听力原文： This week in our Foreign Student Series: the cost of higher education in the United States. Students who want to attend an American college or university must explain how they will pay for their education. They have to show that they will be able to pay for each year of study. Students have to consider not only the tuition, the cost of classes, but also meals and a place to live, known as room-and-board. They also need money for books and supplies. And they need money to spend for social activities and other things. A leading state university in the Pacific Northwest will serve as our example. The University of Washing- ton says foreign students are paying more than thirty-six thousand dollars this year. Its Website says the University of Washington does not offer financial assistance to international students. This is generally true of American schools, especially at the undergraduate level. The international application for the university includes a Statement of Financial Responsibility that must be signed. Students must also provide a bank letter or statement from within the past six months. And they have to name anyone who will help with payments. These people must send proof from a bank to show that they have the money. What is the speaker talking about?