Every year, preventable diseases strike thousands of people in the U.S., including international students. National Immunization Awareness Month is a campaign held each August to highlight the importance of vaccinations and how they can prevent certain, often highly contagious diseases.

For international students, receiving certain immunizations should be an utmost priority. Viruses and bacteria exist in almost all environments, and some of them are extremely contagious and travel quickly. Having the proper vaccination before a college term begins can prevent or significantly reduce the effects of serious illness.

College students who live and socialize in dorms, cafeterias, and large classrooms are at high risk of certain contagious viruses and bacterial agents. Each state and college will have different entry requirements that serve as minimum immunization standards. As a student, you’ll need to have your immunization records checked to see if you’ll need additional vaccines before school begins. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following three vaccines for traditional-aged college students.

Meningitis vaccine

Outbreaks of meningitis, a severe, life-threatening bacterial infection, have occurred on campuses throughout the country. Meningitis causes acute inflammation and swelling around the brain and spinal cord triggering symptoms such as headaches, fever, seizures, sensitivity to light, and stiff necks. The disease releases toxins in the blood that reduces the flow of oxygen to major organs and limbs.

According to the CDC, between January 2013 to May 2018, 10 university outbreaks occurred in seven states resulting in 39 cases with two deaths. All of these cases were a result of unvaccinated students, except for one who, tragically, received the vaccination only a few days before being infected.

A Meningitis vaccine covers different strains of the disease. Because of the increased infection risk on campus, many colleges require proof of vaccination, and many states have mandated the immunization. The Immunization Action Coalition provides state-specific information.

Tdap and Td vaccine booster

Tdap protects against pertussis (commonly known as whooping cough), tetanus and diphtheria. Many children routinely receive one dose of the Tdap vaccine around age 11 or 12; however, if not administered previously, college-bound international students should receive the vaccine. A Td vaccine booster is recommended every 10 years to offer continued protection against tetanus and diphtheria.

Influenza

Influenza, or the flu, can cause a normally healthy international college student to be stricken with high fever, headaches, muscle aches, and coughing. You can contract the flu any time but, in the United States, the highest occurrences happen during “flu season,” which begins in the fall and ends at the start of spring. Catching the flu may affect students academically forcing them to miss extended class time.

The seasonal flu vaccine, which usually becomes available each year in September, can protect students from catching the flu, or may result in a milder case. College students should be able to get the vaccine in the campus health center or at a local pharmacy.

As an international student, immunization awareness is the first step of protecting yourself from a very unwelcomed ailment. National Immunization Awareness Month is the perfect time to ask which vaccinations you need to receive.

The most important thing for all students, including internationals, is to be protected as much as possible against illnesses that have vaccinations. Academic success is much easier if you are in good health! Every state and every school are different. Check with your student health center or international office to see what your school’s requirements are. LewerMark covers a number of immunizations for our schools that offer a wellness benefit.

Lounging on the couch to watch television is a dull way to spend the summer months. If you are an international student studying in the U.S. for the summer, there are countless opportunities for some fun in the sun. So, put down that TV remote, get off the couch, and learn how to avoid the summer bummers.

Baseball: The American Pastime

The sport of baseball is considered “America’s pastime” for good reason. Watching this sport is a summer passion for families across the nation. The crack of the bat, the cheering crowds, the sizzling hotdogs, and the ice-cold drinks make baseball a great way to spend a summer day or evening.

Baseball is America’s oldest game, starting in 1839. Today, two divisions of baseball exist: Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MILB). MLB is the top professional level, while MILB (and its various classifications) is the level below. Both leagues have teams in numerous cities across the country all with a full schedule of summer games. To attend and become a baseball fan yourself follow this link for MLB or this link for MILB. My tip for the best game day experience—wear a team jersey to the game, try a hotdog with everything on it, and enjoy the sights and sounds. “PLAY BALL!”

Attend A Local Fair

State and county fairs often occur in the summer and are one of the best ways to explore American culture as an international student.

What is a fair? In the 19th century, U.S. fairs were an event to share agricultural techniques and aid in spreading education. (Check out this interesting history of fairs link). While fairs today retain some educational value of the past, they mainly attract people with entertaining attractions including amusement rides, exhibits, car shows, etc.

Attractions at a fair often include:

• Fair food—Rarely seen other times of the year, these foods are uniquely American. Traditional fair foods include hot dogs, turkey legs, funnel cakes, cotton candy, and any food you can think of in a fried form. I recommend fried Oreos.
• Carnival games—Try your hand at various carnival games to win prizes such as stuffed animal toys. Time-honored game options include balloon darts, water shooting, milk bottle toss, and more.
• Amusement park rides—Thrill seekers can find a different assortment of rides at each fair, but a Ferris wheel is a classic option.
• 4-H Competition—Most fairs will feature young farmers and ranchers showcasing the livestock they have raised to earn competitive show titles for their animals. Each fair has specific events for different animal species; some even have pig races!

Follow this link to see fairs and festivals near you.

Visit A National Park

Why did you decide to study abroad? Was it to become more culturally aware? Travel? Learn? Visiting America’s National Parks can fulfill those goals and more. The National Parks are what many consider to be “America’s Best Idea.” Every year, these natural cathedrals attract millions of tourists to their breathtaking landscapes and awe-inspiring beauty.

The most popular parks include:

• Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona receives global recognition for its unique landscape and offers visitors a wide variety of sites. The park separates into three sections: The South Rim, North Rim, and Skywalk. Each area offers distinct attractions for park visitors.
• Yosemite National Park in California features a glacial valley framed by 4,000-foot granite mountains that include Half Dome and El Capitan. The views from Glacier Point are unforgettable. Other popular spots include Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Falls, Wawona Tunnel View, and many others.
• Sequoia National Park in California is home to the largest trees on the planet. Due to preservation efforts, horseback or hiking is the best way to experience the majestic landscape this park has to offer. Visit this park to see the Giant Forest Museum, Crystal Cave, and Mineral King.
• Yellowstone National Park is located mainly in the northwest corner of Wyoming and is American’s first National Park. Geographic positioning above a supervolcano allows for hundreds of geysers and other natural phenomena to occur. Yellowstone is a hotspot (pun intended) for many activities from hiking, horseback riding, to watching bison and grizzly bears. Among the hundreds of attractions include Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful geyser, and Grand Prismatic Spring.

Visit the National Park Service or the National Park Foundation website to see what parks are near you!

Experience Independence Day

July 4 is Independence Day, the biggest holiday of the summer. This patriotic day honors the 1776 Declaration of Independence of the American colonies from England and is considered the birthday of the nation. This holiday is a time Americans gather with friends and family to celebrate freedom. While this may not be a celebration of freedom for your home, don’t worry, you are encouraged to get involved with the celebration!

Check out these common ways to celebrate Independence Day:

• Fireworks—Independence Day is not a “quietly observed” national holiday. It’s explosive, literally, with fireworks! Beautiful displays light up the sky the preceding week of the holiday. Go with college friends and watch a local firework display. If you want to shoot fireworks yourself, be sure to check your local firework laws and review firework safety guidelines first.
• Barbecue—Many Americans host a barbecue cookout for friends and family to enjoy on Independence Day. A typical July Fourth barbecue offers hamburgers or hotdogs with various sides including fruit, chips, and many desserts. As a guest at a barbecue, be sure to prepare an appetizer to share at the party. These foods are a great option, click the link here for fun patriotic recipes.

Get Up and Go!

Instead of camping on the couch, optimize the time you have left as an international student. Ten years from now, you probably will not recall a movie you watched, but you will remember an action-packed getaway during the summer you learned about American culture and history. Get up and take advantage of the opportunity for adventure in this expansive country. As you walk across the fairgrounds with a funnel cake in one hand and carnival game prize in the other, you’ll be glad you read this blog.

Jocelyn Elders, a pediatrician, and former United States Surgeon General once said, “You can’t educate a child who isn’t healthy, and you can’t keep a child healthy who isn’t educated.”

Although you probably don’t consider yourself a “child” anymore, the quote relates to you as an international student studying here in America. It is easy to eat instant mac and cheese and hamburgers every day—especially if the foods you are used to in your home country are unavailable—but this can affect your physical and mental well-being while in school. Luckily, there are ways to stay healthy and resources available to you so that you can focus on what you came here for—your education.

You probably know what you should and should not eat to avoid becoming overweight, but food can affect more than just body weight. Let’s take a quick look at how your physical, mental, and emotional health are connected and how to balance and maintain all aspects of your health while you are in school.

How Unhealthy Food Affects Your Mood

We know that fast, processed foods seem like an easy solution while you are busy keeping up with class work, making friends and experiencing the culture in the U.S. However, eating an unhealthy diet for a long period of time can affect your ability to function socially and academically.

There is plenty of research linking an unhealthy diet to symptoms of depression over a long period of time. Studies show food can contribute to the development, prevention, and management of mental health issues, from mood swings to depression and anxiety disorders. A study about dietary patterns and depression risk states, “A dietary pattern characterized by high consumption of red and/or processed meat, refined grains, sweets, high-fat dairy products… and low intakes of fruits and vegetables is associated with an increased risk of depression.”

Eating Healthy While Studying in the U.S.

If you eat unhealthy food on occasion you will not spiral into a deep depression, especially if you normally eat a healthy diet and exercise—so don’t worry if you ate a cheeseburger or pizza with your friends recently.

However, it is important to be aware of what you are eating on a regular basis and try to maintain a balanced diet. Here are some positive ways to maintain your diet as an international student:

• Eat at set intervals throughout the day
• Avoid refined sugars and processed foods
• Eat more whole grains
• Include protein at each meal
• Eat a variety of foods
• Eat plenty of vegetables (we know they can be expensive,
  but you can buy frozen if you are on a tight budget)
• Include Omega-3 rich foods, like oily fish, in your diet
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
• Avoid alcohol entirely or limit your consumption if over the age of 21
• Get regular exercise

Maintaining Mental Balance

Maybe you already eat a healthy diet and exercise as often as you can, but you are still having trouble with the stress of school and feelings of loneliness or being homesick. Please know, you are not alone. There are things you can do to improve your state of mind and resources for you to use.

Maintain a Solid Sleep Schedule

Sleep is extremely important. It removes toxins and organizes your brain. A good night’s sleep of at least seven hours will make you more alert in class and less irritable the next day. You will find that you have a clearer head and can have better focus. You also will not become as easily frustrated when a challenging assignment or situation arises.

We know that it can be hard to avoid studying for a test until the late hours of the night, but try your best to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day as much as possible.

Avoid Isolating Yourself

Humans need interaction to survive. As an international student, you don’t have to take part in every activity the college has going on, but finding other students with similar interests through events and clubs is a great way to combat feelings of loneliness in a new country and start making friends.

Take Time to Breathe

Sometimes taking time to meditate for five to ten minutes or even taking a few deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed can make a world of difference when you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. You can find guided meditation videos on Youtube if you want to incorporate into your routine.

Organize Your Thoughts

You have A LOT going on. Keeping track of everything you need to get done in a week or even a day can be very overwhelming. Take some time to make a schedule and a “to do list” that can help alleviate some of that stress because everything you have to do in the near future is right in front of you. You don’t have to write down every little thing; you may not even accomplish everything on your list and that is completely okay! The important thing is that you have everything down on paper.

Ask for Help When You Need It

Remember that you do not have to handle everything on your own, especially when it comes to your health. Your international student advisor is there to help you navigate this transition and wants you to thrive and succeed as a student while in school.

If you are feeling stressed out, lonely, or find that depression and anxiety are starting to affect your well-being, ask your advisor what resources are available to you. They can:

1. Tell you what the next steps are to get you healthy
2. Put you in contact with professional counseling services (if available)
3. Help you understand your options when it comes to getting healthcare here in the U.S.

If your school does not provide health insurance plans to international students, feel free to share our ebook “Why Schools Should Provide International Students With Group Health Insurance” with your advisor.

You know the student. The one who has just arrived in the United States with limited knowledge of the culture and is apprehensive of what awaits. English may not be his or her first language and he or she may have trouble expressing their thoughts and concerns. The student may even break down right there at your desk from the stress of trying to juggle everything as he or she seeks an education in our country.

Hexiang Dong, a Chinese international student at the University of Missouri-Columbia, shared details of her battle with serious depression. “When I have problems…I just force myself to deal with it, but sometimes it’s just beyond my emotion ability,” Dong said in an interview with CGTN America, an international language news channel based in Washington, D.C.

Many students like Dong benefit greatly from having professional counselors readily available to them while they are attending college in the U.S.

Having someone an international student can talk to

The international student population experiences an array of challenges including language barriers, difficulty making American friends, academics, social distractions, and difficulties in psychological and sociological adjustment to their new environment.

It is important to make international students feel welcome and to do that we must understand their needs. These needs could include anything from navigating student debt to feeling homesick because the food they enjoyed at home is not available.

Some international students cope extremely well right out of the airport gate while others may require a little more support during their transition to a new culture.

As a longtime international student advocate, LewerMark understands the complex feelings these students endure and develops alternatives to help them adapt to their adopted surroundings. For instance, our exclusive partnership with Lifeworks My Student Support Program (My SSP) is designed to help international students who are having trouble acclimating to life in America by matching students with support in their own, native language and culture.

“With a significant number of students choosing to study outside of their home country, this offering is increasingly important for schools to extend to their students,” said Matthew McEvoy, Senior Director of Lifeworks said. “By encouraging international students to seek support in times of need, together we can decrease the stigma and enhance the overall student experience.”

Expressing Concerns to Native Speakers Who Understand

International students seeking support want to hear a familiar language because it is much easier for them to express themselves in their native language—as it is for all of us.

Lifeworks easily integrates with existing campus resources and connects students to licensed, professional counselors who speak their native languages and understand the obstacles that come with being immersed in a new culture. The multidisciplinary network of expert counselors can identify presenting problems or needs as they arise.

Immediate support is available in six core languages and ongoing support is provided in more than 60 languages via app, chat, web, telephone and video 24/7. This is beneficial to you as an international advisor because chances are, you do not speak all of the languages that your international students do.

Expanding Social Networks and Avoiding Cultural Loneliness

“Cultural loneliness” occurs from the loss of native culture and language. Oftentimes cultural loneliness is not eased by social support in the target country, which may be why international students often lean on and form friendships primarily with those who know their native culture and language for consolation  Patron, M. (2014). Loss and loneliness among international students. Psychology Journal, 11(1), 24-26

Getting help from a professional, licensed counselor who knows the international student’s culture and fluently speaks his or her language can help a student combat cultural loneliness. The counselor can encourage the student to expand their social circle and interact with other students who are not from their country of origin. This social interaction can help keep the student from drifting into isolation from others and avoiding student activities.

Reducing the Effects of Homesickness

If homesickness is not addressed, it could snowball into larger forms of depression that can affect the student’s performance. Homesickness can arise from something as simple as missing the food or music from back home.

Although some colleges are trying to incorporate more familiar food choices and diverse cultural events on their campuses, some students still do not feel comfortable in their new environment and feel homesick.

We believe that international students should not have to handle their struggle with homesickness alone and it is an issue that needs to be addressed. Click here to learn more about how homesickness affects international students.

Professional Counseling and International Student Health Insurance

“Many health insurance plans offer mental health benefits with meaningful coverage, but the real value to an international student is having the ability to speak with a provider in that student’s native language and when the need is immediate,” said Mike Lewer, President and CEO of LewerMark. “LewerMark’s focus has always been to protect international students with meaningful insurance coverage and high-quality service. Lifeworks focus on preventative support to foster student wellbeing makes this a perfect fit. We are pleased to provide this robust offering to our student population and to continue to improve the lives of students studying at our partner institutions.”

The Lifeworks My SSP program addresses mental health challenges that are not found in traditional health insurance packages for international students, such as:

• Struggling with peer pressure, loneliness, stress, depression, and/or anxiety
• Dealing with financial stress that can occur from tuition and other expenses while in school including debt advice and management
• Balancing important responsibilities while experiencing a new culture
• Coping with bereavement, harassment, eating disorders, substance abuse, gambling, domestic violence, and gay/lesbian/gender issues
• Dealing with pregnancy and childcare issues

If you are interested in learning more about My SSP and other features of LewerMark’s international student insurance plan, you can contact: Jeff Foot, Ed.D, Executive Director of LewerMark, 800.821.7715, ext. 112 or via email at [email protected].

At LewerMark, because we handle insurance for international students, the beginning of the school year is the time we start to see an increase in insurance claims. Some of these first claims will often involve students suffering from gastrointestinal complaints.

One of the biggest adjustments international students have to make when studying in the U.S. is dietary changes. Many students will have gastrointestinal issues after switching from their country’s food to an American culture diet, which is typically higher in fat and sugar. While colleges cannot determine what an individual student can or cannot eat, there are ways to expand the choices for international students so the change doesn’t have to be so abrupt.

Dietary Changes Can Lead to Serious Health Issues

For LewerMark, one of the worst cases we have seen occurred when a student from Southeast Asia was diagnosed with acute gastritis after her first week of school. She was initially treated for constipation, but after time, she developed liver problems, sepsis, and pancreatitis. The student was enrolled for one year and four months before returning to her home country. While this is an extreme example, almost all international students will experience some degree of dietary changes.

Because the western culture diet is higher in fat and sugar, these changes can be responsible for health consequences such as weight gain (most common), increased blood glucose levels, increased cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and even mental health problems.  

The Typical College Meal Plan

I looked at a few sample menus at different universities, some of the menu choices are:

Fajita bar                            Deli Bar                    Fish and chips                  Grilled cheese

Philly Cheesesteak          Cheeseburger         Cheese quesadilla          Mac and cheese

Pasta                                   Desserts like brownies, cookies, & cake        Soda

Typical Asian diets revolve around rice, chicken or fish, a wide variety of vegetables, broth-based soups and nuts. These choices don’t usually match what is on the dorm menus of most US colleges.  

Almost Every Student’s Eating Habits Change at College

A study in the Journal of International Students – The Factors That Influence Dietary Habits Among International Students in the United States – showed that there are several changes to dietary habits such as: skipping breakfast, eating fewer fruits and vegetables, and convenience food consumption. It is important to note these are universal among college-age students and are not specific to international or domestic students. However…  

International Students’ Diets Change Even More

International students face several unique dietary challenges such as: the limitation in the food availability and access; and consequences of dietary habit changes specifically related to international students’ dietary habits as a result of adapting to the U.S. culture. There are several factors that may contribute to these changes, including campus environment, individual preferences, and food environment (the place where food is obtained, food prices, community characteristics, restaurant proximity, and store availability). Knowledge of food practices and preferences of international students from various ethnic groups is necessary to provide effective nutrition education to an increasingly diverse population.  

7 Solutions for Universities to Offer Familiar Foods

This same study offered these suggestions for universities to facilitate a healthy food environment that is culturally appropriate for international students:

1. Teach international students about healthy food choices available in the United States.
2. Work with the food service companies to offer a wider variety of dietary options for international students.
3. Bring together local farmers’ markets with food service companies on campus. Ethnic food stores could be invited to participate as well; it may be beneficial for all parties to implement a system in which each store corresponds with a day of the week. This fixed schedule would help students remember when they could obtain certain traditional foods, and it would also encourage the merchants to devote one day per week to the success of this endeavor.
4. Create more access to kitchens. International students would benefit from having a kitchen available in their dormitories.
5. Increase awareness of international and ethnic food stores in addition to American grocery stores. It is important to let students of all backgrounds, especially internationals, know the array of available food options and be introduced to their new food environment.
6. Provide shuttle services that incorporate routes to diverse places, including international stores and restaurants.
7. Partner with area businesses to provide students with more flexible meal plan spending options in which students could use the university food allotment at local grocers and restaurants.

Implementing new dietary programs and practices would be beneficial for both the university and the student body. The university will attract more international students and thus increase its diversity. Plus, both the American students and the international students could benefit from these changes. In the meantime, we can encourage students to seek out new restaurants, grocery stores, and try to make the healthiest decisions they can when it comes to what they eat. In the meantime, we can encourage students to seek out new restaurants, grocery stores, and try to make the healthiest decisions they can when it comes to what they eat.

Tax time is almost here. At LewerMark, we know the US tax system is very complicated, especially for international students. If you are an international student studying the in the United States, here are some things to assist you with tax preparation:

Did you know…

• Did you know that all international students must file an 8843 form?  Click here for a link to the PDF.

• Did you know that Sprintax can help international students with their federal and state taxes? Click here to learn more.

 Here are some additional facts that may be of interest to you.

• India and the US have an income tax treaty. With the change to the tax laws in 2018, students from India are able to claim a higher standard deduction on their non-resident form from $6,350 to $12,000.

• The tuition waiver is now taxable in 2018. Before 2018, tuition waivers under 529{c} were considered non-taxable and non-reportable. That is no longer the case.

• You can no longer pay for previous state taxes during the current tax year.

• Miscellaneous itemized deductions are no longer allowed. Expenses such as tax preparation fees, investment expenses, deposit boxes, etc., used to be itemized deductions. Beginning this year, that is no longer the case.

• Moving expenses are not allowed, except if the taxpayer is an employee of the US military.

• Expenses for personal casualty loss and theft are not allowed, except if they are under disaster area rules.

If you (or your international students) have questions about any of the above or any other tax-related questions, it will be important for you to contact a qualified tax professional, like those at Sprintax. Remember to act soon; the deadline to file your 2017 taxes is Tuesday, April 17.

LewerMark teams up with Lifeworks to help unique mental health issues faced by international students

The term is coming to an end. You sit at your desk in the International Office and the following situation presents itself. A student has been reported vomiting frequently in their housing unit. When asked about the vomiting, the student complains of stomach problems due to the food and resists help from campus resources or suggestions to go to the hospital. The student is a second-year student from Asia, but that is all the staff report outside of an English given name. The student has agreed to meet you, their international advisor, and is now ready to see you…

I greatly admire the commitment international students have to leave their families and culture to study in another country. During my 17 years in academia, I’ve counseled my fair share of international students experiencing homesickness, trying to learn a new culture or the finer points of English idioms.  What does feeling under the weather mean anyway?

BUT every so often, there is a student who needs much more help. She or he may be a high risk for self-inflicted harm.  Whether the situation is an assumed eating disorder, extreme depression brought on by cultural isolation, or the student has contracted an STD and cannot deal with the thought of living with it; the amount of skill, cultural insight, or language transfer may exceed what you or your campus resources can offer.

These—and more complex and dire—situations for advisors in offices serving international students or students studying abroad are why LewerMark’s partnership with Lifeworks is important for you and your students. Lifeworks has licensed counselors who are cultural experts, linguistically matched to the international student population. Their counselors have a minimum of a Master’s degree in a counseling-related field and a minimum of five years’ experience. They are available 24/7 with counseling in 60-plus languages and digital content in Simplified Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, Arabic, and English through app-based features like chat, e-mail, or phone. This service is known as the International Student Support Program, ISSP for short and higher education campuses that have our insurance plans will have this campus-integrated service providing a layer of support that many of schools do not have the resources to deploy.

Research has shown that international students face multiple mental health challenges, but are generally less likely to reach out early for campus-based support and guidance. However, if an international student wants to reach out for support, he or she likely will use their smartphone in some manner. According to a Gallup Poll Survey, 68 percent of young adults aged 18-29 text as their primary form of communication.

Our goal at LewerMark is to be a trusted companion to our partner schools striving to support international students to graduate and contribute to their global community. Unlike some insurance programs, we WANT students to use the ISSP because it can:

• increase international student on campus engagement with support and success structures
• increase enrollment retention of international students
• have favorable treatment outcomes for international students
• lower treatment dropout by international students

For our partners, the student waiting outside the door will face a professional prepared to manage the situation with a wealth of professional skills and the added knowledge that ISSP is there to assist.

A quote that has really resonated with me throughout the years is, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” by St. Theresa of Calcutta.

For the past several months, we have seen some challenging moments in our nation and around the world that are creating “ripples” in our schools, communities, businesses, and even in our homes. As a mother, wife and business professional, it can feel very overwhelming! Lately, I have been focused on keeping my family healthy in mind, body, and spirit.

Naturally, when thinking about the well-being of myself and my family, my mind wanders to the international students we serve at LewerMark and the hurdles they face when coming to this country, as well as the study abroad students who venture overseas. I admire them tremendously given the courage they display to be globally mobile during these turbulent times. There are a multitude of stressors in students’ lives today with balancing school, learning a new culture, and dealing with a constant stream of social media and news updates surrounding problems locally and abroad.

At LewerMark, we offer resources to our international students to combat these obstacles, such as Student Assist and MyNurse 24/7®. Student Assist, a mental health counseling service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no extra cost. There is no limit to the number of issues for which students may use the service and has translation assistance available as well. MyNurse 24/7® is a live medical hotline available for students to speak with a registered nurse about their health. The nurses are available to help students decide what their best choices are for care, day or night.

One of our main goals at LewerMark is to make your life easier while being committed to the total well-being of your students. We offer this network of services to help alleviate some stressors from your daily life.

Here are some more helpful links below for managing stress and staying well.

Ten Things You Can Do for Your Mental Health  (University of Michigan)

Health Check and Wellness Toolbox (Gonzaga University)

Mindfulness and Meditation Offer Health Benefits (Gonzaga University)

Expert Strategies for Staying Healthy at College

By Erin Caswell

International students face a host of challenges when they decide to study in another country. Scholarships can make a big difference for international students and how much they enjoy their stay. Here is a list of scholarship sites for your international students to peruse.

International Financial Aid and Scholarship Search Has a HUGE Scholarship Database

At IEFA, their mission is “to promote international education worldwide through the development and publication of the most comprehensive database of International Education Financial Aid information available on the Internet.”

Here you will find the most comprehensive college scholarship search and grant listings, plus international student loan programs and other information to promote study abroad. It even features contests and awards, financial aid opportunities for student loans, and even a resources tab that tells them how to use the site the most efficiently. Spread the word to your international students!

Find out more here: https://www.iefa.org/

Looking to Support Master’s Programs? Try the Fulbright Fellowship!

In 1945, Senator J. William Fulbright introduced a bill in the United States Congress that called for the use of surplus war property to fund the “promotion of international good will through the exchange of students in the fields of education, culture and science.”

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program operates in more than 155 countries worldwide. Approximately 4,000 foreign students receive Fulbright scholarships each year.

Find out more here: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/

Have students from Latin America and the Caribbean? Direct them to OAS Scholarships!

The Rowe Fund is an educational loan program of the Organization of American States (OAS) that helps citizens from Latin America and Caribbean OAS Member States finance their studies or research in accredited universities across the United States by awarding interest-free loans of up to US$15,000 dollars. Rowe Fund loans include the following benefits:

• Deferred repayment while in school
• No application or processing fees
• Applications are accepted and reviewed year-round and at any time during the studies in the U.S.
• Funding is sent directly to the student after approval
• Easy access to Loan Application Forms and instructions

Find out more here: http://www.oas.org/en/rowefund/default.asp

Students from One of these Thirteen Developing Countries Can Get Scholarships from Aga Khan Foundation

The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies, in order to develop effective scholars and leaders and to prepare them for employment, primarily within the AKDN.

Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant/50% loan basis through a competitive application process. The Foundation gives priority to requests for Master’s level courses but is willing to consider applications for PhD programs.

The Foundation accepts applications from nationals of the following countries:

In the US, France, Portugal, UK, and Canada, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above developing countries and are interested in development-related studies, but who have no other means of financing their education.

Find out more here: 

http://www.akdn.org/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation/international-scholarship-programme

CGTrader Hosts a Borderless Essay Contest for Three Thousand Dollars!

CGTrader is the largest 3D model marketplace backed by the strong designer community of more than one million members. CGTrader was founded with the goal to ensure fair marketplace conditions for 3D designers. Each semester CGTrader challenges students to write an essay on how innovative technologies are transforming our lives.

The eligibility requirements are simple; applicants must be high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students with a GPA of at least 2.5 and must be enrolled full time in an academic institution. The best submission will be awarded $2,000 while the two runners-up will receive $500 each.

Find out more here: https://www.cgtrader.com/scholarships