Student Health Insurance

Planet College recently had a conversation with a charming Fashion Merchandising Major, Yiu, from Hong Kong. During out conversation we discussed many facets of her experience as an International Student in the USA. Chief among her concerns  paying for health care. Specifically her confusion  had stemmed from an incident which had ocurred over the recent Thanksgiving holiday.

With the campus nearly empty some students from the International Residence decided to try skateboarding, a popular pastime with many students on Yiu's campus.  With the way clear and large areas to operate the skate boards the students were having fun until one fell and cracked his wrist. It was obvious that this injury would need attention so the students went to the campus student health center which was closed due to the holiday.

From the campus the students traveled to a local pharmacy, part of a large national chain which also includes a wellness center for treating some minor illnesses. After a brief examination, for which the pharmacy charged $45.00, the examining nurse told the students that she was not qualified to treat an orthopedic injury.  Orthopedic is the USA medical term for bone treatment. The injured student was directed to a local walk-in medical clinic where he could receive proper care.  A walk-in clinic in the USA is a medical care facility which is open to anyone without an appointment but as the student's learned the hours of such a facility are often limited frequently from approximately 7 a. m. to 9 p.m. When the students finally found the place it was closed. A sign on the door explained that if the injury was an emergency they should go to the emergency room of a local hospital.

By this time several hours had passed since the injured students initial fall and the injured student was in great pain and feeling ill.  The small party of students found the hospital and located the emergency room which was crowded. An attendant took the name of the potential patient handed him several pages of paperwork to fill out and explained that someone would be with them.  By then it was nearly midnight and the waiting area was filled with sick and injured people. (continued)

International Students End of Term Checklist.

International Students are not different than most USA College Students.
The end of the term is here and there is plenty to do.

Planet College has previously posted an end of term reminder. You can find it here .

With Finals Upon Us.

With Finals now upon most campuses in the USA Planet College Presents an annual reminder about your safety and security on campus during this busy time.

You can read it here .  If this is your first term on a USA campus this information could be useful.

Day of Thanks Days of Celebration The USA Holiday Season

Your studies may still be in full swing but you are likely to notice student's thoughts and actions are turning to the upcoming series of holiday celebrations known as The  Holiday Season.

The first of these you are about to experience is known nationally as Thanksgiving Day. This is a day, always celebrated on the last Thursday in November, set aside to give thanks for blessings, benefits or the good fortune of living in the USA.   Because this day is the initial celebration of this Holiday Season period nearly every institution, and this probably includes your school, spreads the celebration through the weekend.  Although many businesses choose to close on Thanksgiving Day, most remain open during the following three days of the weekend.

Your campus may become empty during this period as this is often the first opportunity students have to return home to visit friends and celebrate with their family. Because this holiday involves eating and eating and eating and eating  Planet College has previously posted a warning about expectations vs. reality for students during this long weekend. This warning is posted here.

Basically it says if you are putting off work intending to get to it over the break get real. You won't. You will eat your self senseless and go on an extended snooze cruise. This is to be expected. This is what this holiday is for.  Take a break. Eat a lot. Kick back and be greatful you are in college in the USA.

Happy Thanksgiving from Planet College

Disney College Programs

The USA has been known as The Land Of Opportunity for over two centuries.  International Students find many exciting opportunities for education and adventure in the USA.

One American organization which has traditionally provided opportunities for students is The Disney Organizations. Disney offers a variety of programs for students wishing to experience the possibilities of a career in travel, entertainment or hospitality.

Details about these programs are available here.

International Students and Social Security or What is a Social Security Number?

If you have been in the USA for even a brief while you no doubt have heard the term Social Security and Social Security Number many times.  This post is to assist you in determining whether you need a USA Social Security Number and if so how to go about applying for one.

 If you have not learned as yet, Social Security is an American program which provides services and benefits to United States Citizens.  These programs and benefits are categorized and accessed by The Social Security Administration, a United States Government Agency.  In order to utilize these services a United States citizen must first of all obtain a Social Security Identification Number. This number is issued by that same agency. 

The number issued to an individual is also used by other organizations.  One in particular is the Internal Revenue Service, the IRS. Employers in the USA, are required to report employee's earnings using this number to identify the worker. If you are permitted to work during your stay in the USA you will need a Social Security Number.  If you would like more information of a Social Security Number and how you can apply for one use this link.

Mid-Term Madness

Planet College understands that International Students sometimes feel overwhelmed while pursuing their college degree in the USA.  With this in mind Planet College regularly presents reminders which can be particularly useful for International Students. Especially if this is your very first term in the USA.
 Here's another one.
During this period of time in your school's term there have likely been mid-term examinations. This period includes assignments due and projects which are required.  The surge of activity does not at all reach the fever pitch which you will witness at the end of this term. Still this period, right now, is significant for your progress this term.  If you have been following this site you know Planet College has a wealth of helpful tips, suggestions, guidelines and information for International Students like you. One entry here suggests you discuss with your instructors your progress. Click on that link to learn how you can assure you are progressing satisfactorily.