Foreign Exchange Student - What Country?
Tl;wr (Too long; won't read) What country should I go on for my exchange? _________________________________________________ Hey there, I plan on being a foreign exchange student my senior year of high school through the Rotary's Youth Exchange program. I haven't been accepted ... yet, because they do that in December, but I have though about which country I want to go to but would like some input :) These are the countries I am able to choose from: Africa Exchange Programs * South Africa Asia Exchange Programs * India * Japan * Russia * South Korea * Taiwan * Thailand Australia Exchange Programs * New Zealand Europe Exchange Programs * Austria * Belgium * Czech Republic * Denmark * Finland * France * Germany * Italy * Latvia * Lithuania * Norway * Poland * Slovakia * Spain * Sweden * Switzerland * Turkey North America Exchange Programs * Mexico South America Exchange Programs * Argentina * Brazil * Chile * Ecuador So far my top 3 choices are Norway, South Korea, and Russia. I want Norway because I heard it is a magnificent and beautiful place to be, and I am part Norwegian, but ... my main reason for going on this exchange is to learn a new language, and Norwegian isn't really useful in the USA or for that matter, anywhere but Norway! I also wanted South Korea because I've studied the language some, and my good friend is Korean and she's taught me some. The language is a great one to know because of business, and Korea's economy is strong; they also do a lot of trading with the USA. And... Russia? I'm not sure. The language seems pretty cool, but I'm not too sure about the country? So, what country do you think I should go to?! Give me good reason! :) (and preferably pick between my top 3, but if you see a different country that is awesome, list some reasons why and I might have a change of heart!) Thanks for everything! ... & reading this. :P P.S. The only country in which there is a language requirement is France, which is 3 years.
Studying Abroad - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Well, if you are looking for a country for the language and business, go to India. There are tons of indians in the US now and also we do a TON of business with them, besides the fact that we also outsource to india A LOT. You'd be a head of people here if you learned hindi and about the indian culture in general. but...sure south Korea sounds nice?
2 :
go to Sweden!
3 :
The only problem with just picking any old country (I'm not sure about this program either personally as I never researched it) is that there might be language requirements. If that's the case, then that severely limits where you can go. Make sure that you have the language requirement (if there is one) for these countries before you set your heart on them.
4 :
Well my pick would definitely be Korea, amazing country, completely different culture so it's a cool experience plus Korea is fun and Koreans are cool and outgoing plus you can learn Korean easily as you already know some of it. Also, Koreans like americans (probably only country, lol). But dude, you can't except that once you speak a second language you can become some international business man, language really isn't everything. Millions of Koreans speak english and they are just regular people. And you're also wrong about Norwegian. Swedish and Danish are almost the same languages so you can speak there Norwegian too and people will understand, plus most people in Norway speak good English. Climate isn't exactly pleasant in Norway either and it's like dark and depressing for most of the time. And dude, you don't want to go to Russia. Not only the language will kill you, plus nobody there speaks English, maybe except a some young people but that's about it. Also, Russians are not exactly used to foreigners and I think that at some point you might not feel welcome in Russia. Plus it's not exactly rich country, if that matters to you. So yeah, I would probably go to South Korea, my second choice would be Italy (awesome people, good food, lot of nightlife and fun). When I was your age I went to Australia (to learn English). I'm European - not from any country I mentioned. PS: don't listen to the chick who talks about india. India has probably more english speakers than united states, so even if you by some miracle learned the language you're never gonna use it, maybe not even in india.
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Friday, February 28, 2014
Friday, February 14, 2014
College Student Budget Help!?
College Student Budget Help!?
For the first time ever I am going to be paying my rent and I need some financial/budget help/advice. I'm a poor college student.Here's my situation: I get paid bi-weekly (every other week) around $300. My expenses: $350 per month rent $100-120 every other week in groceries $30 medication per month I want to be able to save money in my savings account -wedding next year so I want to add to my savings & have $30 recreation money per paycheck, still be able to eat, get medicine, and pay rent. How do I do this? I've been thinking out a million and one different ways, but each seems too stressful, like there must be an easier option. I want to cut my grocery bill down. My fiancee and I are sticking to the outer edges of the store, keeping away from processed foods, expensive meat cuts, etc. We aren't vegetarians, we eat pretty much anything - I'm thinking about cutting our grocery bill down to just ground turkey, frozen vegetables, bananas, milk, and loads of rice & pasta.
Personal Finance - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Consider buying dried beans and peas (legumes) as a cheap source of protein. These can be cooked in a crockpot and left while you are in school. If you don't have a crockpot, simmer them on the stove when you are home studying. Lentils cook the fastest, in 30-60 minutes, for those times you are in a hurry. Also, this may sound gross, but there are lots of perfectly good and plastic-sealed foods thrown out daily by grocery stores. Check the dumpsters nightly for all kinds of baked goods, fresh vegetables, and packaged foods that are perfectly good to eat. "Freegans" do this all the time - they were recently featured on Oprah's show.
2 :
You might try finding a better on-campus job. With your income, you probably qualify for grant assistance, so be sure to fill-out a FAFSA (see link) to see if you qualify for state or federal grants. You may not be interested in taking on any debt, but a student loan could be a good answer for you. If you qualify for a subsidized loan, you will have no interest accrual or payments until six months after you cease being enrolled on a full-time basis. You should take the maximum loan you can, in this case, invest it in a safe place at a decent rate of return. The ING Orange Savings Account is a good place (see link), or I could recommend other things to you offline. Once you graduate, pay-off the loans in full from the savings or investment account, and keep the interest as your reward for being smart with the government's money. This will also give your credit score a tremendous boost once you graduate, which will make buying a car or home much easier after you begin your career. Good luck!
3 :
May I ask where you live to only be paying $350 bucks per month rent? But seriously, even though the other people may seen like they are spamming, if you have time on your hands, consider learning how to make a web site. The money I earn off my web site in 1 month could pay for your rent for 3-4 months. If you combine that income with the income of a part time job, you will have tons of left over money.
4 :
No utilities? No car payment, insurance, gas tank, cable or satellite? There's a few things not listed in your budget, so dunno if the figures are accurate. If they are, your income/outgo are fairly well balanced. Lucky you. Most students are taking out loans in addition to working to pay their college and school related bills.Your rent isn't too horrible, especially if it includes utilities. Pretty much your option include parental help, loans, or yet another job to increase your income a bit, or a combination of the three. Sorry there aren't any easier options. Sounds like you've thought it out pretty well. Good luck!
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For the first time ever I am going to be paying my rent and I need some financial/budget help/advice. I'm a poor college student.Here's my situation: I get paid bi-weekly (every other week) around $300. My expenses: $350 per month rent $100-120 every other week in groceries $30 medication per month I want to be able to save money in my savings account -wedding next year so I want to add to my savings & have $30 recreation money per paycheck, still be able to eat, get medicine, and pay rent. How do I do this? I've been thinking out a million and one different ways, but each seems too stressful, like there must be an easier option. I want to cut my grocery bill down. My fiancee and I are sticking to the outer edges of the store, keeping away from processed foods, expensive meat cuts, etc. We aren't vegetarians, we eat pretty much anything - I'm thinking about cutting our grocery bill down to just ground turkey, frozen vegetables, bananas, milk, and loads of rice & pasta.
Personal Finance - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Consider buying dried beans and peas (legumes) as a cheap source of protein. These can be cooked in a crockpot and left while you are in school. If you don't have a crockpot, simmer them on the stove when you are home studying. Lentils cook the fastest, in 30-60 minutes, for those times you are in a hurry. Also, this may sound gross, but there are lots of perfectly good and plastic-sealed foods thrown out daily by grocery stores. Check the dumpsters nightly for all kinds of baked goods, fresh vegetables, and packaged foods that are perfectly good to eat. "Freegans" do this all the time - they were recently featured on Oprah's show.
2 :
You might try finding a better on-campus job. With your income, you probably qualify for grant assistance, so be sure to fill-out a FAFSA (see link) to see if you qualify for state or federal grants. You may not be interested in taking on any debt, but a student loan could be a good answer for you. If you qualify for a subsidized loan, you will have no interest accrual or payments until six months after you cease being enrolled on a full-time basis. You should take the maximum loan you can, in this case, invest it in a safe place at a decent rate of return. The ING Orange Savings Account is a good place (see link), or I could recommend other things to you offline. Once you graduate, pay-off the loans in full from the savings or investment account, and keep the interest as your reward for being smart with the government's money. This will also give your credit score a tremendous boost once you graduate, which will make buying a car or home much easier after you begin your career. Good luck!
3 :
May I ask where you live to only be paying $350 bucks per month rent? But seriously, even though the other people may seen like they are spamming, if you have time on your hands, consider learning how to make a web site. The money I earn off my web site in 1 month could pay for your rent for 3-4 months. If you combine that income with the income of a part time job, you will have tons of left over money.
4 :
No utilities? No car payment, insurance, gas tank, cable or satellite? There's a few things not listed in your budget, so dunno if the figures are accurate. If they are, your income/outgo are fairly well balanced. Lucky you. Most students are taking out loans in addition to working to pay their college and school related bills.Your rent isn't too horrible, especially if it includes utilities. Pretty much your option include parental help, loans, or yet another job to increase your income a bit, or a combination of the three. Sorry there aren't any easier options. Sounds like you've thought it out pretty well. Good luck!
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Friday, February 7, 2014
international student F-1, TAX returns, Texas?
international student F-1, TAX returns, Texas?
Hi, I am an f-1 student and will be working in the texas under CPT for 6 monthes(get paid 3k per month). I am in US less than 5 years so do I have to pay federal, state, FICA taxes? What is the approximate tax rate if you get 3k per month for 6 months in texas? also, can I deduct the tuition from taxable amount? Also do you guys know any tax treaties with Turkey? Thanks a lot for help can I deduct the reimbursements that I will get for travel expenses to move new location?
United States - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
For tax purposes you are treated as a Non-Resident Alien for your first 5 years. That means that you'll generally pay HIGHER taxes than citizens or residents. You pay Federal income tax, plus Social Security and Medicare. There is no income tax in Texas. See IRS Pub 514 http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p514.pdf for further information.
2 :
If this is an approved CPT and you are still in your first 5 years, show your employer IRS publication 515--you are not subject to fica/mc taxes. This is a narrow exception to the fica/mc rules. You are still subject to federal income taxes. Texas does not have a state income tax. (Texas has a high sales tax and property taxes instead.) Tuition is NOT deductible for you on the 1040NR return. The 1040NR return does not have an education deduction. As a student, you can NOT claim the tuition as a work expense. While there is a US/Turkey tax treaty, it does not apply to your situation. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-trty/turkey.pdf by the way, the appropriate publications for you are pubs 519 and 515. boston goofed, it's not 514.
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Hi, I am an f-1 student and will be working in the texas under CPT for 6 monthes(get paid 3k per month). I am in US less than 5 years so do I have to pay federal, state, FICA taxes? What is the approximate tax rate if you get 3k per month for 6 months in texas? also, can I deduct the tuition from taxable amount? Also do you guys know any tax treaties with Turkey? Thanks a lot for help can I deduct the reimbursements that I will get for travel expenses to move new location?
United States - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
For tax purposes you are treated as a Non-Resident Alien for your first 5 years. That means that you'll generally pay HIGHER taxes than citizens or residents. You pay Federal income tax, plus Social Security and Medicare. There is no income tax in Texas. See IRS Pub 514 http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p514.pdf for further information.
2 :
If this is an approved CPT and you are still in your first 5 years, show your employer IRS publication 515--you are not subject to fica/mc taxes. This is a narrow exception to the fica/mc rules. You are still subject to federal income taxes. Texas does not have a state income tax. (Texas has a high sales tax and property taxes instead.) Tuition is NOT deductible for you on the 1040NR return. The 1040NR return does not have an education deduction. As a student, you can NOT claim the tuition as a work expense. While there is a US/Turkey tax treaty, it does not apply to your situation. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-trty/turkey.pdf by the way, the appropriate publications for you are pubs 519 and 515. boston goofed, it's not 514.
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Saturday, February 1, 2014
"A small insignificant sufi student" Is this a code?
"A small insignificant sufi student" Is this a code?
How many times have you seen this? It sounds like the complimentary closing of a letter and may feel like a statement of humility but appears at the end of many answers in R&S. Is the operative part of this statement "sufi student," and it actually functions as an identifier? I attempted some time ago to ask this question privately and I was rebuffed with no satisfactory answer. I have no wish to offend, so please forgive my continuing ignorance and sincere curiosity. I have been to Turkey, deeply admire the poems of Rumi, and know someone who spoke very highly of his meeting with Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan. I am lead to this speculation by considering what is the nature of "humility" that must repeatedly shouted as if from rooftops? If this is not actually a sincere statement or wishful thinking then it is only so much rhetoric and the operative part becomes "sufi student." It then appears to be a signal that may say, "consider this answer (or question) above all others. As such it then becomes a statement to encourage preferential treatment and bias. I find this a sad suggestion considering my predisposition to admire Sufism. Humility may be the most difficult of virtues. In his "Autobiography" Benjamin Franklin said that just when he began to conquer "Humility" he found that he was proud of his humility. But I think that there may be a place for Divine Pride. If this was a statement of pride alone I would be quite understanding to see "I am a sufi student" at the end of each answer. It may also serve as an identifier but at least then there would be no hypocritical apologies. Sadly, it seems those who may have the best insight have choosen not to answer either publicly or privately. Can they claim that they have simply not seen the question? I will report back. Sweet Loraine, I recall something about creation and after so many days God took a look and saw that what he had created was "good." Certainly that is a clear example of "Divine Pride." Can you say that it is "ego" based? Something has to give. I thought someone might take up the idea that this is "wishful thinking," for a defense. It is difficult to say that giving any sort of opinion is humility in it's purist form. Sometimes the need to say or do outweighs the benefits of silence, but how can you in the same breath speak as if humility were the root of your actions and not be actively hypocritical?
Religion & Spirituality - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
i am interested to see the responses to your question...humility has been difficult for me to comprehend completely. Thanks for asking on my behalf, too. i thought your question was well posed. Perhaps we are all insignifcant, and we are certainly all students to one degree or another. i do know that i have had to eat humble pie a time or two in my life...what else is new? i am Sirius
2 :
I don't personally see the necessity of saying it. It does seem like, it can become a thing which is almost supposed to convince others that they are "humble." Or maybe in this world where everything is so taken by themselves, having a few people call themselves insignificant, is a fresh of breath air. Because, if it is genuine and they see their own smallness, then it means they have come to a good place in life. Because it is only when one sees pass their self-delusions and sees themselves naked, completely sincere -- all their flaws, defects, scars can this one begin to develop. Sincerity with oneself can only come by through humility.
3 :
I think even 'Divine pride' is ego based, but I can understand where old Ben was coming from. Why are you offended by how another might choose to identify himself? sufi student lol just kidding
4 :
It is said (and I paraphrase): If the oceans were ink and the words of Allah were written upon the sky, using this ink, a mere fraction of the greater meaning of God could be written. Even a Sufi master holds only a lake of knowledge that is made relevant through sharing of this knowledge with followers. I believe it is proper to acknowledge how limited ones knowledge is, until God inside is known (enlightenment). On humility. Any thoughts of greatness through perceived action takes away from the creative result of an expression. If an expression, work of art, or written effort is truly creative; then it is given freely from the heart and will touch the heart of another without pause and without thought of the creator. Only then is it a message from one person to another a true communication; one given only in the context of love. It prompts an expression of love from the recipient without desire. Desire on the creators part, removes creativity and ask for submission of one person to another. True humility comes from humbleness, yet is the most dominate powerful force on earth. It takes great courage to wield such power and many who gain the sense of it choose to own. That choice alone will bring their destruction and the destruction of others. In Christianity, it is referred to by the phrase "the meek shall inherit the earth". It does mean weak by any means. It means that a meek person has the courage to accept what is and not use others in desire. It prepares a person for a chance to connect with power beyond description. People fear that which has no fear, for they have traveled through the valley of death and survived the dark night of the soul. Humility is part of this preparation. Find the center of your mind and know what I am speaking of. The terror exists in all of us, expect those who have survived. Without being meek, you will not make it. Humility, humbleness and courage are demanded. It is smart to tread carefully in matters of the spirit. It is smart to remind the self what is at stake in every spiritual assertion until you know. No I do not believe it is a code. It is a reminder... Until you know for sure.
Read more other entries :
How many times have you seen this? It sounds like the complimentary closing of a letter and may feel like a statement of humility but appears at the end of many answers in R&S. Is the operative part of this statement "sufi student," and it actually functions as an identifier? I attempted some time ago to ask this question privately and I was rebuffed with no satisfactory answer. I have no wish to offend, so please forgive my continuing ignorance and sincere curiosity. I have been to Turkey, deeply admire the poems of Rumi, and know someone who spoke very highly of his meeting with Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan. I am lead to this speculation by considering what is the nature of "humility" that must repeatedly shouted as if from rooftops? If this is not actually a sincere statement or wishful thinking then it is only so much rhetoric and the operative part becomes "sufi student." It then appears to be a signal that may say, "consider this answer (or question) above all others. As such it then becomes a statement to encourage preferential treatment and bias. I find this a sad suggestion considering my predisposition to admire Sufism. Humility may be the most difficult of virtues. In his "Autobiography" Benjamin Franklin said that just when he began to conquer "Humility" he found that he was proud of his humility. But I think that there may be a place for Divine Pride. If this was a statement of pride alone I would be quite understanding to see "I am a sufi student" at the end of each answer. It may also serve as an identifier but at least then there would be no hypocritical apologies. Sadly, it seems those who may have the best insight have choosen not to answer either publicly or privately. Can they claim that they have simply not seen the question? I will report back. Sweet Loraine, I recall something about creation and after so many days God took a look and saw that what he had created was "good." Certainly that is a clear example of "Divine Pride." Can you say that it is "ego" based? Something has to give. I thought someone might take up the idea that this is "wishful thinking," for a defense. It is difficult to say that giving any sort of opinion is humility in it's purist form. Sometimes the need to say or do outweighs the benefits of silence, but how can you in the same breath speak as if humility were the root of your actions and not be actively hypocritical?
Religion & Spirituality - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
i am interested to see the responses to your question...humility has been difficult for me to comprehend completely. Thanks for asking on my behalf, too. i thought your question was well posed. Perhaps we are all insignifcant, and we are certainly all students to one degree or another. i do know that i have had to eat humble pie a time or two in my life...what else is new? i am Sirius
2 :
I don't personally see the necessity of saying it. It does seem like, it can become a thing which is almost supposed to convince others that they are "humble." Or maybe in this world where everything is so taken by themselves, having a few people call themselves insignificant, is a fresh of breath air. Because, if it is genuine and they see their own smallness, then it means they have come to a good place in life. Because it is only when one sees pass their self-delusions and sees themselves naked, completely sincere -- all their flaws, defects, scars can this one begin to develop. Sincerity with oneself can only come by through humility.
3 :
I think even 'Divine pride' is ego based, but I can understand where old Ben was coming from. Why are you offended by how another might choose to identify himself? sufi student lol just kidding
4 :
It is said (and I paraphrase): If the oceans were ink and the words of Allah were written upon the sky, using this ink, a mere fraction of the greater meaning of God could be written. Even a Sufi master holds only a lake of knowledge that is made relevant through sharing of this knowledge with followers. I believe it is proper to acknowledge how limited ones knowledge is, until God inside is known (enlightenment). On humility. Any thoughts of greatness through perceived action takes away from the creative result of an expression. If an expression, work of art, or written effort is truly creative; then it is given freely from the heart and will touch the heart of another without pause and without thought of the creator. Only then is it a message from one person to another a true communication; one given only in the context of love. It prompts an expression of love from the recipient without desire. Desire on the creators part, removes creativity and ask for submission of one person to another. True humility comes from humbleness, yet is the most dominate powerful force on earth. It takes great courage to wield such power and many who gain the sense of it choose to own. That choice alone will bring their destruction and the destruction of others. In Christianity, it is referred to by the phrase "the meek shall inherit the earth". It does mean weak by any means. It means that a meek person has the courage to accept what is and not use others in desire. It prepares a person for a chance to connect with power beyond description. People fear that which has no fear, for they have traveled through the valley of death and survived the dark night of the soul. Humility is part of this preparation. Find the center of your mind and know what I am speaking of. The terror exists in all of us, expect those who have survived. Without being meek, you will not make it. Humility, humbleness and courage are demanded. It is smart to tread carefully in matters of the spirit. It is smart to remind the self what is at stake in every spiritual assertion until you know. No I do not believe it is a code. It is a reminder... Until you know for sure.
Read more other entries :
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