Foreign Diploma Evaluation

Recently I have received a number of requests to advise on foreign diploma evaluation services so I decided to post this information for everyone to read.

If you have a foreign diploma some employers and most of educational institutions will require for you to send them a foreign diploma evaluation report, i.e. a comparison of your diploma to an American equivalent so to speak.

Many agencies in the U.S. are licensed to do these evaluations and as I heard some of them charge astronomical fees. However, it is not necessary that you PAY these huge fees, I and all my friends did our diplomas evaluations through Educational Credentials Evaluations organization www.ece.org

I will cost you just 85 USD to get the general evaluation which will be good for most purposes (unless you are a health professional, in this case the fees are a bit higher). There are also some specific reports that they put together and fees are very transparent and reasonable.
Hope this information helps you!

Networking seminar

Saper Law’s Media Practice in Chicago is organizing an excellent event: it will teach you netowrking and, of course, you get to know people who will attend this seminar:

WHEN: Wednesday April 22, 2009, 11-30AM - 1.30PM
WHAT: Social Networking 101 seminar: How to use websites like Linked In, Twitter, and Facebook to develop new business, seek strategic partnerships, or simply establish yourself as an expert in a particular industry.

The keynote speaker will be Steve Fretzin, President of Networkingmonkey.com and Sales Results, Inc. Daliah Saper will also highlight some of the legal pitfalls associated with using social media to promote your business.

WHERE: Saper Law Offices, LLC 500 N. Dearborn , Suite 1200 Chicago , IL

Cost $15 with online registration, $25 at the door.
Lunch will be provided.

TO REGISTER: http://www.eventbrite.com/find-events?keyword=saper+law+offices

Media, Entertainment, Technolgy Summit

University of Chicago is organizing a great event tomorrow for those interested in media, entertainment and technology. The unique thing about this event is that they offer 50% discount for students. Here is there poster:

Media, Entertainment and Technology Summit 2009

Chicago Booth Harper Center, Hyde Park, ChicagoFebruary 27, 2009

Competing for Attention: Setting the Pace of the Media Space

IT'S TIME TO EXPLORE. . .
How the way you experience media and entertainment is changing
How technology is enabling these new experiences
How businesses and academics are thinking about these changing experiences and new technologies
IT'S TIME TO EXPERIENCE . . .
New types of media
New forms of entertainment
New technologies
IT'S TIME TO MEET . . .
Great business minds
Great academic minds
Interesting business colleagues across a wide spectrum of companies
Students keen on technology, media, and entertainment from a wide variety of disciplines and schools

More info and registration: http://www.metsummit.com/

FREE English language classes

Truman College in Chicago offers FREE adult education classes including English as a second language (ESL).

ESL program provides instruction for non-native speakers of English. ESL courses range from providing basic language and life skills for complete beginners to helping advanced students refine their English in preparation for higher education, vocational training, or a career. Reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar are included at all levels of instruction. Supplemental ESL classes are available in areas such as conversation, writing, and career development.

To enroll you have to be 18 years old or older.

For more information, please, visit their website: http://www.trumancollege.cc/adulted/ae_esl.php

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

The Instituto Cervantes

The Instituto Cervantes http://chicago.cervantes.es/en/default.shtmhas the same functions and provides the same services relative to the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking countries as Goethe Institut to German language and German-speaking countries (see my earlier posts).

The Institute Cervantes organize Spanish classes and various cultural events. The main activities include:

- Organizes the DELE (Spanish as a Foreign Language Exams).
- Issues official Spanish Language Certificates and Diplomas to our students.
- Organizes Spanish courses: general, skills, enrichment, specific purposes, for corporations, etc
- Offers professional development classes for teachers of Spanish.
- Supports Spanish Language and Culture researchers.
- Promotes cultural activities and events together with other organizations. In Chicago they cooperate with different institutions from Illinois, Spain and Latin America.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Lycee Francais de Chicago

This information will be helpful to international families with kids.

The Lycée Français de Chicago is a private, non- for-profit, coeducational day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Their mission is to prepare young people to be responsible global citizens by providing a dual- language education based on the French National Curriculum and complemented by an English Language Arts and American Studies program. The multicultural, dual- language curriculum not only enhances the students’ interpersonal, communications, and academic skills it also helps them distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive world.

In addition their Summer Camp offers immersion programs in 3 languages: English, French and German. It is an excellent international experience. There are multiple programs for kids ages 3 to 18 of all nationalities and levels of language proficiency. Some of them are designed not only to learn languages but also sports, leadership skills, etc.

For more information, please, visit: http://www.lyceechicago.org/

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

This information will be very helpful to people of Hispanic background who are thinking about financing their education or education on their children in USA.

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) http://www.hsf.net/ is the nation's leading organization supporting Hispanic higher education. Founded in 1975 as a not-for-profit organization, HSF's vision is to strengthen the country by advancing college education among Hispanic Americans. As an example, during the 2006-2007 academic year, HSF awarded nearly 4,200 scholarships exceeding $26.5 million.

The awards range from 1500 to 5000 USD. General eligibility requirements are simple: your family should be of a Hispanic heritage and being at least a legal resident (Green Card holder, not a citizen yet, though citizens, of course, are eligible by default) is enough to apply. There are also some specific requirements like GPA, for instance, which you can learn about in more detail on the HSF website.

The applications for 2008-2009 school year are now accepeted! So hurry up!

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Polish American Association

In Chicagoland there are a lot of organizations that service specific nationality/country groups. One of the most prominent orgnizations among European ones is the Polish American Association: http://www.polish.org/

This organization provides a comprehensive range of bilingual and bicultural programs and services to the Polish community in the areas of social services, education, employment, immigrant services, outreach and advocacy. It is especially notable that while most of PAA's clients are Polish immigrants, the organization is committed to serving anyone who is in need and it is especially famous for providing FREE employment services.

PAA has a lot of experience since it been in operation since 1922.

Here are examples of educational and employment services provided:
- English-as-a-Second Language and citizenship classes;
- literacy tutoring;
- vocational training for certified nursing assistants and Physical Rehabilitation Aid classes;
- office skills training;
- job development and placement;
- career counseling;
- computer literacy classes;
- computer lab.

PAA serves more than 3000 clients per month

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Network and Educate yourself with other women!

RBC Dain Rauscher organizes an educational and networking event for women:
Women, Wisdom and Wealth, a Seminar for Women Ready to take control of their finances Thursday, November 14th Tuesday, November 27th 12:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. 12:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.
The seminar will take place at 500 W. Madison Street Suite 2500 Chicago, IL 60661

The event is one hour.

The seminar will cover the following topics:
- Importance of having a life you love
- Prioritizing your finances
- Making your dream life a reality

Please RSVP to Jeff Simon at (312) 559-1704 or e-mail a response Seating is limited.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Graduate and Professional School Fair

This is a bit of a short notice but I have just received information about this great event:

3rd annual Chicago Graduate and Professional School Fair will take place on Tuesday, October 2 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine,
Chicago, Illinois 60607.

The UIC Pavilion is ½ block south of the Racine Street exit off of the CTA Blue line.

Meet 200 recruiters to learn about their schools/ programs, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities. Whether you are interested in an MBA, Law School, Medical School,
a PhD, Master's program or other professional degree, you will find contacts from across the country and abroad at the fair.

Follow this link http://www.vcsa.uic.edu/MainSite/departments/career_services/Students/Grad+Fair.htm to learn more about the participants pf the fair.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Dialogue on Diversity

Dialogue on Diversity http://www.dialogueondiversity.org/ is a nonprofit educational organization, an official NGO recognized by the United Nations. It is based in Washington D.C. and it organizes nationwide conferences, seminars, internships, and annual leadership award recognition as part of its larger program of entrepreneurship training and international exchange. It's mission is: "The social and political advancement of women and men from diverse cultural, ethnic, and national traditions, fostering increased economic empowerment through promotion and development of entrepreneurial excellence, technology training, networking, and education."

I already posted information about an event put together by Dialogue:
http://legalaliensguide.blogspot.com/2007/06/dialogue-on-diversity-symposium.html But now I wanted to draw your attention to organization itself. The programs it offers are great for both entrepreneurs and those working for someone else. The issues they address directly concern legal aliens here in the U.S. because all of them constitute the diverse strata of American population.

Also it is important to point out that a lot of their events are free of charge (like the aforesaid 1 day Diversity Symposium that took place in Chicago in July). They also provide you with free newsletters. It is worthwhile monitoring their website for up-coming programs and events in your area and may be even become a member.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

ComEd Scholarship Fund 2007

The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement in partnership with ComEd, an Exelon Company plan to assist Illinois Latino students in furthering their educational goals. ComEd committed to award five qualified recipients a $2,500 scholarship check each in October 2007.

Eligibility Requirements
- Latino students who are Illinois residents
- High school seniors who are expected to graduate in Spring 2008
- College freshmen, sophomores, juniors & seniors who are expected to graduate in spring 2008
- Minimum 3.0 grade point average
- Documented community service
- College studies include or will include: Accounting, Business/Business Administration/Management, Chemistry, Communications, Computer Science, Engineering, Law/Pre-Law, Liberal Arts, Math, Media Relations or Physics

Deadline for application: August 24, 2007

More information and the application form is at: http://www.hace-usa.org/scholarships/ComEd%20scholarship.doc

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide

http://www.legalaliensguide.com

"Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success"

Under this name an anual national conference will take place in Chicago, IL on October 20-22, 2007 organized by Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). It is organized as a forum for both students and professionals to discuss issues of higher education.

Undergraduate, graduate and professional school students from colleges and universities throughout the Americas are invited from all academic disciplines. Arrive with resumes to discuss career, internship, research and advanced education opportunities. Special Student Track Workshops, Leadership Forums, Student Mixers and a Career Fair will be part of HACU’s 21st Annual Conference.

Students conference rate is 299 USD but before August 10, 2007 you can apply for a Conference Scholarship that will cover the cost of:
(1) conference registration;
(2) travel and lodging for out-of-state students;
(3) conference-related meals; and
(4) conference-sponsored entertainment events.

However the admission to Career Fair only is always FREE and open to all students.

For more information contact Student Track Coordinator: (207) 692-3805, studenttrack@hacu.net

The detailed information aboiut the event and how to apply for scholarships is available at http://www.hacu.net/

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

College Recruiter

It is difficult to be an alien not knowing what to do and where to turn to especially if you are at a turning point in your life: graduating from high school or college. College Recruiter http://www.collegerecruiter.com/ is the best website I saw so far for young people, fresh graduates looking for that important first position as well as high school graduates looking for information about higher education.

Information the site offers for high school seniors:
1. Colleges and universities
2. Student loans
3. Advice on exciting new majors that a student can choose, such as biomedical photography or biomedical engineering

Information for college graduates:
1. Lists of available jobs on the site
2. Information on employers and from employers as well as information on recruiters and from recruiters
3. Useful links on such topics as: salary reports, resume writing and distribution, personality assessment, industry magazines and many others

And these are just the examples of numerous other useful resources that are on this site.

Finally, there is a section of the site that will be useful for everyone: the site supports various blogs. The authors of the blogs are various experts: admission counselors, career counselors, resume experts, internship experts, networking experts (yours truly was honored to be included as an author of the career-related blog).

The site is also very user-friendly and it is constantly up-dated with new information.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Education in USA - FREE seminar

This information will be extrememly valuable for those who plan to study in USA or send their children to study in USA.

Ask any American parent and he will confirm that it is a tremendously difficult task of sending one's kid to college. Preparations take months (sometimes years) and the end result costs a lot of money, especially if a child doesn't graduate in 4 years but carry on studying for 1-2 extra years.

If it is very difficult for an American to deal with this task it is 100 times more difficult for a newcomer to USA to go through this process (oneself or with one's kids). The whole system of education and the process of applying and then studing in a US colledge/university is unfamiliar and complicated. Therefore I strongly recommend attending the following FREE seminar (available for those residing in Chicagoland area):

What Parents Don't Know About College Can Jeopardize Their Child's Future and Cost Them Tens of Thousands of Dollars!

Seminar Topic: Successfully Graduating from College in 4 Years
Sponsored by: Fifth Third Bank and Application2Graduation
Date: May 10 (Thursday) and May 15 (Tuesday) 6:00pm
Location: Fifth Third Bank,1801 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows IL 60008

Seating Limited. (RSVP: 866-605-0728)

College Board study shows since 2000, 50% of students drop out of college in first 2 years. 80% of those who stay in college takes 6 years to graduate.
Extra 2 years of college funding easily adds over $50,000 to the financial responsibility of the parents. At the same time, it takes away 2 years of earning potential from the child. This double jeopardy is taking a toll on the America's middle class. Organization such as Application2Graduat ion is leading an effort to turn this tide.

Internet sites with information on college graduation:
www.ncaa.org/grad_rates
www.collegeresults.org
www.application2graduation.com

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com