Being CNA – Not an ‘Uphill Struggle’ anymore!

March 5th, 2010

Turning out to be a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) is no more an uphill struggle after having so many sources of free training. There are a numeral ways to get a free training for CNA. Some of them being very near to your locality in nursing facilities and old age homes. Some of the hospitals also provide free CNA training to the fascinating candidates but under certain requisites. So if you are planning to join the medical sphere then free training is a better way to key in. All the facilities and hospitals don’t provide this free training so in that case one can correspond with the Nursing State Board and acquire a list of the institutes serving this free CNA training and approach to the concerned facilities. This would confine the efforts to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

To be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) one shall clear both practical and written sections like they do in any other course. To get a state approval some minimal hours of theoretical and practical sessions are strictly recommended. The same line of course is pursued in free training program from the facilities. One has to attend the classroom sessions there too and the practical part is performed amid the patients which help candidates to acquire the required skills needed for a CNA.

The facilities and hospitals offer these free training programs with a purpose to originate some subservient and bright employees who could serve their facility after their official recognition. Some of them also expect you to endorse an indenture to stay employed in their facility after being a CNA. Some of them even reimburse fee for the test for CNA certification. But in that case one gets obliged and has to work in the same facility after certification.

After fruitfully completing the CNA training, if one wishes to work in the same facility, then the facilities, which don’t have any type of obligations about employment after certification, may allow the aspiring candidates to work with them till their exam for CNA. After CNA certification, one has to devote 8-12 hours of working every day including weekends with a choice of sunup, sundown and overnight shifts. To commend for employment in return for the CNA training can be worthwhile as your prospect.

So now anyone who aspires to key in this electrifying and gratifying medical field can turn out to be a CNA without bothering the financial blockades through appearing the free CNA training programs.

Spotlight on Flinders: Education in Australia

December 18th, 2009
This University has earned an excellent reputation for educational standards, teaching staff and study programs. Students find studying at Flinders enriches their life experiences and broadens their cultural understandings and professional outlook.Your studies will take place in and around one of the most scenic campuses in Australia, combining nature’s tranquillity with a vibrant student life. Pursue your education Australia at an institution that recognises its students as individuals.

Flinders has students and educators from over 85 countries, and many also make lasting friendships that span the globe.

Education Advisor - online appointments

November 18th, 2009

Education Advisor: online Appointments schedule Software

That is an impressive list of Universities using Appointment Plus appointment software: Harvard, Yale, USC, John Hopkins, just to name a few.  I have been an academic advisor for the mechanical engineering department of our local college for a few years, and this whole time I have been scheduling my own appointments, re-scheduling, reminding, etc.   It’s a full time job just doing that.  Forget the advising part I’m too busy setting up appointments.  I’m excited to try out this new a online appointments software

School District: Appointment Software

Part of my job at the school district is to schedule the “specials” as we call them for all the schools in the district.  “Specials” are classes like technology, library, PE, and Music.  For some reason the school district wants to keep scheduling these when even though I keep suggesting that we let the individual school administration take care of the details.  Well it didn’t work and I’m still scheduling the “specials.”   So if I’m going to keep doing this then I’m getting a schedule software package.  That way I set the schedule, it gets approved, and then the individual administrators can view the schedule online.

Summary of Studying in Canada

August 21st, 2009

Summary of Studying in Canada.

This is a quick and short summary on some key elements to studying in Canada that were discussed in posts made last week. We hope you find it useful.

Territories

Canada is divided into provinces, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia to name only three of ten. In terms of guidelines to studying in Canada you will find that regulations may differ from one territory to another.

Costs and Fees

As in the UK, you must pay tuition fees to study in Canada, and just like in the UK, these costs are rising. Prices range depending on the institution from $3,000 - $18,000. You can check online at your chosen university’s associated website.

When considering the price of uni life you should also take into account living, social and rental costs on top of your tuition. This proves vital upon arrival in the country. If your university does not provide immigration with an estimate for your yearly cost of living you will need to provide proof of at least $10,000 in your bank account in order to prove that you can look after yourself in Canada.

This sounds increasingly understandable when you consider the cost of health care. Unlike in the UK in which you would most certainly qualify for free health care, in Canada you must take out insurance.

For the first 3 months of your stay you should pay for private health care (compulsory in Newfoundland and Labrador). After this period you can purchase a health care plan which you pay for, monthly. As with all topics discussed, it is important to contact universities for their individual polices. All insurance should be arranged before you leave.

Accommodation

Crime is very low in Canada, its a country where in some parts you can leave your front door unlocked. There are 3 methods of accommodation available to you when you arrive.

You can stay in Halls, shared or unshared on campus. This means you can roll out of bed into the lecture theatre. In order to secure a place in halls you must get in their quick.

Some students prefer to live outside university but that doesn’t mean you have to be further than a stones throw away. Prices for renting a studio apartment range from $400 - $700 per month. If you desired something entirely different, you could stay with a family in a house from around $800 per month or $28 a day. This will immerse you in the culture, the best way to get in touch with the real country.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for foreign students studying in Canada. You could find yourself studying the subject you always wanted, and be financially sponsored.

For more information regarding scholarships for studying in Canada visit the web address below:

http://www.scholarships.gc.ca/scholarshipsnoncdn-boursesetr-eng.aspx

Student Discount

The Canadian equivalent to a NUS card or Student Discount card is supplied by CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) and is called the Studentsaver discount card. For international students you should get hold of a ISIC Card which allows you to maintain your student discount in 70 countries worldwide. In Canada it will supply you with a massive 30% discount on rail and buses and even phone calls.

Jennifer Humphries and Janine Knight of the Canadian Bureau for International Education discuss what makes Canada such a fascinating place to further your education.

Picture this: A country where inspiration for your essays comes with a view of the magnificent Rocky Mountains, the Western prairies, the hills and seascapes of Atlantic Canada, one of the Great Lakes or the Saint Lawrence River, the deep blue Pacific or Atlantic Ocean – or with a cityscape where skyscrapers and heritage homes jumble together in pleasant confusion.

A country where you can complete your study program in either French or English or in a mix of both languages, in hundreds of specialisations, from aerospace engineering to zoology.

A country at the cutting edge in research and in teaching practices. A country whose education system is recognized for its top quality international courses across the globe: by international academic institutions, employers and governments alike.”

Additional info:  If you’re interested in studying to work in fashion industry you should visit Fashion designing Institutes Fashion designing is the passion of life which attributes life which is a learnt at fashion designing institutes as part of creative arts. When looking to start a career it’s important to test yourself, a good website for that is Free online tests Online tests free for successfull career in Manegement colleges education ,btech colleges education ,fashion designing institutes education , medical science colleges education , top banking schools , cracking laws entrance exams.

Studying in Canada : Working

August 11th, 2009

WORKING WHILE YOU STUDY

Although you must be able to show evidence that you have the sufficient funds for tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses for the duration of your stay,some students choose to take up casual employment for extra money. International students are permitted to work on campus without a work permit if they are studying full time at a publicly funded institution or a private institution accredited by a provincial statue. Jobs available can range from administrative and library work to working in counter-tenors. If the employment is an integral part of your course or if the employments related to an approved research programme, you will require a work permit. Publicly funded institutions in some provinces allow international students to work off campus whilst studying. These currently include Quebec, Manitoba and New Brunswick but other provinces recurrently in negotiation to make this possible.

POSTGRADUATE EMPLOYMENT

International students who graduate from publicly funded institutions and find employment in their field of study can apply for a work permit for up to two years after graduation. However those who graduate from a publicly funded institution in the regions of Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver and find employment in these areas may only apply for a work permit forum to one year.

RDI an eminent educational establishment in the field of distance learning has opened the door to the world of theoretical and practical knowledge for aspiring individuals through its innovative distance learning courses.

Studying in Canada : Getting There

August 11th, 2009

TRAVEL TO CANADA

WHAT TO BRING

Make sure you have all the your important documentation in your hand luggage before you fly. This includes your passport and travel documents, your visa document,letter of acceptance into an institution,evidence of funds to cover the duration of your stay, and if applicable a letter from your sponsor. If you are studying in Quebec you will need a certification Du Quebec from Immigration authorities. You will be asked for all of these at immigration. You should also make sure you have the name,address and telephone number of the place where you are staying to ease your journey at the other end. Different airlines have different limitation son baggage that may accompany you on your flight but most charge heavily for any excess. The cheapest way to get all your belongings over is to forward anything you cannot take in your luggage by sea. Make an itemised list of anything you send for when you claim them at the other end.

ONWARD TRAVEL

After you land in Canada, you will be directed through customs and immigration, make sure you have all your documentation ready to help the process run as smoothly as possible. If you travelling to cities beyond your point of entry you will need to allow up to two hours for customs and immigration clearance. Once you have cleared immigration and claimed your baggage you are ready to continue onward to your destination. Make sure you have done your research before you leave and you know-how far your destination is from the airport. If you are only travelling a short distance most airports offer a shuttle service into the city or have taxis available outside but you should research the transport options from your airport before you leave. You can find national train timetables and prices on the

VIA Rail website:

www.viarail.ca

Studying in Canada : VISAS

August 11th, 2009

STUDY PERMITS

Before obtaining a VISA you first need to apply for a study permit. You can obtain the forms you will require for your study permit from the Canadian Embassy,High Commission or Canadian education centre in your home country or you can download the form from:

www.cic.gc.ca

Nationals and permanent residents of the United States, St. Pierre and Miquelon can apply for a permit at a Canadian port of entry

DOCUMENTS

You will need to submit a number of documents along with your form to support your application. The below are a guideline only, visit the website of the visa office responsible for your chosen region for full details of what you will need.

Proof of identity: Photocopies of a valid passport which will be valid for the duration of your course and two passport sized photos.

Proof of financial support: Showing that you will have enough money to cover tuition fees and living expenses for the entirety of your stay and return flights home. You can show this through bank statements from the past four months,receipt of payment of tuition and residence fees or proof of a Canadian bank account.

Medical examination: You may need medical examination if you come from country with high health risks or if you will be studying or working in a field where protection of public health is essential. If you need a medical examination you will need to include your medical documents with your form.

Proof of acceptance into your chosen institution: This is usually in the form oaf letter of acceptance. This letter should contain your name, date of birth and mailing address, the course you will be enrolling on, the start and end date of the course and the date you must register. The letter must be signed by unauthorised representative and misidentify the institution.

AT THE VISA OFFICE

Once you have completed the forms and have all the necessary documentation you must submit them to your nearest visa office along with a study permit fee. The visa officer must be satisfied that you will only be in Canada temporarily and youth requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act. You will then be issued document to show at your port of entry into Canada.

Studying in Canada : Accommodation

August 11th, 2009

Suitable accommodation is fundamental to your comfort and success. It will be where you spend your time, make your home, do your studies or perhaps even meet your friends. Where you live can really affect your overall experience, soaking time to research what is available to you is highly advised. Sorting out your accommodation should be a main priority once receiving your offer letter. A lot of institutions will recommend residence on their property for the first year of study. You should make use of the accommodation advisor at your chosen institution, as they will be able to tell you about everything available to you and help you work out what is best for you. Hopefully, reading the following outlines,you will be given a good idea of where you would be better suited and in turn ensure happier stay.

HALLS OF RESIDENCE

These are generally very popular with international students however, these rooms can go quickly and it is advisable that you would apply for accommodations soon as you can. Halls of residence offer you the comfort safety of living near your classes. Most are large buildings that are divided single rooms in single-gender or co-everliving environments. Some institutions will also offer rooms for two people sharing,you will also find communal study areas,kitchens and bathrooms; this will differ from each institution, some even offering en-suite rooms. As the costs fluctuates vastly form city to city, contacting your chosen institution will give you a clearer insight, as well as offering guidance.

STUDENT HOUSING

Some students prefer housing off campus but still usually within easy reach of institution either by foot or a short bus ride. There are many options for affordable and convenient housing near your campus;however this can vary so it is best to sees couple of properties to see what your money can stretch to. This is often very popular with students but, you must bear in mind that housing arrangements are your responsibility and must be made directly between you and the landlord.

Studio/One Bed Apartment:

approx. $400 - $700/month

Two Bed Apartment:

approx. $650 - $900/month

Three Bed and Above:

starting from $800 a month(all excluding bills) – Prices will vary greatly from province to province, there are a few links below that will help you with your search.

www.homes4students.ca

www.ontariostudentrentals.ca

www.banzza.com

www.studenthousing.ca/rentals

HOME STAY ACCOMMODATION

Should you decide on this option, you will come to know first hand the culture and the customs of locals.

You will have your own private room and most home stay swill arrange a meal plan for you, generally breakfast, lunch and dinner.

www.studyvec.com/homestaysvancouver

Roughly $800 per month or $28 per day. There is more often than not a placement fee that will be taken from the company arranging the home stay.

Studying in Canada : Fees and Costs

August 11th, 2009

The currency used in Canada is the Canadian Dollar ($) or (c$) and cents. Canadian banknotes come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

The cost of tuition fees for international students has risen over the last few year sand varies in each province. Often tuition fees for international students are referred to as ‘differential fees’. The average cost for a year’s fee can range from $5,000 to$18,00, which in most institutions is pardon registration day. The tuition covers two semesters, which equates to eight months of academic study. As well as tuition fees,you will also need to budget for living costs, rent, travel, course materials such as books, food, laundry, healthcare and social expenses. Remember to work these additional costs into your budget and try robe realistic. The Canadian immigration bodies and your chosen institution will require proof that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your tuition fees and living costs Often your chosen institution will provide an estimate of yearly living costs for immigration, however if this is not done, immigration will need to see proof of$10,000 in your account (on top of tuition fees) to cover living costs for the year.

University undergraduate fees for international students:

Alberta: $8,000 - $15,767

British Columbia: $9,248 - $17,667

Manitoba: $5,573 - $8,283

New Brunswick: $7,843 - $12,810

Newfoundland and Labrador: $8,780

Nova Scotia: $8,233 - $14,349

Ontario: $6,900 - $16,800

Prince Edward Island: $8,780

Quebec: $10,068 - $12,930

Saskatchewan: $8,489 - $11,482

College undergraduate fees for

international students:

Alberta: $10,000

British Columbia: $10,000

Manitoba: $8,000

New Brunswick: $5,000

Newfoundland and Labrador: $6,600

Nova Scotia: $8,000

Ontario: $11,000

Prince Edward Island: $6,000

Quebec: $8,000

Saskatchewan: $11,000

SCHOLARSHIPS

Only a limited number of Canadian Universities offer scholarships to international students and competitions fierce. To find out if your chosen institute offers scholarships, contact the international office or finance office at the institute. An international officer or finance officer will be able to advise you further. It is also recommendable to contact the Ministry of Education in your home country for advice and information on scholarship sin Canada. It is best to begin researching scholarships as soon as scholarship is an excellent website which lists available scholarships and offers search facilities to find scholarships in particular region sand institutions.

LIVING COSTS

HEALTHCARE

Healthcare requirements for international students vary in each province. All healthcare insurance must be arranged you leave for Canada, this may include registering on your chosen institutions health plan or joining private healthcare plan.

For example students in British Columbia studying for a period of over six months,will need to enrol in the Medical Services Plan, which can be paid monthly. Full access to their medical services aren’t granted for three months, for this period you will need to purchase private healthcare In Ontario it is essential to purchase the University Health Insurance Plan, costing approximately $450 anding Newfoundland and Labrador, it is compulsory for students to register for private healthcare For further details on healthcare, it is best to contact your chosen institution.

Studying away from home can be expensive so it is important to budget for your living costs as well as tuition fees.

Living costs vary depending on location and the lifestyle you adopt. Certain area sand provinces are more expensive; these tend to be larger cities and urban areas such as Montreal and Vancouver. Living costs you should include in your budget are:

Accommodation – rent, utility bills, food, laundry

Course Materials – textbooks, field trips

Healthcare – health insurance

Miscellaneous – travel, clothing, social expenses and entertainment

Struggling financially throughout your studies is not ideal and may affect your enjoyment of your time studying in Canada, so be realistic about how much you will spend and more importantly, spend wisely. Below are student organizations offering student discounts on a number of miscellaneous and entertainment goods.

ISIC (International Student Identity Card):

The ISIC card gives excellent student discount on various travel methods round the globe. Discounts include flights,buses, trains, museums and attractions,bars and restaurants and lots of shops

www.isic.org

Student Saver:

The studentsaver card offers from 10% to 30% discount off number of books, shops, food and entertainment

www.cfs-fcee.ca

ISE (International Student Exchange):

The ISE card is available to all students and under 26’s and offers excellent discounts to top visitor attractions,restaurants, shops, travel, museum sand galleries

www.isecard.com

Nearly every bank in Canada charges different fees for the same service, spit is best to spend time researching and visiting different banks to compare their services and charges. It is important to open an account soon after your arrival in Canada to transfer your funds into and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Key questions to ask your bank are whether monthly service charges are included, if telephone and Internet bankings available and for details on transaction charges and interest paid. Your bank will handle all overseas transactions from sending and receiving money, travelogues and currency. You will need the following items to opens bank account in Canada if you are an international student. Please note you donor need a Social Insurance Number (SIN):

A valid passport or birth certificate

A secondary piece of identification, for

example a study permit or drivers license

Money to deposit (approximately $100)

A student card (most banks require a

student card in order for a student to be eligible for special student offers)When opening your account, ask the members of staff which account would-be best for you. If you are considering obtaining a credit card, then it is always best to talk to your bank, as quite often credit cards are not permitted for international students.

Major banks in Canada include:

BMO (Bank of Montreal)

CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce)

HSBC Canada

ING Direct (International Netherlander Grope)

National Bank of Canada

RBC Royal Bank

Scotia bank (Bank of Nova Scotia)

TD Bank Financial Group

Studying in Canada : Applying

August 11th, 2009

APPLICATION TO ONTARIO:

You will need to apply to the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) www.ouac.on.ca for university admissions in the Fall semester. If applying to a university in Ontario, you are able to include up to 3 university and course choices on your form. A fee of $95 is payable to the Ontario Universities Application Centre. Any applications for colleges are processed through the Ontario College Application Services (OCAS) www.ontariocolleges.ca . You are able to include up to five college and course choices on your application. A fee of $65 is payable. The OUAC and OCAS will then forward all the information onto the relevant institutions. It is up to you to forward all appropriate documents to the institution yourself. If you do not receive correspondence from the university or college of which documents they need, contact the admissions department for further information. A handful of institutions in Ontario must be applied to directly. To find out which application process you should be undertaking, it is best to contact your chosen institution and ask for the international or admission department.

APPLICATION TO THE REST OF CANADA :

To apply to an institute in one of the other provinces, you will need to request an application form directly from your chosen institute. When sending the completed form back to the admissions office, make sure you include any required documents and fees. If your application is successful you will then receive an admission offer, which you can either accept or decline.

The admissions office will also send you student authorisation and visa forms. It is important to apply to any institution at least 15 months before admission dates (the beginning of the Fall semester). When requesting an application form, you can either telephone or e-mail the institution and request one or download a form from the institution website where available.

APPLICATION REQUIRMENTS

SECONDAR Y SCHOOL

TRANSCRIPTS:

Secondary school transcripts or reports will be required when applying to any Canadian institution. It is important that a school official completes the transcript and that it is translated to English if you are not from an English speaking country.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

Students from non-English speaking countries will be required to complete standardised test to prove proficiency in English. Please go to Page 14 for further on tests and entry requirements.

LETTER OF RECOMMENDA TION

A teacher or counsellor who knows you well and has taught you professionally in a subject related to your application choice should complete your letter of recommendation. The letter should Bea thorough account of you as a person and your academic achievements, listing your strengths and positive attributes. It is recommended that you include two letters with your application form.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

A statement of purpose is a personal essay written by yourself which outline why you want to study in Canada, why you chose the institution and course,what would make you a good studentship the suitability of your education. Your statement of purpose is extremely important and much time and effort should be taken when writing it.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

As Canada is a predominantly English-speaking country, proficiency in the English language also needs to be demonstrated by students who aren’t permanent residents. Different institutions and courses require different qualifications and proof of English proficiency It is always best to contact the admissions or international office to find out the relevant information and which method is most recognised at the institution.

Below are different qualifications, which can be undertaken to demonstrate proficiency in English. The TOEFL English exam is mandatory for international students applying to any Canadian institution, however other tests can betaken on top of the TOEFL to further demonstrate proficiency;

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign

Language) - The TOEFL is available in

three different formats, paper based,

Internet based and computer based

CAEL (Canadian Academic English

Language Assessment)

Cant Est (Canadian Test of English for

Scholars and Trainees)

IELTS (International English Language

Testing System)

University of Cambridge Certificate of

Proficiency in English

Successful completion of an English

language course

ACAD EMIC PROFICIENCY

To study in Canada, students must meet certain academic requirements as wells providing proof of finances and health. In Canada, nearly every university and college has their own, individual admission requirements Qualifications from different countries are recognised differently in each province and institution. Evaluation services are offered by agencies across the country. For a fee, an evaluation service can be carried out to assess how your qualifications compare with the qualifications recognised in Canada It is important to ensure that your chosen institution accepts your evaluation and recognises the agency your evaluation came from. Ring the international office or admissions office at your chosen institution to discuss which agency to use. Below is a list of the various different agencies in Canada. All of the following abide by the Quality Assurance Framework of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC). You can contact any of the agencies that follow for services in New Brunswick,Newfoundland Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut and Yukon.