With more and more parents having to work full time jobs, after school activities are becoming exceedingly popular. Not only do these after school programs offer educational and training options for children, it teaches them social skills, computers skills, engagement in community services and so on. It acts as a learning environment for children who can develop physically, as well as emotionally, in these after school centers.

Types of After School Programs and Training Options

Education and Training

The primary purpose of after school programs is to provide additional educational programs that are either unavailable or not adequately represented in their regular school activities. In these programs after school, children learn to become computer savvy, are helped with math advancement, and improve their reading and writing abilities. Often, book clubs and writing centers are organized within these after school centers.

Development of Social Skills

In this growing stage, it is very important for children to interact with all kinds of people in different environments to improve their social skills. These after school programs organize activities that train them as future leaders and instill confidence in them. Furthermore, ‘no drugs’ and ‘no alcohol’ training activities educate them on the harmful effects drug and alcohol abuse.

Community and Cultural Development

These after school centers encourage children to get involved in their community to instill a sense of humanity and passion within them. Programs such as Letters for Troops, food drives and Toys for Tots are only some of the wonderful activities they may be involved in. They are also encouraged to follow their passion and find their personal interests. Parents may then help the child pursue interests such as playing musical instruments, sports, painting and other activities that a child may take up during their time in these after school centers.

Importance of After School Activities

An after school program is extremely beneficial to a child’s well being and growth. The importance of these after school activities are clearly observed among children who have the opportunity to take advantage of these programs. The after school centers can:

• Provide educational programs and after school tutoring that helps a child achieve academic success.
• Benefit the entire community by combining development programs with appropriate after school activities.
• Improve social development and keep the child on the right track, by instilling ethical behavior in them.
• Develop a child’s interest in activities other than school and studies that form a greater part of their personality; such as dance, music, arts  and so on.
• Most importantly, involve the child in such after school activities and keep them away from being bored by idling their time away doing things that may be harmful to them or to others in the community.

While school may be the most important influence on a child, after school activities are now becoming popular among parents who want their children to develop into strong individuals. These programs after school are designed to enhance a child’s overall personality and character. Through such guided help and activities, a child can grow into a more confident and well-rounded person.

Good study habits are critical for the success of these adult students, yet in some cases many years have passed since these students were last enrolled in any sort of education program. Therefore, mature students should consider implementing an effective study routine in order to ensure that they successfully complete their courses. Fortunately, good study habits can be both fun and rewarding for all students.

Basic Study Habits for Adult Learning

First, it will be helpful to consider some of the fundamentals of good studying. The following basic study habits are beneficial to all students, regardless of their age or type of schooling.

Place to study

The first and most important habit to develop is to find and use the same quiet, undisturbed place in which to study each day. The study space should be an area in which the student, especially an older student, can spread out papers, books, and any materials necessary to work on school assignments. It is best if the study space is located in a low-traffic area with few visitors, so the student can concentrate.

Consistent study schedule

Consistency in the study schedule is important in order to complete the school assignments on-time and correctly. If a student, especially an adult student with demands from work and family, drifts off-schedule and falls behind on the assignments, it can be very difficult to catch up later. The best practice is always to devote a particular time slot (or slots) for reading, studying, and completing assignments.

Research and do the homework

Good preparation and research helps students learn rapidly, and it also gives them the confidence to present their lessons and assignments as factual and correct. Nowadays, the Internet has brought widespread access to information for both young and old alike; however, the Internet has also spawned an online world of “spam,” “bots” and “link farms” leading to worthless gibberish instead of valuable information.

The mature student should develop the habit of first organizing each assignment, then researching carefully to verify information before incorporating it into his or her assignment, and thereby being graded accordingly.

Older students are usually more methodical as well as being more cautious and conservative in assuming the truthfulness of what they’ve read online, and so will have an advantage over younger students.

Questions are the answer

Adult students sometimes consider themselves at a disadvantage when compared for younger students regarding speed, flexibility, and capacity for studying and learning. Yet, mature students have the maturity, wisdom and discipline to succeed in school by developing and maintaining good study habits.

The best learning habit of all is to ask relevant questions anytime the study topic seems unclear. Because of their maturity, older students are most likely to already have the best study habit of all – asking questions without being shy. Questions save the student’s time while best leveraging the knowledge and experience of the teacher. In summary, adult students may already have some good study habits, and can quickly develop other good habits likely to lead to success.

Beginning with the Immigration Act of 1924, the United States has always allowed foreign students to travel to the U.S. and reside here while attending accredited higher education programs. These students present an attractive demographic: Most are young adults from hardworking families abroad who are hungry for the sort of knowledge and educational experience to be gained in American universities and colleges.

Access to an American Education: Hope and Danger

Although U.S. law does not permit government financial assistance to foreign students, many such students are among the best and brightest of their class, and they often receive some form of assistance from the college at which they are accepted. They are the hope for their respective countries’ futures.

In fact, the cultural enrichment goes both ways—foreign students contribute their different perspectives to American culture, and likewise they learn about the United States in ways that may help them during their business and professional careers, and further help people living in the students’ home countries to better understand and harmonize with American values.

However, since 9-11 concerns about the dangers from domestic terrorism have led to additional security measures to help safeguard U.S. borders. Unfortunately, several of the 9-11 terrorists had been residing legally in the United States on student visas. This border-tightening measure has had the unwanted effect of making it significantly more difficult for foreign students to enter and remain in the United States for higher education, regardless of their academic qualification, institutional support or country of origin.

Academics and Business People Agree

Although the need for domestic security remains, competitive pressures, academic voices, and market needs have moved legislatures toward a loosening of the restrictions. The general sense is that to remain competitive in the critical fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), the U.S. must admit more foreign students. Questions are being raised, and the guidelines are increasingly being applied intelligently.

Types of Student Visas for Foreigners

All immigrant higher-education students are issued visas according to one of three types: F, M or J. All three types of  visas are subject to tracking and monitoring by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Importantly, the numbers of requested and processed visa applications in each category have nearly doubled within the past five years.

The three types are:

• F Visas for academic study
• M Visas for vocational study
• J Visas for students for cultural exchange

The F Visa is the most common type for foreign students. It is used for the admission of non-immigrant (i.e. temporary) candidates for college and university programs. It generally permits residency through the duration of the student’s enrollment in a U.S. program. The J Visa is for Fulbright scholars and other advanced and post-graduate academic candidates, and cultural exchanges. And, the M Visa is intended for students in vocational programs, yet this type is rarely used.

In order to be accepted, the student visa applicant must not only show academic credentials and acceptance from the desired college, but must also show financial ability to support himself or herself for a period of twelve months. Also, spouses and children can accompany the student, yet all who enter the U.S. must pass the security checks by DHS and other U.S. agencies before being permitted to reside here.

Students who successfully complete the course work leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree will have gained the basic knowledge, tools and skills necessary for the workplace and business world. Also, a B.A. degree is generally required as a threshold qualification in order to advance into a professional or post-graduate school.

List of B.A. Majors

Bachelor of Arts majors are typically classified as “liberal arts,” in contrast to the majors focused on the “hard sciences” leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. Bachelor of Arts majors are further categorized according to concentrations within the curriculum. These concentrations allow students to specialize within their majors while still maintaining their flexibility to change majors later if they discover a more interesting area of study.

Although a complete listing would be difficult to compile, some of the most common majors within the Bachelor of Arts grouping include the below-named majors, all of which can lead to Bachelor of Arts degrees.

• Art History. The study of art throughout history, including its impact on modern society
• Creative Writing. Coursework designed to foster creative writing ability and train the writer in practical techniques
• Literature. The study of literature whose ideas and expressions have influenced our societies
• Public Administration. The coursework which prepares students to operate government businesses
• Anthropology. The study of Man and his ancestors
• Economics. The study of supply and demand and other principles that describe human financial behavior
• History. Studies of the past, especially regarding how the past affects the present and future
• International Studies. The course of study to prepare for international diplomacy and business
• Media Studies. Studies of informational media and how societies disseminate and use information
• Communications. The academic study of all forms of communications
• Organizational Behavior. The study of how people interact together to accomplish group tasks
• Politics (or Political Science or Policy Studies). The study of how societies make public policy, and how people interact to influence their societies through politics
• Psychology. The study of the human mind and its thought processes, including the thought processes behind human interactions
• Business Administration. The study of business organization and practices
• Sociology. How people live and interact together
• Philosophy. The exploration of questions of existence and reality
• Justice and Law Enforcement. Course work regarding questions of crime, punishment and punishment
• Library Science (or Information Management). The study of how to maintain and present written and other forms of information
• Religion (or Religious Studies). The study of general religious questions and spiritual issues
• Engineering Usually a five-year program, this major focuses on learning to build machines, structures and systems
• Architecture. Usually a five-year program, this major is centered on learning to design homes and other buildings
• Divinity (or Theology). This course of study teaches religious clergy the concepts and practices of leading a church or other religious group according to a particular faith

It’s important to understand that any college major can provide a valuable educational foundation for further academic work, and early choices of major do not limit the student’s future options: Many students change majors, often several times before graduation, without affecting the learning process. And, the advice of a professional education counselor can be very helpful in guiding students toward choosing their majors.

Why Consider a Library and Information Science Degree?

A library houses important information and is our greatest treasury of valuable content. With the growth of digital media, the need to store data compactly and effectively has become more vital. It is therefore essential to have professionals trained in Library and Information Science, so that the imparting to information to the masses can become easier. Not only does such a course teach one everything about working with archives, organizing a library and assessing information, it also ropes in aspects of history and social sciences to help one contribute to society in a complete manner.

The corporate sector is another possible area of employment. Companies, especially large multi-national corporations, and those involved in cutting edge research and development archive all the information produced and acquired. This needs a skilled person to handle the scores of records and documents which can be systematically categorized and retrieved without wasting time and money.

These days, even institutions like hospitals, seek qualified persons to handle the scores of medical records and confidential client information. In these instances, your role would be that of an archivist rather than a librarian. Nevertheless, the ability to sort and source information and documents is essential.

Types of Library and Information Science Degrees

There are graduate level programs offered in Library and Information Science as well as various specialization degrees. It is important to check if one’s degree is recognized by the American Library Association before enrolling for a program. One can either pursue a full time or part-time program, choosing to study on campus or online. Flexible courses also allow one to finish at his/her own pace.

Application procedures usually change from school to school. A detailed application form, along with letters of recommendation and personal statement are usually sought. Certain educational qualifications are also necessary, depending on the school and course opted for. Any prior experience in libraries and handling information is useful. A person working in a library or with archives seeking to get a formal qualification is a better candidate.

Courses for a Library and Information Science Degree

Though course matter varies from one school to another, when one is pursuing a Library and Information Science degree, there are a few basic components that are common to every school.

There are certain courses which aim at providing a fundamental idea of the subject. Students are made familiar with information resources, systems, interfaces, information organization and retrieval and its proper management and assessment.

Apart from this, there are other courses of a more general nature such as: information policy and ethics, web technologies, the importance of copyright, and so on.

One may also choose to specialize in different areas such as Health Librarianship, Digital Librarianship, and Academic Librarianship among a host of other options.

What is horticulture about?

Horticulture is the science of cultivating plants. Horticulture differs from agriculture because agriculture involves large-scale growing of plants (farming) while horticulture implies smaller-scale gardening. Also, agriculture is usually focused on producing only one or two crops, while horticulture usually involves producing several different crops.

Horticulturists work to propagate (start) plants as well as to cultivate (grow) them. In addition, horticulture involves breeding to improve plant characteristics, and genetic engineering as well as plant biochemistry and physiology.

Where to study horticulture?

A person suited for a career in horticulture will generally be a lover of plants and may have an intense curiosity regarding plant life and how plants grow. Such people often come to a career in horticulture after first working in a nursery, greenhouse or farm. To study for and successfully complete the requirements of a horticultural course, the prospective student must first carefully research and assess the educational programs available as online training or through traditional colleges.

Accredited Horticulture Courses

It is critically important to ensure that the horticultural program is accredited. Accreditation means that a particular school has been reviewed by an accrediting body in order to ensure that quality education is being provided. The accrediting body will differ depending upon whether the horticulture course is being taught by a
bricks-and-mortar institution or by an online school or other distance-learning method like correspondence courses.

In addition to specialty certificates which demonstrate learning or competency in certain niches, most horticulture programs offer academic degrees such as the Associate of Arts in Horticulture, Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, Bachelor of Horticultural Science, and Master of Science in Horticulture through various doctoral degrees. The student should carefully consider his or her career objectives, finances, and time commitment when deciding upon a horticulture program.

Distance-Learning Horticulture Courses

Although much horticultural education is conducted in bricks-and-mortar schools since a practical element is required, with modern high-speed internet communications, it is now possible for education to occur on a platform which allows the student to set his or her own time schedule as well. Without any need for face-to-face meetings between students and teacher, distance-learning programs such as correspondence schools and internet-based platforms allow the student to learn horticulture no matter where the student is physically located.

Career in Horticulture

The reasons for studying horticulture are as varied as the students themselves. Some students come to horticulture because they are truly “plant people,” and others believe horticulture has great power to improve human society because the practice of cultivating plants is central to the issue of resolving global hunger and other social, political and economic issues.

Many people believe that global “food security” is best achieved by increasing overall awareness of plant cultivation and by teaching horticulture as widely as possible. In other words, if more people study and learn about horticulture, more food will be produced and the global standard of living will be increased. A degree or certificate in horticulture, whether earned through distance learning or in a bricks-and-mortar school, offers the serious student an opportunity to earn a excellent living while helping to save the environment.

Reasons To Pursue A Travel And Tourism Degree

With the travel and tourism industry becoming one of the world’s largest industries, it is a highly lucrative field. The job opportunities are immense and with a tough job market, it is best to enter a field where the market is growing. The challenges one will face daily is also a great motivating factor especially if you are a people person who enjoys a more lifestyle orientated job. As with any job, however, you need the skills and experience to get started in the travel industry. You may also find that a travel and tourism qualification is gateway to getting into other hospitality programs.

Being Eligible For A Travel and Tourism Degree

Admission requirements vary from one institution to another, so check with the school for individual specifications. Fluency in English is a must to be a part of this industry due to the large English-speaking clientele. Good communication skills are also likely to further one’s chances in this field. The ability to think creatively and solve problems is another a great asset.

Travel And Tourism Qualifications

You can pursue a certificate, diploma, associate, or Bachelor degree course in travel and tourism. The duration of the course, depending on your country of residence and institution, may vary from 12 months to 4 years.  It is important though to verify whether the certificate and diploma courses are recognized by the local education authority. Due to the high demand for these qualifications, many fly-by-night schools tend to target candidates looking for a travel and tourism qualification.

Course Components and Modules for Travel and Tourism

The structure or travel and tourism qualifications vary to some extent among different regions.However, the modules will focus on aspects such as sales and customer relations, marketing, logistics and technology. History and geography may also be included within the course structure.

Often case studies are provided to help students know more about successful tourism management. Guest speakers and conferences are organized, with an internship providing you with practical training. Customer services forms an important segment of the course with emphasis on providing improved, faster service and finding proper solutions to customer issues.

You will also be taught about travel industry automation, tour operations and how to be a good tourism professional. Depending on your career aspirations, it is always advisable to check on the individual program structure to ensure that it meets with your needs.

Job Opportunities After A Travel And Tourism Program

A travel and tourism degree can equip one to enter any sector of the travel industry. From managerial to administrative areas, one can choose to specialize in anything. After completion of the degree you can join a travel agency, be part of an airlines, tour company or work for a resort, spa, theme and amusement park or hotel. For the more adventurous graduate with sufficient capital, you can start your own travel agency or tour company.

A degree in travel and tourism therefore allows you to know more about different cultures and engage with them in one’s career. It also exposes you to a variety of different subjects as you need to be multi-skilled to deal with clients, understand the specific sector of the industry and function in multiple roles either within your enterprise or as an employee for a travel business.

]]> http://edu-center.org/travel-and-tourism-training-programs.htm/feed 0 http://edu-center.org/choosing-the-right-online-doctoral-degree.htm http://edu-center.org/choosing-the-right-online-doctoral-degree.htm#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:44:18 +0000 Sam http://edu-center.org/?p=887 An online doctoral degree recognizes the highest level of academic accomplishment by an individual in a given field. From highly formal and structured programs to flexible ones that can be pursued at one’s own pace, doctorate degrees have become much easier to acquire through online platforms. One can choose to specialize in any field of one’s own choice. However, it is important to plan this degree well, before enrolling for it.

Being Eligible For A PhD

In order to apply for a doctoral degree online, a Masters degree from a recognized university in the chosen subject area is mandatory in most cases. Additionally, some work experience in the field is usually necessary and valued greatly when selecting suitable candidates for a doctorate program. Community services and volunteer activities are given great importance as well. A suitably structured research study and thesis are part of the qualifying requirements in most cases and you may be required to submit a research proposal at the outset. The ability to comprehend study material well, respond intelligently to questions and articulate one’s thoughts well may be assessed through an aptitude test prior to your acceptance into the program.

When to apply for a doctoral degree?

A doctorate is often considered for one seeking a job in an academic position but it can equally valuable in the corporate environment. An online doctoral degree be hugely beneficial to career advancement without having to studying full time at a university or attending lectures. However, the most important thing when considering to enrol for a doctoral degree is one’s own motivation and perseverance. Choosing an online degree that is affordable is another factor to consider. Adequate time for studying while balancing work and personal commitments should also be considered.

Institutes Offering Doctoral Degrees Online

Be wary of institutes that are not accredited when enrolling for an online doctoral degree. They may offer quick doctoral degrees but it will end up being a waste of time and money, if the degree is ultimately not recognized. Checking for accreditation by regional organizations will help one choose the right place.

Gather feedback from those who have taken up the course earlier is also useful while researching for the right institute. Finally, check all course requirements as some institutes may want you to come in briefly every now and then for some modules. The quality resources and services offered by an institute are also important and should be properly assessed beforehand.

Choosing the Doctoral Degree That Suits You

After deciding on a few suitable institutions, it is also important to consider before making your final decision.

• The presence of a mentor to help guide you with your dissertation.
• The presence of student forums, to allow you to engage in active participation.
• The syllabus of the course material so that you aware of the kind of study to be undertaken.
• Additional resources and events that the institution may arrange, like seminars, to assist you with your dissertation.

An online doctoral degree allows you to acquire quality education from top institutes even when you cannot physically attend the university. You can work from the comfort of home and find jobs in universities, in research organizations, as consultants or as highly skilled professionals in any field, both within the academic and corporate sectors.

Learning Philosophy

Philosophy involves a close study of various aspects such as truth, consciousness, knowledge, justice and language. One is also closely acquainted with the different philosophers, their work (involving postulations made) and objections and agreements to it. Logical reasoning and thinking form an important part of the course and students are expected to respond intelligently to what they are studying. From the history of philosophy to problems encountered in the subject, various aspects are explored.

Studying Philosophy Online

To enroll for an online course in philosophy, a student must have some basic knowledge of the subject, though this is not always required in some courses offered. The willingness to go through online lectures and take part in discussion forums is a must. A high school diploma is the most basic requisite for applying for this course. Before studying philosophy, it is important to ensure that you can devote time to this discipline. Also, the financial details must be sorted out before applying for an online philosophy degree.

The advantages of studying this course over the computer will be:

• Studying at your own pace when you have the time.
• Accessing quality educational materials while studying from home.
• Slight discounted rates from reputable educational institutions.

Subjects of an Online Philosophy Degree

A course in philosophy, besides dealing with the great minds in the field will also look into major philosophic movements. Specialization in political or social Philosophy may be available from institutes offering an online Masters degree in Philosophy. As philosophy is closely allied to other disciplines such as history, social sciences and politics, it incorporates material from these fields to help in a more comprehensive understanding.

Types of Online Philosophy Courses

There are many online philosophy programs offering various types of courses. An Associate of Arts program is the most basic level for which prior training in philosophy is not a must. One can also pursue Bachelors, Masters of Doctoral Program in Philosophy from a recognized institution. Course duration varies from among institutions. There are certain online schools that offer only philosophy training so one can take a look at them as well, while choosing the right institution.

Working After Obtaining An Online Philosophy Degree

Philosophy allows one to work in different capacities which may not be as evident as one thinks. You can consider a position in literature and other arts, lecture at a college, or even look at a position in the travel and tourism industry. As socio-political workers, one can even enter the corporate setting in law and business management or get involved in lobbying.

The study of philosophy therefore helps one understand the world as it changes. It also provides a person with all the skills  required to formulate arguments on crucial social, political, economic and educational matters.

Social inequalities have called for measures to provide justice and social workers are the medium to bridge the gap between the various institutions and the public on a personal level. With a dearth of skilled social workers, the demand for online schools to acquire skills in this field has grown. However, finding the appropriate school and accredited qualification should always be taken into consideration before you sign up for an online course.

Specialization in Social Work

Social work includes analyzing the problems in society, working for its welfare and finding solutions to bring the gap between the rich and poor. Help can be provided at the individual, family, community, or even at a regional level. The job satisfaction to be derived from such an endeavor is significant, especially if you are a person who wants to help others and find practical solutions for everyday socioeconomic and psychosocial problems. Unemployment, disability, addiction, domestic violence and abuse, as well as adoptions – the specialty options for a social worker are extensive.

Pursuing an Online Degree in Social Work

An online degree in social work is useful for the following reasons:

• There is access to quality study material from multiple professionals in documents or on the institution’s website.
• It helps one to acquire the same skills from home, working in your own time and still keeping a day job.
• One can discuss issues with peers at students forums, look up past test papers and interact with the teacher at a one-to-one level.
• One can study at his/her own pace provided that you complete your qualification within the specified time period.
• Online courses in social work are more affordable. Apart from the course fees, you also save on traveling costs and other personal expenses that you may accrue by traveling to night classes.

Online degrees in social work can cover vast areas -  from social and community services, human ethics and growth, awareness of therapies to sociology, child psychology, behavioral and stress management, conflict resolution and child abuse solutions. Video technologies as well as bulletin board systems can provide a greater classroom ambience and help the student grasp a better idea of the subject.

Institutions Offering Social Work

Before enrolling for a course in social work, it is important to find out if the school is recognized by the state or not. The Council on Social Work Education contains a directory of accredited courses and one can check there to avoid confusion. Social workers also need a license to practice and requirements vary by state. So find the course that is most suited to your place and helps you achieve your goals.

Components of a Social Work Course

A course online on social work covers social welfare policy, counseling, administrative procedures and other aspects. One is able to pick up time and crisis management skills. Apart from theoretical training, practical work forms an important part of the course. Students are expected to have some prior experience and are also expected to take up internships. Schools sometimes offer placements.

Social Work Job Opportunities

Different courses online offer a certificate, diploma, bachelors, masters or PhD degree in Social Work. The course duration and topics covered in a course varies from institution to institution. While a Bachelors degree helps one to being in social work, only with a Masters Degree can one enter the health sector and work in clinical areas. You may also require other qualifications like in other social sciences or counseling.

With an online degree in social work, you can work as a social activist, social worker, manager, researcher or analyzer. Jobs in police departments, hospitals, government bodies, non-profit organizations, substance abuse centers and schools can be easily found. With the social work sector becoming organized, this profession is now a coveted one for those with a drive to work for the betterment of society.