Are International Textbook OK??

Save $$$ by using 

International Textbooks

I consider this to be one of the BEST unknown secrets to help you save money.  

With the left over money, you can eat something besides ramon or fastfood...

(Thank you Rebecca for this tip)

This is going to sound crazy, but did you know that the textbook the publisher and bookstore are selling has a cheaper edition.  That's right!!!  

There is an International Edition, which is usually printed in a foreign country and has a different cover.  Since I found out about this tip a few years ago, I try to purchase International Editions (IE) whenever possible.  

Why??  Because IE will save you anywhere from $20 - $200 per textbook.  

Think I'm crazy, search for IE versions of your textbooks and see the difference.  

So, why don't more students use the International Edition books?  

Students believe....It's scary, they might not get what they need,  it will take too long to be delivered, the list goes on and on.  

I have personally purchased many IE books and they are usually in better condition than what is being offered in the bookstore.  

• Sometimes, they are hardback (love these), while in the bookstore they are cheaper paperbacks  
• Sometimes, they have a different cover.  No biggie, inside still the same

• Sometimes, the study cases in the back are similar, but use an international company instead.  Just check with a friends book to quickly verify this information.

• Most of the IE books are sold by resellers in the US.  So you do not have to wait for it to be shipped from some unknown country.

• I do suggest ordering at least 3 weeks before the class starts, just to verify the book once it arrives. 

Example 1:

Textbook:  Public Policymaking by James E. Anderson, 8th edition 

If I had purchased this book from the school bookstore it would have cost $200   (The school bookstore site lists it as $90 -$200  = but since this is a NEW edition, no used books at $90 price)

If I had purchased this book NEW from Amazon $138.79.  Not a bad price for new, but they have even better deals if you rent or use an eBook.

I decided to purchase the International Edition from Abebooks.com.  

Did I save MONEY, YES!!!  

The book is EXACTLY LIKE the U.S. edition and only cost me... $24 !!!!

Example 2:

Textbook:  Management Information Systems... by Laudon, 14 edition

If I had purchased this book from the school bookstore it would have cost $290   (Their site lists it as $117 -$290  = again, NEW edition, no used books available. )

If I had purchased this book NEW from Amazon $245.35    Not a bad price for new, but they have even better deals if you rent or use an eBook.

I decided to purchase the International Edition from Amazon.  Did I save MONEY, YES!!!  

The book is NEW, with a different cover, and it discusses India(n) companies, BUT the principles are the same, the majority questions are the same , the basic logic of the book is the SAME.    

There were a few different questions at the end of each chapter. To get around this, just compare them with a friends copy OR if taking this course online, wait for someone to post a questions and check your book.  If you have the same question, just answer answer it. 

It only cost me... $19.96 + s/h!!!!

These are just two examples.  I've purchased many IE books over the years and have not been disappointed.  

The saving from just these two books allows for living expenses like: make a car payment, pay rent, fill my refrig with fresh fruits and vegs, and so much more.  

International Editions (IE) are not always available.  For other good deals check out Amazon and Abebooks.  Both of these retailers usually have better pricing and variety than what is available on campus.

Once these classes were completed, I donated the books to our Book Lending Group, so someone else can benefit from it.  

Remember, to pass on your books.  

To GET you MUST GIVE.

What Can You Do on Campus ??

There is Power in Numbers 

Are you part of a Group or Club on Campus?  

Are you part of your campuses SGA - Student Government Association?  

If not, you might want to join.   SGA is where the action is.  

• SGA members usually knows about upcoming campus events, funds campus funds, and they usually get a vote on how student money is used to help their campus.

• Being a part of SGA will give you valuable network contacts.  There are connections being made both on campus and in the community to help you succeed.

• SGA members are the voice of the student body.  You can make suggestions and help bring change to your school.

Example 1:  

You can suggest a Textbook Lending Program be created at your campus library.  

This is what we have on our campus and the basics of the program:

• Each term one or two Textbooks are purchased for EACH class offered on our campus. 

• This does not include online Access Codes, which are a one time only access. 

• Students are allowed to use the textbooks in the library.  No checkout available.

• Since the student is using this textbook for their personal use, they can take photos of the pages they need with their smartphones or tablets, so they can study /read outside the library. Or if you prefer paper, you can make copies of needed pages.  This falls under research.

• No copyright laws are broken, personal usage ONLY
• If you share, then you are in violation

• If your library staff are savvy, they can setup appointment times so someone walking in does not extend their usage of the book for too long.  (Hogging the one available book for hours can make fellow students very unhappy).

Example 2:  

Start a Campus Club /Group to Create your OWN Textbook Lending Library

This is what we have on our campus and the basics of the program:

• With the college's permission, have your club / group start FUNDRAISING for Textbook purchases.  There needs to be an Adviser or someone in charge of student actions.

• Ask fellow students to donate their textbooks to your group.  Even if the textbooks are an edition back, take them.  Most instructors will allow an older book, but you need to ask them.

• Create basic guidelines on who can borrow, terms of lending, AND actions for unreturned /lost /damaged books.  

• Example: if someone does not return a book the week after final exams, the school account is put on-hold until it is returned or paid for OR they can no longer request books.

• Online Access Codes, which are a one time only access, are not purchased by the group.  The whole reason for physical textbooks is the ability to share with others.

• See if a local Community Group is willing to help sponsor this program.  Many groups collect funds to support their area, they just need to be asked. 

• Example:  Lion Club, various Women's Clubs, Elks, Veterans, Banks, etc. 

Tell the Universe What You Want

Give Back to Your Community

The Universe Will Give Back to YOU

Where to Find Textbooks and More

Where to Find Them (Textbooks) 

Planning is KEY to getting the Textbooks you need.

If you search for Textbook Swap, you might find a few good sites.  

But, you need to be careful at what is being offered.  

Here are some Tips what to look for:

• Is the required textbook the current edition?

• If not, will the instructor allow a past edition?  (Some will, but you have to ask in advance)

• Is the required textbook a special custom edition?

• Check your local college book store first, to see what the book /packet looks like.  You might be able to get by with a normal edition.

• What are the requirements of the Swap Site?

• What type of information are they asking you for?

• What are they planning on doing with that information? (spam?, selling it to the highest bidder? personal world domination?)

• Read the ENTIRE book description, they might be posting an older book as a newer book.  Check the Edition and year.

• What are their shipping fees?

• What are their return fees if the book is incorrect?

• Have you checked with your schools posting boards?  

• Most colleges have a Textbook Swap / Sell site somewhere on their web site.  Do a quick search and you might hit gold.

• Have you talked to other classmates who have recently taken the course?  

• You might be able to borrow a book and setup a swap for future classes.

• Some students work in cohorts and SHARE textbook(s).  See if this is an option.

• Some students take the same classes, but at different times.  Again, they share the textbook(s)

• If your campus has a Textbook Store, ask them what they do with damaged books or books they will not buy-back.

• You might get lucky.  At our campus there is a big recycling box outside the bookstore.  For books that are damaged or not-pretty, which the bookstore does not want to buy-back, the recycling bin is where they go.

• I've personally pulled dozens out usable textbooks from these bins to pass out to fellow students.  Just be polite when digging through the recycling bins and if asked let them know you are helping fellow students. 

Think  Cat in the Hat, 

He is Always looking for Out of the Box ways to make Magic happen.  

YOU Should be TOO

National Food Security Issue... possibly caused by Textbooks?

Classes or Textbooks or Food???

Which do you pick?  

If you are not in college or do not know anyone currently in college, you might assume college is just a place of higher learning to gain marketable skills and hopefully a better career.  If you talk to parents or those who attended college 20+ years ago, they talk about their favorite teachers, study groups and cramming for tests, end of term parties (think Animal House), and great friendships along the way. 

Now, tell those who graduated 20+ years ago, what today's colleges are really like and they go into shock. 

• What do you mean more than half of your classes are online and you never actually meet your teacher or fellow classmates?

• What do you mean your REQUIRED textbooks cost more than the class?

• What do you mean you have to take XYZ course, which has nothing to do with your degree or field of study?

• What do you mean your financial aid has been slashed so you can no longer study full-time (or part-time) and actually live and eat too?

•  What do you mean you have to purchase a one-time access code for a class you will never take again, which cannot be transferred to someone else (where a textbook can at least be loaned to a friend for the next term).

There are thousands of students having to pick between taking classes or buying textbooks or eating!!  

You might be asking, well how does she know or yeah, I know there are issues but it must be manageable...

I know because I work with college students, I am a college student, and I try to help other college students whenever possible.  

For first-time in college students, they think they can just keep taking out loans, without thinking of how they will be paid back.  I usually do not see too many of these students, because they have a basic understanding of online classes and the current school system.  Hopefully, they are still living at home and have decent support systems to help back them during their college years.

For older students coming back to college to start /finish their degrees for employment or advancement reasons, they are usually expected to drop their lives and jump right in.  A 2-year degree actually takes at least a year or two longer, if you need to work, EAT, take care of family, pay bills, etc.  

So, when they are advised to take 3 to 5 classes to knock-out that degree, they trust the system. They are pumped.  "I can do this."  They take out the maximum loans and then find out that taking that many classes is WAY too much.  

It is hard to not to be supportive AND be realistic to someone who has finally seen a glimmer of a dream. That's where I come in.  I let them know they need to be realistic and fully research their options before registering for so many classes.  

Sometimes they understand and are thankful for explaining the hidden costs and sometimes they are mad and feel that I am being negative or trying to hold them back.  

 Being a realist, is having a plan.

Example: 

         3 classes costs $3,000    (in-state, community college pricing)

   +    3 - 9 required textbooks /reading books / online access codes $500 - $3,000

   +    any additional equip, notebooks, supplies, parking passes, etc $20 - $300

   -    lost wages due to studying or classes  (3 months at reduced income)

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 Those 3 classes can possibly cost up to $10,000 for that one term.   

Now, multiple that times 60 credit hours and the true price of that degree comes into focus. (AS or AA degree)

How can WE as a nation help students make the most of their achievements and gain the needed skills for employment or better yet, self-sufficiency?  

If you have ways to save while in college, please share.  I know there are many in the same boat, but sometimes it feels like we are all alone.  



Don't set yourself up for failure.  You CAN do anything you truly want to do.  Believe in yourself and know you are important. 

Think of the StarWars quote "I am ONE with the FORCE, and the FORCE is with ME"