Visit Thailand | Ayutthaya Heritage City
July 29th, 2013 by Ross Mason
International students studying in Thailand have a plethora of things to do and see when there, but one place that you should not miss the opportunity to visit is the Ayutthaya Heritage City.
Ayutthaya is the capital city of Ayutthaya province in Thailand. It was founded as the capital of Siam in 1350 by King U Thong, who escaped there from a smallpox outbreak in Lop Buri. It was chosen for strategic reasons: it is surrounded on all sides by rivers and a man-made canal, which acted as barriers against Burmese invaders. Following its founding, the kingdom flourished. Its kings poured wealth into the construction of temples and religious monuments as well as the arts.
Ayutthaya’s wealth attracted traders and emissaries from across the continent as well as Europe. At its height of prosperity, Ayutthaya maintained close diplomatic and trade ties with Louis XIV’s court in France, Portugal, Holland, Persia, China and Japan. It fell in the final battle of the Siamese-Burmese Wars in 1767, when it was ransacked and burned completely to the ground.
Ayutthaya is now the home of the Ayutthaya historical park, the ruins of the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It is now recognized internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located about 76 kilometers north of Bangkok, and it is certainly not something you want to miss. It houses four temples of the Early Ayutthaya period, as well as many other elaborate temples and ruins, including the only temple in Ayutthaya that survived post-war looting and arson attacks.
When you visit Ayutthaya, remember that palaces and temples, including their ruins, are considered to be sacred places. Therefore you will need to dress appropriately before entering. This means no shorts or sleeveless or spaghetti-strapped tops. Be respectful of the area around you; do not try to pick at or remove bricks or stones from their original locations. To learn more about Thailand and all the international insurance requirements for those visiting, please see our Thailand International Student Insurance pages for more information.
Louisiana State University International Student Health Insurance
July 27th, 2013 by Jennifer Frankel
International students who choose to study in Louisiana have the chance to study in some of the country’s top rated cities in some of its best colleges and universities. International students are drawn to Louisiana’s warm climate, unique cultural influences, and famous festivities. Louisiana offers a number of great colleges and universities for international students, including Louisiana State University.
As with most colleges and universities in the United States, Louisiana State University requires that all international students on J and F visa status have acceptable international student health insurance coverage, and this coverage must meet LSU’s specific policy requirements. LSU offers its students a school sponsored insurance plan through Gallagher, and the school’s policy states that all international students (excluding ISEP students) will be charged for LSU health insurance coverage upon arrival, unless LSU receives proof of alternate insurance coverage that meets LSU’s requirements. For more information about Louisiana State University’s international student insurance requirements, you can visit their website.
Alternative Health Insurance
Although LSU’s health insurance policy is perfectly adequate, it is fairly costly in comparison to other insurance plans. International students might find that it is advantageous for them to purchase an alternate, less expensive personal insurance policy. Our Student Health Insurance plan levels of the Budget, Select and Elite will meet Louisiana State University’s health insurance requirements at a much lower cost than the school sponsored insurance plan. For example, for an international student ages 24 and younger studying in the United States:
- Louisiana State University Sponsored Plan – $2,728 per year
- Our Student Health Insurance plan:
- Budget level – $513.24 per year
- Select level – $1,161.16 per year
- Elite level – $2,140.32 per year
For more information please visit our website or contact our customer service team, who will be more than happy to assist you. If you would like to learn more about the Louisiana State University international student health insurance requirements, you can visit our school requirements page.
Updated August 6th, 2020
Top 5 Study Abroad Health and Safety Apps
July 26th, 2013 by Ross Mason
Smart phones are all over the place now, and as the cost of international roaming starts to gradually fall (as is happening within the EU), and with the rise in cheap local sim cards – we are finding that more and more students are taking their smartphones with them when they travel.
Not only is this great from the perspective of keeping in touch with friends and family – but you can still be connected to all your favorite apps like Facebook, Twitter to chart your experiences and keep them in your history.
But what are the Top 5 Study Abroad Health and Safety Apps?
Here we chart the best apps to keep you on the straight and narrow:
Dropbox – iOS, Android, Blackberry, Kindle (Free)
You may wonder why we have chosen dropbox as one of our first apps for this section – and the reason is simple, with dropbox you can access pretty much all your documentation in one place, whenever you need it! Before you depart abroad, make sure you have copies of your passport, important insurance documents, vaccinations cards – pretty much everything you can reasonably think of scanned in and stored in a dropbox folder. Its there if you need it in case something happens, and you have quick and easy access to it in case you lose something, like your passport or insurance documentation.
Jet Lag App – iOS ($2.99)
We have all been there with jet lag – wide awake at 2am in the morning, only to them suffer through the day struggling to keep your eyes open through that class or meeting. The Jet Lag app is here to help you! Simple enter in your travel details and the time zones you will cross – and the app will give you a customized schedule you can follow to minimize the impact of jet lag.
Jibbigo Translator – iOS, Android (Free + $4.99 for language packs)
For the international traveler, having access to some translation help could be vital (especially in an emergency). There are many apps available that can help you, but this is the best app out there as it offers offline translation – so unlike Google Translate, you do not need to be connected to the internet. Once you have paid for your language pack, you download it and off you go!
City Maps 2Go – iOS, Android ($1.99)
Similar to the translator app, City Maps 2Go is an excellent app for those that do not have a good internet connection or who have limited data when abroad. You can download the maps you need to use when on wifi, and they will be stored on your device so that you can use them when you do not have a data connection. Most usual maps apps will not work without a data connection. It will save you getting lost and potentially taking a wrong turn into the wrong parts of a city!
Hopefully with these apps, it will make your travel abroad experience that much better! Do not also forget to download the International Student Insurance Student Zone app, allowing you to manage your insurance plan online with your phone too – so that all your insurance information is in the palm of your hand!
Safe travels!
University of Memphis International Student Health Insurance
July 24th, 2013 by Ross Mason
The Student Secure Elite and the Student Health Advantage Platinum will meet the University of Memphis’s health insurance requirements.
Why the University of Memphis?
International students with a love of country, rock and roll, or the blues might be considering studying abroad in Memphis, Tennessee. Tennessee boasts a mild climate, with temperatures ranging from 80 plus degrees in the summer and 40 degrees in the winter months. Major industries in Tennessee include manufacturing, health care, and automotives, so international students interested in any of these fields might consider basing their studies in Tennessee.
Health Insurance Requirements for International Students
The University of Memphis requires that all international students who are enrolled in credit or non-credit courses at the university maintain adequate international student health insurance coverage for major medical, repatriation of remains, and medical evacuation throughout the duration of their studies at the university, including periods when the student is not registered for classes. The student’s insurance coverage must include:
- Major Medical Expenses Coverage: $500,000 USD per injury or sickness to match the current plan
- Repatriation Expense: In the event of the death of the insured person, expenses as may reasonably be incurred will be payable up to $50,000 USD for returning the body of the insured person to his/her place of residence in his/her home country.
- Medical Evacuation Expenses: If the insured person is unable to continue his/her academic program due to injury or sickness, expenses as may reasonably be incurred will be payable up to $25,000 to evacuate the student to another medical facility or to their home country.
While the University of Memphis does offer a school sponsored health insurance plan, it can be more expensive than other insurance policies that offer just as much coverage.
Alternative Insurance Coverage
The Student Secure – Elite plan and our Student Health Advantage – Platinum plan will meet the University of Memphis’s insurance requirements. Both of these plans are ultimately less costly than the plan offered by the University of Memphis and will meet all of their requirements. The cost of these plans for a student aged 18 to 24 is:
- Student Secure – Elite – $2,140.32 per year >> Apply Now
- Student Health Advantage – Platinum – $1,704 per year >> Apply Now
Updated August 7, 2020
5 Things To Do In Seoul
July 22nd, 2013 by Ross Mason
If you are an international student studying in Seoul, chances are you will be spending much of your time exploring Seoul as the capital city of South Korea. Here are 5 things to do in Seoul that you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to experience while you are studying there:
1. Gyeongbok Palace – Korea’s most famous royal palace, located at the northern end of Seoul’s main boulevard, Sejongro. Gyeongbok was built in the late 1300s, and since then has been destroyed and reconstructed numerous times. Tours conducted in English are available about three times every day, if you are interested in learning more about Korea’s court customs and architectural traditions.
2. Bugaksan – One of mountains that ring Seoul, located behind the President’s pad, Cheongwadae or Blue House. It is one of the best mountains to climb around Seoul. Trailheads take hikers through reconstructed 15th-century gates and along Seoul’s ancient fortress wall. You will have an amazing view of the capital from the top of the 112-ft. ascent, and follow in the footsteps of North Korean commandos who climbed the mountain in an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the president around 40 years ago.
3. Itaewon – A major draw for foreigners in Seoul, Itaewon is an expat-friendly neighborhood near the main US Army base. It is home to many bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops that sell everything from reproduction Korean furniture and tailored suits to jewelry and Korean pottery. Itaewon also houses one of the best clubs in the city, Club Volume, in the basement of the Crown Hotel.
4. Namdaemun Market – This is a fantastic place to pick up inexpensive clothing, houseware, fabrics, toys, jewelry, accessories, food, flowers, and appliances. It is seemingly open round the clock, and has thousands of stores located in around 30 multistory buildings, as well as innumerable street-vendor stalls.
5. War Memorial of Korea – Learn about the troubled history of Korea here, particularly its relationships with its near neighbors. It is not, strictly speaking, a memorial; it is actually a large military history museum, with tanks, planes, and guns on display.
If you would like to learn more about studying in South Korea, and all the South Korea International Student Insurance requirements please see our Korea page for more information.
Study Abroad Myths Exposed
July 19th, 2013 by Bryanna Davis
Studying abroad can sometimes get a bad reputation, depending on who you have talked to in the past about their experience. To clear the air and give this international adventure the reputation it deserves, we are going to de-bunk some common myths about studying abroad.
Study Abroad Myth 1: It Will Cost Too Much
While studying abroad might mean you have to worry about the exchange rate of the currency in your home country against your host country, this doesn’t always mean you can’t afford it. There are a number of financial aid options available that make becoming an international student a possibility including scholarships, loans and tuition waiver programs. Between finding aid and keeping to a budget, studying abroad doesn’t have to be a financial burden.
Study Abroad Myth 2: Studying Abroad is an Excuse to Party
A college experience is what you make of it. While there are study abroad students who enjoy going out and take full advantage of more lenient laws in countries abroad- this is not the case across the board. One of the benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to pursue a degree while experiencing a different educational approach. In fact, just the opposite of this myth is true, more than 80 percent of students who study abroad develop an increased interest in education according to a recent study conducted by the Institute for the International Education of Students.
Study Abroad Myth 3: I Won’t Graduate On Time
One of the benefits of studying abroad through your school is that you can have a great experience abroad and continue with your studies! To make sure your credits will transfer as needed, choose your classes and check beforehand that your school in your home country will approve them when you return home.
Study Abroad Myth 4: It’s Dangerous
Like any travel adventure, accidents can happen, when you study abroad it can be as safe or dangerous as you make it. It’s important to prepare ahead of time by checking travel warnings issued, purchasing study abroad insurance, and making a list of emergency contacts within your host country.
If you are still on the fence about studying abroad schedule an appointment with your school’s international student office. They will be able to provide you with further information on what you can expect from a journey abroad and if it’s a good option for you.
University of South Florida International Student Health Insurance 2013-2014
July 18th, 2013 by Ross MasonThe University of South Florida has selected ISI as a pre-approved insurance option for international students. Learn more and apply online to meet your school’s requirements.
Florida is a great destination for international students, a fantastic climate, great access to the Caribbean and South America – and of course some fantastic schools. The University if South Florida is one of them, and for students looking to study there – they will require you to have adequate insurance coverage in place before you can register for classes.
Like many schools, you can purchase the University of South Florida International Student Health Insurance plan, and as an international student, you are eligible for the Mandated/Supported Plan. This can be purchased through your school. However, you do have the option to waive out of their offered insurance plan and purchase your own insurance. This is very often the cheaper option, and therefore popular with international students who are living on a budget.
One such comparable plan is the Student Secure-USF plan. This plan meets all the requirements set by the University of South Florida, and is also less expensive than the Mandated/Supported Plan that the University of South Florida offers. For example, if you are an international student 24 years of age or younger:
Mandated/Supported Plan – $2,957 per year
Student Secure Select Plan – $741 per year
Saving you $2,215 per year!! Apply Online Now!
With the Student Secure plan, you can pay up front and purchase online with a debit or credit card. You may purchase coverage up to 364 days, with the possibility of renewal up to four years. The Student Secure-USF plan was built with the needs of international students and the requirements of The University of South Florida. You can even keep the plan while you are on OPT!
If you would like to learn more about the Student Secure-USF plan, please visit our website, or you can call our customer service team, any member of which will be more than happy to assist you. You can also learn more about the requirements and the steps to waive your schools insurance plan by visiting our University of South Florida International Student Insurance page.
International Student Health Insurance | University of Hawaii
July 15th, 2013 by Ross MasonInternational students studying at the University of Hawaii can enroll in the ISI insurance plan which will work for your school.
Hawaii is a huge draw for many international students as it is undoubtedly one of the most tropical destinations to study in the USA. It is for this reason that we see many students opting to study at the University of Hawaii and one of their main campus locations – either at the Manoa Campus, Hilo Campus or West O’ahu campus. Then there are all the community colleges that you can study at too that are part of the system as well; Hawaii, Honolulu, Kapi’olani, Kaua’i, Leeward, Maui and Windward – there is certainly not a lack of choice for students!
For those that do choose to study there, obtaining adequate international student insurance coverage for your time there is a requirement of all the schools – and they all have varying benefit levels you need to meet, which can be a little confusing.
However we are here to help – the Student Secure is an ideal solution that can be purchased online and works for all campuses. Benefits of the Student Secure include:
- Up to $5,000,000 policy maximum
- As low as $25 deductible in-network
- Doctors Visits/ Hospitalizations
- Maternity/ Mental Health
- Evacuation/ Repatriation
- Pre-existing condition coverage
The Student Secure plan starts at $97/ month for ages 24 and younger for the Select Level and moves up from there – you can also apply for coverage online directly through our website.
To find your specific schools insurance requirements, please see your school name below:
- University of Hawaii – Manoa
- University of Hawaii – Hilo
- University of Hawaii – West O’ahu
- Hawaii Community College
- Honolulu Community College
- Kapi’olani Community College
- Kaua’i Community College
- Leeward Community College
- Maui Community College
- Windward Community College
Please contact us if you need further assistance, our team are on hand to help you through the process.
Updated August 7th, 2020
Is Your Roommate Making You Depressed?
July 12th, 2013 by Jennifer Frankel
Being an international student comes with many challenges. You are far from home, adjusting to a brand new culture, and possibly having to operate using a second or third language. Many international students are accustomed to being high achieving students, and may underestimate the effect that culture shock and other adjustments may have no their academic success. Although studying internationally can be an exciting and rewarding experience, the challenges that it presents can become overwhelming. For this reason, international students are particularly vulnerable to depression.
Depression Study
In a recent paper published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science, psychologists Gerald Haeffel and Jennifer Hames examed the question, “Is your roommate making you depressed?” According to the report, results found that roommates can have strong effects – both positive and negative – on each other’s mental health.
Haeffel and Hames studied students’ reactions to doing poorly on a test; students who reacted with “catastrophic thinking” – who blamed themselves for doing poorly and imagined failing the test or even college entirely – were at a higher risk of depression than students who merely thought “I will do better next time,” and bounced back.
In the study, Haeffel and Hames measured the way students responded to these situations, then tracked pairs of roommates who had similar thinking styles and pairs who had different thinking styles. They then measured to see how these roommates affected each other.
The Results
The study showed that negative thinking was “contagious” – that if you came to college and your roommate had a very negative thinking style, your own thinking style became more negative. The reverse also proved to be true: students who tended to have more gloomy outlooks who were paired with roommates with cheery outlooks found themselves adopting their roommates’ more positive thinking styles. Haeffel compares this phenomenon to learning a language: if you are suddenly immersed in a culture in which everyone speaks a new language, you will pick up the language more easily. The same applies to moods.
Conclusion
International students might find it helpful to bear this in mind while adjusting to their new environment: positive thinking is contagious, not just your own, but others’ as well. Try not to let minor setbacks spiral into something bigger; remember that you are resilient, and you can bounce back. If at all possible, try to spend time with optimistic, cheerful people, not only because their moods might rub off on you, but also because there are genuinely enjoyable to be around. Also check out our top 5 tips for staying fit and healthy when abroad, your general well being physically will go a long way to helping you mentally!
NHS in the UK to Charge International Students
July 11th, 2013 by Ross Mason
Over this past week, Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary for the British Government has unveiled sweeping plans that could change the way international students interact and access the UK’s National Healthcare System, otherwise known as the NHS.
So why is the NHS in the UK to Charge International Students? Although hailed around the world as a prime example of nationalised healthcare, the British NHS does come under fire for long wait times to access medical care, and it is suffering from budget cuts. To combat this the health secretary has come up with new plans, amongst them the ones that will directly impact international students are:
- Restricting free healthcare for those from outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
- £200 per year fee for international students (unless they have private medical insurance)
- Improving how short term non-EEA are charged for services
- Improving the way charges are collected
Currently, if you are a short term visitor from outside the EEA, you should be charged for access to the NHS, but in theory this does not happen. This includes short term students studying courses such as English as a Second Language, so most likely these students will be impacted. The £200 fee per year for international students could also likely rise, and will be added to students visa application fees – unless they can show proof of private medical insurance.
The message appears to be clear from the British Government, they will be changing the way international students access healthcare in the UK so the best course of action would be to make sure you have an adequate private medical insurance plan. Not only will it provide many added services that the NHS does not provide, but you will be able to jump any wait times if you need medical care with private medical insurance. To learn more about UK International Student Insurance coverage for the UK, please visit our dedicated section for more information.
