Alliance française of Dhaka

The Alliance Française of Dhaka (AFD) was established in 1959 in Dhanmondi and is part of an international network of 1130 centres spread in 140 countries. It receives more than 400 000 students. Its aim is to promote the language and culture of France, working in close association with the country in which it is based. It places itself at the service of the public whose needs and expectations it endeavours to fulfil.

During its 4 annual sessions the Alliance française offers to more than 600 students general French courses from beginner level to confirmed speaker level. It provides also various special courses ( French for Business, French Corner etc.) and meets the demand for “cours en entreprises” coming from public and private organisations. Children and adolescents have courses which are reserved for them, and that correspond to their age. Qualified centre, it can take the examination of the AFP (CEFP1 etc.), the DELF, the DALF and the TEF.
The Information office for Higher studies in France located in the Alliance française helps students wanting to continue their studies abroad.
The AFD is also very active in the cultural domain and presents throughout the year concerts, plays, expositions, conferences, not to mention its two weekly cinema showing and its two monthly “jazz night”. Lastly, the AFD have a media library containing 7300 books and 2000 DVD. It is also subscribed to 20 magazines.
The AFD has an annex in Baridhara. The latter have its own media library.

For more information :

Alliance Française de Dacca 26 Mirpur Road Dhanmondi Dhaka-1205
Tél : +880 (02) 861 15 57
Fax : +880 (02) 861 64 62
e-mail : info@afdacca.com
Please visit the website of Alliance Française of Dhaka: Under construction

Effective Job Interview Tips

Job interview advice and tips, interview questions and answers, interview preparation and post interview thank you letters.

Acing the Interview You’ve just landed an interview for a seemingly wonderful job! Now what? Successful interviewing will be essential in order for you to lock in an offer. Here are some tips and strategies for effective interviewing from preparation through follow up.
Does past performance predict future success? Proponents of behavioral interviewing agree that it does. Be prepared to respond with details, actions and results when participating in a behavioral interview.

Dressing for Success Dress your best for an interview, regardless of the dress code at the organization. If you're in doubt about what to wear, it is best to err on the side of conservatism.

Informational Interviewing Before, during and after an informational interview.

Job Interview Tips Job interviewing never seems to get any easier - even when you have gone on more interviews than you can count. There are some ways, however, you can use these job interview tips to prepare which will alleviate some of the stress involved in employment interviews.

Job Interview Tip: Interviewing in a Public Place Employers sometimes schedule job interviews in a public place, like a coffee shop or restauarant. It could be because they are hiring for a field position and they don't have a local office.

Meals, Manners & Interview Tips Interviews are often stressful - even for job seekers who have interviewed many times. Interviewing can be even more stressful when you are expected to eat and talk at the same time. Here's how to survive a lunch or dinner interview.

Phone Interview Tips While you're actively job searching, it's important to be prepared for a phone job interview on a moment's notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.

Second Interview Tips Second Interview Tips: Interview tips and suggestions for your second interview.

Taking Time Off for an Interview Suggestions and excuses for taking time off from work for a job interview.

Winning Interview Skills So, you’ve landed an interview for a seemingly wonderful job! Now what?

Job Interview Tips for Medical Jobs Whether you’re interviewing for an entry level, hourly wage job, a high-paying hospital executive role, or a clinical role such as nursing or physician jobs, below are a few key steps you can take to assure that you’re prepared for your interview.

Local Job Search Tips

Local Job Search Tips

When conducting a local job search, it's important to focus your search criteria on the specific location where you want to work. Make sure you list the city and state (or country if you're searching for an international job).
Otherwise, you may get jobs in other locations because there can be cities with similar names in other parts of the country.

Broaden Your Job Search

If you don't find enough local job listings, broaden your search to include a radius (10, 15, 20 miles from the city) to get a greater selection of job postings.
Be sure to check your local newspaper's help wanted ads, as well. Some employers only advertise on a local level.

Use Local Jobs Sites

It's also a good idea to use sites that focus on a local job search and sites, like the job search engines, that help you search fast for local jobs:

Part Time Job Search Tips

Are you looking for part-time work? Here are some time-saving tips that will help you find a part-time job fast:

Be Prepared. Have a telephone answering machine or voice mail system so potential employers can get in touch with you. Also be prepared to interview on-the-spot and even to get a job offer immediately.

Job Search Engines. Search the part-time job sites. These sites focus on part-time and hourly jobs or they have a sophisticated search engine that will enable you to search quickly for part-time jobs in your location. In many cases, you will be able to apply online.

Apply Direct Online. Many major employers of part-time workers, like JC Penny, FedEx and Walmart, accept online applications. Visit the web site of companies you are interested to see if you can apply online.

What You Need to Apply Online. The online applications I reviewed asked for your contact information, educational background and employment history. You will need to know when you worked and what you were paid at your previous jobs. You may also be asked what days and hours you are available to work.

Be Alert. If you are interested in retail employment, keep you eye out for "help wanted" signs in store windows when you're at the mall or in town. Ask the Manager if the store is hiring if you don't see a sign.

Check the Ads. Review the Help Wanted ads in your local newspaper and pennysaver regularly. Many small employers advertise in the paper, rather than listing online.

Apply In Person. Applying in person is often the best mechanism for finding a part-time job. When you apply, your attire should be neat and tidy, hair and fingernails well groomed and your shoes moderate.

What to Bring. Bring the information you'll need to fill out an application, including n ames and addresses of previous employers, dates of employment, references, and a resume if you have one. If you're a teen, bring your working papers. Be prepared for a brief on-the-spot interview. Know when you are available to start the job and what hours you can work each week.

Have References Ready. Have a list of three references including name and phone number and email address ready to give to interviewers. If you don't have employment references use other people, like people you have babysat for or neighbors, who can vouch for you.

Keep Track. Make a list of the companies you have applied to. After an interview, jot down the name of the person you spoke to. It's easy to forgot or get mixed up when you are applying for several jobs. This way you will be prepared if you get a follow-up phone call.

Get Help. Utilize free or inexpensive services that provide and job search assistance such as high school guidance offices, college student employment offices and career services offices, state Department of Labor offices and your local public library.

Use Your Network. Be aware of the fact that many, if not most, job openings aren't advertised. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for work. Ask if they can help. Just recently, I have heard about someone getting hired for a position that her dentist told her about. Someone else got an internship because he mentioned he was looking at a birthday party. While an acquaintance was offered a job over the phone by an employer his friend had given his resume to. Networking really does work!

Job Search Tips

Ten Time Saving Tips to Speed Up Your Job Search

Here are some quick time-saving job search tips that will help your hunt for a new job go smoothly.

Be Prepared. Have a telephone answering machine or voice mail system in place and sign-up for a professional sounding email address. Put your cell phone number on your resume so you can follow up in a timely manner.

Be More Than Prepared. Always have an up-to-date resume ready to send - even if you are not currently looking for work. You never know when an opportunity that is too good to pass up might come along. Have a supply of good quality resume paper, envelopes and stamps on hand.

Don't Wait. If you are laid-off, file for unemployment benefits right away. You may be able to file online or by phone. Waiting could delay your benefits check.

Get Help. Utilize free or inexpensive services that provide career counseling and job search assistance such as college career offices, state Department of Labor offices or your local public library.

Create Your Own Templates. Have email and paper versions of your resume and cover letter ready to edit. That way you can change the content to match the requirements of the job you're applying for, but, the contact information and your opening and closing paragraphs won't need to be changed.

Use Job Search Engines. Search the job search engines. Use the sites that search the major job banks, employer sites and electronic news groups for you.

Jobs by Email. Let the jobs come to you. Use job search agents to sign up and receive job listings by email. All the major job sites have search agents and some web sites specialize in sending announcements.

Time Savers. Strapped for time? Consider getting help writing or editing your resume. Resume posting services that post your resume to multiple job sites at once can save hours of data entry.

References Ready. Have a list of three references including name, job title, company, phone number and email address ready to give to interviewers.

Use Your Network. Be cognizant of the fact that many, if not most, job openings aren't advertised. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for work. Ask if they can help.
This tip isn't a time saver, but, it will broaden your online job search resources.

Don't Stop. Don't limit your job searching to the top sites like Monster, CareerBuilder and HotJobs. Check the smaller niche sites that focus on a particular geographic location or career field and you will find plenty of job listings.

CANADIAN Student Vissa Information

PART 3

Expenses of Study In CANADA
A. Tuition Fees (for one school year, 8 months) in $CDN
1. In British Columbia, Undergraduate: $13,995 to $16,535; Graduate: $2,500 to $33,000
2. In Alberta, Undergrad: $7,130 to $20,980; Grad: $5,880 to $33,500
3. In Saskatchewan, Undergrad: $8,490 to $11,480; Grad: $2,650 to $5,625
4. In Manitoba, Undergrad: $5,575 to $6,300; Grad: $4,170 to $7,935
5. In Ontario, Undergrad: $6,900 to $16,245; Grad: $5,500 to $36,035
6. In Quebec, Undergrad: $9,770 to $11,970; Grad: $8,810 to $20,000
7. In New Brunswick, Undergrad: $7,625 to $12,200; Grad: $7,080 to $9,145
8. In Nova Scotia, Undergrad: $9,490 to $13,810; Grad: $4,610 to $16,335
9. In Prince Edward Island, Undergrad: nearly $8,430; Grad: $4,560 to $6,845
10. In Newfoundland and Labrador, Undergrad: nearly $8,780; Grad: $1,895 to $3,550

B. Living & Other Expense in $CDN
A single student will require about $10,000 per year including food, cloth, transport, travel, telephone etc.
C. Medical Insurance:
1. It depends on provinces. Cost for a single student is $300 to $700 per year including doctor’s visits, medication, hospitalization etc.
2. If your school doesn't provide health and medical coverage, you will have to buy your own insurance on the market.
PART 4
Other Information Of Study In CANADA
A. Working in Canada:
1. Canada offers an Off-Campus Work Permit Program that are permitted to work off-campus up to 20 hours a week when class is running. During vacation, you can work full time.
2. The work permit is valid for the duration of their study permit.
3. For more information visit Work Permit Program site.

B. Jobs in Canada $CDN
1. The job areas are: Library assistant, Service manager - marketing support, Beach lifeguard, Day camp counselor - recreation, Canvasser - retail, Tennis court manager, Housekeeping attendant, Maintenance worker, parks, House painter, Hairdresser, Security guard, Tourist information clerk, Interpreter, Cleaner, Housekeeper, Camp cook, Telemarketer supervisor, Theatre technician, Bartending/waiting tables, Health Care Services, Accounting, Engineering Jobs, Health & Medical, Computing, Fruit Picking, Architecture, Hospitality & Food Service Jobs etc.
2. Average wages: Students can earn from $7 to $20 per hour

C. How to Apply to the University
1. Check with the departments to see if there is a closing date for your application.
2. You should write directly to the Institution's Admission Office for detailed application information and forms.
3. You can also download application form from university website.
4. Some universities have an on-line application facility.
5. Admission Office will inform you about the documentation, translation, and visa requirements.
5. You should start at least one year in advance to compile the necessary information and documentation.
6. The decision of the institution is usually announced within approximately six to eight months of the application deadline.

D. Supporting Documents
1. Completed Application Form.
2. Money order/Application fee Documents.
3. Official English version of all educational documents including marks sheets.
4. School/College leaving certificate.
5. TOFEL, IELTS test results.
6. Score report of SAT, GRE, GMAT (based on university requirements) etc.
7. Letter of financial responsibility directly from your sponsor.
8. Photocopy of your passport.

E. Credit Transfer Facility
1. Students may apply for credit transfer program at undergraduate or postgraduate level in Canada.
2. The maximum amount of credit that may be granted normally is not greater than 50% of the course.
3. Most of the Canadian universities consider minimum "B" grade for acceptance.
4. You have to submit the following documents
to your target university:
a. Your application form for the Undergraduate or Postgraduate coursework program
b. Official copies of your academic transcript
c. Also include an official letter from head of the school/department of your university, from where you have already completed the courses.
d. Detailed course outlines (Official Copy) including subject descriptions, methods of teaching and assessment, reading lists, number of hours of teaching etc.
e. The academic level you are studying (e.g. First Year, Second Year etc.)
f. How many credits you have completed
g. An explanation of the grading system used at your institution.
h. Information on the total units of study requirement ( i.e. how many credits are required) for the completion of the degree.

F. Scholarships
1. There is a huge number of scholarship available on the International Scholarship Database of VarsityAdmission.COM site
2. You may also search Canadian and International Scholarship Programs in Canada
3. Scholarship programs Scholarship and Bursaries

CANADA Student Vissa

PART 2

Requirements for Master's Program In CANADA

A. Academic
1. At least 16 years of education.
 
B. Language Proficiency
1. Most universities require IELTS band of 6.0 to 6.5 or TOEFL CBT score 213 to  237 or TOEFL iBT 80 to 93
 
C. Other Test
1. It depends on universities. Sometimes it requires  GRE General, GRE Subject Tests, GMAT etc.
 
D. Course Length
1. It takes approx. 1 year of full-time study including a thesis.
2. Doctorate or Ph.D. Programs take minimum 3 years of full-time study.
 
Subjects for Bachelor's & Master's Program
Computer Science, Food Science, Biology, Physics,
Chemistry, Construction & Resources, Electronics, Medical Science & Services, Marine Affairs, Information Management, Agriculture Economics, Applied Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Astronomy, Applied Geography, Architectural Science, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering & Environmental Health, Business Administration, Education, Home Economics, Music, Economics, History & Religion, English, Theater, Philosophy, Law etc.

Higher Study in Canada

PART 1
Semester Offer
1. Fall semester: September to December.
2. Winter semester: January to April.
3. Spring/summer session: May to August.

Requirements for Bachelor's Program
A. Academic
1. At least 12 years of education (HSC equivalent).

B. Language Proficiency
1. Most universities require IELTS band score of 6.0 to 6.5 or TOEFL CBT score 213 to 237 or TOEFL iBT 80 to 93

C. Other Test
1. It depends on universities. SAT I is required for almost all Universities.
2. SAT II is required for few Universities.

D. Course Length
1. Bachelor's Degree: Approx. 3 to 4 years of full time study.

Australia Student Visa Guideline

Part B
1. Passport of applicant and any dependants intending to travel.
2. All original documents. Original documents include:
(a) IELTS score
(b) offer letter
(c) educational certificates & marksheets (with highest level of education first)
(d) employment certificates (if employed)
(e) any other original documents that you think are necessary to submit with the application. These documents will be kept until assessment is completed and then returned to you.
Please note laminated documents will not be accepted.

Australia Student Visa Guideline

Part A

Visa fee TK 24,900 to be submitted as bank draft in favor of: Australian High Commission.
Bank drafts can be purchased against cash from BRAC Bank extension counter located at the VFS application center, or at any branch of Standard Chartered Bank.
1. Student Visa Application Cover Sheet
2. Application form 157A with 3 recent, passport-size color photographs of each applicant stapled to the top right-hand corner of the form
3. Completed Details of Relatives form
4. One-page statement of purpose (if applicable)
5. Photocopy of the offer letter.
6. Evidence of the IELTS score
7. Photocopies of the student’s educational certificates & marksheets (with highest level of education first), passport, and photocopies of any other originals that have been submitted with the application.
8. Student Visa Financial Guarantee forms followed by each guarantor’s documents as follows:
* Original bank statement
* Photocopies of relevant financial statements
* Photocopies of guarantor’s source of income documents.

Create Great Cover Letters

Your cover letter tells an employer a lot about you, good or bad. Think of it as a sales pitch. It’s primary purpose is to show why your skills and background are a perfect match for the position for which you're applying. It is not the place to present all of your experience, that should already be showcased in your resume.
As your first opportunity to make a great impression, a well-written letter shows that you are serious about your job search. Highlight one or two of your skills or accomplishments that show that you are the right person for this position.
While there is no set format or template, here are some more tips for creating a letter that employers will read:

Keep it brief. Cover letters rarely need to be longer than one page. You can usually sum it up in about four paragraphs:

1 ntroduce yourself and explain why you’re writing.
2. Lay out your key skills and accomplishments.
3. Explain why you want to work for the company. Thank the reader, invite him/her to contact 4. you and lay out your follow-up plans.

Personalize. Avoid generic greetings such as "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam". Address your letter to a specific person, and make sure the spelling is correct.

Sell your skills. Don’t just rehash your resume. Highlight the skills that are most relevant. Illustrate how they relate to the position.

Clarity is key. Be very direct; write clearly and concisely. Don’t make the reader have to work to figure out why you’re writing or speculate at how your skills match the position.

Be proactive. State how you can be reached and give specific information about your plans for follow-up. Once you've said it, do it; follow through.

Review, review, review. Always take the time to review your letter. Double-check for typos; don’t rely on spell-check. If you have time, ask a friend or colleague to look it over as well. Make your changes and review again.

Tips For a Great Resume

The purpose of a resume is to highlight your qualifications and get you an interview. Your resume, along with your cover letter, introduces you to an employer. It lets him/her know who you are and what you have to offer.

The perfect resume is targeted to the specifics of the job description. Tailoring your resume shows that you've done your homework and highlights the skills you possess that are relevant to the job.
Resumes can follow a variety of styles and formats, but most contain the same basic information:

Identifying Information: This section includes basic contact information, including your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address. If you have a Web site that is relevant to the job for which you’re applying, include that here, too.
Objective: This is really just a brief description of your immediate career goals. The key is to keep it short and concise and to make it relevant to the job for which you are applying. If your objective is vague, leave it out.

Education: This section details your past and current educational endeavors. List degrees, diplomas, or certificates you have earned or are working toward. Start with the most recent and work your way back. Include the name of the school, degree, major, date of graduation, and honors or academic accomplishments.

Work Experience: This is a summary of your work experience. List your most recent or current job first and work your way back. Include your job title, the name and location of the organization, and the dates you worked. Describe your job duties and accomplishments briefly using strong action verbs. Military, intern, and volunteer experiences may be included here or detailed in another section.

Volunteer Experience: If you have done a lot of volunteer work, list it in its own section. Include where you volunteered and briefly describe what you did and when you did it.
Interests and Extracurricular Activities: This section can be used to highlight skills that were not gained through work or education, but are relevant to the job for which you are applying. These may include leadership or teamwork skills you picked up through professional clubs, academic teams, or organized sports.

Skills: Use this to highlight special skills you possess that are directly related to the job for which you are applying. This is a good place to detail your computer experience and list the programs you are familiar with.

References: This is always the last section of your resume, but references need not actually be included in the resume itself. Your best bet is to say "References Available upon Request" and to keep a separate sheet with your references detailed handy.

Higher Study in Germany

The Degrees are

1. Bachelor
2. Masters
3. Diploma
4. Doctoral
5. Post Doctoral

Semester Offer
1. Summer semester: April to September
2. Winter semester: October to March


Expenses
A. Tuition Fees in (€) Euro
1. German institutes of higher education did not charge tuition fees. However, they are planning to impose tuition in 2007.
2. Universities in some states has already imposed tuition fee.
3. Tuition fees up to 500 Euro per semester. In different cases additionally, 40 Euro will have to be paid for administration plus about 40 to 70 Euro are due for student social services each academic term.
4. For student support detail download German higher education file.
5. Applicants should check with his desired university for accurate tuition fee.

B. Living & Other Expenses in (€) Euro
A student spends about 500 to 750 Euro per month including food, clothing, transport, telephone, accommodation, books etc.

C. Health Insurance in (€) Euro
1. Your first priority when coming to Germany should be health insurance. Medication, doctors and hospitals are extremely expensive, so you must make sure that you are covered for sickness and emergencies.
2. The health insurance cost is approx. 50 euro per month
3. In addition, you will usually not get a residency permit without proof of adequate insurance. Health insurance is also mandatory for all employees and students in Germany, so you will not be able to start working or studying without it.


A. Accommodation
1. Living in Germany is expensive. A German ends up paying half of his wages towards rent. If you don't want to trust your luck, you can consider several possibilities in looking for accommodation.
2. Offers of accommodation are available in local newspapers, usually in the Wednesday and weekend editions. You can also advertise that you're looking for a room. Classified newspapers specialise in advertisements. You could also find accommodation at your university. The “notice-boards” are usually crammed with offers of accommodation scrawled on bits of paper. For those who arrive in Germany alone, flat sharing in so-called “WGs” (Wohngemeinschaften), is a good way to get to meet people.
3. Many university cities have shared-living centers (Mitwohnzentrale) which help you find accommodation for limited periods on a commission basis. University residences also provide accommodation. Anyone looking for a flat through an estate agent must bear one thing in mind: two months’ rent as advance is usually required. That is a lot of money and is not worthwhile, particularly for a short stay. But if you'd rather deal with an an estate agent, it's important to remember that the agent should be a member of the Ring of German Estate Agents (RDM).
4. The rooms here are indeed often very small, but on the other hand the cheapest available. Many dormitories now have bigger rooms and even offers for couples. The student services furnish addresses and information on the admission procedure for the student dormitories.

B. Language in Germany:
1. Generally a working knowledge of the
German language is necessary, unless you select an international course of study. A lot of courses are offered in the English language; take a look at the homepages of the universities to find an overview of courses available.
2. However, if you can speak or have learnt to speak German, you can prove your language proficiency both in Germany and your home country.
3. The German-run Goethe Institute offers German language courses all over the world. You can take the language diploma examinations there. These are of a sufficient standard for you to be admitted to an institution of higher education in Germany.
4. An alternative would be to attend one of the international summer courses available at universities in Germany. The courses are designed in such a manner that people of the same age group have a chance to learn the German language and about the country.

B. Working in Germany
1. Foreign students may work in Germany.
Students who are not citizens of the European
Union, or are from the ten new EU member states, can only work for a limited period per year. They are allowed to work for 90 days or 180 half-days every year without a work permit. Students are allowed to work no more than 20 hours a week
2. In many Federal States, you can only work in the summer vacation. The office for foreigners may authorize an additional working period of 10 hours per week with the approval of the local employment office.

C. Jobs in Germany
1. The job areas are: Pizza delivery boy, Cleaner, Bartending/waiting tables, Health Care Services, Computing, Trades, Fruit Picking, Hospitality & Food Service Jobs etc.
2. The average hourly rate in this case is around 8 euro per hour.

D. How to Apply to The University
1. Check with the departments to see if there is a closing date for your application.
2. You should write directly to the Institution's Admission Office for detailed application information and forms.
3. You can also download application form from university website.
4. Some universities have an on-line application facility.
5. Admission Office will inform you about the documentation, translation, and visa requirements.
5. You should start at least one year in advance to compile the necessary information and documentation.
6. The decision of the institution is usually announced within approximately six to eight months of the application deadline.

E. Supporting Documents
1. Completed Application Form
2. English version of your all educational documents including mark sheet.
3. School/College leaving certificate.
4. Application fee payment document.
5. German/English language test result.
6. Photocopy of your passport.

F. Credit Transfer Facility
1. Students may apply for credit transfer program at undergraduate or postgraduate level in Germany.
2. The maximum amount of credit that may be granted normally is not greater than 50% of the course.
3. Most of the German universities consider minimum "B" grade for acceptance.
4. You have to submit the following documents
to your target university:
a. Your application form for the Undergraduate or Postgraduate coursework program
b. Official copies of your academic transcript
c. Also include an official letter from head of the school/department of your university, from where you have already completed the courses.
d. Detailed course outlines (Official Copy) including subject descriptions, methods of teaching and assessment, reading lists, number of hours of teaching etc.
e. The academic level you are studying (e.g. First Year, Second Year etc.)
f. How many credits you have completed
g. An explanation of the grading system used at your institution.
h. Information on the total units of study requirement ( i.e. how many credits are required) for the completion of the degree.