How far do Americans persepctives stretch?
A couple of days ago I met a couple of foreign students here in sunny South Africa. Amongst them were some Americans. We started chatting and asked each other a few questions. We asked each other about music, movies etc. such as who knows Roxette? Who knows anything about cricket, rugby and soccer? We started talking about nutrition and the protein content of eggs. The one American guy studying chemical engineering had such a big mouth and told us that the yellow of eggs contain the most protein! None of the Americans knew who Roxette is and they knew almost nothing about any of the above mentioned sports! Myself and the other foreigners then resalised that Americans know very little of anything non-American and enough about America to survive in it. By the way, the rest of us had a fairly decent knowledge of each others countries including America. So, why does bush and many Americans criticise others and jump to conclusions about everyone when their perspectives are almost 0?
Immigration - 8 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
So you are judging Americans by these particular two, and because they didn't know enough about eggs and cricket? What's it like to be so damned smart?
2 :
You are guilty of the very thing you are complaining about. You drew erroneous conclusions about 300 million people after talking to a "couple." I am willing to bet that you don't know where Wilson is. Does that make you ignorant?
3 :
Hmmm... I think you are making a broad assumption based on a few people. There are many Americans that are well read, well travelled, and very knowledgeable about the world. My American college had soccer, as well as rugby (both men's and women's), and Lacrosse. Roxette has to do more with the age of a person, and their musical tastes. Can you say that in South Africa, every single person knows the protein contents of the whites and yolks of eggs? Please don't base your opinions of a nation on one or two experiences. There are intelligent and not so intelligent in every country.
4 :
I'm sure you feel you have a "broad perspective" about America, but it's been my experience (and I've traveled extensively and lived on 3 continents) that most people get the perspective about America from Hollywood. Trust me, it isn't accurate. Any generalization of this type is bound to be inaccurate. The USA has a population over 301 million...judging the American people on your short meeting with "a couple of American students" is certainly bound to be wrong. Even I find American college students very narrow in their scope of vision...even more so than those of other countries. They just tend to be less mature. But they hardly represent America. I'm an American. I have no idea who Roxette is, but I'm personal friends with principal dancers from companies in Spain and England and opera performers in other countries. I know nothing much about cricket...but less about basketball and football. I do, however, enjoy tennis and water polo. I, too, have found college students (who are just starting to gain a little knowledge) arrogant and obnoxious and quite often completely off-base. I usually shake it off as the "sophomore syndrome". My question to you is, what does this have to do with immigration? Best wishes.
5 :
Hell, I even know where Wilson is, he's floating in the south pacific. Regerugged; am I right?
6 :
Someone recently pointed out that less than 5% of the US population has passports. Other countries teach children to learn several different languages (I have a friend from France that speaks 5). Americans often expect others to speak English when we do leave the country. Our schools place a huge focus on learning about our history, but, virtually nothing about any other. Our nightly news will feature a story about the birth of a koala, but, wont touch on the terror going on in Darfur. There are people starving to death and little girls being drown. There are women being oppressed and raped, and, families in entirety being tortured and killed. Yet, on our "world" news, the top story may be Iraq- but only as it pertains to OUR soldiers. Then, we won't mention Darfur, we won't talk about the terror of our bretheren. If there is a hijacking and 100s killed it gets little to no press, unless there is an American- then, the story is, "300 people- including 1 American"... Like an American life is more valuable than that of anyone else on this planet? By luck of birth we were born here. Unfortunately, we are largely a self-absorbed culture. Our citizens care about one another, but, I agree, are somewhat "out of touch" with the rest of the world. I blame it on the media- telling us we are the best, we don't need to think about anyone else, etc.
7 :
How many people know anything about any other countries? Part of the problem is the stereotyping done by organizations such as the BBC which continuously portray Latin Americans as going around in ponchos and sandals whereas there are many Latin American girls who can put to shame the cream of the European girls.Travel broadens the mind and the more you see of the world the more you realize that people are people everywhere. Incidentally, who is Roxette?
8 :
Just off hand I'd say that you probably had an anti-American bias long before posting your so-called "question." Then you turn right around and show everyone how enlightened and wordly you are by trying to reinforce your bias by holding up two Americans as proof that you're right. Sorry, bunky, but that just doesn't compute...!
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Monday, July 28, 2014
Monday, July 14, 2014
Do I qualify for a US visa or green card?
Do I qualify for a US visa or green card?
I had a green card over 10 years ago, before I went back to South Africa for college. I don't have the green card anymore, was destroyed along with most of my belongings. My mother is now a US citizen. My fiance is on student visa in the US. We want to get married and live together in the US while he is studying. I'm on working holiday in England right now. Is it possible for me to get the Green Card again, or visitor's visa or should I ONLY apply for citizenship through my mother? Please help, thank you in advance. Oh, I'm 29.
Immigration - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You should, but its going to take at least 6 months to get it. You should've re-newed the green card before the 10 years was up.
2 :
Your immigrant status is considered abandoned. Your mother should file an I-130 for you along with all the supporting documents. Unfortunately, as a Green Card holder cannot petition your fiance. If you marry her, as a Green Card holder, the wait for her to get a visa is over 5 years. If you marry her first, then your mother petitions you you'll be 3rd preference and the wait for you and your wife will be 8 years.
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Monday, July 7, 2014
Exchange Student Choices?
Exchange Student Choices?
I am interested on going on a 6 week foreign exchange with Rotary. My choices are Austria, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Sweden or Switzerland. I am going during December/January. I am in high school and because I live in South Africa also learn Afrikaans (7th year now). Which one do you suggest for any reasons including new years etc. I can only go to one country. Also what type of area do you enter? Upper/Middle/Low Class Areas. And any other info would be great.
Other - Europe - 3 Answers
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1 :
See what's they said Students do not attend school and are instead given a brief introduction to the language of their host country with heavy emphasis on sightseeing and cultural learning. Upon their return they are expected to give a short presentation on their experience to their sponsors. Rotary International also offers a program called R.O.S.E.(rotary overseas short-term exchange) where a student exchanges homes directly with another student of a foreign country at the same time. Today, many Rotary Exchange students can be recognized by their Rotary Youth Exchange blazer. While most countries recommend navy blue, the blazer may also be dark green, red, black, or maroon. The color of the blazer usually depends on which country or region the exchange student is from. One Rotary tradition is that students cover their blazers in pins and patches they have traded with other students or bought in places they have visited as evidence of their exchange. It is popular for the students to bring a large collection of national- or regional-themed pins and trade them with students from other areas. This tradition is popular worldwide. Application The selection process may vary by district and country, but most students apply to a Rotary Club in their hometown or a nearby town as the first step. The student will likely be interviewed by this Rotary Club and if this club agrees to sponsor the student, the student's application will be extensive, according to most students. It consists of 12-15 pages, and 4 exact copies which must each be signed in blue ink. The application asks for basic general information, medical history, dental history, principal or guidance counselor review, grades from the past 2 years, teacher recommendation, and personal questions answered by the student. Orientation Prior to leaving, most districts hold orientations for the students. These orientations usually include a variety of seminars and activities designed to prepare students for their exchanges. Topics covered usually include program rules, discussions with former exchange students about their experiences, and information about what students need to do before their departure. Students also learn about how to make a presentation about their home country and region, which they will usually be required to present to their hosting Rotary club and may be invited to present to other groups as well. Inbound exchange students may also participate in the orientations as well. The rules discussed may vary somewhat, but the "4 D's" apply to all students regardless of home or host country. The 4 D's are the four most important Rotary exchange rules: No driving No drinking No serious dating No drugs http://www.rotary1900.de/jugenddienst/ in Germany http://www.rotarystudent.se/ Rotary Youth Exchange, Sweden http://www.crjfr.org/Portail/index.asp France
2 :
I would suggest Austria cuz there's so much history there
3 :
In order from what would be my first choice to what would be my last: Switzerland, France, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Germany
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I am interested on going on a 6 week foreign exchange with Rotary. My choices are Austria, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Sweden or Switzerland. I am going during December/January. I am in high school and because I live in South Africa also learn Afrikaans (7th year now). Which one do you suggest for any reasons including new years etc. I can only go to one country. Also what type of area do you enter? Upper/Middle/Low Class Areas. And any other info would be great.
Other - Europe - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
See what's they said Students do not attend school and are instead given a brief introduction to the language of their host country with heavy emphasis on sightseeing and cultural learning. Upon their return they are expected to give a short presentation on their experience to their sponsors. Rotary International also offers a program called R.O.S.E.(rotary overseas short-term exchange) where a student exchanges homes directly with another student of a foreign country at the same time. Today, many Rotary Exchange students can be recognized by their Rotary Youth Exchange blazer. While most countries recommend navy blue, the blazer may also be dark green, red, black, or maroon. The color of the blazer usually depends on which country or region the exchange student is from. One Rotary tradition is that students cover their blazers in pins and patches they have traded with other students or bought in places they have visited as evidence of their exchange. It is popular for the students to bring a large collection of national- or regional-themed pins and trade them with students from other areas. This tradition is popular worldwide. Application The selection process may vary by district and country, but most students apply to a Rotary Club in their hometown or a nearby town as the first step. The student will likely be interviewed by this Rotary Club and if this club agrees to sponsor the student, the student's application will be extensive, according to most students. It consists of 12-15 pages, and 4 exact copies which must each be signed in blue ink. The application asks for basic general information, medical history, dental history, principal or guidance counselor review, grades from the past 2 years, teacher recommendation, and personal questions answered by the student. Orientation Prior to leaving, most districts hold orientations for the students. These orientations usually include a variety of seminars and activities designed to prepare students for their exchanges. Topics covered usually include program rules, discussions with former exchange students about their experiences, and information about what students need to do before their departure. Students also learn about how to make a presentation about their home country and region, which they will usually be required to present to their hosting Rotary club and may be invited to present to other groups as well. Inbound exchange students may also participate in the orientations as well. The rules discussed may vary somewhat, but the "4 D's" apply to all students regardless of home or host country. The 4 D's are the four most important Rotary exchange rules: No driving No drinking No serious dating No drugs http://www.rotary1900.de/jugenddienst/ in Germany http://www.rotarystudent.se/ Rotary Youth Exchange, Sweden http://www.crjfr.org/Portail/index.asp France
2 :
I would suggest Austria cuz there's so much history there
3 :
In order from what would be my first choice to what would be my last: Switzerland, France, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Germany
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Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Can a long distance relationship between ppl on different continents work?
Can a long distance relationship between ppl on different continents work?
He's 22 and white from America, I'm 19 and mixed from South Africa. We'r both in university students studying the same thing. We chat almost everyday and send emails. Neither of us are dating ne1 form our own country.
Singles & Dating - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
no, it just leads to heart ache.
2 :
hell no
3 :
It depends upon the type of relationship you are looking for. If the idea is to get married, please make a thorough enquiry of the guy. Whatever disclosed may be or may not be true from either side.
4 :
...you'll never know what tomorrow brings so enjoy and cherish what you've got right know
5 :
yes honey it works C it depends on feelings ok. If u both like eachothers company then believe me this relation will surely work...
6 :
no it definitely won't work move on and find some one local!
7 :
no. never do long distance.
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Saturday, June 28, 2014
can somebody please translate english to afrikaans?
can somebody please translate english to afrikaans?
Conditional Exemption on grounds of mature age (+23) (Std 10/Grade 12 students): Will you be at least 23 years old before or on 31/12/2007? Did you pass at least four Grade 12 subjects on Higher Grade or Standard Grade with symbols A-E? Were at least three subjects passed at one examination sitting? Was one subject passed on Higher Grade? If you answered "YES" to all the above questions you may apply for conditional exemption on grounds of mature age. [Download Afrikaans application form] [Download English application form] OR [Apply on the Web] If you answered "NO" to any of the above questions it appears that you do not qualify. For further information please contact the Access and Matriculation Exemption Office [Tel: 0861670411 (International students: +27 11 670900) or e-mail: ame@unisa.ac.za] School of Computing: This School offers a full range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, national diplomas and certificate courses. Admission to study in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology Requirements with regard to mathematics To be registered as a candidate for the BSc degree, a student must hold one of the certificates as mentioned under "General admission requirements" AND have satisfied one of the following prerequisites in respect of Mathematics: Mathematics Higher Grade at matriculation level (not lower than 40%) Mathematics Standard Grade at matriculation level (not lower than 50%) Mathematics passed at matriculation level prior to the differentiation Mathematics "O" or "A"-level (GCE (symbols A-C or 1-6)) Mathematics passed NTC IV (at least 50%) An equivalent examination passed in Mathematics Mathematics offered at tertiary level (not necessarily passed) Passed the Mathematics module MAT011-K Edu-Loan One of today's major problems is the crippling cost of education. It also a well-known fact that outstanding student fees at tertiary educational institutions have increased astronomically over the past few years. This has resulted in increasing financial difficulties for those institutions. Edu-Loan provides affordable educational finance to students at South Africa's leading educational institutions. Edu-Loan achieves this effort well within the regulatory framework and its own self-regulating criteria which have been applied since the company's establishment. Edu-Loan also offers these students a unique kind of financial assistance. It not only helps students spread the cost of education but Edu-Loan also gets involved in spreading the increasing high costs of educational accessories (such as textbooks, stationery) through their Edu-Xtras division. For more information, visit the EduLoan website at: http://www.eduloan.co.za
Higher Education (University +) - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
sorry my hubby isn't here to translate. It's spoken in South Africa
2 :
africaans? thats a language? LOL As far as I know there is not a single african language so you would need to be more specific.
3 :
Ek dink jy beter jou huiswerk self doen, pellie!
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Conditional Exemption on grounds of mature age (+23) (Std 10/Grade 12 students): Will you be at least 23 years old before or on 31/12/2007? Did you pass at least four Grade 12 subjects on Higher Grade or Standard Grade with symbols A-E? Were at least three subjects passed at one examination sitting? Was one subject passed on Higher Grade? If you answered "YES" to all the above questions you may apply for conditional exemption on grounds of mature age. [Download Afrikaans application form] [Download English application form] OR [Apply on the Web] If you answered "NO" to any of the above questions it appears that you do not qualify. For further information please contact the Access and Matriculation Exemption Office [Tel: 0861670411 (International students: +27 11 670900) or e-mail: ame@unisa.ac.za] School of Computing: This School offers a full range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, national diplomas and certificate courses. Admission to study in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology Requirements with regard to mathematics To be registered as a candidate for the BSc degree, a student must hold one of the certificates as mentioned under "General admission requirements" AND have satisfied one of the following prerequisites in respect of Mathematics: Mathematics Higher Grade at matriculation level (not lower than 40%) Mathematics Standard Grade at matriculation level (not lower than 50%) Mathematics passed at matriculation level prior to the differentiation Mathematics "O" or "A"-level (GCE (symbols A-C or 1-6)) Mathematics passed NTC IV (at least 50%) An equivalent examination passed in Mathematics Mathematics offered at tertiary level (not necessarily passed) Passed the Mathematics module MAT011-K Edu-Loan One of today's major problems is the crippling cost of education. It also a well-known fact that outstanding student fees at tertiary educational institutions have increased astronomically over the past few years. This has resulted in increasing financial difficulties for those institutions. Edu-Loan provides affordable educational finance to students at South Africa's leading educational institutions. Edu-Loan achieves this effort well within the regulatory framework and its own self-regulating criteria which have been applied since the company's establishment. Edu-Loan also offers these students a unique kind of financial assistance. It not only helps students spread the cost of education but Edu-Loan also gets involved in spreading the increasing high costs of educational accessories (such as textbooks, stationery) through their Edu-Xtras division. For more information, visit the EduLoan website at: http://www.eduloan.co.za
Higher Education (University +) - 3 Answers
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1 :
sorry my hubby isn't here to translate. It's spoken in South Africa
2 :
africaans? thats a language? LOL As far as I know there is not a single african language so you would need to be more specific.
3 :
Ek dink jy beter jou huiswerk self doen, pellie!
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Saturday, June 14, 2014
How can we get U.S. students to value and appreciate education?
How can we get U.S. students to value and appreciate education?
Recently, Oprah Winfrey, who just opened a school for orphan and impoverished girls in South Africa, stated, "I became so frustrated with visiting inner-city schools [in the U.S.] that I just stopped going. The sense that you need to learn just isn't there," she says. "If you ask the kids what they want or need, they will say an iPod or some sneakers. In South Africa, they don't ask for money or toys. They ask for uniforms so they can go to school." As both an American student and a future teacher, I have experienced this attitude as well (not everywhere, but in enough places where it is a problem). How can we get students in America to value and appreciate education and if they are unsatisfied, how can we get students to express the changes that need to be made so that they will value it? Thanks. (Serious replies only). Public elementary and secondary school is free, which is what I was focusing on. However, college costs are increasing at an unprecedented rate. ***** elaborate on what you mean by "spoiling"?
Other - Society & Culture - 11 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Get it to be more affordable
2 :
stop spoiling them
3 :
make the curriculum a little more life-related, such as classes on social conduct and make the learning techniques more multiple intelligence theory-ish, like baseball math, or rapping poetry to beats.. learning doesn't take effort, it happens automatically its just that different people learn differently and there needs to be an emotional attachement to the material i think that if the shit we learned was more readily applicable, kids would be more into it
4 :
well i dont really know but why dont students get taken high up jobs and shown people who did study and are earning lots of cash, say a bank manager and he will show them what he has earned how much he is worth and things and then take them to busy towns with people living on the streets and show them that that is a life to expect if they dont study. if they are any wise at all the will then want to study to afford everything lkike the bank manager rather than be another homeless guy on the street. p.s i live in the u.k so things may be different to how we percieve and accept things over here?
5 :
The problem is lack of parenting skills. The parent needs to make sure their child knows that college is not an option any longer and it is vital to their well-being. Maybe more tv commercials about continuing education would help. The main source of knowledge needs to come from the parent. Maybe the parent needs educated on how the process works and how to get the child started in the right direction. Grade schools need to push this to happen as well. That is when the child is more open to learning.
6 :
Perhaps military academies should replace all public education systems. Seriously, though, the kids cannot appreciate the value of a good education if the parents don't teach them to.The ultimate deciding factor to a students sucess is strong, persistant parental involvement. The parents of America need to stop spoiling and babying their children and get them to buckle down and focus on their studies.
7 :
The no child left behind is dragging down our students. Plus they need to begin education at home before Kindergarten. Stupid parents make stupid kids. Television in the home is a big part of the problem for the IPOD or sneakers. I notice more guys posting than girls on this subject. Why then are there more girls teaching?
8 :
I do not know, but I wonder if some of them feel no hope for their future. When I was their age, I had no appreciation for education because of personal issues that made me feel that all was useless no matter what I did; I had no hope. Please do not think that I am offering this as a blanket explanation nor that I am saying others who answer you are wrong. Maybe together, we can offer tangible answers that can become part of the solution.
9 :
Motivation, motivation, motivation! Educators and parents must convince youngsters that a good education will be more valuable to them than will be the lack of it. The media must cooperate with us. Too much emphasis is placed on materialistic success gained by sports stars, actors, drug sellers, criminals, etc. Less emphasis should be placed on the activities of these. Will this happen? I doubt it.
10 :
It all boils down to parenting. The fact that pop culture undervalues and denigrates core values and a work ethic as "uncool" doesn't help either. Positive role models are the best solution. The most powerful role models are in the home, whether for better or worse.
11 :
I have taught for 20 years and have seen the attitude toward education and educators worsen. The change needs to come from society in general. There seems to be an attitude that the students and parents have no responsibility for the child's education. It is all put on the school. I will be the first to admit that there are some lazy teachers out there. I know. I've taught with some. However, the majority are hard-working and really care about how their students do. Parents and the students need to put out more of an effort. I realize a lot of the parents do care, but time and time again I see the attitude that the school should do everything. If I was in charge of my students 24/7, I would insist that they do their homework, help them with things they didn't understand, and make sure they got proper nutrition and sleep. More sports figures and celebrities need to stress the importance of education and vocational training. Also, education itself needs to stop this one test fits all mentality. There are always going to be kids who aren't strong in math or aren't strong in reading. There are going to be kids who just don't have the ability, no matter what we do. We need to learn to recognize other strengths and develop them, not just the academics. I think if by jr. high the schools started offering some vocational training courses and let kids decide what way they wanted to go, things would get better. For example I have some students who want to work on cars when they grow up. They don't see why they need to know the difference between similes and metaphors. (I don't either but the state of Kansas does) But, if these boys were taking some practical math and beginning mechanics courses, I bet their attitude toward education would change. We need to tailor the system more to the different needs kids have. I wouldn't have a problem teaching kids how to write certain letters, fill out forms, and how to read informational and technical texts, because that's all the reading some of them will ever have to do again once they're out of school. I'm not saying that they shouldn't know about history, literature, and science, but I am saying that kids that aren't going to college don't need intensive knowledge. We also need to get off this everyone has to go to college kick. College is great for certain people, but there are also people who will excel and be quite successful by going to school to learn to be an electrician, plumber, construction worker, or any other occupation that requires specialized skills. Until the politicians let educators (the ones who are dealing with kids on a daily basis--not college profs) have a say in educational policy, we will not solve this problem.
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Saturday, June 7, 2014
High school student wanting hotel intership 4 2wks in US?
High school student wanting hotel intership 4 2wks in US?
Hey! Im currently in my 2nd las yr of high school b4 i graduate. I live in Cape Town South Africa. I have to do what is known as workshadow where i spend about 2wks during school working in a profession I think I would like to pursue a career. I have been given the opportunity to do my 2wk workshadow abroad. I would love to do it in the US. I am able to get a work visa nd my parents are willing to pay for my flight. I have contacted many hotels but they dont respond. Somebody please help me get intouch with somebody from a big hotel!! I have emailed countless groups but no luck!! HELP!! All I need is to speak to the manager or human resources or something! HELP HELP HELP!!!
Careers & Employment - 1 Answers
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1 :
Walt Disney World in Orlando usually has a number of internships, although they are mainly for college upperclasspeople. If disneycareers.com does not work, then Google Disney World careers. Good luck!
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Hey! Im currently in my 2nd las yr of high school b4 i graduate. I live in Cape Town South Africa. I have to do what is known as workshadow where i spend about 2wks during school working in a profession I think I would like to pursue a career. I have been given the opportunity to do my 2wk workshadow abroad. I would love to do it in the US. I am able to get a work visa nd my parents are willing to pay for my flight. I have contacted many hotels but they dont respond. Somebody please help me get intouch with somebody from a big hotel!! I have emailed countless groups but no luck!! HELP!! All I need is to speak to the manager or human resources or something! HELP HELP HELP!!!
Careers & Employment - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Walt Disney World in Orlando usually has a number of internships, although they are mainly for college upperclasspeople. If disneycareers.com does not work, then Google Disney World careers. Good luck!
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