Thailand a Beautiful Destination for Your Honeymoon:

Thailand is set in the heart of Southeast Asia. It shares a border with Myanmar to the west, Laos to the north and east, Cambodia to the southeast, and its peninsular southern region stretches down to Malaysia.

The Kingdom of Thailand has long been associated with romance. The country’s reputation in that regard has also been recognized by publications such as Recommend, which again this year-as it has the previous four years-bestowed on Thailand its Reader’s Choice award for the Sexiest Romance/Honeymoon Destination in Asia.  Thailand is one of the easiest destinations to fly to. Thai Airways, the country’s national carrier, flies nonstop from Los Angeles to Bangkok, and several other international carriers offer direct routes from many corners of the globe.

Most international visitors will arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as the new Bangkok International Airport, which is 15 miles east of Bangkok. Thailand’s five other international airports are in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the north and Hat Yai, Ko Samui and Phuket in the south. There are also eight domestic airports, making it easy to get around the country, and Thailand’s central location makes it an ideal hub for exploring the rest of Asia as well. Several local airlines provide travel schedules that make any destination in Thailand accessible from Bangkok in less than two hours.

WHY THAILAND?

Thailand’s hospitality is legendary and the destination provides an ideal setting for a memorable honeymoon, not to mention destination weddings. There are countless reasons for choosing Thailand for any vacation, but when it comes to honeymoons the conversation should begin with the Kingdom’s wealth of romantic settings and venues. Perhaps more than any other destination, Thailand is blessed with so many historical settings, natural wonders and cultural attractions that inspire romance and set the tone for the ultimate honeymoon.

The splendor of royal palaces–such as Bangkok’s Grand Palace, home to the famous Emerald Buddha–and exotic appeal of ancient temples come immediately to mind.

Thailand is also a progressive country when it comes to acceptance of all lifestyles on both an official and personal level.

BEACHES

High on the list of Thailand’s most popular features is its stunning beaches. Indeed, they are a major attraction for the millions of visitors the country receives each year and no less than six of them–Ko Phangan, Ko Samui, Khao Lak, Ko Phi Phi Don, Krabi and Ko Lanta– landed in the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice 2011 list of Top 10 Beaches in Asia.

SPA/WELLNESS

Thailand offers a wealth of spa opportunities, from visiting a day spa to staying in a spa resort and wellness retreat that can customize a treatment package, including meals and holistic or Ayurveda treatments.

 

DINING/CUISINE

Thai restaurants, street stalls, and bars are more than eateries, they are places for people to get together and enjoy each other’s company as well as dine on some incredibly tasty food.  Eating is a Thailand nightlife attraction in its own right.

Thailand offers an array of cooking classes, ranging from half–day courses to extensive chef training programs.

SHOPPING/MARKETS: Shopping is a fun activity for couples to do together and in an exotic place such as Thailand it’s also an exhilarating cultural experience. Bangkok in particular is one of the world’s premier shopping destinations, with a wealth of 21st century shopping malls and department stores. Upscale favorites include Central World, Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, The Emporium, Central Chidlom and Gaysorn. In these centers they’ll find glittering brand name favorites such as Gucci, Hermes, Prada and more. MBK Center offers seven floors of shopping including two floors devoted largely to electronics, while Pantip Plaza is a mall dedicated entirely to electronics.

Where to Stay: Research shows that honeymooners far outspend typical vacationers, so you may want to start by suggesting a luxury hotel, of which Thailand has some of the world’s finest. You’ll also find world–class hotels not only in Bangkok, but throughout the country, especially in resort areas such as Phuket and Ko Samui, and in Thailand’s second biggest city, Chiang Mai. The beach resort of Hua Hin is an up–and–coming area, with sophisticated hotels coming on line.

Note: Both expensive and moderately priced accommodations add a 10 percent service charge plus seven percent government tax, also called a value–added tax (VAT).

Note: The author of Travel Army (Rashidat Muhammed) is a certied 'Thai The Knot Specialist' approved by  the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS):

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world's most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. IELTS is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication. 

The Test is recognized by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognized by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies. It is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia. IELTS is an international standard language assessment Platform.

IELTS has two modules to choose from – Academic and General Training.

IELTS Academic is for test takers wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for those seeking professional registration.

IELTS General Training is for test takers wishing to migrate to an English-speaking country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK), and for those wishing to train or study at below degree level. 

Every organization usually sets their own entry requirements.

The test examine all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking, unless you have an exemption due to a disability. Everyone takes the same Listening and Speaking tests.

There are different Reading and Writing tests for IELTS Academic and General Training. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests must be completed on the same day. There are no breaks between these three tests. The Speaking test may be taken up to seven days before or after the other three tests.

How to interpret your score:

You will be given a score from 1 to 9 for each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The average produces your overall band score. You can score whole (e.g., 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half (e.g., 5.5., 6.5, 7.5) bands in each part of the test.

The score shows proficiency levels as listed below

Band Score          English Language Skill Level            

Band 9                  Expert user        

Band 8                  Very good user

Band 7                  Good user          

Band 6                  Competent user              

Band 5                  Modest user     

Band 4                  Limited user      

Band 3                  Extremely limited user 

Band 2                  Intermittent use

Band 1                  Non-user            

Band 0                 Did not attempt the test

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For more information check here.

Fast Pathway to Canada,2015.

The Canadian government have commenced the new immigration system, Express Entry Immigration System for Federal Skilled Immigrants starting from January 1, 2015.

The Federal Skilled Workers cut across 347 eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) occupations (Level 0, A and B). Most completed applications would be processed within 6 months.

This new system will accommodate 3 categories of Programs:

The Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Canadian Experience Class

The New Express System Has 2 Steps:

STEP 1. EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (PROFILE)
People will first fill out an online Express Entry Profile. This includes their language test scores, their Educational Credential Assessment (if they need one) and outlines their work experience. There is no cost to complete and submit an Express Entry profile. After completing this, you are entered into the pool of potential immigrants.

Then you will fill out an Express Entry profile to say something about your:
Identity, Contact Information, Education in more detail, Work experience in more detail, Language, Family who would come with you to Canada (dependents)

Things you will need:

Your passport or travel document

NOC job title and code
Language test results (either IELTS, CELPIP or TEF)
Educational Credential Assessment result
A copy of your written job offer from an employer in Canada (if you have one)
A copy of your provincial nomination (if you have one) and
Your personal reference code from the Canadian government website where you log in (It looks like this: JM1234567890)

Note: Completing an online Express Entry profile or entering the pool does not guarantee that you will get an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

STEP 2. APPLICATION:
Based on their profiles, candidates will be ranked against others in a pool. On a regular basis, CIC will issue invites to top candidates from the pool to apply for permanent residence. Top candidates will be invited to apply and will then be able to apply online for permanent residence. Only those who get an Invitation to Apply from CIC will be able to apply


TO KNOW IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY? - ELIGIBILITY

1. Your English or French language test results (English: CELPIP and IELTS, French:TEF)               Click here for more:
2. Your NOC skill type or level (0, A or B) Find your occupation Here
3. Your Education Credential Assessment (ECA)


DESIGNATED ORGANIZATIONS FOR ECA (Educational Credential Assessment)

1. Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies,
2. International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
3. World Education Services
4. Medical Council of Canada (this must be used by doctors)
5. Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (this must be used by Pharmacists)
    More details on ECA here



Applicant must have at least one year continuous full time/part-time paid employment experience within the previous 10 years in one of the 347 eligible occupations listed under the applicable National Occupation Classification

The work experience must be classified within Skill Type 0 (Managerial Occupations), Skill Level A (Professional Occupations), or Skill Level B (Technical Occupations and Skilled Trades) within the National Occupational Classification system

Score at least 67 points in the skilled worker point grid which constitutes six selection determinants

Have a suitable settlement fund and

Undergo a successful security background and medical examination.

Canada Calls! Good Luck!

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Read more here http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/assessment.asp



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Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, 2015.

The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies, in order to develop effective scholars and leaders and to prepare them for employment, primarily within the AKDN. 

Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant : 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July. The Foundation gives priority to requests for Master's level courses but is willing to consider applications for PhD programmes, only in the case of outstanding students who are highly recommended for doctoral studies by their professors and who need a PhD for the fulfillment of their career objectives (academic or research oriented).

Applications for short-term courses are not considered; neither are applications from students who have already started their course of study.

Eligibility

Geographic Scope
The Foundation accepts applications from nationals of the following countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique. In France, Portugal, UK, USA and Canada, applications are accepted from those who are originally from one of the above developing countries, are interested in development-related studies and who have no other means of financing their education.

Residency Requirement
The Foundation only accepts applications of eligible nationals listed above who are residing in one of the countries where there are local Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), or Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB) offices which process applications and interview candidates.

Age Limit
Preference is given to students under 30 years of age.

Selection Criteria

The main criteria for selecting award winners are:

(l) Consistently excellent academic records, 

(2) Genuine financial need, 

(3) Admission to a highly reputable university or programme of study and 4) relevance of the field of study to AKDN’s focus areas. Candidates are also evaluated on demonstrating thoughtful and coherent educational and career plans, their extra-curricular interests and achievements, potential to achieve their goals and likelihood to succeed in a foreign academic environment. Applicants are expected to have some years of work experience in their field of interest.

Financial Assistance

The Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only. The cost of travel is not included in AKF scholarships. Funding for PhD programmes is only provided for the first two years of study, after which the students are expected to find alternative sources of assistance. Financial assistance is provided according to the needs of students, but the ISP must be considered a lender of last resort. Applicants are requested to make every effort to obtain funding from other sources as well, so that the amount requested from the Foundation can be reduced to a minimum. Preference is given to those who have been able to secure some funding from alternative sources.

Loan Conditions

Half of the scholarship amount is considered as a loan, which must be reimbursed with an annual service charge of 5%. A guarantor is required to co-sign the loan agreement. The payback period is five years, starting six months after the study period funded by the Aga Khan Foundation.

Application Procedures

The application procedures of AKF's International Scholarship Programme are decentralised. Students may obtain application forms as of January 1st each year from AKF offices or Aga Khan Education Services / Boards in their countries of current residence. Completed applications should be returned to the agency from which the form was obtained. They should not be sent to Geneva.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submission of entire completed applications is March 31, although in certain countries internal deadlines may be earlier in order to process and review applications. Applicants are advised to contact the local offices for internal deadline dates and requirements as these may vary from country to country. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Source

How To Become A Canadian Citizen

If you want to bear the Canadian Passport, you must meet 6 conditions. This is according to:

1. Age
2. Permanent resident status
3. Time you have lived in Canada
4. Language skills
5. Criminal history (prohibitions)
6. How well you know Canada

As a result of 2014 changes to the Citizenship Act, if you have served in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, you might be able to apply through a fast-track process. They look at how long you have served the country, instead of how long you lived in the Canada. Foreign military members do not need to be a permanent resident of Canada.

1. Age
You must be at least 18 years old to apply. For a child under 18,  the child’s parent, adoptive parent or legal guardian must do this or the child must be a permanent resident or one parent must be a Canadian citizen or apply to become a citizen at the same time (this also applies to adoptive parents)

2. Permanent Resident Status 
You must have permanent resident (PR) status in Canada. Your PR status must not be in question. That means you must not be: • Under review for immigration or fraud reasons, or • Under a removal order (an order from Canadian officials to leave Canada). • You do not need to have a PR card to apply for citizenship. If you have a PR card, but it is expired, you can still apply for citizenship.

3. Time you have lived in Canada
You must have resided in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) in the past four years before you apply. This does not apply to children under 18. You may be able to count time you spent in Canada before you became a permanent resident if it was during the past four years.

4. Language abilities
Canada has two official languages—English and French. To become a citizen, you must show that you have adequate knowledge of one of these languages. In general, this means you can: • take part in short, everyday conversations about common topics; • understand simple instructions, questions and directions; • use basic grammar, including simple structures and tenses; and • Show that you know enough common words and phrases to answer questions and express yourself. • If you are between 18 and 54, you must send documents with your citizenship application that prove you can speak and listen in English or French at this level. This is done by taking the IELTS.

5. Criminal history (prohibitions)
You cannot become a citizen if you: • have been convicted of an indictable (criminal) offense or an offense under the Citizenship Act in the three years before you apply, • are currently charged with an offense under the Citizenship Act, • are in prison, on parole or on probation, • are under a removal order (Canadian officials have ordered you to leave Canada), • are being investigated for, are charged with, or have been convicted of a war crime or a crime against humanity, or • Have had your Canadian citizenship taken away in the past five years.

6. How well you know Canada
Its history, culture and places. This can be achieved by reading more about Canada.

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Read More http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become-eligibility.asp