Boarding school is an educational option given to
parents if they want to send their children abroad or in other places far from
their home. Though sending one’s
children away to pursue education is a tough decision that parents need to make
at given circumstances, such form of education still open lots of opportunities
to their children. In fact, many
academic opportunities are provided and prepared to children who pursue
education far from their home because not all invaluable learning experiences
can be given to them when they are closer to home.
There are two kinds of boarding schools, the weekly
boarding and the full boarding. As the
name suggests, weekly boarding lets students spend their weekends at home after
school while full boarding allows students to go home on holidays or at the end
of the term. Another kind which is not
very common is the day boarding and this is for parents who wish their child to
stay at school while they are at work the whole day.
The standards that are set by boarding schools,
internationally and locally, are formulated to benefit the students most. In boarding schools, students, together with
their mentors live in the school’s premises. This way, students are surrounded by their
teachers and advisers and a susceptible academic community that encourages
further development of their skills and ground for continuous acquisition of
relevant learning experiences.
The one important thing that gets developed to
children studying
at boarding schools is their attitude toward independence. The independence they get at home is far
different from what they acquire in a boarding school. Once students develop their full potentials
and earn the right perspective about being independent and free, they also
learn how to prepare themselves in taking higher education and in coping with more
responsibilities as a student and as a member of the society.
Students sent in boarding schools at their
formative years learn to adapt with their new environment and interact with
their fellow students. As students live
in dormitories which are: the typical accommodation
for boarding students, they learn to mingle with other students and
gain friendship and companionship, take necessary adjustments, and carry out
school duties and responsibilities with the guidance of their mentors.
Moreover, students are able to gain awareness of
their social responsibilities. The lack
of parental guidance is a new milestone in their life that they will face and
should overcome. Though everyday life at
home will be missed it would be replaced with them, performing their social
functions since a boarding school is a classic example of a community.
If you want your child to have an alternative mode
of education, sending him or her in a boarding school is a good start. However, you have to assess the boarding school
for your child first and see to it that it meets your child’s needs. In doing so, you are not depriving your
children of experiencing once in a lifetime learning experience and more
extracurricular involvements in the academic sphere.
Choosing what school to go to in
college is not even a mile close to choosing between apple and orange. College education is certainly an investment
and a decision that can change the life of an individual. The real life outside the academe requires
extensive training, maturity, and remarkable skills – things an individual
should be getting from the time he steps in the campus. This makes choosing the right school crucial.
France is known
to be a “knowledge” economy – a country that invests significant portion of its
budget in education, research, and extension. In fact, more than 20% of the country’s
national budget is allotted to education, and this makes way for an education
system that has the integrity and quality recognized worldwide. Yes, the French are serious about studying and
schooling. In fact, 98% of French kids,
as young as three years of age, are sent to maternelle
or kindergarten classes. Among
European countries, French kids spend the most number of hours per year in
school.
The best thing about it is that this
quality education is open not just to French but to the rest of the world. Yes, France
is one of the top three countries (along with United
States and United Kingdom) that host the most
number of international students.
This is no wonder given the wide array
of top-notch disciplines (i.e., more
than 35,000 post-secondary programs) and more than 6,000 learning institutions
(both public and private) to choose from. More importantly, the French education is
impartial between French and international students when it comes to admission
requirements, tuition fees, and quality of education.
Despite the elite standing in
educational system, France
also offers low-cost education in its public institutions. Students get to avail special assistance, such
as discounts in museums, sports events, and cultural events. They can also take advantage of low-cost
restaurants and rentals (i.e., transportation
and accommodation). Low-cost residences
inside the campus are offered, with priority given to international
or exchange students. All
students below 28 years of age and are taking programs not shorter than a
4-month term are enrolled in student social security plan, where social
security covers 70% of illness-related expenses incurred by the student. For students with excellent scholastic
standing, there are lots of scholarship grants to apply for. They may even work part-time while enrolled in
a degree program, provided they will keep the good academic standing.
Students work so hard not to enjoy
themselves. France is the best place to balance
between study and leisure. France is surely a window to view Europe - with nine other countries bordering it. What about its proximity to world famous
cities, such as Amsterdam, Milan,
Berlin, Barcelona,
and London? It is definitely a plus!
France is
undoubtedly rich in cultural heritage, and awareness of the European
perspective is even included in the degree programs of most of the learning
institutions in the country. What about
being able to speak in French – a language spoken by more than 200 million
people in approximately 50 counties? This
is definitely an added feather an individual can have, and this can be best
learned in France.
Truly, France has the right to boast
itself not only for its wines and cheeses, gourmet food, and world famous
designer labels - but also for its educational system. Graduates are definitely up to a good start. Not everybody is given the gift to have a French education – one
thing that is worth investing, experiencing, and embracing. If you have what it
takes, won’t you grab what others can only dream about?
An urban landscape rich in history
and replete in modern constructs, Berlin
is one of the great cities in the world that stood the test of time. From the Nazi occupation to the reunification
of the country, Berlin
has flourished into a vibrant setting worth exploring, especially for students
who want to acquire world-class and dynamic education.
As the capital city of Germany with a
population of 3.4 million, Berlin
is a melting pot of different cultures and people and a convergence point of
the old and the new. It is home to
world-renowned universities and research institutions, thus making it one of
the most progressive centers of education in the entire European Union.
Berlin is home
to four topnotch universities that offer thousands of students an extensive
roster of disciplines. Every year,
approximately 110, 000 students crowd the halls of these hotspots of learning. The Free University of Berlin, the largest
of the four universities, focuses on social sciences and humanities and on
health and natural sciences and is one of the most highly regarded universities
in Europe. Berlin’s
oldest university, the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, caters to 35,000 students annually
and it primarily specializes on philosophy, mathematics and the natural
sciences. One of the most notable
individuals who graced this university was Albert Einstein. The other two universities found in Berlin are the Technische Universität Berlin and the Universität der Künste.
But of course, the old adage that
experience is the best teacher also holds true in Berlin with its countless options for the
arts, culture, leisure and recreation.
Those who want to major in the arts
will find Berlin
a big arena of learning. The city boasts
of a 153 museums which reflect the rich heritage of its existence. One of the most popular is the ensemble on the
Museum that was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other notable museums include the Jewish
Museum and the Beate
Uhse Erotic
Museum, which is regarded
as the world’s largest and most comprehensive erotic museum.
For zoology students, a trip to the
Zoologischer Garten Berlin – the most visited
zoo in Europe and holds the most number of
species in the world among any other zoos in the world – is like browsing
through volumes of encyclopedias, the only difference is that the animals are
alive and not just printed photographs.
Who has not heard of the Berlin Film
Festival? Held every February and
attended by more than 430,000 movie aficionados, the Berlin Film Festival is
the largest publicly attended film festival in the planet.
Finally, for the free spirits and
fun-loving learners who want to relax via clean uninhibited fun, Berlin will not
disappoint. The city is brimming with an
exciting nightlife with numerous dance clubs welcoming stressed out students
craving to break away from the pressures of studying. Life is indeed a party in Berlin with its nightlife pulsating with
music from techno to punk and with endless choices to discover, all you have to
do is pick one.
From its world-class universities,
its historical walls, its well-preserved culture to its vibrant nightlife, Berlin is a seat of education
like no other. Students can immerse
themselves in the ways of the metropolis and learn from the smallest to the
grandest of things. Indeed, Berlin is a place where
one can realize the value of education and life as a whole.
Voulez vouz coucher’ avec mo ce soir? Wouldn’t it be nice to know what
those words mean? Especially if they
were said to you by a very attractive person, mon ami. French the language of love has its uses apart
from when you’re trying to sound romantic. It is also the third most spoken language in
the world, Spanish and English holding the top two spots. Plus according to the famous comedian John
Pinette, you need to know how to say the phrase “feed me I’m hungry” in every
language. Knowing how to say this phrase
in French would undoubtedly be useful; certainly if you’re in a country known
for one of the world’s best when it comes to gourmet cuisine.
These days almost anything and everything
is offered online, including language lessons specifically French. Some of these sites even offer their basic
lessons for free, for the advanced level however you will have to pay. What they basically offer are manuals and
English to French translated how-to-guides. Plus parrot mimic audio with a repeat-after-me
format. Also today in almost every city
you can find a huge number of language and grammar
schools in which you can learn any and almost all the languages spawned
by humanity, from East Asia and right down to Western Europe.
But as they say, the best way to learn how
to swim is to jump off a pier. So why
not book a plane ticket and head down to the world’s most romantic city and
learn how to speak French the way only Parisians know how. The city itself offers a wide variety of
language schools that specializes in French. The survey’s best comes up with the Accord French Language School; located
right at the city’s center and offers an intensive training program for only
350 Euros per week. Also you can check
out the other schools located within the area of the city. But before jumping on a plane you might want
to check out their lists of other language schools online at www.languagecourse.net. The site presents other schools programs and
comparative price offers regarding different types of courses. Learning French in the mother city itself has
a lot of upsides, one of them being that you’re in Paris.
If the pheromone laden aroma of the city
and its people isn’t enough, you are open to an unending variety of activities.
That would ultimately present to you one
of the most colorful cultures that the European world has to offer. Studying while being inside of the world’s
best tourist attraction –the city itself, why not coast along with the classic
tourist routine for starters? The first
on the list would be the Louvre which contains the largest and most diverse
collection of pre-twentieth century artworks. The second would be the Notre Dame Cathedral,
the location backdrop of the 1996 Disney animated film; The Hunchback of Notre
Dame. It is also one of the oldest
Gothic styled structures that can be found. However we do not recommend jumping and
sliding off of it’s ledges and pillars unlike Quasimodo. But since you are in Paris
to be educated, why not check out the Sorbonne and the Latin
Quarter? In which whose
halls had been graced by some of history’s greatest minds such as Rene’
Descartes, Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone De Beauvoir, it is also one of the
oldest university in Europe.
If this isn’t enough, if you’ve seen the
2004 Dream Work film; Euro Trip, we’re sure that you’re going to find something
that would definitely “tickle” your fancy, apart from learning the language. They don’t call French the language of love
for nothing.
¿Hablas español? Si? Well, that would make you one of the 420 million
people in the world who speak Spanish - the third most spoken language in the
world, next to Mandarin and Hindi. Spanish
(or Castilian, to be specific) is
Spain’s ‘only’ official language. Recent
statistics shows that around 98.8% of the population speaks the language;
so, where else would it be best to study Spanish? Spain, of course!
Finding a Spanish
Language School in Spain would be like looking for a bucket of water in
Lake Sanabria. Choosing the right one, however,
would be an entirely different matter. Learning
the language should not be limited only to speaking it. In order to really learn Spanish, a learning
program should encompass other aspects, like food, music, its customs, and a
glimpse into the Spanish culture. Students
should not only learn Spanish but experience it. Several factors, therefore, should be
considered when choosing the right school that would provide a holistic
approach to its potential students. These
are: (1) the school’s locale, (2) accommodation and price, (3) course design or
program of the study, and (4) last but not the least, the school’s track record
and reputation.
The school needs to be known for its
craft – teaching the Spanish language. It
should have the necessary accreditations. Its faculty members should be known in the
Spanish Language Teaching industry or have the degrees that would qualify them
in this line of academe. The school
should also be able to facilitate the teaching in small class size – which
makes way for closer and more focused attention of teacher to her students.
Many schools in Spain offer home-stay
with a host family as a part of their accommodations program. Here, a student lives with a real family in
Spain and gets to experience first-hand a little of the Spanish life. Some schools have their own residence areas
available for students. These are
usually dormitory types with facilities, like libraries, audio-visual rooms,
swimming pools, and other amenities to guarantee a comfortable stay for the
students. Other choices could be hotels
and apartments within the vicinity of the school. A student should choose the accommodation
arrangements that he or she would be most comfortable with since this
would be a home away from home for the duration of the course. To avoid unnecessary stress, the residence
should be as close to the campus as possible to avoid the hassle of long travel
before going to class. The place should
likewise be safe and accessible to important establishments, like hospital,
market, shopping malls, pharmacy, gym, etc.
Equally important would be the
course offering and teaching methodologies of the school. Most schools use interactive approach to
learning the language. Spanish is
learned through constant interaction and practice. Students are grouped depending on their
proficiency of the language, and instruction is done per level. That is, beginner, intermediate, or
advanced. A student’s level of
proficiency is determined by the school; and from there, courses that a student
should take are prescribed. One class
session usually takes an hour or so depending on the level or course. Learning should never be boring! It is the school’s responsibility to make it
as exciting and enjoyable as playing. This
is why you need to make sure the school you choose offers fun-and-education
balance by engaging its students in fun-learning activities, like singing
contest (song in Spanish language), Spanish dance contests, role playing in
Spanish, and tour in museums and Spain’s rich cultural heritage.
The school should have the
state-of-art facility – internet access, comprehensive libraries and online
databases of resource materials, round-the-clock open hotline for emergency
concerns and student’s inquiries, and multimedia classrooms. Speaking of multimedia and interactive
learning, what about a weekly movie treat in the video room (wide screen) of
the school, where you’ll see the best of Spanish movies? Sounds like a great way of learning
Spanish, doesn’t it? On top of
the language, learning how to cook Spanish cuisine is totally a great value-add
a school can offer its students.
Studying is undeniably an investment
– time, effort, and money. Make sure the
school you choose is worth all these investments! ¡Buena suerte!
Known as the second best in world
economy, Japan’s
educational level is also one of the most-sought after among students and
professionals who want to pursue a graduate study. Both local and foreign students seek higher
learning education in Japan’s
graduates schools and universities to not just acquire premier education but to
earn a degree relevant to their undergraduate study, conduct long-term
research, acquire proficiency in Japanese language, and earn specialized skill
in various fields of studies.
The MBA and MA’s in Japan are
designed as cross-education degrees that offer education on global issues and
aim to mold students to become responsible and internationally-functional
professionals and learners. With the
country’s global connections and position in world leadership, the country is
an ideal training ground as schools and top universities accept and organize
exchange programs that will allow students from other nations to participate in
learning opportunities that cultivate one’s individuality.
Moreover, with Japan’s rich and diverse
culture, backed-up with century and even millennium-old culture and traditions
like the value of sacrosanct emperorship in their society to name a few, it
becomes an effective foreground in providing cutting-edge and intensive
learning opportunities, life-changing experiences, and budding interests that a
student would aspire to possess.
International
students get
more benefited as Japan’s
education system takes the role of introducing groundbreaking discoveries and
extend its contribution in fast-paced advancement of technology. With this kind of learning environment, the
country is undoubtedly an outstanding venue for a graduate study among
professionals and students from other countries.
For the uninitiated, a graduate
study in Japan is usually subsidized by Japanese government and other
institutions that offer scholarships to students who have exemplary academic
performance. Those who have been
qualified to undergo scholarship programs financed by their own government or joint
programs between the government of Japan and other governments are
given trainings, seminars, and courses, not to mention an environment conducive
to effective learning.
As Japan becomes an outstanding niche
in educating students and professionals alike, it never ceases to prepare
students to become, confident, courageous and extremely capable of facing the
complexities of the present society by letting students take a firm and
reliable grasp of world politics, economies, cultural studies, social
relations, and religious views in the perspective of the academe.
Finally, students who yearn to pursue a
graduate study in Japan are obviously
exposed to a plethora of opportunities but they should also know that the
educational system of Japan
strictly follows students’ length of study. When it comes to length of study
in Japan, it is important to take note that Master’s programs last for
two years while Doctor’s programs last for five years. If a student desires to take medicine,
dentistry, and veterinary science, fours years would suffice. Though Japanese universities may differ in
providing length of study to their students, the least that a student can do is
to complete the study for two years or less and finish it not longer than five
years.
Going to Madrid, Spain to pursue any degree or post
graduate study would also mean finding student housing. The student
accommodations in Madrid may include a stay in one of the school’s
dormitories, private-owned dormitories, rooms, apartments, youth hostels, and hostals
or a hotel-like accommodation. To those
who are in a tight budget, dormitories will serve them well while affluent students
can resort to hostels, hostals, and apartments. The famous pensiones or hostales accommodation
are for students who will stay in Madrid
for only a few days. Such accommodation requires
reservation.
For every student, privacy and freedom are both essential. Student accommodation providers in Madrid see to it that
even if they offer small rooms, they have their own bathroom. In the case of dormitories enough number of shared
bathrooms is required. Students should
see to it that their accommodation provider will only provide their special and
personal needs. University dormitories
that lodge students strictly follow selection process since the occupancy is
very limited.
When it comes to finding housing, students should seek the assistance of
the town hall or reputable specialist organizations. To determine if they are talking to the
official people, they can visit their website to avoid troubles and other
unwanted concerns.
There is the so called living in a private home or “home-stay.” In Madrid,
Spanish folks offer their homes primarily to foreign students. This way, students will experience
long-standing relationship with a certain Spanish family and this will all the
more add genuine experience to them as they study. To those students of Spanish language and
culture, home-stay is a perfect opportunity for them to quickly learn Spanish
and acclimatize themselves to Spanish life.
Home-stay can cost students, too. A student is given a single room and at least
two meals a day and the costs depend on whether a student needs meal or not. For the record, home-stay prices for student
who will have single room and meals, which could either be breakfast or dinner
or lunch or dinner, range from €550-700 a month while a single room without meals
ranges from €400-500 a month.
Apartment rental is another kind of housing that a student can get. The price range for apartments depends on the
size of the area, the location or neighborhood, and the district where it is
located. The normal price range for
apartment with one bedroom is €700-€900 per month. For this matter, students who want to save and
have privacy at the same time can rent apartments with their friends or
classmates.
Madrid being considered to be one of the world’s greatest cities is a small
city wherein major attractions can be reached by walking so students who are
staying in apartments or hostels don’t need to travel far. As foreign students choose to educate themselves
about Spain and Madrid’s culture they can make the most of their stay in Madrid if they get ideal accommodation or housing as
students by enjoying their stay in either of the student housing in Madrid namely: hostals,
dormitories, apartments, or home-stay.
No single
university offers everything a student may need or want. This is a fact. Some universities may be the best in the field
of Law; some may be the best in the field of Business; but definitely, no single
entity covers the best of all worlds. On
top of this, there is more to learning than just lectures, exams, and classroom
discussions. Life after college is far
beyond the pages of textbooks that students tend to get so busy about. What about the different groups of people one
can possibly work with? Or the different
culture one has to cope with? This is
what the real world offers!
Major colleges and
universities see the merit of collaborating with fellow
universities around the globe to offer their students the necessary
exposure to the higher level of learning experience. That is, experiencing learning in diversity –
diversity in people and culture, diversity in geography, diversity in teaching
style, and diversity in overall personal experiences. This is the so-called student exchange
program. Member universities share
students (under the discretion and capability of the student) for the good and
advancement of students themselves. For
instance, University A and University B are both members of a certain student
exchange program. Both are
geographically and culturally distant, and one offers courses and expertise that
the other does not. This makes the
conglomeration strong – students of both universities get to experience the
best of both worlds. Generally, students avail of exchange programs for the
following reasons:
It allows them to experience different teaching
philosophy from professors of different cultures;
It allows them to personally collaborate with
people from another culture – how it is to deal with them, how to address
cultural differences, and how to be flexible;
It allows them to broaden their social network in
general, which may offer a door for future employment;
It gives them the chance to be independent and
mature by being away from home and family - thus, making them the
street-smart person that they can possibly be;
It gives them the chance to explore another
geographical location – the physical beauty and richness of the country;
and
It opens the door and window in seeing life in
different perspective.
So, what are things
students should look for in a student exchange program?
Students should keenly consider the cost of living
in the host campus or country. Having
financial resources to support the expenses outside the home campus is
often a concern. This is why
students should look for programs that would allow them to experience the
benefits of being an exchange student given pretty much the same cost they
will expend in the home campus. That
is, the host campus should be able to offer assistance programs, like
board and lodging at minimal cost, an opportunity to be a working student
within the host campus - where the exchange student can earn extra allowance
to compensate for the cost of moving to the place, etc.
The student may also want to consider differences
in religion. For example, a
Christian may not find himself fit in a hardcore Muslim country. Although one of the benefits of student
exchange program is experiencing differences in cultures, the student
should also gauge the extent he can possibly handle.
The gender consideration may also be an issue. Not all female exchange students would
want to be in a country whose respect for women is far from being visible.
The specialization of the host campus should be
equally considered. Students should
make sure that the campus is known and has the capability to impart the
necessary learning in whatever course he opts to take in there.
The climate of the host country is also paramount
important, especially in the case of extreme climatic conditions. For someone who grew in a tropical
country, it may be physiologically unhealthy to go to countries with
ice-cold temperature. This is
especially true for those who have pre-determined health conditions of
being allergic to extremely hot or extremely cold conditions.
Being in an
exchange program is an experience on its own – a great life experience! Not everybody is given the chance to experience
life this way as early as in college days. When you have the chance, the opportunity that
fits to Volunteering abroad
- grab it, embrace it!
Lisbon
is one of the oldest cities in the world and offers many breathtaking
sites. Some of the finest universities
in Europe are also located in this historic city. And once you start studying in Lisbon
you will feel more its splendor and all the fun and excitement it offers. Below are some basic yet very important
points for international students to
consider while planning their study. It
is definitely better to know these essential facts to get the most of your stay
in Lisbon…
It is safe to
allot at least 700 € for a month’s expenses.
This is comprise of meal (225 €), room rent (200-300 €), public
transport (25 €), and others (100 €).
Most universities
in Lisbon offer accommodations majority of which have limited places so
inquire in advance. There are 2 Youth
Hostels in Lisbon – Lisbon Youth
Hotel and Youth Hostel Parque das Nacoes both offer excellent lodging services
recommended for foreign students. Students
with Youth Card can avail of the 15% discount.
EU/EEA students
are advised to bring their European Health Insurance Card given by the social
security of their country for free medical access from public health system in Lisbon. Otherwise it is recommended to get a private
medical insurance good for the duration of study.
The most
popular transports to get around Lisbon
are buses and trams (Carris) and Underground (Metro). Fares for buses cost about 1.2 to 1.4 €,
Metro is 0.70 €. But you can save a lot
if you purchase a monthly ticket which you can use for as many times as you
need, it costs 25 €. Taxis are also
common in Lisbon most of which are
painted cream and use taximeters. The
city is very accessible from other major cities
such as Paris, Madrid,
and Porto-Vigo through international trains and airports.
Banks open at 8:30 a.m and close at 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday but several banks in Lisbon
and in tourist area are accessible until 7:00 pm. Debit and credit cards are widely used and
ATM’s are available in almost all universities in Lisbon.
Places that can
familiarize foreign students with Portugal culture are very popular and widely visited
such as museums (Ancient Art, City Museum, Modern Art Centre, Chiado), churches
(Lisbon Cathedral, Basilica da Estrela, Madre de Deus), palaces (Ajuda and
Marques de Fronteira), and theatres (Aberto, Villaret, Nacional Dona Maria
II). Discos, bars, shopping malls, and
movie theaters are also popular among students.
A special Youth
Card that costs 8 € entitles a student (12-25 years) many discounts and free
services such as transportation, cinema, clubs, zoo, and some other
recreational places. It is valid for 1
year and may be obtained at the Movijovem Shops, Pousadas da Juventude (Youth
Hostels), Caixa Geral de Depositos (CGD) Bank, Regional Delegations of the
Instituto Portugues da Juventude (Portuguese Youth Institute), and at Post
Offices.
In this age of globalization, the presence of
foreign students has been perceived by universities around the world as an
effective instrument in the internationalization of their campuses. Exposing
domestic students to contact with international students has served as a
strategy to prepare students for living and working in a global community and
as a tool in developing global knowledge. It has also helped in overcoming
negative attitudes toward other peoples and cultures. In meeting the objective
of internationalization of their campuses, US colleges and universities
have actively recruited students from all areas of the world.
It was a known fact that international students go to
the United States
in search of more than an education. They wish to hone their English language
skills, to understand the American culture, and to develop friendships with US
nationals. However for the most part, foreign students fail to integrate into
the mainstream of American higher education and many return to their home
countries without meeting their academic or personal objectives. Of those who
are able to complete their academic programs, many do not enter into any
meaningful participation in American culture.
International students in the US
want to understand the American culture, their patterns of thinking and
behavior, and to learn the cultural norms. Additionally they need for the university
community to understand and value the international
students’ cultures. More interaction with American students
and families is a way to increase that type of learning.
In recognizing its responsibility for the well-being of
international students, American universities across
the nation have designed and implemented programs in an effort to meet the
students’ personal needs and academic objectives The programs included new
student and ongoing orientation, programs to pair international and domestic
students, holiday celebration programs, homestays and family friendship
programs among many others. Out-of-the-classroom, social contact has been
identified as an important factor in reducing misunderstanding and promoting
adaptation. To this end, colleges and universities have sought to match
international students with domestic students and have tailored programs to
particular target groups to assist with the adaptation process.
My question today is how many higher education institution located throughout the world are
dealing with these issues? Has your university successfully integrated your
foreign students into the mainstream of your country’s culture and education?
The academic and cultural integration of international students is congruent
with the mission of most universities in promoting the educational development
and the professional and social skills of all students. The satisfaction of
international students, their retention, their progress toward a degree, and
their full human development should be as much a concern to educators as those
of their national students.
Universities through their international services
office are responsible for examining the experiences of international students
on their campus, identifying what hinders their adjustment and integration, and
developing workable strategies to help international students feel a stronger
sense of involvement in the larger academic community. Assessing and addressing
the problems that international students experience will impact many areas. It
will aid not only in the internationalization of the campus—as stated in the
mission and goals of most universities—but it will expose domestic students to
the life styles, values, and culture of people throughout the world and thereby
enrich their experience. It will also foster goodwill between nations and will
help all students develop beneficial bonds for their personal lives and future
careers.
Travel expands the mind and so does education. Little wonder then that
many young people dream of combining the two and studying abroad. International
studies not only confer a prestigious or unusual degree but also expand your
horizons—literally and otherwise! Being in a college abroad lets you soak in
the atmosphere of an alien place until it becomes your own. Living in a place
thousands of miles from home increases independence and self-reliance and
meeting other students from diverse countries and cultures broadens your
understanding about the world.
Studying
abroad is no impossible dream. All it takes is some careful
planning and preparation. Here are some quick, simple tips to help you on your
way:
Research! Research! Research!
Knowledge is power—and in this case even more so. In most cases, you
will not be able to visit the colleges that you want to apply to. The best way
to know more about them is to read as much as possible about international studies. Most colleges abroad have
websites that you can visit, which give extensive information about admission
procedures, fees, scholarships and specific subjects such as math, science or
language study programs.
Plan meticulously
Once you’ve read enough, chart out a plan for studying abroad. Treat it like a special project because it will
probably require as much time, energy as one. Zero in on the colleges you want
to apply to. Identify what the pros and cons of each college is. Create a
spreadsheet timeline or calendar with important dates and deadline marked out.
International colleges usually require extensive documents. Prepare lists of everything
you will need and tick off items as they get done.
Prepare for the tests
Many international countries will require you to sit for special exams
to be eligible to study in their colleges. Find out what tests you need to sit
for and where you can take them. Explore the possibility of attending special
classes or language study programs to prepare for the tests. It’s best to
prepare for at least a period of three months before attempting the tests
because a low score will affect your application. Put aside some time every day
to study.
Organize your paperwork
International studies require a
lot of documentation. Make sure that your passport and other documentation is
up-to-date and valid. Keep everything in one drawer or folder so that it’s all
in one place. Keep photocopies of important documents because you may need them
for multiple purposes. Some colleges abroad may require recommendations from
old teachers or managers. Approach those who are likely to give you good
recommendations and keep these ready.
Keep an eye on finances:-Studying abroad can be expensive. Many
colleges abroad, however, do offer scholarships and other kinds of assistance.
Sometimes, this will finance only a part of your education abroad and you will
need to arrange for the rest. Explore multiple options for financing your
international education. Do the banks in your country give education loans for
international studies? Are there organizations or trusts that help deserving students?
What criteria do you need to meet to apply for these?
Get ready to fly!
Once all the details have been ironed out and it is definite that you
will be studying abroad, start preparing for your stay in a new country. Read
up as much as possible. Finalize your living arrangements. Talk
to people who are already there and find out what you need
to take with you. Tie up loose ends in your home country. Decide what you want to
leave behind or give away. Spend time with family and friends—you may not see
them again for a while. And most of all, be excited; you’re finally on your way
to being an international student!
In 2007, 6 Irish institutions of
higher learning were included in the top 500 universities in the world list by
Times Higher Education Supplement (THES).
The country also placed 8th place in the top 500 universities
per capita. Academic status, world-class
research, huge campuses situated in very accommodating environment and near key
cities, modern faculties and amenities, innovating and excellent teaching and
the list could go on forever… Below are some of Ireland’s
premiere universities – especially for international students
who are looking for more than quality education:
- Queen’s University Belfast – established by Queen Victoria
in 1845, this institution prides itself with its international vision and
commitment. It is a member of the
Russell Group of top UK
universities. One of Queen’s
students was recently recognized with UK International Student of the Year
Award.
- National University
of Ireland
– is a federal university and makes up the biggest component of the
country’s university system. It
comprises of 4 constituent universities (UCD, UCC, NUI Galway, NUI
Maynooth), 5 recognized colleges, and one college of a constituent
university.
- University College
Cork (UCC) – founded in 1845
as Queen’s College, UCC has about 2,000 foreign students from over 80
countries. The university continues to be a leading institution in
research and has more than 120 degree
and professional studies.
- University College
Dublin (UCD) – Ireland’s
biggest university with more than 1,300 faculty and 22,000 students. It has modern and lively campus
community perfect for international students who want to feel home while studying
in Ireland. It offers
foreign students with various support services such as health care,
accommodation, counseling and career assistance.
- National
University of Ireland, Galway – founded in
1845, it remains as one of Ireland’s
leading centers of academic excellence.
Currently it has more than 2,000 foreign students from about 90
countries. NUI Galway has 7
faculties – Arts, Celtic Studies, Commerce, Engineering, Law, Medicine and
Health Sciences, and Science.
- University
of Limerick (UL) – located at
the center of the 650-acre National
Technological Park,
UL aims to promote excellence in teaching and research. It has 4 constituent faculties – Faculty
of Arts, Kemmy Business
School, Faculty of Education
and Health, and Humanities and Social Sciences.
- Trinity College
Dublin – currently ranks 53rd
in Times Higher Education Supplement Global University Rankings and 13th
place in Europe.
It has a very rich and exceptional history with its more than 400
years of existence as one of the world’s best universities. It has state-of-the-art libraries, IT
facilities, and laboratories. Its 3
core colleges are Arts, Engineering, and Health Sciences.
- Dublin City
University (DCU) – is the
youngest degree-awarding institution approved by the Irish
government. Despite this fact, DCU
boasts of its ambitious vision together with is cutting edge research,
exceptional interdisciplinary studies, personalized support and attention,
employments prospects, and strategically-positioned and spacious campus.
Spain
has some of the oldest universities and academic institutions in the world
dating back as early as 1218. Renowned
Higher Education world rankings such as the Times Higher Education Supplement,
QS World University Rankings, and Academic Ranking of World Universities have
places various institutions in Spain
in top positions – old and newly established universities. Below are popular destinations for many
international students in the past years:
University
of Navarra (UN) – cited by The
Economist magazine in 2005 and 2006 for having the best MBA program in the
world with its business school IESE. In
2006 ranks as the top private institution in Spain
according to Times Higher Education Supplement.
Degree programs
for international students include Liberal Arts, Language Studies, Economics
and Business Administration, and different Master’s and Doctoral programs.
Autonomous University
of Madrid – founded in 1968 as a
Spanish public university along with the Autonomies Universities of Bilbao
and Barcelona. The university has already received
outstanding and top rankings from various institutions such as El Mundo, Times
Higher Education Supplement, and Academic Ranking of World Universities despite
its 30-year existence.
University
of Barcelona (UB) – the only
Spanish university to be included in the Top 200 Academic Ranking of World
Universities 2008. It recently
celebrated it 555 years of prosperous history and academic contributions. Foreign students can take Spanish university
or postgraduate degree or continue their university studies.
University
of Valencia – one of the biggest
and oldest universities in Spain,
having been established in 1499. It has
3 campuses – Burjassot, Blasco Ibanez, and Tarongers with a total population of
more than 60,000 students. The
university has over 90 departments, 18 faculties, 16 research organizations,
and almost 5,000 employees.
Complutense University of Madrid– one of the oldest
universities in the world and remains an outstanding public university in Spain. Its studies in Spanish Literature, Schools of
Philisophy, History, Sociology, Journalism, and Psychology lead various
national rankings.
Comillas Pontifical
University – located in Madrid,
the university has about 10,000 students.
It forms collaboration with different academic exchange studies and
international projects together with more than 200 Higher Education
Institutions from Asia, America
and Europe.
Foreign students can choose from various Business Administration, Social
Sciences, International Relations and Engineering courses.
University
of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM)– one
of the youngest academic institutions in Spain
established on 1982. Specific courses
and programs are offered in 7 key cities, Albacete,
Almaden, Ciudad Real, Cuenca,
Puertollano, Talavera de
la Reina, and Toledo.
There also non-degree
programs, short courses, and other different special programs/educational trips
for group of students you can choose from.
Study abroad in
Spain is more than learning, it is an
experience of a lifetime. Enjoy!!!
Studying in other country can be
a very exciting and unforgettable experience.
You meet new friends, explore unknown territories, and learn new
ideas. But it could also be the opposite. That is why it is important to prepare
yourself and plan ahead. SpainExchange
features simple tools that can help every students make the most of their
experience while studying abroad. Students can search for programs and various
courses, the best international schools, participating exchange students, and
different student housing accommodations.
And best part of it, it is easy to use, and it is free!
·
Study Abroad
SpainExchange
eases every student’s nightmare in browsing which courses and studies are
offered by which schools and universities.
Courses, degrees, and various programs are grouped accordingly by
country. All you have to do is select
your preferred country and a list of offered graduate, professional, and
vocational programs - grouped by category, are displayed. Do not waste your time searching from
hundreds or worse thousands of subjects or studies you don’t actually
need. Specify the country, select from a
group of studies, and choose your specific course. It is as easy as 1, 2, and 3.
·
Featured Schools
Looking for
cream of the crop international
school? SpainExchange features
schools that are globally recognized and meet international standards. With “FeaturedShools”, students are assured
that they are taking only the best among the best with a good career path after
their studies.
·
Student Exchange
It is always fun
to meet new people and experience new cultures.
And that is the reason why SpainExchange makes it more exciting for
exchange students through their simple and effective search engine. One can search by destination or country of
origin. Students can easily access if
the country they intent to go has exchange students. Also, student can search for host
families. Match your personality and
other preferences with the hosting families’ details. It is a smart thing to know your hosting
family, they can be really warm and nice, or the opposite.
·
Student
Housing
For students who
want more control over their space, then no worry no more for SpainExchange can
help you find the “perfect” house when you study abroad. Select from a wide variety of
property/housing types that includes flat, shared flats, duplex, house, studio,
family shared, garage space, individual room, student residence, and many more. Just indicate your desired country and
specify the state or province.
There is no place like home. But there is such a thing as SpainExhcange
that offers you the chance to find the next best thing. Your study abroad does not have to be boring. You can spies it up. Choose the field you are really interested
in, find the best school, and select your lodging type. But first, you must register in http://www.spainexchange.com/index-en.htm...
Good luck on you study!
The grandeur of Spain
is one of the world’s sought after travel experiences. Its majestic history, magnificent castles and
monuments, romantic cities, and very warm people make it a favorite destination
in the world. SpainExchange travel
guide makes it easy for visitors to know more about Spain
without reading articles with hundreds of lines. Topics are categorized to suit the kind of
information you need. From arts,
culture, gastronomy, history, places to visit, government and politics,
religion, to economy. Name it
SpainExchange has it. No more browsing
of seemingly endless web pages without getting the information you want.
SpainExchange features a unique
Spain Tour – personalized educational tours
for high schools and colleges. The
tours consists of exciting and remarkable sights and experiences such as
discovery of Spain, history, the Al-Andalus legacy, landscapes and
civilizations and so much more… Here are 5 reasons why choose SpainExchange
Educational Spain Tours:
- You get the tour you want
- Your tour is yours alone
- You get more for what you pay
- You enjoy extra treats
- Your students will have an educational experience
they will never forget.
Who says learning and traveling
don’t go together? SpainExchange Educational Spain Tours
makes it all possible. Mo more worries
on itineraries, lodging reservations, transpirations, travel guides and other
services, they got it all covered. For
more information visit http://www.spainexchange.com/spain_tours/index.php.
Spain
has also remarkable list of schools and universities celebrated not only
locally but also received international citations. Finding schools in Spain
is very simple using SpainExchange search engine. The lists are grouped based on the following:
- Universities in Spain
- Graduate and Professional Programs
- Spanish Language and Culture Programs
- Career
Colleges and Vocational Programs
- International Primary and Secondary Schools
- Spanish Language Schools in Spain
- US Study Abroad Programs in Spain
- Online and Distance Learning Courses
Students can also narrow their
search by specifying the type or area of study, province where to study, and
type of school – public, private, language school, etc. Studying in Spain
has never been this easy. With
SpainExchange, its hassle free and you get more than what you deserve. Just follow this link http://spainexchange.com/users/register.php?user_lang=en
and fill up all the necessary information and you are ready to go…