August 29, 2024: This Week in International Student News

International Student Voice Team
Aug 28, 2024
2 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

The fall season is upon us. And just in case you haven't noticed, in the U.S. that means pumpkin-flavored everything and a highly-anticipated U.S. presidential election.

Being in the U.S. during a presidential election is a unique experience for international students. You get to witness everything from the "inside"...and sometimes...yes..it can seem just as crazy from the inside as it looks on the outside. 😆

But through all the noise, we want to help you understand what's going on. So we'll be sharing resources leading up to the Nov. 5 election.

Hold on to your pumpkin spice latte...(well, try a sip so you know what the hype is all about)...

We think it's going to be an extra-frothy election season.

International Student Voice Team ⭐

How the U.S. President is Elected

First things first...the U.S. President is not elected by popular vote.

For example: During the 2016 Presidential election, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton actually had more votes than Republican candidate Donald Trump, but she still lost.

Even though Hillary Clinton had won the popular vote, Donald Trump had won the electoral college vote.

This has only happened 5 times in U.S. history.

Robert Alexander is an electoral college expert. He is a professor of political science and the Founding Director of the Bowling Green State University Democracy and Public Policy Research Network.

He was a guest writer for International Student Voice, and explains further what the electoral college is and its role in the U.S. presidential election.

hint The map above is REALLY important.

IMMIGRATION CORNER

Current F-1 international students, be sure to maintain your legal status while studying in the U.S. Talk to your Designated School Official (DSO) if you need to do any of the following:

Change your major, program, or degree level.
Change your education level.
Transfer to a new school or take a leave of absence.
Take a break from school.
Travel outside the United States.
Move to a new address.
Request a program extension.

Read more by visiting Study in the States.

Special Student Relief

International students from certain countries that are experiencing emergency situations can apply for Special Student Relief. See the list of countries here, and contact your DSO to confirm if you're eligible.

STUDYING IN THE U.S.

International Student Voice funding your master's degree

Scholarships and Loans for Your Master’s Degree in the United States

Understanding scholarships and loans for your master’s degree in the United States can be really helpful because there are some different funding opportunities available that you don’t have with a bachelor’s degree.

READ: FUNDING YOUR MASTER'S DEGREE