by: Richard Henderson
I have never quite understood how to learn a foreign language. It is a shame too. Learning a foreign language is pretty necessary in this day and age. If you learn foreign language, it makes you more employable in a variety of areas, as well as enhancing your cultural experience. Say what you want about modern translations, but until you learn foreign languages you never get to experience the beauty of foreign writers. Nevertheless, I have only managed to learn a foreign language once, and it was so difficult for me that I doubt I will ever try it again. It was just too much work!
I managed to get all the way through college without ever successfully completing a learn foreign language program. I took a little bit of French in high school, but I dropped it after a couple of semesters. In general, I was a good student. Most subjects came easy to me, but I couldn't manage to learn foreign language no matter how hard I tried. I loved French culture and French literature, and I desperately wanted to learn how to speak French, but it just wouldn't come. I ended up taking an American sign language class to get rid of my learn foreign language requirement. Even that was difficult!
I struggled with learning a foreign language all through college. I went to a liberal arts university that demanded it, and I knew that I could not graduate with the degree that I wanted unless I managed to learn foreign language. I tried using how to speak French software, hiring a private tutor, and working with conversation partners, but nothing worked. I only successfully managed to learn foreign language when I finally went abroad. I spent a year in France, and it was one of the most difficult years of my life. Ultimately, however, it was also one of the most rewarding. I would never have managed to learn foreign language without it, you see.
To this day, I believe that the only way to really learn foreign languages is to completely immerse yourself in another culture. If you can speak English at all, you will not learn how to speak a foreign language. Instead, you will keep falling back on your English skills. If you need to learn foreign language in order to interact on a daily basis, however, it will come much more quickly. If I learned a foreign language in a year, you can probably do it using the same methods in six months!
Best Way To Learn A Foreign Language
Hidden Advantages To An Online It Degree
by: Andy West
Some people mistakenly assume that a traditional IT program with on-campus classes is somehow more marketable or accepted in the working world. Nothing could be further from the truth. Online educational programs have come a long way in the last ten years and today some of the top schools in the country offer distance education programs through the Internet. In fact, getting an online IT degree can give you some hidden advantages when you actually get out to search for a job.
One hidden advantage of an online IT degree is that it is very job-focused. Many traditional in-classroom degrees are simply not that transferable to the working world. Degrees may take a long time and may focus on theoretical, abstract ideas rather than skills that are readily transferable to an actual job. An online IT educational program, on the other hand, is specifically designed to give you the skills and knowledge you will need in a career. Many faculty members in these degree programs have real-life experience in the field rather than just academic credentials. They really understand the exact skills you need to succeed in the field and are happy to pass these skills onto students. When you complete your program of studies, you will have a number of highly desirable skills that translate seamlessly into a job. With your education, there will be no need to explain how your degree is significant for a job.
Another hidden advantage is that an online IT degree saves you time. There is no superfluous time wasted on abstract theories and less-than-useful subjects. You will not be taking subjects outside of your field simply because they are compulsory. Also, when you enroll in an online IT degree program, you will not have to learn the same things over and over again. Not only might you be able to get credit for courses you have already taken at the college level, but your course of study will also be carefully structured so that you will not be duplicating material. This is one reason why your program may take months rather than many years. At the same time, there will be no social programs and distractions so that you will be able to focus just on getting the degree that will land you an excellent job. It is important to keep in mind that there is no need to feel isolated. Many educational programs hosted online offer plenty of interaction with faculty and other students, so that you can enjoy all the benefits of being part of a learning community.
Students who have already gotten their online IT degree often speak very enthusiastically of their educational experience. That's because this sort of education has many advantages. If you are shy, for example, being able to learn in a virtual classroom is often much less stressful. Many students find that virtual classrooms are also much more student-friendly. The adults who learn in these environments are often very motivated to study and current technology means that learning is interesting and easily accessible. It is also important to note that online learning can be very discreet. No one has to know that you are studying for a new career unless you choose to make that information public knowledge. If you are not ready to tell your boss or your friends about your career decision, they simply do not have to know.
An online IT degree provides the maximum level of flexibility and quality; two traits that most adult learners demand. If you want to enter the IT field, there is no better way to study than to learn at your own pace in the comfort of your own home.
Making The Grade With An Information Technology Degree
by: Andy West
With computers in every type of workplace from the high-rise office to the post office, an information technology degree is simply one of the most useful qualifications available. A dependence on computers has created a need for those who understand the inner workings of various information systems. IT professionals not only get networks up and running, they keep them running and are able to create resourceful solutions on their feet.
Whether one chooses to work in network engineering or security, management information systems or computer programming, there are many different areas of IT that require just as many different skills and abilities. While a love of computers is certainly a necessity, attention to detail, abstract thinking ability and a good memory are also requirements. Individual preferences for certain IT areas also come into play.
By getting an education in information technology, students can learn how to take their best abilities, merge them with state of the art skills and apply them effectively. As many come to find, the scope of IT is extremely wide allowing specialized skills to be used in a number of different places. A career in IT means never being forced to stay in only one aspect of the industry.
It is widely known that IT professionals have the benefit of a higher than average salary than other careers, even when first starting out. Plus, with computers used in every single area of life, there is hardly anywhere on the map a person could go in search of a job that doesn't need IT professionals in some manner. With technology consistently changing and updating, the demand is greater than ever.
A good information technology program teaches the latest in Microsoft, Cisco, Security Certified Professional and even cyber security. Prospective employers often look for and prefer individuals who are well versed in working with these programs. Not only is an information technology degree important, certifications in Cisco's CCNA or Microsoft's MCSE are also sought after skills.
It is not uncommon for those who work in the information technology field to eventually move on to managing their own IT division. This means the complete coordination of a company's information technology department, from planning to directing. This is a great position for those who also have great leadership skills. It is also a position that has one of the highest salaries in the IT industry.
A Bachelor's degree is generally the most basic qualification necessary for many entry-level IT positions. It allows one to develop basic programming skills and learn the ins and outs of different networks. Data administration and business skills are also common subjects.
One can also earn their Master's degree in information technology. The newest cutting edge skills merge with a further understanding of market demand and other business aspects to create a well-rounded education. The higher the education, the better an individual's earning power will be.
There is nothing more satisfying than being able to see one's work have a positive effect and make a difference. It provides not only confidence but also a sense of accomplishment. Those who work in IT can rest on the knowledge that theirs in an industry with a strong future.
With dependence on computers growing every day, it is no wonder that so many have decided to seek out an information technology degree. While it is a chance to provide oneself with a solid future, it is also a chance to stay at the forefront and take part in the newest of technologies. For those who truly love the ever-changing world of technology, that is the best part of the job.
Hurricane Trivia: The Answers are Blowing in the Wind
by: Jennifer Jordan
Living in Florida, or anywhere else on the Gulf coast and East coast, forces residents and tourists to deal with hurricanes. Perpetuated by Mother Nature, forever an unforgiving and wild woman, hurricanes are devastating to structures, economies, and, most unfortunately, lives. But, like any weather phenomena, hurricanes are interesting, and knowledge of them arms us when the keys to self protection. So how much do you know about hurricanes? Take our quiz to find out.
1. A tropical storm becomes a hurricane when it involves winds that go how many miles per hour?
a. 74
b. 80
c. 90
d. 25 on residential streets; 55 on highways
2. The Atlantic hurricane season goes from when to when?
a. April 1 to August 30th
b. June 1 to November 30th
c. May 1 to October 30th
d. There are no hurricanes in the Atlantic
3. Hurricanes are named alphabetically, with female and male names alternating. When did this way of naming first start?
a. 1979
b. 1890
c. 1938
d. Hurricanes don't have names; that's just silly
4. What is the name Hurricane derived from?
a. sugar cane
b. a Cabal god of evil
c. a philosopher in Ancient Rome
d. an alcoholic drink
5. On July 17, 1943, Joseph Duckworth made history by doing what?
a. Flying his plane into the eye of a hurricane
b. Accurately predicting a hurricane's path
c. Rescuing a group of school children from a storm surge
d. Stopping a hurricane by pulling it in with a lasso
6. On what side are North American hurricanes the strongest?
a. The left side
b. The front
c. The right side
d. The democratic side
7. Specific names of hurricanes are retired when what happens?
a. They are used twice
b. The hurricane merges with other storms
c. The hurricane they are named for is particularly devastating
d. A person with the same name files a lawsuit
8. What is not likely to facilitate safety and therefore considered a hurricane myth?
a. Taping the windows shut
b. Placing sandbags around the house
c. Stocking up on extra food and water
d. Evacuating
9. What is the deadliest hurricane on record?
a. Hurricane Andrew
b. The Lake Okeechobee of 1928
c. The Galveston Hurricane of 1900
d. This is a trick question; Hurricanes are friendly
10. What is the definition of a Tropical Depression?
a. A storm that produces at least 30 gallons of rain
b. A storm with a defined circulation and winds up to 38 miles per hour
c. A storm that includes a tornado, hurricane, and tsunami within 48 hours
d. A storm that is very sad
Answers: 1. a. 74; 2. b. June 1 to November 30th; 3. a. 1979; 4. b. a Cabal god of evil; 5. a. Flying his plane into the eye of a hurricane; 6. c. The right side; 7. c. The hurricane they are named for is particularly devastating; 8. a. Taping the windows shut; 9. c. The Galveston Hurricane of 1900; 10. b. A storm with a defined circulation and winds up to 38 miles per hour.
See how you did:
9-10 correct: You know your stuff. You wind…er, win.
6-8 correct: Not bad, not bad at all. Hurr-ray.
3-5 correct: About average: coast, but no cigar.
Less than three: Yikes. Too bad the answers weren't really blowing
# Direct Success With A Computer Programming Degree
by: Andy West
A computer programming degree is one of the most sought after degrees in the field of information technology. While it is often mistaken as one of the easier areas of IT, the truth of the matter is: those who do not have an aptitude for detail or the ability to think in an abstract manner may not find it as easy as they assume it is. A computer programmer is one who, like other hands on vocations, must work with extreme precision and craftsmanship.
At the same time, many people choose computer programming because it is not a deep or multi faceted subject as that of chemistry, physics or other material sciences. While computer science has its own theories, it is not the center of the world for computer programming. Many enjoy computer programming for its physical, hands on approach.
One of the things that can make earning a computer programming degree much easier is a natural tendency for paying attention to detail. Unknown to many, computers are simple machines that will only do as they are instructed. A programmer whose job is to set forth directives knows that leaving out even the smallest part of information can cause major problems.
Another helpful skill to have is that of a good memory. The number of variables that go into a computer program concerning syntax, functions, bugs, solutions and much more can be quite staggering. However, the more information and data one can remember on their own, the more successful their career will be.
Some would say the most crucial skill for this line of work is being able to keep a number of complex working systems in mind all at once. While this will take some time and skill to master, it is one of the great traits of a computer programmer. This ability to think abstractly can help with programs exhibiting up to 1,000,000 or more lines of code.
Typically, a Bachelor's degree is required for many entry-level positions in this field. Those who graduate with a Bachelor's degree will have training in analytics and the implementation of computer systems as well as maintenance and even design. With this type of computer programming degree one may find themselves with career opportunities in software programming, network programming or website programming.
A master's degree in computer programming allows graduates to implement high-level software programs. Because of the ever-changing world of technology, they often design software for business environments that greatly rely on technology as well. While being trained in a number of different programs, those with Master's degrees also put their leadership skills into use as the head or director of IT departments.
Whether opting for a Bachelor's or Master's, many in this field find they have the benefit of one of the highest earning powers of any industry available. With such a heavy dependence on computers and technology, the demand for such professionals is in just about every area on the map. There is no doubt that this is a strong profession with a solid future.
This type of degree means always getting to be at the forefront of the latest changes. Programmers must also earn certifications in certain programs and update them regularly to keep up with the newest technologies. Many in this field enjoy the opportunity to continue learning and the ongoing training needed in this fast paced world.
A computer programming degree encompasses so much that many in this field find their career constantly evolving right along with technology. There are so many different areas in which to branch out and grow, there is no worry of ever becoming bored or getting stuck in a rut. Programmers have the fulfillment that comes with seeing their work have a positive effect.
Getting a Jump Start on Work-Study Opportunities Can Pay Off
by: Jeff Mictabor
Since some colleges start posting available work-study positions as early as the summer, students looking for first dibs on campus jobs in the fall can get a leg up on their competition by hammering out that perfect résumé and cover letter now. According to NextStudent, a leading Phoenix-based education funding company, work-study programs can be a great option for students who need a little help meeting their college expenses.
The Federal Work-Study Program makes part-time jobs available for both undergraduate and graduate students with qualifying financial need. A work-study job allows students to earn a paycheck while usually still giving them enough flexibility to navigate their class schedule. Students might work on campus or off, honing in on a career in a job related to your major, or testing out a new career path by stepping into a position completely different from anything they’ve done before. Work-study jobs are required to pay at least the current federal minimum wage, but students might earn more, depending on the type of work they choose and the skills they bring to the table.
The Advantages of Work-Study
Flexibility. Work-study jobs are often much more flexible than other part-time work. Where students in non–work-study jobs might run into long work days or overtime that can compete with school, work-study employers tend to be more accommodating, offering less rigid hours, especially around midterms and finals. And to help keep work-study from interfering with classes, schools will typically cap an undergraduate student’s work week at 20 hours.
Convenience. Students who snag a work-study job on-campus pretty much have it made. They save on gas money, they can take a ten-minute walk to work straight out of class or out of bed, and they can make plans to meet their friends back at the dorm another ten-minute walk after their shift ends.
Variety. Since work-study can take place either on- or off-campus, students have a wealth of options available to them. Work-study positions can range from research assistants to elementary school tutors to art gallery docents. Some financial aid counselors and work-study employers will encourage students to apply for those opportunities related to their major or to their field of interest And if students can’t find a work-study position they like, they can always go to a campus department to discuss creating a new position that fits their skill set.
Experience. Work-study allows students to start building their work history while still in school, and can help put them a couple steps ahead of those students who chose not to work. When the post-graduation job-hunting starts, prospective employers may look more favorably on graduates who were able to balance the demands of their schooling with the scheduling requirements of work.
Applying for Work-Study
Students interested in work-study positions must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and mark “yes” when asked if they are interested in student employment. To qualify, students will need to demonstrate sufficient financial need, enroll in a minimum number of credit hours, and meet other requirements.
Students who qualify for work-study will be notified by their university’s financial aid office. A work-study award is not a guarantee of employment, so students need to be diligent about pursuing and applying for available work-study positions. Students who don’t receive a work-study award and believe they are eligible to receive one should make an appointment with a financial aid counselor to discuss their options. Some schools may offer to put students on a waiting list.
NextStudent believes that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and it is dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding simple. Learn more about Student Loans (http://www.nextstudent.com), Private Student Loans (http://www.nextstudent.com/private_loans/private_loans.asp) and Student Loan Consolidation (http://www.nextstudent.com) at NextStudent.com.
An Insight Into Online Bachelor Degree Programs
by: Manu Geol
If you are an undergraduate and working, you can improve your career and living by pursuing an online bachelor degree course. It may not be possible for you to go for study for a college degree, but you can do an online one without disturbing your present schedule of work and staying where you are now. What you need is a computer and an internet connection at your home. Wherever you are – in any corner of the United States – you can pursue an online bachelor degree course.
An online bachelor degree is also affordable. Studying in a college online for a degree may cost you in average $12,000 a year, but an online program will cost much less. Costs vary between colleges. Before you opt for any course and college, it is very important that you must do a little research about the cost and the programs. Also, by choosing an online program from an institution in your home state, you can save a great deal of money. For example, an online degree from Florida Gulf Coast University has tuition costs of only $12,410 if you are a Florida resident and for non-residents, the fee more than triples to $45,902. Some employers also provide tuition assistance to their employees. So before choosing an education online program, check with your employer and find out if they provide tuition assistance. If the degree you select is work-related, chances are good that your employer will provide at least part of the costs.
Some affordable bachelor degree online programs are Bachelor of Science in Business and Management from East Carolina University, Bachelor of Science in Business and Management from Fort Hays State University, Bachelor of Science in Business and Management from the University of Wyoming, Bachelor of Science in Communications by University of Phoenix, Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management - Liberal Studies by Ashford University, B.S. in Communication by Kaplan University, BA-English/Professional Writing by Ellis College of New York Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Arts in Communication by Regent University and BS in Communication by Drexel University.
Besides, there are hundreds of colleges and universities providing bachelor degree online in Accounting, Applied Management, Business Administration, Business Communications, Business Information Systems, Business Leadership, eBusiness and eCommerce, Economics, Finance, Hotel and Hospitality Management, Human Resources, International Business, Management, Marketing, Organizational Management, Project Management, Real Estate and Small Business Management.
If you are interested in computer education, there are colleges and universities offering bachelor degree online in Computer Science and Engineering, Computer Security, Databases, Graphics and Multimedia, Information Systems, Information Technology, Internet Networks, Programming, Software Engineering, Technology Management, Telecommunications, Web Design and Web Development. Walden University, University of Phoenix, Saint Leo University, National American University, DeVry University, Ashford University, Ellis College of New York Institute of Technology Colorado Technical University Online, Columbia Southern University, Capella University , American InterContinental, University Online University of Maryland University College / UMUC Online, Strayer University, Regis University, Drexel University and Western Governors University are providing these bachelor degree courses.
Before you go for any of the course in any of the online universities, check the credibility and validity of the program. There are frauds moving around so beware of them.
Demand For Professionals With A Criminal Justice Degree Online Grows
by: Andy West
If you love the television program CSI and others like it, that may be an indication that you have an interest in criminal justice. You may crave a rewarding and fulfilling career that allows you to make the streets of your area safer. If this describes you, but if you are hesitating simply because of the cost or time involved in getting the appropriate education for your career choice, getting a criminal justice degree online may be a great option for you. This sort of degree program prepares you for a career in corrections, law enforcement, or security. You can also use the degree program as a stepping-stone to a bachelor's degree program.
Right now is an ideal time to get a criminal justice degree online. According to The U.S. Department of Labor, by 2012, there will likely be a 24 percent increase in corrections across the country. Quite simply, national and private security is becoming more and more of a concern and as a result the demand for professionals in the field continues to grow. Since September 11, 2001, the need for criminal justice professionals has dramatically increased. Professionals are required for assisting in investigations, for working in prisons, for homeland security, and for protecting property. Governments at all levels as well as private companies and even private individuals can hire someone who has pursued a criminal justice degree online. Thanks to the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security and thanks to funding provided by security grants throughout the nation, security jobs are more plentiful and offer more room for advancement than ever before.
If you want to get in on the ground floor of this exciting career opportunity, getting a criminal justice degree online is a great option. The fact is, although there are many more jobs in the field than ever before, educational requirements for those positions are also higher than ever before. Most law enforcement departments today require employees to have at least an associate degree. Most private security firms are also looking for individuals with a strong education. Today, it is not enough to have an interest in justice to pursue this sort of career opportunity. You also need a very strong education and impressive skills to get ahead.
Getting a criminal justice degree online is a great option because it allows you to gain the education and skills set you need for an exciting career, but does not require you to give up your current life to do so. This sort of program is designed especially for adult learners, so there are no lengthy commutes to classes that take place while you are working. Instead, you have the option of studying when it is convenient for you to do so. You study from the comfort of your own home, while still maintaining your current job and responsibilities. Thanks to the fact that you do not have to pay for parking and for building fees, your program of study can also be very affordable.
Getting a criminal justice degree online doesn't upset your entire life. Instead, it prepares you for a new career on your own terms. If you are prepared to study and fit time into your current schedule for doing the coursework, this online program is flexible enough to set you on the path to success quite easily. There is even financial aid available for students who qualify. The costs of this program are lower than many traditional on-campus programs, however you will still have financial assistance if you need it. Getting a new career shouldn't turn everything topsy-turvy and an online degree program in criminal justice can prepare you for a new opportunity while you gradually make the transition to a new job.
A Comprehensive Review of Filling Medical School Applications
by: Sandra Stammberger
A medical school is an institution that teaches medicine and trains its students into becoming successful medical practitioners. Different medical institutes across the world provides quality education in the theoretical as well as practical aspect of the medical training. Some of the most renowned institutions include the Cincinnati Medical School, Caribbean Medical School, Arizona medical schools, and Mayo Medical School. The entry criteria in all of these medical schools vary considerably, ranging from the eligibility criteria including grades obtained and co-curricular activities undertaken. But with a properly filled out medical school application a medical student can seek admission in various medical schools in Canada and the United States of America.
There are a number of medical school applications through which medical aspirants can seek admissions in different medical schools across the globe. Some of the commonly used application forms that are most sought after for gaining admission in a medical college have been listed below:
* AMCAS - American Medical College Application Service
* AACOMAS - American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service
* TMDSAS - Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service
* OMSAS - The Ontario Medical Schools Application Service
Through the American Medical College Application Service, prospective medical aspirants can seek admissions in different medical schools in Canada and the U.S. The AMCAS is a service regulated by the American Medical Colleges Association. AMCAS acts as a common application among the various medical schools.
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) offers the medical aspirants a very convenient and centralized medical application service for the recognized medical schools and it is provided online. In this online application service, students can submit one electronic application. After verifying the application, the AACOMAS distributes the information inscribed by the applicants to the different medical schools selected by the students. The admission in an Osteopathic medical school is very competitive and the different schools select their candidates from a very large chunk of the highly qualified students. It is advised to apply very early in order to get your information processed without being delayed.
The Ontario Medical Schools Application Service is a non-profit application service. It is a very convenient and centralized application service for seeking admissions in one of the six Ontario medical schools. They are namely:
* Michael G.DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University
* Queen's University
* Schulich School of Medicine, University of Western Ontario
* University of Ottawa
* University of Toronto
* Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
Hence, those who wish to apply for the Ontario Medical Schools have to submit only one set of information with regards to their qualification and regardless of the number of the medical schools they wish to apply for.
Similarly, for taking admission in a Texas medical and dental school, there is Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service through which applicants can apply to different medical colleges or schools in Texas.
Teaching in Korea – Big City or Small City???
by: Joey Bennett
When you ask most people who are from the western hemisphere what they know about Korea, the answer is most likely, “Not too much”; ironically enough, this is pretty much the same response you will get when asking a teacher who is about to go to Korea for a year. Seoul, Busan and possibly Daegu are the cities most recognized by people who are looking for the perfect school, in the perfect location; Seoul, because it is the capital; because it has the most variety; and simply because teachers have heard the name more than once. Busan is where the beach – people know that. Why not spend a year of your life teaching in a school that has the glorious vista of a beach in a city that lies neatly on the southern tip of the country? What people should be asking themselves is, “Why not?”. Well, the answer is simple – because you would be missing out on what Korea really has to offer: culture.
Large metropolitan areas like Busan and Seoul are great cities, they really are, but they are not exactly what you would call the ideal place to learn about Korean life. They are the result of outside influences, and have therefore been ‘westernized’ – to what extent is hard to say, but westernized all the same. Seoul offers what any international city should: a wide variety of ethnic restaurants, from Italian to Indian, a bustling nightlife, great shopping, etcetera, etcetera. Busan on the other hand, is a port city, so there are a lot of different people from different countries coming and going. In regard to the beach, on any given summer day, there is around 10,000 people covering it with umbrellas, making it difficult to get yourself to the water – but hey, it’s still a beach, right?
But what about the smaller cities that fill in the country side? Places like Kumi, Cheonan, Keumsan, Masan, Gwangju, or Gangneug to name a few – is it because these names are too difficult to pronounce? Or is it because they are simply unknown to most people? I think that it is probably a combination of both, which is understandable. What people often forget about is the reason why they are taking off for a year of their lives. Sure, a lot of people go to Korea to make money, or get experience in the teaching field, but what about the experience of a lifetime, being immersed in a culture other than your own? How much do you really know about Korea and Koreans, their history, their values, the reason they do things that you think are weird or rude?
Life in one of Korea’s smaller cities can be much more fulfilling, as I have learned. People are friendlier, the air is cleaner and the quality of life is simply better. To add to this, you find yourself in a setting that doesn’t cater to you, rather one that you have to adjust to – and isn’t that the whole point? Why would you travel to the other side of the world only to seek the pleasures of home? Why not embrace another culture to the fullest extent? I think if you do, you will find yourself returning home with a lot more than what you left with.