How safe is the El Dorado Airport in Bogotá, Colombia?
I am planning to travel to Santiago, Chile in December 2010 for about a month. There is one ticket I found for cheap with Avianca, but it has 1 stop in Bogota, Colombia, both ways. Going to Chile it has a layover in the afternoon for almost 9 hrs and coming back to the US the layover is 11 hrs in the afternoon again. I know it's a hassle but I would be saving almost $400 dollars, which is a lot for a college student these days. I usually travel with LanChile, which usually stops in Lima for about an hour, so you don't even need to get off the plane, or it's a direct flight. I was wondering how safe would it be for a young American woman to wait in Bogota for that long period of time? My mother is worried as she says it is very unsafe because of the whole drug and political problem in the country. I want to buy this ticket asap as it is extremely cheap, but mother says that it is that low price because no one wants to take a risk and to stop in Colombia. Please help me with your experience and opinion! Thanks!!!
Air Travel - 2 Answers
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1 :
I was going to Caracas, Venezuela last year and there was a possibility of a flight via Bogota (for some reason). A colleague warned me to avoid anything that involved a wait in Bogota airport at any costs. However, over in Latin America, most are of the firm belief that the reputation of Bogota is a little outdated now, and it is a much safer city than certainly it used to be. Local Venezuelans from Caracas actually said they would prefer Bogota to Caracas! I wouldn't want an 11 hour stay, but then it wouldn't be the airport putting me off but the long hours.
2 :
You can find a bunch of good layover tips for Bogota layovers (including things to do) here - http://www.layoverguide.com/2009/12/layover-in-bogota-columbia.html
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Friday, August 12, 2011
Exchange student to france?
Exchange student to france?
Hello, i'm in MN and i already decided with my whole family that i'm going to be a exchange student to go to france for my junior year (I go in freshman in august) i have one year studying french, and i already know spanish, Ok..so i yet don't know what program is the best to go to france with, any ideas? has anyone been an exchange student from the us (to any country, or to france) what program did you go with, how was it? also, are there any things i should be aware of about france? do i get credits and especial classes like here in the united states there in paris (like advanced math classes and stuff?) i mean, i used to live in colombia and we didnt get any of that everybody got the same classes (i'm worried i'll get caught up in school work) i know is 2 years away but i want to have it all ready before i begin to save... since is so much money! (Maybe i could get it all in year!)
Studying Abroad - 2 Answers
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1 :
I'm also planing on studying abroad and I am going with the Rotary Youth Exchange.
2 :
Hi, France is great - I went there an exchange student myself, but trust me: the school system is nothing like at home. So you might just as well forget about getting credits, points, degrees or what not. Now what I would recommend, especially because you still have some time: go on www.best-student-exchange.com, that is an open portal for student exchange where I also found my host families. There are plenty of families from France: why don't you contact one of them and arrange like a 2 or 3 weeks exchange, with one or two or even three families this summer or for next summer, that way you improve your French before starting school, you can check out the country and perhaps on of the families is your preferred family and you can arrange a full-year-exchange with them? For international student exchange for high school students this is the best of all student exchange programs, because it only cost like not even 200$
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Hello, i'm in MN and i already decided with my whole family that i'm going to be a exchange student to go to france for my junior year (I go in freshman in august) i have one year studying french, and i already know spanish, Ok..so i yet don't know what program is the best to go to france with, any ideas? has anyone been an exchange student from the us (to any country, or to france) what program did you go with, how was it? also, are there any things i should be aware of about france? do i get credits and especial classes like here in the united states there in paris (like advanced math classes and stuff?) i mean, i used to live in colombia and we didnt get any of that everybody got the same classes (i'm worried i'll get caught up in school work) i know is 2 years away but i want to have it all ready before i begin to save... since is so much money! (Maybe i could get it all in year!)
Studying Abroad - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I'm also planing on studying abroad and I am going with the Rotary Youth Exchange.
2 :
Hi, France is great - I went there an exchange student myself, but trust me: the school system is nothing like at home. So you might just as well forget about getting credits, points, degrees or what not. Now what I would recommend, especially because you still have some time: go on www.best-student-exchange.com, that is an open portal for student exchange where I also found my host families. There are plenty of families from France: why don't you contact one of them and arrange like a 2 or 3 weeks exchange, with one or two or even three families this summer or for next summer, that way you improve your French before starting school, you can check out the country and perhaps on of the families is your preferred family and you can arrange a full-year-exchange with them? For international student exchange for high school students this is the best of all student exchange programs, because it only cost like not even 200$
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Thursday, July 28, 2011
Can I get into Harvard, Colombia, Berkley?
Can I get into Harvard, Colombia, Berkley?
I'm in grade 11. I am doing my IB's and my predicted scores are 44. I am student council president. I am also the founder of a charity organization that has gained in excess of 100 000 dollars. I do the international youth award and am the ambassador of my schools mun club. I play the saxophone and speak 4 languages. Could i get into Colombia, Berkley or Harvard with those stats?? Well we don't do gpa but my ib predicted's are 44- I will take the SAT's next march ya and I'm ranked number one in my class of 100 As well I have 4 nationalities and I live in Egypt- universities look at diversity
Higher Education (University +) - 2 Answers
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1 :
It's "Columbia." And sorry, that's not enough information. What are your SAT/ACT scores? SAT Subject Test scores? Unweighted and weighted GPA? Those are the main factors considered for college admissions. Not "I play the saxophone" or "I started a club."
2 :
It's "Columbia" and it's "Berkeley." It looks like you have a lot of good extra curriculars, but sometimes people with the best of applications don't get into these schools. Plenty of qualified applicants apply every year, and sometimes the people that deserve to get in don't. No one on Yahoo Answers can tell you if you'll get in to any university, haha. It looks like you have a good start though. ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Test scores would help in further evaluation, but you still won't get a concrete answer.
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I'm in grade 11. I am doing my IB's and my predicted scores are 44. I am student council president. I am also the founder of a charity organization that has gained in excess of 100 000 dollars. I do the international youth award and am the ambassador of my schools mun club. I play the saxophone and speak 4 languages. Could i get into Colombia, Berkley or Harvard with those stats?? Well we don't do gpa but my ib predicted's are 44- I will take the SAT's next march ya and I'm ranked number one in my class of 100 As well I have 4 nationalities and I live in Egypt- universities look at diversity
Higher Education (University +) - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
It's "Columbia." And sorry, that's not enough information. What are your SAT/ACT scores? SAT Subject Test scores? Unweighted and weighted GPA? Those are the main factors considered for college admissions. Not "I play the saxophone" or "I started a club."
2 :
It's "Columbia" and it's "Berkeley." It looks like you have a lot of good extra curriculars, but sometimes people with the best of applications don't get into these schools. Plenty of qualified applicants apply every year, and sometimes the people that deserve to get in don't. No one on Yahoo Answers can tell you if you'll get in to any university, haha. It looks like you have a good start though. ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Test scores would help in further evaluation, but you still won't get a concrete answer.
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Thursday, July 14, 2011
What Exchange Student Program would best fit me?
What Exchange Student Program would best fit me?
Let me tell you some information about me that might help you find what i need. I live in the United States, 15 year old sophomore girl, speak English(main language) and Spanish, i am a Christian, and lived in another country for a year. My parents are host parents to a girl from Colombia, South America. Since she has been living with us, i have wanted to be an exchange student. I have looked on the computer for awhile to find a good, cheap Exchange Student Programs to go with but i just havent found the right one that suits me. Also, im still looking for a country i would like to go to. Like i said at the beginning, I can speak English and Spanish, but would rather go to a country that Spanish is not their main language. I prefer English. So if you could please give me some great programs(cheap prices) and some amazing countries that i could choose from that would be a life changing experience. Thank you so much,(:
Studying Abroad - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
For me, (i'm also a 15 year old girl in 10th grade), i chose the Rotary Club when i wanted to do a year abroad. You do have to apply to get in, but everyone is so friendly and helpful and there are many countries to choose from. Its about $4,000 for the whole year if you do get in, but this price is reasonable considering you'll be gone for a whole year. I hope this helped! You should definitely go for it :) http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/YouthPrograms/RotaryYouthExchange/Pages/ridefault.aspx Good luck!
2 :
I'm looking into becoming a foreign exchange student also :) for the programs I would definitely recommend Rotary. They are the cheapest and very reliable. However, YFU is supposed to be very good also but are more expensive. There are many programs that offer scholarships so with YFU you could go for the price of Rotary. For countries that speak english I would recommend New Zealand or Australia. :) Hope this helped!
3 :
Rotary is really good. I went for a year with them and only had to pay airfair and health insurance. They gave me an allowance for my free time, and sent me on several trips (including an all expense paid trip around Germany) Be very careful when using the internet to find exchange programs, because there are a lot of scams. Be sure to ask you guidance counselor about whatever programs you find.
4 :
The point in being an exchange student is learning another lenguage if you already speak English then go to somewhere else maybe Italy France or Germany ..
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Thursday, July 7, 2011
What is the process for an international student to rent an apartment in NYC?
What is the process for an international student to rent an apartment in NYC?
Hey! I'm moving to New York City from Bogotá, Colombia to study there. I've been doing some research and noticed there are apartments that do not accept students applications. (There is no student housing where I'm going to study.) For the apartments that DO accept student applications, what is the credit check process since I cannot work with a F-1 visa (student visa)? Or do I need to have a guarantor if I'm an international student? What would the guarantor credit check be like? Thank you in advance for all the help, it will be greatly appreciated!! Any other advice about international student housing in NYC is also very welcomed! Have a great weekend!!!
Other - Education - 2 Answers
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1 :
I recently moved from FL to NY. I had to pay 6 months rent up front w/o a guarantor bc I have good credit but no income, with a guarantor that person needs to make 6x the annual amount of rent and have good credit. Credit is generally not recognized from foreign countries, so you'll probably have to pay up front. My broker told me when he works with people from foreign countries, their application shows they have No credit. not bad not good, but none. Our system doesn't recognize it. i chose to live in a private condo, which involved me working with a broker and the owner which is how we came to this agreement. Just make sure you DON'T sign anything you don't completely understand and feel comfortable with. Even though it may cost a little more, you may want to contact a broker, just to make sure everything is legitimate. I have heard horror stories from classmates who were taken advantage of by landlords. What area are you trying to move to? Again, you'll probably have to work something out directly with a landlord, and certain areas are more open to that than others. Also, moving in the summer is when most rent prices are highest and least negotiable on terms, so try to plan your move accordingly if you can.
2 :
i would recommend calling these people. check out their site: http://www.studenthousing.org. they are not a scam (hence the .org site name). they will tell you where you can and cannot rent and what is required. you will need to get the number on the website and call, the website has minimal info, but someone will help you if you contact them. good luck!
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Hey! I'm moving to New York City from Bogotá, Colombia to study there. I've been doing some research and noticed there are apartments that do not accept students applications. (There is no student housing where I'm going to study.) For the apartments that DO accept student applications, what is the credit check process since I cannot work with a F-1 visa (student visa)? Or do I need to have a guarantor if I'm an international student? What would the guarantor credit check be like? Thank you in advance for all the help, it will be greatly appreciated!! Any other advice about international student housing in NYC is also very welcomed! Have a great weekend!!!
Other - Education - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I recently moved from FL to NY. I had to pay 6 months rent up front w/o a guarantor bc I have good credit but no income, with a guarantor that person needs to make 6x the annual amount of rent and have good credit. Credit is generally not recognized from foreign countries, so you'll probably have to pay up front. My broker told me when he works with people from foreign countries, their application shows they have No credit. not bad not good, but none. Our system doesn't recognize it. i chose to live in a private condo, which involved me working with a broker and the owner which is how we came to this agreement. Just make sure you DON'T sign anything you don't completely understand and feel comfortable with. Even though it may cost a little more, you may want to contact a broker, just to make sure everything is legitimate. I have heard horror stories from classmates who were taken advantage of by landlords. What area are you trying to move to? Again, you'll probably have to work something out directly with a landlord, and certain areas are more open to that than others. Also, moving in the summer is when most rent prices are highest and least negotiable on terms, so try to plan your move accordingly if you can.
2 :
i would recommend calling these people. check out their site: http://www.studenthousing.org. they are not a scam (hence the .org site name). they will tell you where you can and cannot rent and what is required. you will need to get the number on the website and call, the website has minimal info, but someone will help you if you contact them. good luck!
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Friday, July 1, 2011
Question about US passport going to Colombia!?
Question about US passport going to Colombia!?
Ok, so I want to go to Colombia for about 6 months. I have a US passport, and I understand that you can really only go to Colombia for 90 days (3 mos) with a US passport. Is there any way I can get an extension on this? Or do I have to get a visa? I am going there neither to student nor to work. I also don't know if I should just stay there for 6 mos and then pay the fines... Anyone know how much those fines usually are? and are there any repercussions for returning if I stay longer than my passport allows? Thanks all, Dave
Other - Latin America - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Hi there, when you enter Colombia you will get a visa at the border for either 30 or 60 days (mostly 60 days), for 90 days only if you show a return ticket, but it is not for sure. Anyway, there's no problem to get an extension when in Colombia. You need to go to the DAS office for an extension. You can stay a maximum of 180 per year, and multiple entries are ok. Have a good time in Colombia.
2 :
there are colomb ian consulates where you can apply for a 6 months visa. or stay 3 months and go to peru and ecuador and come back and stay couple of months.
3 :
Norbert has good information. However, there have occasionally been people who have had trouble gaining an extention who found that it worked well for them to travel over to Ecuador for a couple of days then just reenter Colombia and get another 90-day tourist visa. Either way, you shouldn't have too much trouble.
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Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Is it ok to video record my college lectures/classes?
Is it ok to video record my college lectures/classes?
It's my freshman year, Calculus teacher speaks reaaaallly fast (you wouldn't even believe) and advanced Spanish teacher is from Colombia and speaks rapidly with an accent I'm not used to. Is it ok to use my flip video camera (small like a digital camera) to video my classes so I can view them later? Would that be a weird thing to do? The camera would just sit on my desk. It wouldn't be very noticeable. In a lecture hall it would be easier, but these are like 25 student classes. Should I not even ask?
Higher Education (University +) - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You must ask first . The lectures belong to the professor, so don't take a refusal personally. If you get permission, do not record lectures given by a visiting or substitute professor if you ever have one. If you do not get permission, NEVER take the device out in the classroom for any reason at all! Good luck.
2 :
don't think this is legal. You aren't even allowed to shoot movies, etc on a college campus, let alone record a college prof without his permission. depends on what your use it. I would suggest just using a normal sound recorder or not recording him directly. some prof will not be happy he is being filmed!! unless he's really vain :)
3 :
It is NOT ok to record your classes without your professor's permission. Their lectures are covered by copyright law. Also, other students in the class may not want to be recorded. Ask your professors first. If you get permission, use a Smart Pen to record and take notes. You will find it more efficient than a video recording. Be sure to do your reading before your classes. This will give you an overview of the information to be covered during lectures. Also, go to your college's academic success center and get information on how to take notes. There are several things you can do to take better notes. In my experience, students who record lectures don't pay attention during class and rarely take the time to go back and review the recording.
4 :
You must ask permission of the professor, or it is not legal. (college professor)
5 :
You will need to get permission to record, whether video or just audio. You could just ask your teachers to speak a little slower. Your calculus teacher may be nervous too and not realize that he/she is speaking too quickly for the class to take notes. It's a common problem with new teachers especially. I'm sure he/she will not mind you asking (better to find out now than on evaluations at the end of the semester) and will in fact be glad to make such a small, simple change to help the class understand. Other students will appreciate it too. The Spanish teacher might resist somewhat, but will probably be willing to at least slow down for the first couple weeks to let the class get used to her particular accent and to hearing Spanish again after a summer away from it. Either way, you will get used to the Columbian accent and it might be good for you to get used to hearing fast speech in an advanced class if you ever want to be able to understand native speakers talking at normal conversational speed. I'd ask them first to slow down and only if that doesn't work, ask to record them. It'd be better to understand them the first time anyway, right?
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