Thursday

Economic hardships for international students

http://oia.pdx.edu/isss/forms/EconomicHardship.pdf

(this situation might come from the recent recession in Asia and the States. perhaps the ones getting scholarship or aid from here or back there, has come to a halt since ppl savings went south! or, perhaps there's been an emergency in the family and your educational fund went used up and inflated by the prices soarings, etc. this is useful for international students so they can legally work off-campus. i would recommend working in a related field of study since it adds to your resume other than doing odd jobs. this means, if you get a job a "stapler" in a great engineering firm and you're in a technical major, take that job!).

F-1 students who are maintaining their status may be eligible for off-campus employment authorization if they suffer from unforeseen economic hardship. You must have been a full time student for 9 months and have experienced unforeseen economic hardship. If you feel you qualify, you may make an appointment with an international student adviser to discuss your situation. If the international student advisor decides that your circumstances warrant application, she will recommend to the CIS that you be authorized for off-campus employment. The CIS uses very strict guidelines in determining eligibility, so an ISA’s decision that you may be eligible does not guarantee that you will be approved.

If you are approved for off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) valid for one year or until your academic program ends, whichever period is shorter. It will allow you to work part-time off campus – you are NOT restricted to your field of study with this type of employment authorization ONLY. You may also use your EAD card to work on-campus up to 40 hours per week. If you decide to transfer away from Portland State, your EAD will not be valid at the new school.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To apply for economic hardship, you will need to provide the following documentation.
1. CIS Form I-765 (attached, or you may download from http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf.
2. Check or money order made out to CIS for $340 (please check the USCIS website for the most current fee: go to http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis, click on Immigration Forms then scroll to I-765). NOTE: These fees are scheduled to be increased in Spring 2007, so please double check!
3. Photocopies of the following: identity and expiration pages of your passport, your visa, and your I-94 card (front and back). If you have had EAD’s previously, you must also send photocopies of them, as well as Economic Hardship I-20 (issued by our office after receiving all other copies/documents).
4. Two passport photos.
5. A letter explaining your situation and any supporting documentation (Ex: letter from sponsor withdrawing support, newspaper articles, bank notices, hospital bills, etc.)

One of the International Student Advisors will issue a new I-20 upon receipt of your application. You will need to return to the ISSS office to sign the new I-20 before ISSS can send the application to the CIS. The CIS Service Center usually takes about 2+ months to review Economic Hardship applications. You can expect to receive a Receipt Notice about 2 weeks after your application is submitted. Please bring this Notice to the ISSS office so that we can put a copy in your file. Your EAD will be sent directly to you by the CIS, unless you choose to use the ISSS office address (a better idea!): c/o OIA, PO Box 751, Portland, OR 97207.

Curricular practical training programs or CPT for Intl students

http://www.uscis.gov/propub/ProPubVAP.jsp?dockey=13272aa308d004ecbbb60f15e0fcf431

Sec. 214.2(f)(10)
(10) Practical training . Practical training may be authorized to an F-1 student who has been lawfully enrolled on a full time basis, in a Service-approved college, university, conservatory, or seminary for one full academic year. This provision also includes students who, during their course of study, were enrolled in a study abroad program, if the student had spent at least one full academic term enrolled in a full course of study in the United States prior to studying abroad. A student may be authorized 12 months of practical tra ining, and becomes eligible for another 12 months of practical training when he or she changes to a higher educational level. Students in English language training programs are ineligible for practical training. An eligible student may request employment authorization for practical training in a position that is directly related to his or her major area of study. There are two types of practical training available: (Introductory text revised effective 1/1/03; 67 FR 76256 )

(from my personal experience, you have to apply in advance so you can work off campus and that sometimes means 2-3 months in advance). CPT is recommend for all international students who can work a summer or two, or even more during regular college year, up to 12 months like it mentions above and after you graduate, your OPT will be good for another 12 months, which can be extended to another 17 months if you're in the fields listed by the INS or USCIS. I believe sometimes employers will likely go ahead and still go through the paper work and troubles if you really are worth it regardless of what field you're in. This means, even though you're not in the fields mentioned in the USCIS, you're good to go! This might be very difficult so be proactive and study in fields so you can get that 12 of CPT for all, + 12 OPT for all, + 17 months of extended OPT for specific fields. That's 41 months of experience before possibly deciding on your futher study programs or investing on immigration fees to carry on your stay as a legal working immigrant.

Tuesday

Oregon Univeristy System and Eastern Oregon U where resident tuition fees

For the ones looking for good higher ed in Oregon

http://www.ous.edu/ or http://www.ous.edu/contact/cdirectory.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_University_System

http://www.eou.edu/staccts/tuition2.html is same regardless of from the States or abroad:

2008/2009 On Campus Undergraduate Tuition and Fees:

Undergraduate, Graduate

(printable html version)

UNDERGRADUATE
Undergraduate
Instructional Fee
Energy
Surcharge
Technology Fee
Building Fee
Incidental Fee
Health Service Fee
Total Charges
Credit Hours
Residents
Non-Residents
Fee
Total
Total
1 Credit Hours
$111
$111
$23
$130
$0
$153
$264
2 Credit Hours
$222
$222
$25
$150
$0
$175
$397
3 Credit Hours
$333
$333
$27
$170
$0
$197
$530
4 Credit Hours
$444
$444
$29
$190
$0
$219
$663
5 Credit Hours
$555
$555
$31
$210
$0
$241
$796
6 Credit Hours
$666
$666
$33
$230
$157
$420
$1086
7 Credit Hours
$777
$777
$35
$230
$157
$422
$1199
8 Credit Hours
$888
$888
$37
$230
$157
$424
$1312
9 Credit Hours
$999
$999
$39
$230
$157
$426
$1425
10 Credit Hours
$1110
$1110
$41
$230
$157
$428
$1538
11 Credit Hours
$1219
$1219
$43
$230
$157
$430
$1649
12 Credit Hours
$1328
$1328
$45
$230
$157
$432
$1760
13 Credit Hours
$1433
$1433
$45
$230
$157
$432
$1865
14 Credit Hours
$1538
$1538
$45
$230
$157
$432
$1970
15 Credit Hours
$1643
$1643
$45
$230
$157
$432
$2075
16 Credit Hours
$1696
$1696
$45
$230
$157
$432
$2128
17 Credit Hours
$1749
$1749
$45
$230
$157
$432
$2181
18 Credit Hours
$1802
$1802
$45
$230
$157
$432
$2234
Over - Time
(Each Additional Hour)
$53
$53

Students outside of the States or here who can't go do a traditional 4 year in the States

About CLEP (save time, some money, take CLEP) esp for non traditional students that will would like to add to their 3 year degree in the States and finish in one or two years

The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) gives you the opportunity to receive college credit for what you already know by earning qualifying scores on any of 34 examinations. Earn credit for knowledge you've acquired through independent study, prior course work, on-the-job training, professional development, cultural pursuits, or internships.

How CLEP Helps You

  • Save time. Depending on your college's CLEP policy, a satisfactory score on a CLEP exam can earn you from 3 to 12 college credits.
  • Save money. The cost of a CLEP exam is $70, a fraction of the tuition and fees for the corresponding course.
  • Make college more interesting. Skip general introductory courses and move on to more advanced classes, or explore new and challenging academic areas.
  • Graduate on time. CLEP can help you to the finish line if you're a few credits shy of graduation
  • Satisfy a proficiency requirement. Demonstrate your ability in college math or a foreign language.

How to Get Started

  1. Find out if your college accepts CLEP. Use the CLEP college search and talk to your admissions office, test center, or academic advisor.
  2. Read descriptions of all 34 exams and decide which to take.
  3. Register to take your exam(s) by contacting a CLEP test center and making an appointment.
  4. Start studying. Get a college textbook and review sample questions.
  5. Take your test!
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html





Monday

Portland-Beaverton, Oregon Recycles

Garbage and recycling

Get everything you need to know about recycling and garbage and hazardous waste disposal in the Portland metropolitan area. Plus, learn how to keep your neighborhood clean.

http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=24197

Clean up your neighborhood

http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=16383

Planning and conservation

http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=24198

Natural areas, parks and trails

http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=24253

Places and activities

http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=24196



Sunday

Three chortens in memory of Edmund Hillary



LARGER THAN LIFE: The residents of Khunde dedicate three chortens in memory of Edmund Hillary on 11 January, the first anniversary of his death and 55 years after he first set foot in Khumbu.

PHOTO: ANG RITA SHERPA

http://www.nepalitimes.com.np/gallery/mainphoto.php?id=484

Wednesday

What is Mentorship? (by www.empoweringvision.org)

What is Mentorship?

GTPN mentorship is a unique program where young Tibetan apprentices (users looking for mentors) are matched to carefully chosen users from within the GTPN network called Mentors who would guide these apprentices in the career. (who are willing to mentor or guide these apprentices).

Mentors and Apprentices are matched for a period of three months (or longer if they wish to continue) during which the Mentor and Apprentice can correspond one-to-one easily through the GTPN site. GTPN Mentorship is intended to give benefit from the expert knowledge and experience of their Mentors and use this personalized service to give them an edge in their careers, studies and business.

If you are willing to be Mentor and contiibute to the progress of community by helping the young Tibetans then please join GTPN.

http://www.empoweringvision.org/gtpn.page.php?id=173&type=p&

Canon Leadership Scholars Program

http://leadership-scholars.cnu.edu/about.html offers pretty good scholarship for HS students of total $20,000

About the Program:

Canon Leadership Scholars will participate in Christopher Newport University’s President’s Leadership Program. These students must demonstrate excellence and exceptional potential in the areas of leadership, scholarship and citizenship. They will pursue a rigorous academic curriculum that leads to a minor in leadership studies. Moreover, the Program provides each student with an array of enrichment activities including guest speakers, foreign study opportunities, a summer outdoor leadership experience, special internships, here or abroad, and requires 100 hours of community service.

Canon Leadership Scholars will choose a variety of academic courses in leadership over 4 years that lead to a minor in leadership studies. These courses include the study of great leaders in history, theories of leadership, ethical decision-making, motivation, servant leadership and accomplishing purposeful change.

http://leadership-scholars.cnu.edu/goals.html

8 Easy Ways to Start Being Green

by Patti Roth

This story is part of Earth911’s “Green Eight” series, where we showcase eight ways to green your life in various areas.

It’s hip. It’s hot. And best of all, it’s a snap. A start-up approach to greening your routine is almost effortless. You do not need to go out, spend a lot of money and purchase fancy gadgets. For most of our tips, you don’t need to spend a dime. Actually, enjoying a more environmentally responsible lifestyle generally saves money. How’s that for motivation? Protect the planet and keep that piggy bank nice and heavy.

If you’ve been wanting to get started in the “green scene,” but haven’t known where to begin, these are our favorite, simple ways to get moving:

1. Reduce

Use less stuff. Simple. Just re-think some of your habits. Take, for example, paper. You don’t always need a fresh sheet. If you’re writing a grocery list, grab something like a junk- mail envelope and scribble on a blank section. When you do use a whole sheet of paper, make a point of using both sides of each page. Also, take advantage of occasions to skip paper entirely. Don’t automatically hit the print button on your computer. Send out party invitations by e-mail. Think how much paper, postage and effort you’ll save.

2. Reuse

This particular “R” offers fun and interesting potential. Think about inventive uses for items that you’re discarding. Here are some fun ideas to spark your creative juices:

  • Repurpose old jars as funky vases
  • Transform old socks into fun puppet projects for kids
  • Use junk mail and old magazines to make beaded jewelry

3. Recycle

Take advantage of convenient recycling programs offered by your local government. Many municipalities provide curbside pick-up for common items such as glass and paper. Other types of recyclables, such as electronics, printer cartridges and household paints, are generally accepted at specific sites around town. You can search for these regional drop-off programs as well as participating businesses on Earth911.com. Also, some companies take back items at the end of their usable lives. One example is Dell, who offers free recycling of old products when customers buy new products.

According to the DOE, 40% of all household electricity is consumed when products are turned off. This costs the average home almost $1,000 each year. Photo: Peachygreen.com

According to the DOE, 40% of all household electricity is consumed when products are turned off. This costs the average home almost $1,000 each year. Photo: Peachygreen.com

4. Power Down

When you walk out of room, hit the light switch to the “off” position. When the MP3 player is fresh and ready to go, unplug the charger. Activate the low-power settings, such as sleep and hibernate, on computers, monitors and printers. You’d be surprised to learn how much power your toys consume, even when they are “off.” Some estimates put this phantom power drain at a cost of $4 billion annually in the U.S. alone.

5. Don’t Be a Drip

When you brush your teeth, turn off the tap. Doing so may save eight gallons a day, according to the U.S. EPA. Here are some other easy water-saving measures:

  • Install an aerator or a faucet that meets the EPA’s WaterSense efficiency standards
  • Repair dripping faucets and showerheads quickly to reduce water wasted. Can’t get a plumber over soon enough? Collect the drops to water your houseplants later.
  • Water your lawn and garden during the cool morning hours, minimizing the amount of water that’s evaporated. Aim sprinklers where the water is needed, rather than allowing overspray on the sidewalk or driveway.

6. Shop Smart

Get empowered by reading labels and investigating environmental claims. Select products with genuine eco-friendly features, such as:

  • Non-toxic and natural contents
  • Made from recycled materials
  • Minimum packaging
  • Produced locally
  • Energy- or water-efficient

Take advantage of ratings by reputable organizations that promote products with preferable environmental attributes. Here are some to keep in mind:

  • Energy Star - This label indicates that various products, such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, televisions and printers, meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and United States Department of Energy (DOE). “Energy efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill, with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort,” according to Energy Star.
  • WaterSense - This label indicates products and programs that meet the EPA’s standards for water efficiency.
  • Green Seal - This non-profit organization rates products based on its standards of environmental responsibility.

7. Don’t Tire Out

Keeping tires at their proper pressure improves gas mileage, according to the DOE. Plus, when properly inflated, tires are safer and more durable. You can also improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percent by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil.

8. Be a Show-off

Let merchants know you support green products and services. Talk to the staff at local shops and restaurants to see how you can’t work to improve their eco-efficiency, such as integrating composting or recycling processes at their facilities. Now is a great time to voice your green opinion, and strong consumer demand for eco-friendly practices encourages business to make that a priority.

Worried you might not remember these tips? Fun products like EcoMinders will help you remember these simple tricks to a greener lifestyle. If you’re ready to get more in-depth, check out our breakdown of the Waste Hierarchy, and how you can use it to improve your efforts.

Sunday

Optional Practical Training (OPT) and related info

USCIS ANNOUNCES NEW RULE ALLOWING EXTENSION OF OPTIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR QUALIFIED STUDENTS

Questions and Answers April 4, 2008


Rule Expands “Cap-Gap” Relief for Students with Pending H-1B Petitions

PRIOR F-1 REGULATIONS RELATING TO PRACTICAL TRAINING:

What is optional practical training?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Under existing rules, an F-1 student may be authorized to receive up to 12 months of practical training either pre- and/or post- completion of studies.
• Pre-completion OPT:
An F-1 student may be authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT after he/she has been enrolled for one full academic year. The pre-completion OPT must be directly related to the student’s course of study. Students authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT must work part-time while school is in session. They may work full time when school is not in session.
• Post-completion OPT:
An F-1 student may be authorized to participate in post-completion OPT upon completion

(please read below for more info).

http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/OPT_FAQ_4apr08.pdf

http://www.ice.gov/sevis/stemlist.htm
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/