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International Student Scholarships, Grants and Other Financial Aid Sources Undergraduate International Undergraduate Student Scholarships are awarded to students who can demonstrate academic excellence as well as financial need. Minimum Requirements: 3.5 GPA, financial need, admission to a degree program. Amount: Partial tuition and/or nonresident fee waiver. The deadline for application is March 15, 2001. Students who are currently enrolled may apply. You may download the application form for the Undergraduate International Student Scholarship in Adobe PDF format by clicking HERE (Note: you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to use this file). Academic Excellence Scholarships are awarded to entering freshman based on their ACT or SAT test scores. Albert T. Bledsoe Scholarship Minimum Requirements: 32 or higher ACT (1390 SAT) and 3.0 or higher GPA. Amount: $10,000 ($2,500 per year). John Millington Scholarship Minimum Requirements: 30 to 31 ACT (1310-1380 SAT) and 3.0 or higher GPA. Amount: $7,000 ($1,750 per year). George F. Holmes Scholarship Minimum Requirements: 28 to 29 ACT (1230-1300 SAT) and 3.0 or higher GPA. Amount: $4,000 ($1,000 per year). John N. Waddell Scholarship Minimum Requirements: 26 to 27 ACT (1160-1220 SAT) and 3.0 or higher GPA. Amount: $2,000 ($500 per year). The completed international Undergraduate Application for Admission must be received by the Office of Admissions by March 15 to receive priority consideration for Academic Excellence Scholarships for the fall semester. To retain Academic Excellence Scholarships, students must maintain an overall cumulative average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the freshman year and a 3.2 thereafter. Academic Excellence Scholarships are for a maximum of four years or eight full-time, continuous regular semesters as an undergraduate student. Croft International Studies Scholarships: A limited number are awarded to undergraduates pursuing the international studies major. The availability of scholarships is limited. Submitting an International Undergraduate Application for Admission or submitting an International Undergraduate Student Scholarship Application in no way guarantees financial aid. Graduate Graduate students are eligible for assistantships that require part-time teaching or laboratory assistance. Stipend amounts vary by academic department, graduate level of the student, and the service to be rendered. Academic excellence, maturity, and teaching or research experience are the main qualifications considered in the appointment of graduate assistants. Full-time graduate assistantships carry a stipend and a scholarship.
FINANCIAL AID FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS - MARK KANTROWITZ Many international students want to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree from a university located in the United States of America. A common concern of these students is how to pay for their education. Unfortunately, there is very little financial aid available for foreign nationals to study in the US, with the possible exception of citizens of Canada and Mexico. Most grants, scholarships and loans from public and private sources are restricted to US citizens. Some countries provide financial aid for their citizens to study in the US. And there may be some aid available from the US government for students from specific countries. US government student loans, however, are not available to foreign students. To find out if there is any financial aid for students from your country, contact your embassy, the US department of State, and the US Information Agency. Some US schools have direct exchange programs with their counterparts in foreign countries. Such exchange programs often include financial aid for the foreign student. To find out about these programs, ask your local university. Foreign students who are already enrolled in a US university should start by visiting the International Student Advisor, Financial Aid Office, and Career Planning & Placement Office. The campus library may also have some relevant books. A publication you may find helpful is Funding for US Study - A Guide for foreign Nationals, published by the Institute for International Education, 809 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017, telephone 212-883-8200. This publication lists more than 600 sources of funding for international students. Most of these programs, however, are for graduate and postdoctoral students. Octameron Associates publishes Scholarships for International Students. Other potentially useful publications include: College Board, College Handbook: Foreign Students Supplement; Gregory A. Barnes, The International Student's Guide to the American University; A Selected List of Fellowship Opportunities and Aids to Advanced Education for U.S. Citizens and Foreign Nationals, National Science Foundation, Washington, DC, 1994; W. Wickremasinghe, Scholarships and Grants for Study or Research in the USA. An organization that may be able to provide some information is the National Association for Foreign Student Affairs (NAFSA) located in Washington, DC. Call 202-737-3699 and ask for the "Recording on Financial Aid". This recording provides information for foreign students interested on studying in the US and US students who are interested in studying abroad. NAFSA does not provide any grants to foreign students, with the exception of a small grant program for students from East Central Europe (202-737-3699), the Baltic States (202-737-3699), or the former states of the Soviet Union (202-737-3699). Your school's international student advisor should have information about these programs. For graduate education, most support for international students is provided by the universities in the form of teaching assistantships and research assistantships. These assistantships are based on academic merit, not financial need. The bottom line is that there is very little financial aid available, and many foreign students do not study in the US because they cannot afford the expense. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mark Kantrowitz is the editor of "Frequently Asked Questions about Student Financial Aid", a collection of answers to common questions about financial aid. He also maintains the Financial Aid Information Page on the World - Wide. http://www.finaid.org Copyright © 1995 by Mark Kantrowitz. Reprinted by permission from the International Students
Organization. From, The International Spirit, Spring 2001, 6(2),
issue, now available in the Office of International Programs. Protect yourself from Scholarship scams Check out these warning signs (Federal Trade Commission) 1. The company guarantees a scholarship or your money
back. Never provide anyone with your credit card or checking account number- especially over the phone. Many of these fraudulent scholarship companies pose as legitimate foundations or scholarship search services. They advertise in campus newspapers and on the web; they pass out flyers and send out direct mail cards featuring toll free numbers. They promise "free money for college," when all they're doing is targeting vulnerable students. Report any service you suspect is a scam. Call the Better business Bureau or visit their site at www.bbb.com. Reprinted by permission from the International Students
Organization. From, The International Spirit, Spring 2001, 6(2),
issue, now available in the Office of International Programs. Useful Links for Financial Aid Search: 1. http://www.iefa.org/
Some Information about the International Students Organization International Students Organization (ISO) is a membership organization of international students currently studying in the USA. ISO is the only service provider organization founded and administered by current and former international students. Our international academic experiences allow us to focus on the specific needs of the academic community. We provide comprehensive medical insurance programs and related services to the community of international students and scholars. Established in 1958, ISO's approach is unique and comprehensive. We are Able to satisfy the needs of international students and provide unique solutions. ISO re-invest program proceeds into the development of databases for the benefits of international students. Such distinctive databases provide information on scholarships and grants available to international students, colleges & research centers, legal advisement and students exchange programs. Reprinted by permission from the International Students
Organization. From, The International Spirit, Spring 2001, 6(2),
issue, now available in the Office of International Programs. You can contact the ISO at their web site at: www.isoa.org JOIN US FOR FREE PIZZA What: WorldFest Planning Meeting When: March 13, 2001 Time: 5:00pm Where: Office of International Programs, Barnard Hall - first floor PLEASE JOIN US FOR FREE PIZZA AND SODAS. WorldFest 2001 is going to be so much fun. We hope you will participate this year and help us plan for a wonderful event full of games and activities that will include both international and U.S. students, faculty, staff, and community members. We look forward to seeing you on March 13 at 5:00pm. WorldFest will be held on April 10 and planning meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings at 5 until the day of the event. St. Patrick's Day March 17th
Saint Patrick was born in 387 A.D. in Britain as Maewyn Succat. His
father Calphurnius was a Roman official. Saint Patrick was kidnapped
at age 16 and sold into slavery in Ireland, according to his autobiography
.He escaped by boat to Britain after six years of captivity and traveled
to St. Martin's monastery in Tours, France, where he studied under Saint
Germain of Auxerre and became a priest. In 431 A.D. Pope Celestine I
named him Patricius and sent him on a mission to Ireland. In 432 A.D
he arrived in Ireland and successfully converted the island from Druidism
(pron. DREW-id-ism) to the Christian faith. He wrote The Confession
defending his life of service and also wrote A Letter to Coroticus attacking
slavery and denouncing British King Coroticus for kidnapping and enslaving
his converts. These works are the only documents to have survived the
fall of Rome and are in the Bibliothèque National in Paris. (12) Saint
Patrick became primatial bishop in 455 A.D. at Ard Macha, a hill away
from Emain Macha (pron. EV-n MA-ha), seat of the Ulster (pron. ULL-stir)
Kings. Saint Patrick died on March 17th 461 A.D. The date of his death
is disputed between March 8th and March 9th, so they were added together.Today
Saint Patrick is revered by many christian denominations and he is the
official saint of the Church of Ireland. Many people go to sacred wells,
mountains, and placenames in his honor throughout the year. American Festival Customs Fact: There are more Americans of Irish descent than the Irish.
Help with Your Taxes International students needing help with taxes are invited to join us: When: Thursday, April 5 Time: 5:00p.m. and 7:00p.m. Where: Conner-room 211 Please arrive on time and bring your passport, visa, W-2 statements, black or blue ink pen, 1099 form for interest earned, and the 1042S form. If you have questions, please contact Susanne Young, International Student Advisor, 915-7404, sbyoung1@olemiss.edu University Writing Center: Upcoming Events Friday, March 2nd, 11am to 1pm Apple Open House Kinard Hall 106 Come
by and visit with Apple Rep Gary Dauphin, and learn more about: - The
Powerbook G4 Titanium (try it out!) - The new PowerMac G4s with DVD-R
- iDVD (Make your own DVD movies!) - OS X update and rollout plans!
Free cookies, too! Tuesday, March 20, 7:00 pm Kinard Hall 106 Undergraduate Writing Workshop:
Science and Technical Writing Tuesday, March 27, 7:00 pm Kinard Hall 106 Undergraduate Writing Workshop: Documenting Research and Avoiding Plagiarism For more information, please contact Brenda Robertson at writingc@olemiss.edu or telephone 915-7686. Student Housing and Residence Life Movie Series The Office of International Programs would like to thank the staff of Student Housing and Residence Life for providing 2 semester passes and 10 free individual movie passes to be given away to the first international students that come by the Office of International Programs Office and request them. March 16 Exorcist (re-issue) 23 Unbreakable 30 Proof of Life April 6 Vertical Limit 20 What Women Want SOCCER SIGN-UP! Now's your chance to show off your soccer skills and strut your stuff! Sign up for football (soccer) to challenge the Croft Institute for International Studies students. Perhaps our Croft friends are interested in learning more about international students' athletic abilities. Contact Jeremy Mills at jcm145@msn.com to sign up before the Feb. 10th deadline. Ole Miss Outdoors Adventures
The above trips include all equipment and overnight trips include sleeping bag and tent. To register or get more information call Ole Miss Outdoors (915-5591). University Theatre Mar. 29, 30, 31 Apr. 26, 27, 28 Student Tickts: $3.00 Call the Central Ticket Office (First Floor, front entrance of the Union) for tickets or more information (915-7411). University Artist Series Apr. 3 Call the Central Ticket Office (First Floor, front entrance of the Union) for more information (915-7511). Piano Series at Ole Miss Mar. 19 (8:00 Meek) Mar. 29 (8:00 Meek) Apr. 2 (8:00 Meek) Apr. 11 (8:00 Meek) All concerts are free and open to the public. Thacker Mountain Radio Every Thursday from 5:30-6:30 at Off Square Books a different live performance is featured. Come see the live show or tune in your radio to Bullseye 95.5 FM. Off Square Books is located just off the Square, a few doors down the street between Square Books and As Seen on TV.
Intensive English Move The Intensive English Program has moved its offices to Hill Hall. The move has been implemented in order to put the classroom and administrative spaces under one roof. The instructors and the coordinator will then be in a position to be more involved with the students outside of class time and be able to address questions and concerns much more efficiently. The Intensive English Program facilities have just undergone extensive renovation, including extensive painting and the installation of new carpets. Coordination of the Conversation Partner program and administration of the SPEAK test for international teaching assistants has also moved to Hill Hall. Andrew Barnette is Coordinator of the IEP and can be reached at atbarnet@olemiss.edu or 915-1560. Health Insurance Claim(s) and Question(s) DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR INSURANCE? On February 14, 2001 an insurance representative from your insurance company, McKinley Financial Services, will be in the Office of International Programs to answer your questions. Please stop by the Office of International Programs between 9:00am and 11:00am to meet your insurance representative and ask questions regarding your insurance policy. For further information, please contact Susanne Young, International Student Advisor, at extension 7404 or sbyoung1@olemiss.edu. Many of your questions and / or problems regarding your health insurance claim(s) may be answered and / or resolved with a telephone contact to Susanne Young, International Student Advisor at 915-7404, email: sbyoung1@olemiss.edu. Insurance For Your Dependents Enrollment forms are available for dependent health insurance coverage. Eligible dependents include your husband/ wife and children who are under age 21. Medical bills can be very expensive in the United States. It is strongly recommended that your dependents have health insurance. It is required if they are here in J-2 status. Come to the Office of International Programs to get forms or to ask questions. For questions about the International Student & Scholar Health Insurance Plan contact: Susanne Young, International Student Advisor at 915-7404, email: sbyoung1@olemiss.edu Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application Process Any students graduating by the end of the Fall 2000 semester and wishing to apply for optional practical training are encouraged to visit the Office of International Programs to receive an OPT application and watch the mandatory video. Please gather all OPT application materials listed on page one (1) of the "Optional Practical Training" application packet (i.e., photos, recommendation from advisor, transcripts, $100 money order, etc.) before scheduling an in-person appointment with Susanne Young, International Student Advisor at 915-7404, email: sbyoung1@olemiss.edu. INS Hotline The INS has a hotline, 1-800-375-5283, for information on immigration benefits and services. The centralized telphone information service, part of the INS's National Customer Service Center (NCSC) initiative, is intended to help people avoid visits to INS offices, and it is also expected to allow local offices to focus on and improve services that can only be provided locally. The menu of options provides basic eligibility and how-to information and the ability to order forms. People requiring additional information are transferred to customer service representatives, and more complex inquires are then forwarded to INS information officers. The INS plans to add, during the next two years, 800 services such as checking the status of pending applications, reporting address changes and rescheduling fingerprinting and interview appointments. Social Security Card Application Process Applications are available in the Office of International Programs. Representatives from the Social Security Administration will be at the Oxford City Hall on the Oxford Square every 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. You need to bring a complete application form, your I-20 or IAP-66, and your passport. Application forms are available in the office. A lot of your social security problems can be solved over the phone. Please contact the Social Security Administration office in Tupelo, Mississippi with any questions and/or concerns by phone (662) 842-6582 or fax (662) 841 2895. Sports!!! Click on the links below to see schedules. Planet Partners-A CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM The Office of International Programs is offering you a chance to become involved in Planet Partners, formerly World Without Borders. By participating in Planet Partners you will be able to join an American family or student in various fun activities [football games, dinner or lunch, shopping, movies, theater, trips to Memphis, and much more] at least once a month. Planet Partners also gives Americans a chance to learn about your culture. There are many American families wanting to get involved with the international community. We think this will be a fun way to get to know more about American culture. Let Susanne Young, the International Student Advisor, know soon if you are interested or if you know of someone else who is interested in becoming a part of Planet Partners. You can call Susanne at 915-7404 or email her at sbyoung1@olemiss.edu. International Student and Scholar Listserv Subscribe/Unsubscribe This list serv will help you stay informed of special programs and key issues specific to the international student and scholar community at the University of Mississippi. The Office of International Programs strongly urges you to subscribe. If you have any questions, please contact Shannon Sumrall at 915-7404 or ssumrall@olemiss.edu To subscribe or unsubscribe to the international listserv send an email to: md@listserv.olemiss.edu leave the SUBJECT field blank in the BODY of the message type: subscribe studyatusa to SUBSCRIBE or unsubscribe studyatusa to UNSUBSCRIBE Back to International Programs Home This site designed and maintained by Shannon Sumrall. Site updated Feb. 28, 2001.
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