Cherry Blossom Season

In Japan, the beginning of the academic year, and of spring, coincides with the flowering of cherry trees. The sakura, or cherry blossom, is a symbol of joy and celebration. The three or four days when the sakura blooms are festive, and people go out for hanami (the Japanese word for enjoying the sight of sakura). Today, hanami is a global phenomenon.

Q&A with Linda Liu: What is the ideal admissions process?

College Board's Vice-President International Linda Liu talks about the newly formed India Global Alliance, its mission, and the ideal admissions process. Watch the video for more.

Vuclip CEO Nickhil Jakatdar chats with Braingainmag.com

Vuclip CEO Nickhil Jakatdar tells Braingainmag.com's Ambika Behal what he learned about studying when he went to the U.S. to attend the University of California at Berkeley.

How to talk about race

Sometimes, students going abroad have apprehensions that they may use words to describe race or ethnicity that may offend someone. Here’s a rough guide to talking about race. If you find it useful, be sure to read this article http://blog.braingainmag.com/word-nerd-how-to-talk-about-race/ too!

One Summer Can Change Your Future

Christina Quartararo from St. John’s University (New York), and Poonam Venkatesh (Arizona State University), talk about why doing a summer program is a great idea for high school students. Summer programs are quick, easy and effective ways of experiencing college life before you make the big decision of where and what to study after school.

Digital India Ambitious Project and Frugal Innovation

Digital India is one of the Modi government’s key phrases. It is an exciting opportunity for India to transform itself across all sectors. What meaning does Digital India have for Indian higher education, as a brand, and as a growth medium? We ask Manoj Ladwa, CEO of India Inc, and global citizen.

The Role and Benefits of Standardized Tests in Admissions

College Board's India Representative, Lisa Jain, gives insights into SAT, a critical component of applications. The SAT will be changing in May 2016 – what are these changes, and how will they benefit students? She also spoke about the Advanced Placement program, which can offer huge advantages.

Political science research on the economics of jihad

Dr. Aisha Ahmad is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto Scarborough, the Director of the Islam and Global Affairs Initiative at the Munk School of Global Affairs, and a Senior Fellow at Massey College. In her book “Jihad & Co.: Black Markets and Islamist Power”, published last month by Oxford University Press, she argues that jihadists rise to power by exploiting local economies. But how does one interview smugglers, merchants, and extremists for one’s research in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Mali, and Lebanon? Dr. Ahmad discusses how she did her field work, and shares some advice for students who are interested in doing political science research. She has worked on projects funded by the Norwegian Research Council and the Connaught New Researcher Award.

Dr. RK Pachauri, Director-General of TERI

Nobel Laureate Dr. RK Pachauri tells braingainmag.com about why today’s youth need to understand the need for environmental sustainability for their own futures. Pachauri is the Director-General of TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) and current Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). We caught up with him at the Salwan Media One Globe 2013 Conference held in New Delhi, February 2013.

How to Write Great Resumes and Ace the Interview

Does your application need a resume or a CV? How to succeed in a university interview? How to ace the admission process? Watch the topic for valuable insights on these and related topics.