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Latest News
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Summer is fast approaching!
Summer is a fantastic time for
students to unwind and enjoy their break from school without spending a lot of money. Summer is a fantastic time for students to unwind and enjoy their break from school without spending a lot of money. Here are some fun and free activities that can keep teens entertained and engaged all summer long:
Creative Ideas: Photography, drawing/painting, writing, DIY crafts.
Community Involvement: Volunteering, library visits, community events.
Physical Activities: Sports, bike riding.
Learning Opportunities: Online courses, language learning.
Social Activities: Movie nights, game nights, cooking/baking.
Exploring Passions: Gardening, music, DIY projects.
Summer is a great time to explore new interests, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the great outdoors. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, students can have a memorable and fun-filled summer without spending any money.
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Vision benefits available!
Anyone can purchase individual vision insurance! If your employer doesn't offer vision benefits and you'd like to purchase a yearly plan for yourself and/or your family.
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Workshop: Trauma 101
The "Trauma 101" workshop by Andrea Kane-Hindin, LMHC, highlights the prevalence of trauma, its various forms, symptoms, and effective support and treatment strategies, emphasizing the importance of compassionate understanding in mental health recovery.
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Exciting news from Barbara McDonnell Insurance!
As a leading provider of travel medical insurance plans for educational programs, we're thrilled to announce our enhanced coverage options. We believe in safeguarding unforgettable experiences while prioritizing the well-being of travelers.
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Mental Health in Teens 101
Here's some helpful tips for Host Families on how to recognize and respond to anxiety.
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Social Media: A Lifeline or a Challenge for Kids with Developmental Needs?
In today’s world, social media plays a significant role in how children connect, learn, and express themselves. For children with developmental challenges, these platforms can offer incredible opportunities but also unique risks.
Social media can be a safe space for expression, a bridge to connection, and a learning tool. However, it's important to be aware of potential risks like cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and screen time imbalance.
To help your child navigate this digital world, teach them to recognize harmful interactions, protect their personal information, and balance their online time. Encourage them to seek out positive content and platforms that promote inclusivity and growth.
Open communication and active involvement are key to creating a positive social media experience for your child.
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Creating a home away from home! 🏡
✨ This holiday season, students are coming together to celebrate their unique cultures and shared experiences.
Embrace Local Culture
Participate in Local Celebrations: Engage in local holiday traditions and festivities to experience the culture and create new memories. For instance, attending Christmas events or New Year celebrations can help students feel more connected to their temporary home.
Build Community
Celebrate with Peers: Organizing gatherings with fellow international students or friends can alleviate feelings of loneliness. Sharing traditional meals or hosting a potluck can foster a sense of belonging and community.
Stay Connected
Utilize Technology: Regular video calls with family and friends back home can help mitigate homesickness. Scheduling calls at convenient times can make these connections feel more personal despite the distance.
Create New Traditions
Incorporate Personal Touches: Students can create their own holiday traditions that blend their home culture with local customs. This could include cooking traditional meals or decorating their living space in a way that reminds them of home.
Stay Active
Engage in Physical Activities: Participating in sports, exercise classes, or outdoor activities can boost mood and reduce stress during the holidays. Staying physically active is essential for mental well-being.
Explore New Experiences
Travel Locally: If possible, exploring nearby attractions or participating in community events can provide a refreshing change of scenery and new experiences during the break.
By actively engaging with their environment and seeking connections, international students can navigate the holiday season more positively, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.
#InternationalStudents #HealthInsurance #J1 #F1 #BridgeUSA
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✨🎄 From all of us at Barbara McDonnell Insurance, we wish you and yours a truly magical holiday season! 🎄✨
As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to say thank you. Whether you’re a business partner, a client, or someone we’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with, we are so grateful for the trust and collaboration you’ve shared with us this year.
For those supporting internationals, during this time, we know how special it is to help others feel at home—even when they’re far from it. Your efforts remind us that community knows no borders.
May your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and memories that last a lifetime. Here’s to a bright and exciting 2025! ✨🎉
With love and gratitude,
Barb McDonnell & The Team 💙
FAQs
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If you're planning a trip with multiple destinations, such as a vacation to Europe, you'll want to select the country that you plan on spending the most time in. Your travel medical insurance will cover you for the entirety of your trip and in countries outside of your own.
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Yes, the insured does not have to be the one that fills out the application. You can purchase a travel medical plan for your parents, friends, or relatives as long as you have the necessary information.
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As an international student studying in the USA, you will need to purchase student insurance from a US based company. Your domestic insurance policy will most likely not cover you while you are in the US. Most universities have standard visa and insurance requirements for students.
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Travel is inherently risky, and so insurance can safeguard you from certain financial losses that often occur while traveling. If you have to cancel your beach rental for a covered reason, for example, trip cancellation/interruption benefits can reimburse you for your non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs (up to the amount of your plan limits). If your snowboarding gear gets stolen during your winter vacation, baggage loss/damage benefits can reimburse you for the loss. Depending on the plan you choose, travel insurance also can reimburse eligible medical costs in case of a covered medical or dental emergency; reimburse you for losses caused by a covered travel delay or baggage delay; protect you from paying for rental car damage or loss; and help in other situations as well.
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That depends on your budget, your destination and your specific situation. If your biggest worry is protecting your vacation investment in case of a last-minute cancellation or trip interruption, then you need a plan with trip cancellation/interruption benefits. If you’re more concerned about mishaps that occur while traveling — such as baggage loss or delay, or trip delays — look for a plan with post-departure benefits. And to protect yourself in case of a medical emergency while traveling, we recommend a plan that includes emergency medical and emergency medical transportation benefits.
"Thank you, Barb!! I sent everything early this morning to the Host Family, their Rep, and the student!! You are wonderful in how “timely” you provide just what we need. You make simple what could normally be days of waiting and wondering. Thank you for making my job easier by providing our folks the informatioin necessary to carry on.”
— KERRI
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