technology (Sweden)
James Leonis -
FullSail
Ken Leung -
University of Southern California
Silvia Lindtner -
University of California, Irvine
Sarah McGee - Rice
University
Jeff McNab - Savannah
College of Art and Design
Alice Rendell -
University of Wales (UK)
Philip "Fivel"
Rothberg - Hunter College of CUNY
Andrew Sorkin -
Berklee School of Music
Tynan Sylvester -
Concordia University (Canada)
Ryan Timoney -
University of Southern California
Barret Trickey -
Kyoto Computer Gakuin (Japan)

Qualifications & Scholarship Details

The IGDA will award 25 scholarships to send qualified students to the 2008 Game Developers Conference. GDC is where game
development professionals gather to share ideas and build the skills that the
industry needs. Located in San Francisco, California, this year's GDC will be
held February 18-22, 2007.

Scholarship applications must be submitted on
or before Friday, December 7th, 2007.
Only full-time university (or similar) students are eligible, and must be 18
years of age or older as of February 18, 2008.
Applicant must be an IGDA Student Member in good standing. If you are not
currently a Student Member, you must join the IGDA before
applying for the scholarship. All applications will be verified.
Past scholarship recipients are not eligible.
Recipients will be awarded one Main Conference
Pass, with access to all sessions, roundtables, and keynotes. Breakfast and
lunch included.
Students are responsible for all travel arrangements and costs.
Scholarship applications will be judged by a panel of professional game
developers.
Each scholarship recipient will be paired with an industry mentor.
Scholarship recipients will participate in a local studio visit and
orientation session on February 19th.
Recipients will be announced before January 16th, 2008 (the early rate
pricing deadline).

Judging Criteria

To help students hone their applications and to better understand what the
judges are looking for, here's the basic criteria that judges will use to rate
applicants:

Relevance - Will attending GDC help the student achieve his
or her specific educational and/or career goals?
Initiative - Has the student demonstrated continued
dedication to game development and effort to educate themselves?
Special Circumstances - Has the student overcome any
unusual challenges or obstacles?
Communication - Are the ideas expressed in the essays
communicated effectively and efficiently?
Tilt Factor - Overall, does it seem like this student would
be fun and interesting to have around at GDC?
Bonus: Veteran judge Dave Weinstein has shared his personal
guidance/insight for judging

Scholarship Application

The application deadline was Friday, December 7th, 2007.
Recipients will be announced before January 16th, 2008 (the early rate
pricing deadline).

"I highly recommend that anyone who is working towards breaking
into the game industry attempt to attend as many GDCs as possible – the
networking alone is worth the trip, and the diversity of sessions will keep all
flavors of game developer interested well past the conference's end
date." - Matthew Raymond Billock, 2006 Scholarship Recipient

GDC Volunteer Program

As the IGDA has a limited number of scholarships to award, we'd like to point
students to the GDC's "Conference Associates"
program. The CA program is an excellent way for students to experience GDC as a
volunteer/attendee, with free entry to the conference. The CA program is managed
directly by GDC. Please visit
their site for details or to contact them directly with your questions.

2008-06-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Business & Legal

Quick Links:
IP Rights White
Paper • Best Practices • Contract Walk-Through • Game Submission Guide • Reference Materials • Discussion Forums • Business Committee

The rapid growth of the game industry is bringing increasing challenges for
new and experienced developers alike. Too many studios run into operational and
financial difficulties – or even fail outright – because of a lack of knowledge
about the industry and/or a lack of business experience in general. To combat
this and provide a respite from the increasingly challenging world of the video
games business, the IGDA is working to empower the development community with
business knowledge and advocate for developers through the following
initiatives:

Developer Business Summit

The Developer Business Summit, hosted at GDC 2004,
was the IGDA’s first “Think Tank” event. The Summit provided a rare opportunity
for studio heads, publishing executives and other industry leaders to come
together in a neutral forum, roll up their sleeves and work out solutions to
some of the biggest issues facing game development. Check the Business Summit web page for a full report, slides, notes
and all related materials.

Related GDC Session Materials

The Economics of a Next-Gen Game
(ppt - 237kb) by Kathy Schoback, GDC 2005

Contract Walk-Through

The Contract Walk-Through essays help
to educate all developers on game contract issues, so they will be better able
to understand and discuss such matters with their lawyers and publishers. Game
industry lawyers have compiled essays on important contract issues (sample
topics include IP ownership, definition of net sales, the reserve, etc.) and
each essay includes annotations from industry experts. Two sets of essays were
released in 2003, the first prior to E3 in May and the second at GDC Europe in
August.

IP Rights

White Paper

The Intellectual Property Rights White
Paper is a comprehensive analysis of key forms of IP rights, legal
definitions and information about global intellectual property rights as they
relate to games and those connected to game development. The White Paper was
released in October, 2003 via the IGDA web site. Topics covered in the White
Paper include the history of IP rights; forms of IP protection; overview of IP
in video games; practical applications; and three opinion essays from leading
game industry thinkers. The Paper was written by the IGDA’s IP
Rights Special Interes Group, consisting of forty members including game
developers, musicians, journalists, CTOs, CEOs, open-source evangelists,
students, academics and lawyers from North America, Europe and Asia.

Prior Art Searches

From time to time, the IGDA will mobilize the community of game developers to
help thwart exploitive/abusive use of IP against the industry (usually in the
form of broad reaching patents). This usually takes the form of helping
defendants discover prior
art to invalidate patent claims. The IGDA is/has helped with the following
cases:

Game Submission Guide

The Game Submission Guide is an invaluable
resource for developers who are submitting/pitching games to prospective
publishers. It includes publisher feedback on submission checklist items, and
information on what to expect before, during and after the pitch, along with
insight into the publisher decision-making process. The Guide was released on
the IGDA web site in May 2003, just in time for E3.

Best Practices Reports

The Best Practice Reports are a set of
documents available from the IGDA web site that were generated from a series of
roundtables at GDC 2003. They help educate and provide solutions for developers
on industry best practices in various disciplines, such as financing, resource
management/scheduling, human resources, marketing/promotion and quality
assurance.

Online Games Special Interest Group

The Online Games SIG has produced extensive
reports on market statistics, business model descriptions, technology
summaries and publisher listings to the developer community. The intended
audience of the Online Games White Papers includes independent game developers
and development studios without significant business and technology resources,
which plan to create online games. The Papers also serve as a reference to all
those interested in the online game space.

Human Resources Special Interest Group

A big part of the management/business challenge is about people - knowing
what you need, how to find the best people and help them achieve their best
potential for the benefit of the business. While there are many general purpose
HR resources, there is nothing specific to the game industry. The HR-SIG is meant to be resource for the community of game
industry HR professionals and those involved in the HR process.

Governmental Support/Resource List

The Business Committee is in the process of developing the Governmental Support List as a
resource for developers who are looking for funding and assistance to either
launch, or to support their existing development efforts. This resource list
will include assistance available to developers in the form of government tax
breaks, subsidies, funding, grants, loans, or other such resources provided by
governmental support bodies.

Reference Materials

The reference materials section provides
additional reference materials to help developers devise business plans, conduct
market research and get a handle on general business aspects. References will be
added on an ongoing basis...

Discussion Forums

Dive into the Business &
Legal Forum. The IGDA hosts online discussion forums to faciliate
peer-to-peer communication and the sharing of knowledge.

How to study abroad ?

2008-06-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

choose your own adventure

109 programs. 36 countries. Maybe you know where you
want to go already, or maybe you’re feeling a little overwhelmed. Where do you
start? Here are a few questions (and answers) to help you think about how to
choose a program and make the study abroad experience your own.

where do you want to go?

Is there a part of the world you’ve always wanted to
know better? A country you’ve studied that you’d like to see for yourself? A
city you’ve dreamed about since childhood? That’s a place to start, but don’t
finish there. Learn everything you can about the countries you’re interested in:
research on the web, read books, ask professors and study abroad advisors, talk
to exchange students. Once you have a place or two in mind, pick up a CIEE
catalog for that region to find out your options: Africa/Middle East, Asia,
Australia, Europe, Latin America, or Spain (because we have so many programs
there). Look for our Summer catalog to learn about the 21 programs we offer in
Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

what do you want to study?

If you’ve always thought about going abroad to polish
your French, your course may be clear. Take language classes to fine-tune your
grammar, practice your conversation skills after class in cafés or at the
market, maybe even take a few classes directly through the host university if
your skills are up to it. CIEE has language-focused programs with specialized
coursework designed to improve your Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese,
Russian, or Chinese while introducing you to the local culture—whether you are
an absolute beginner or have been studying for years.

But CIEE also has a number of programs that concentrate on specific fields,
like marine ecology, teaching, business, service-learning, grassroots
development, and studio arts. For some of these programs, advanced knowledge of
the host country language is required; on others, you’ll study the language for
the first time while focusing on what you came to study.

On other programs, you can choose what you’ll study from a wide range of
subjects fulfilling your major or just your latest interests. On some, you’ll
enroll in specially-designed CIEE courses; on others, you’ll enroll directly in
university courses and study alongside local students or in courses specifically
created for international students. Some classes are taught in English and some
are taught in the local language, depending on the program. Everything is in
English, of course, in English-speaking countries like Australia, Ireland, and
England.

Whatever your interest, you’ll find that many CIEE programs are very hands-on
and include field work, internships, volunteering, or independent study. See
where your interests lie by looking at the chart you’ll find in the front of
each CIEE catalog. There, you can compare the educational focus—as well as many
other program features—for each CIEE program in that region.

when do you want to go?

Depending on the program, you can choose
to go abroad for the fall or spring semester; semester programs range from 14 to
24 weeks. Other programs let you continue your studies for a full academic or
calendar year, ranging from 36 to 53 weeks. If you’d rather go during the
summer, CIEE offers long and short-term programs (from 10 days to 8 weeks)
during June, July, and August.

how much change are you ready
for?

Some places have cultures more similar to
the one you’re used to, some less. Be aware of differing attitudes toward things
like gender, ethnicity, and economic and educational opportunities. Stay
open-minded, learn to adapt to the society around you, and behave in ways that
are thoughtful and respectful. In the best experiences, what you believe, your
values, and even who you are will be challenged in some way. That’s how you’ll
learn the important lessons that aren’t part of any curriculum.

how do you want to immerse
yourself?

Studying abroad is always an immersion
experience, but certain things affect how deep the experience will feel,
especially initially. In some places you can study in English while in others,
you study only in your host country language. In some cities (like Amsterdam),
many locals speak English; in others (like Ferrara), fewer do. Some places have
large international or American student populations; others don’t. On some
programs you live with CIEE students, on others with international students from
around the globe, and on some in the same house with—and as part of the life
of—a local host family.

Especially in places where language and culture can be isolating
at times, tutors and peer mentors are often available to help. If you take it
upon yourself to get involved with local people through activities like
volunteering, conversation exchanges, and university clubs, you’ll be amazed to
see how quickly you find friends—and a new home a thousand miles away.

student scholarship

2008-06-06T20:55:00.000-07:00

For many students, a study abroad
experience is only possible with financial assistance. Each year CIEE awards
scholarships and grants to students who plan to study overseas. Please read the
eligibility criteria and the application procedures for each scholarship
carefully.

Competition for the CIEE scholarships and grants is keen and the
quality of the materials submitted is very important. The scholarship
application procedure is entirely independent from the CIEE program
application.

Students should discuss all financial
aid planning with their campus financial aid and study abroad advisor. It is the
applicant’s responsibility to ensure that their scholarship application is
complete.

How do I apply?
A complete scholarship
application contains the following items and must be submitted
together:

A complete scholarship application and financial aid administrator form.
A 500-word, typed scholarship essay that includes:

The CIEE program, location, and term(s) for which you are applying
The names of every CIEE scholarship for which you are applying
Your objectives for your time overseas with CIEE
Details of your financial need and how the scholarship will assist you in
meeting your individual goals
Describe any extenuating circumstances that may be relevant in the
consideration of your scholarship application

Applicants should also review the eligibility requirements for each award as
there may be additional factors specific to the award to include in your essay.
Failure to include these additional requirements in your statement could
jeopardize your scholarship application.

Scholarship applicants must also have a complete program application on file
with CIEE by the scholarship deadlines in order to be considered. Students need
only to submit one application, even if they are applying for more than one
scholarship.

Click here
for complete scholarship
application instructions and forms.

Scholarship Application
Deadlines

Deadline
Term

Scholarship Notification
Announcements

April 1

summer, fall, and academic year
programs

First week of May

November 1

winter, spring and calendar year
programs

First week of
December

Scholarship application documents and
completed program applications and materials must arrive by these dates.
Scholarship application deadlines are evaluated independently of program
application deadlines and will not be extended even if the program application
deadline is extended.

**IMPORTANT CHANGE**
Starting with the 2007 Winter, Spring, and Calendar Year awarding cycle, the
CIEE Scholarships Application is a separate document from the CIEE Study Center
Program Application.

Return
Requirement
Upon returning from abroad, all CIEE scholarship or
grant recipients must submit a one-page typed essay describing how the program
allowed them to interact with the host culture, how the program enhanced their
language skills and understanding of cultural and social issues, and how the
program activities related to their future academic and/or career goals.
Students are encouraged to be creative in their presentation of this report.
Please note that this mandatory essay and all other materials submitted for this
report become the property of CIEE and may be used in print and/or electronic
publications. Please send to: mystory@ciee.org.

Students who are
awarded the U.S. Dept of Education Fulbright-Hays Project Abroad Scholarship for
programs in China have additional return requirements as noted in the
scholarship description.

Selection
In addition to the
scholarship form and essay, applications are reviewed based upon the information
provided in the program application, including the personal statement, academic
information, transcripts, and evaluations. Financial need and academic
excellence are strongly considered.

Notification of Award
Status
Students selected for awards will be notified of their status
by e-mail approximately four weeks after the application deadline. A list of
awardees will be posted here
at that time as well.

CIEE Student Scholarship Programs for
Education Abroad

The Ping Foundation
From 1993-2004, Dr. Charles Ping served as
the Chairman of the CIEE Board of Directors. To honor Dr. Ping’s service to
CIEE, the organization established a permanent endowment in his name: The Ping
Foundation. The Foundation aims to serve CIEE’s mission through three
activities; advocacy for international educational exchange, research designed
to advance the field of international educational exchange, and funding of
scholarship programs.

The John E. Bowman, Robert B. Bailey,
CIEE-International Study Program, Peter Wollitzer, and Jennifer Ritzmann
Scholarships are funded by the Ping Foundation.

John E. Bowman Travel Grants
Robert B. Bailey Scholarship
CIEE-International Study Program Scholarships
Peter Wollitzer Scholarship for study in Asia
Jennifer Ritzmann Scholarship for Studies in Tropical
Biology
U.S. Department of Education Fulbright-Hays Project Abroad
Scholarship for Programs in China

John E. Bowman Travel
Grants
The Bowman Travel Grants were established in memory of John
E. Bowman, Executive Director of CIEE from 1952 to 1979. These awards provide
assistance to students participating in CIEE study abroad programs in
non-traditional locations. They help to defray the costs of travel.

Eligibility
Applicants must fulfill the following
criteria:

The applicant must participate in a CIEE study abroad
program.
The applicant must attend a CIEE
Member or CIEE Academic
Consortium member institution. (Hint: Be sure to check the membership
lists under “The” if it is included in your home school’s official name.)
The applicant must plan to study in a non-traditional destination. Regions
currently eligible include: Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and
Latin America.

Selection
Applicants are reviewed based upon the
information provided in the scholarship application essay and Scholarship
Application and Financial Information form, financial need, academic
achievement, and Study Program Application.

Awards
Awards may vary but are usually made in the
amount of $500 or $1,000 and are issued directly to the student, after all other
program fees have been paid, to help defray the cost of travel. For students
whose school is billed for all program-related fees, the award will be released
within 6 weeks of award notification.

Robert B. Bailey
Scholarship
The Robert B. Bailey Scholarship is intended to promote
the participation in CIEE’s International Study Programs of individuals or
members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in study abroad,
especially ethnic minority students. Applicants are asked to specify the group
to which they belong and which they believe to be underrepresented in study
abroad.

These awards are named in honor of
Robert B. Bailey III, former member of CIEE’s Board of Directors and Professor
of Sociology and Director of Study Abroad at the University of Wisconsin-River
Falls.

Eligibility
Applicants must
fulfill the following criteria:

The applicant must participate in a CIEE study abroad program
The applicant must self-identify, in the Scholarship Personal Statement, as
belonging to an underrepresented group

Selection
Applicants are reviewed based upon the
information provided in the scholarship application essay and Scholarship
Application and Financial Information form, financial need, academic
achievement, and Study Program Application. As part of the scholarship essay,
students should specify the group to which they belong and believe to be
underrepresented in study abroad. Students should also explain how membership in
that group factored into the decision to choose the program/destination of
study. Additionally, the scholarship essay should address how, as a member of an
underrepresented group, the applicant plans to integrate the international
experience into future academic, community, professional, and extra-curricular
activities.

Awards
Awards may vary but are usually made in the
amount of $500. The award will be applied toward the applicant’s CIEE program
fee.

Peter Wollitzer Scholarships for
Study in Asia
The Wollitzer Scholarships were established by the
Ping Foundation in 2006, with the first award given in spring 2007, in memory of
Peter Wollitzer, Regional Director at the University-wide office of the
University of California Education Abroad Program. Peter had a long affiliation
with CIEE and was a strong proponent of CIEE Study Centers around the world. He
most recently was a member of the CIEE Academic Consortium Board. These awards
provide assistance to students from CIEE Academic Consortium Board Member
institutions, who are participating in CIEE study abroad programs in Asia.

Eligibility
Applicants must fulfill the following
criteria:

1. The applicant must participate in a CIEE Study Center program
in Asia. This includes:

Cambodia
China
India
Japan
Korea
Taiwan
Thailand
Vietnam

2. The applicant must attend a CIEE Academic Consortium Board
Member institution. For Summer / Fall 2008 these include:

Columbia University
Indiana University
Oregon State University
Pacific Lutheran University
Princeton University
Purdue University
Reed College
Scripps College
University of Minnesota
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of Tulsa

Selection
Applicants are reviewed based upon the
information provided in the scholarship application essay and Scholarship
Application and Financial Information form, financial need, academic
achievement, and Study Program Application.

Awards
One award is made each semester in the amount
of $2000 and two awards of $500 each are made for summer programs. The awards
are applied to the applicant’s CIEE program fee.

CIEE International Study
Programs (CIEE-ISP) Scholarships
In an effort to make study abroad
opportunities available to the widest possible audience, CIEE offers
scholarships each year to students who demonstrate both academic excellence and
financial need.

Eligibility
Applicants must fulfill the following
criteria:

The applicant must participate in a CIEE study abroad
program.
The applicant must attend a CIEE
Member or CIEE Academic
Consortium member institution. (Hint: Be sure to check the membership
lists under “The” for your school—e.g The Pennsylvania State University is found
under “The”, not under “Pennsylvania”.)

Selection
Applicants are
reviewed based upon the information provided in the scholarship application
essay and Scholarship Application and Financial Information form, financial
need, academic achievement, and Study Program Application.

Awards
Awards are usually made in the amount of $500
or $1,000. The award will be applied toward the applicant’s CIEE program fee.

Jennifer Ritzmann Scholarship for
Studies in Tropical Biology
This CIEE scholarship was established,
with the consent of her parents, in the memory of Jennifer Ritzmann, a 1998 fall
participant in the Tropical Biology Program at Monteverde, Costa Rica, and a
junior from Ohio University, whose life was taken in a tragic accident.
Jennifer’s dream was to do forestry work in Costa Rica, and she was committed to
preserving the rain forest. This scholarship is to be awarded each semester to a
qualified participant on the Monteverde program. It is our hope that through
this scholarship we will be able to help other students with similar dreams and
goals to achieve what Jennifer was only able to begin to realize.

The
awarding of this scholarship began with the Fall 1999 semester, and was granted
to one student per year. Students accepted to CIEE’s Study Center program in
Monteverde, Costa Rica will automatically be considered for this award and will
be reviewed based upon the information in the student’s program and scholarship
application packages. Starting in spring 2007, an award of $1,000 will be given
each semester and will be applied toward the participant’s CIEE program
fees.

Interested students should submit a creative Personal Statement as
part of their scholarship application.

To read Jennifer’s application
essay click
here.

The Fall 2008 Ritzman Scholarship winner is Rebeca
Hernandez from Indiana University.
Read
Rebeca's essay here.

The Spring 2008 Ritzmann Scholarship winner is
Megan Copley from the University of Oregon.
Read Megan's essay
here.

The Spring 2007 Ritzmann Scholarship winner is Danielle Knight
from the University of Pennsylvania.
Read Danielle’s essay
here.

The 2006 Ritzmann Scholarship winner is Emily Heim from the
University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Read Emily’s essay
here.

The 2005 Ritzmann Scholarship winner is Oliver Kroner from
Northeastern University. Read
Oliver’s essay here.

The 2004 Ritzmann Scholarship winner is Elena
Millard from the University of Hawaii. Read Elena's essay here.

The
2003 Ritzmann Scholarship winner is Tracy Rogers from Northeastern University.
Read Tracy's essay
here.

U.S. Department of Education
Fulbright-Hays Project Abroad Scholarship for Programs in China
The
U.S. Department of Education has awarded CIEE funding under the Fulbright-Hays
Group Projects Abroad Program to provide financial assistance to students who
are participating in the Chinese language programs offered by the CIEE Study
Centers at Peking University (Beijing), East China Normal University (Shanghai),
Nanjing University, and National Chengchi University (Taipei).

Eligibility
Available to CIEE Study Center
applicants for the programs in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Taipei only. In
addition, applicants must:

Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident. Proof of this status is
required as part of the application for this scholarship (copy of a U.S.
passport, birth certificate, or green card).
Be a junior, senior, or graduate student enrolled in an institution of
higher learning who plans to pursue advanced study or a career related to China
in the areas of academia or public affairs.
Have completed 2 years, or the equivalent, of college-level Mandarin Chinese
language training by the beginning of the program. Equivalency may be based on a
language professor’s evaluation or a language proficiency exam
score.
Demonstrate high merit.
Demonstrate financial need.

Selection
Applicants are reviewed
based upon the information provided in the scholarship application, scholarship
essay and Scholarship Application and Financial Information form, financial
need, academic achievement, and Study Program Application. As part of the
Scholarship Essay, students should also explain how this scholarship will assist
in the pursuit of advanced study or a career related to China in the areas of
academia or public affairs. Upon their return, recipients must write a 250-500
word report and evaluation of their program experience. This essay should also
include reflection on their experiences in China and an indication of how they
intend to use those experiences in their future career. Students who fail to
submit the evaluation may be required to repay the
scholarship.

Evaluations will be submitted via the DOE Evaluation of
Exchange, Language, International and Area Studies [EELIAS] system. Award
recipients will be sent an email password and instructions to enter the
system.

Awards
Awards vary in
amount and are applied directly to the applicant’s CIEE program fee. Past
scholarship awards have ranged from $1000 - $8,000 for one term.

For questions regarding any of our scholarship
programs please call 1.800.40.STUDY or e-mail us at scholarships@ciee.org

Student Scholarship for Short-term Study in Japan

2008-06-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

SCHOLARSHIP FOR SHORT-

TERM STUDY IN JAPAN

PROGRAM OUTLINE

This scholarship is available for qualified international students accepted
by Japanese universities or graduate schools under the student exchange
agreement on a short-term basis from about three months to one year.

SCHOLARSHIP

Monthly stipend: ¥80,000 per month (up to 12 months)
Relocation allowance: ¥150,000(upon arrival only )

ELIGIBILITY FOR APPLICATION

The applicant must satisfy following conditions:

MUST hold nationality of countries that have diplomatic relations with
Japan.
DOES NOT hold nationality of Japan.

APPLICATION OVERVIEW

Japanese universities submit their yearly student exchange plans to JASSO.
According to the yearly plan, JASSO will allocate the quota of scholarships to
each Japanese university. Within this quota, Japanese universities will
recommend their exchange students to JASSO. The student will be notified of the
screening results through the Japanese host university.

Recommendations will not be accepted from universities without any quota of
scholarships.
All applications must be processed through Japanese universities. Direct
applications from overseas universities or students will not be accepted.
Application deadlines for students will differ at each university. The
applicant must contact the university to confirm the application schedule and
the necessary documents.

DETAILED APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Distribution of application guidelines (JASSO→Japanese Universities (Host
U), Mid December)

2. Submission of yearly plan (Japanese Universities (Host U)→JASSO, Early
January)

3. Notice of scholarship quota (JASSO→Japanese Universities (Host U), Late
January)

4. Recruitment of students on the basis of scholarship quota (Japanese
Universities (Host U)→Universities Abroad (Home U))

5. Recruitment of students (Universities Abroad (Home U)→Students)

6. Application (Students→Universities Abroad (Home U))

7. Recommendation of students (Universities Abroad (Home U)→Japanese
Universities (Host U))

8. Recommendation of students by each of the following deadlines (Japanese
Universities (Host U)→JASSO)

Late February
Late May
Late September

9. Notice of screening results (JASSO→Japanese Universities (Host U))

Mid March
Mid June
Mid October

10. Notice of screening results (Japanese Universities (Host U)→Universities
Abroad (Home U))

11. Notice of screening results (Universities Abroad (Home U)→Students)

Notes

Students are placed in three groups depending on when the study programs at
the Japanese host universities begin.

Different deadlines are set for each group as follows.

The 1st Period: for students starting their studies between April 1 and July
31.
The 2nd Period: for students starting their studies between August 1 and
November 30.
The 3rd Period: for students starting their studies between December 1 and
March 15.

Deadline	Term	Scholarship Notification Announcements
April 1	summer, fall, and academic year programs	First week of May
November 1	winter, spring and calendar year programs	First week of December

Grab The Opportunity.

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