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By on April 12, 2017 in Studying Abroad

Image by Wokandapix, pixabay.com

Everyone dreams of traveling abroad. What better way to complete that dream than to make it part of your education? You can not only see the world and experience different cultures, but also have a taste of different learning activities. You’ll get a different perspective, which gives you a better outlook on the educational world. Certain MBA courses require an admissions essay with newly developed skills to give you a good head start in your competitive future. To make it more reasonable, here is a list of the top 10 reasons to experience education abroad.

1. A good addition to your CV: Your CV looks really good if you have a degree that’s not local. With a degree from an MBA program abroad, you are likely to receive a superior class of preference. Unless you’re unqualified for the position, you will always be within the top candidates.

2. Language improvement: Your language is more likely to get polished if you have influence from people across the world. Skills like drafting, reading and essay writing, as well as your communication, ways of interaction, personality will be influenced.

3. A different experience: Having a good time in a foreign country is a dream holiday. You can have the experience of a lifetime with unforgettable memories when visiting a new place. When you add education to it, like MBA programs abroad, your experience is brought to the next level and you’ll come home with a degree that will help you in your career.

4. Meeting new people: With new places come new people. Meeting new people is always fascinating, especially when it comes to sharing different cultures. If you are someone with a friendly attitude, you are more likely to find your abroad trip very exciting.

5. A different approach towards learning: You can learn a lot of things from different cultures. Not only is your verbal communication likely to develop, but you’ll notice yourself adding a different perspective when drafting, giving presentations, or writing essays.

6. Feel independent: The more you’re on your own, the more comfortable you’ll be making new friends. You’ll also grow more comfortable making your own decisions.

7. A new look at your own culture: When exposed to new cultures, you’ll automatically have a different view of your own. You will be the spectator as you get to know what others think about your culture and traditional beliefs. You will learn a lot of things and will have a chance to experience something new about your culture from a different point of view.

8. A strong portfolio: There are certain skills that employers look for in candidates. Among those skills, drafting and communication are top of the list. In an MBA program, these skills are also top of the list.

9. Appreciate the little things: The only way to understand the value of little things is to get some separation. When you’re away from your usual environment, you will start to care more for things that you never considered important when they were easily available to you.

10. Working outside of your comfort zone: Working outside of your comfort zone will help you understand your possibilities and limitations. You will understand what’s important to you. You will know what you need to change in order to develop your personality; something very difficult to do if you are in a place where everything is easily achievable.

There are many reasons to take part in an educational career abroad. You will come back independent, active, understanding and more mature.

This article was contributed by guest author Diane Webster.

By on October 5, 2016 in Our Stories, Self-Assessment, Studying Abroad
Image by kychan, unsplash.com

Image by kychan, unsplash.com

Last January, I embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. I packed up my bags and moved 6,074 miles away from my college in San Diego to study at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. During the four months that I studied in Milan, I traveled to 11 different countries and 22 different cities. While I was abroad, I experienced and learned something new almost every day. I did not recognize at the time that my experiences abroad would eventually help me in my career.

I am currently interning for eREACH, a marketing consulting firm in San Diego. My time as an intern has made me realize that I am a better employee because of how I apply the life lessons I learned abroad to my professional life. While there are countless reasons I’d recommend studying abroad to any college student, here are seven ways that studying abroad can give you a leg up in your internship:

1. You’ll Be Pushed Out Of Your Comfort Zone
To say I was terrified of moving to a foreign country is an understatement. I was so afraid of traveling alone that I had multiple anxiety attacks leading up to my departure. Today I am so grateful that I did not let my fears hold me back. If I had given up and stayed in San Diego, I would’ve passed up on the best four months of my life. Today I continue to push myself out of my comfort zone. I was nervous to apply and interview for my internship, but I didn’t let that stop me from doing so. It is completely natural to be afraid and feel anxious about trying something new – but don’t allow your fears to stop you from going after what you want.

2. You’ll Learn To Keep An Open Mind
One of the best parts about traveling is having the opportunity to try each country’s specialty foods. However, what some countries consider to a “delicious delicacy” might seem repulsive to the average American. I am absolutely nauseated by snails – but while I was in Paris I kept an open mind and I tried escargot (also known as cooked snails). As it turns out, escargot was one of my favorite dishes that I tried while I was abroad! Some of the best experiences in life can be the most unexpected. For this reason, I make an effort to keep an open mind at work. I listen to the ideas of my co-workers and I am always willing to try something new. It is easy to think that you always have the best ideas, but two collaborative minds are better than one.

3. You’ll Develop More Effective Communication Skills
One of the most difficult challenges I faced abroad was learning to overcome the language barrier. It was easy to get flustered and frustrated when I couldn’t communicate with the cashier at the grocery store or ask for help when I was lost. I learned that if I first made an effort to speak the native language and then ask for help in English, the locals were much more willing to assist me. There are also many other methods of communication including hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language. If one form of communication didn’t work, I would try to utilize a different method. This experience taught me that not everyone communicates the same way – and that’s okay. If I feel that a coworker and I are experiencing miscommunication, I make an effort to reach out to them in a way they can understand.

4. You’ll Improve Your Time Management Skills
Traveling to eleven different countries in four months requires a great deal of planning. From purchasing plane tickets, to planning transportation to and from the airport, to booking hotels – all while being a full time student in Milan, I became an excellent time manager. I learned that the key to time management is staying organized. It is now easier for me to balance school, work, and my personal life with my newfound organization and time management skills.

5. You’ll Learn To Be Flexible
Not everything went exactly as planned while I was abroad. I traveled to Santorini to see its famous sunset, but it was overcast the entire time I was there. I was supposed to visit the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam, but the line was a five-hour wait in freezing temperatures. Experiences like these taught me to be flexible and go with the flow. Sometimes at work my ideas are rejected or a project doesn’t go as planned. Instead of getting overly upset, I’ve learned to be okay with plan B.

6. You’ll Be Re-Inspired To Learn
Before moving to Milan I was feeling burnt out on school. I no longer had the passion to learn new things – I just wanted to get my degree. Living in Europe exposed me to a new kind of hands-on learning. I studied art by getting a first-hand look at the works of greats like da Vinci, Michelangelo, Degas, and van Gogh. My history lessons included visiting Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin and the colosseum in Rome. After being re-inspired to learn new things, I am much more engaged at work. I inquire about things I don’t understand and I genuinely want to learn about and understand the world of marketing much more than I did before.

7. You’ll Gain More Self-Confidence
At the end of my four months in Europe I was no longer nervous and afraid of everything that made me almost bolt off of the plane back in January. I learned that I am capable of so much more than I had originally thought. My new self-confidence has translated into my professional life in a number of ways. I am able to interview better because I am confident in my skills and abilities. I am also not afraid to speak up about my ideas at work. Most importantly, I’m not afraid of failure. I treat my setbacks as learning experiences and I choose to grow from them. After moving 6,074 miles away from home, nothing else seems quite as intimidating anymore.

Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime experience that can benefit you for a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start learning!

This article was contributed by guest author Alissa Young.

By on September 14, 2016 in Studying Abroad
Image by Ashim D’Silva, unsplash.com

Image by Ashim D’Silva, unsplash.com

The excitement building as you get ready to study abroad can be one of the best feelings, until you think about how you’ll pack all of your “stuff” to take with you. For those planning any type of extended trip overseas, it’s important to take a step back and ask: “Do I really need this?” Simply, you can’t (and shouldn’t) take everything you own with you, but you’ll want to take what’s necessary and beneficial to your trip.

The Association of International Educators notes that 304,467 U.S. students applied for credit while studying abroad from 2013 to 2014. That’s a 5.2 percent increase from the previous year in individuals going overseas for their education. There’s no doubt that studying overseas is valuable and desirable. But how will you pack to get there?

Don’t Carry, Ship It
One of the best ways to get most of your necessary items overseas is to ship them rather than carry them with you. Using a courier can save you a significant amount of money. Most airlines charge baggage fees that quickly add up. If you know where you are going, arrange for a local resident, perhaps whoever you are staying with, to accept your luggage and packages via a courier shipment. Be sure to send it at least a week or two in advance of your arrival.

Get to Know the Area
Perhaps one of the most important steps to take is to learn what you really need when you visit. Here are some considerations before you pack a single item:

  • Is there a dress code you’ll need to follow?
  • What are the weather trends in the area where you are traveling? Pack clothing to match those trends and save room by eliminating what you don’t really need.
  • Will you have laundry facilities? If so, try choosing a few basic bottoms that match up with numerous tops so you can mix and match. Then, launder items frequently, reducing the amount of clothing you need to bring.
  • Don’t forget the shoes. Research the best type of shoe for the area. It’s nearly always best to bring comfortable shoes that can handle a lot of walking.
  • Bring clothes you’ll feel comfortable and confident wearing. What’s more, be sure you’re willing to wear those items more than once.

Pack Essentials You Can’t Forget
A number of items are must-haves when traveling overseas no matter how long you plan to be gone. These are items that are hard to replace if you forget to bring them or lose them once you arrive in the location. Here are some must-haves:

  • Medications (be sure to talk about getting refills from overseas providers if necessary)
  • Legal documents including your identification and passports. For items such as birth certificates and copies of your transcript, make digital copies to store online so they don’t get lost.
  • Electronic items such as your mobile phone charger are important. Note that some countries use a different electric outlet, so you may need an adapter.

Pack Sensibly
Be sure to pack in a way that’s going to be highly efficient. Instead of just one piece of luggage, pack a couple of smaller bags. This way, if one gets lost, you still have some backup. Ship what you can and then pack a few smaller bags to take with you on the plane.

Here are some must-haves to include:

  • Undergarments and socks
  • Enough clothing for a week (if you can launder it)
  • Jackets to match the climate
  • Clothing to sleep in, work out in, go to a formal event in, etc.
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Gear for any type of trip you plan to take (hiking into the mountains or skiing)

There’s a lot to plan when it comes to overseas travel. The good news is, most schools offer the help you need to get ahead of the game. Take some time to talk to your counselor as well as any family you may be staying with to learn what they’ll be providing. Remember, you’ll probably be able to replace most of what you need locally – so don’t panic if you forget something.

This article was contributed by guest author Susan Burger.

Sources
www.nafsa.org
www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
blog.cengagebrain.com
www.hercampus.com

By on August 5, 2015 in Studying Abroad, Travel

Studying abroad can be the experience of a lifetime. Here are five places you should seriously consider when making your decision on picking a location:

1. Paris

Paris

Image by Moyan Brenn, Flickr

This should come as no surprise. Paris is an obvious choice as one of the best cities for, well, probably everything. Although known to be incredibly expensive, Paris offers relatively low tuition fees for students, making it a top contender amongst students. There is also no shortage of great universities in the French capital for basically any program you are interested in.

The best way to enjoy the city is to grab a good book, head to a café and sip an espresso until content. Check out some museums, or just leisurely walk around this beautifully planned city. Leave the Eiffel tower lines to the tourists. You are now a Parisian.

Highlights: Everything…

2. Barcelona

Barcelona

Image by Moyan Brenn, Flickr

Imagine if every day felt like a vacation in Barcelona. Well, here is your chance to make that a reality. With great weather, food, architecture and people, Barcelona may be the destination you have longed for.

Home to the prestigious University of Barcelona and Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, the city has a lively and diverse student population. This could be your opportunity to brush up on your Spanish skills, or learn how to speak the local language of Catalan.

It’s difficult to talk about Barcelona without mentioning the illustrious “party scene” which is more than often associated with the city. If this is your cup of tea, you probably don’t need to read the rest of this list. Just be sure you save some time to study.

Highlights: Great weather, relaxing, party city

3. Florence

Florence

Image by Chris Yunker, Flickr

Are you looking to be inspired? If so, look no further. What is more inspiring than the birthplace of the Renaissance? Florence’s beauty has roused the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, so there should be no difficulty winning you over. Located in the Tuscan region of Italy, Florence is home to the University of Florence, Accademia Italiana, and Lorenzo de’Medici, all of which have many options for international students.

The city is home to some of the best restaurants in the world and will leave you speechless with its beautiful architecture. Use your spare time to learn Italian or take a cooking class. The Tuscan region is also world famous for its wine, so be sure to indulge.

Highlights: Culture, cuisine, art

4. Buenos Aires

Buenos-Aires

Image by Gisela Giardino, Flickr

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is the perfect city if you are looking to immerse yourself in Latin American culture. With some of the most prestigious Universities in South America, this large metropolitan city will surely cater to all of your needs.

The city is defined by its dynamic culture, encapsulating a mix of European and South American traditions. Exploring the city on foot will allow you to fully appreciate the artistic beauty Buenos Aires has to offer, with murals and European-style architecture blending together in a way that truly makes it a unique destination.

Be sure to take advantage of the location by visiting neighbouring cities or even touring South America. This growing metropolitan city is definitely one to take into serious consideration.

Highlights: Location, architecture, art

5. Manchester

Manchester

Image by Pablo Fernandez, Flickr

World famous for its music scene, Manchester has produced some of the biggest and most talented names in music: The Smiths, Joy Division and Oasis are just a few of the bands that have come from this famously industrial north west English city.

The city has a large student population, gravitating around the well-known University of Manchester, as well as University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University. The clash between old and new is apparent throughout the city, as industrial architecture remains to be a distinctive quality.

Known for its nightlife, music events and intense football rivalry, you will not have any difficulty keeping entertained.

Highlights: Music scene, large student population, nightlife

Well, there you go. Hopefully this has helped you narrow down where your new adventure will take place. Studying abroad is all about completely immersing yourself in a different environment, so be open to everything that comes your way. Also, be sure to travel as much as you can during your free time; long weekends are a perfect opportunity to check out neighboring destinations. Most importantly, just have a great time.

Good Luck!
OH and be sure to set aside time to “study”.

Studied abroad in the past? Any suggestions on where to go? We want to hear from you! Speak up in the comment section below.

This article was contributed by guest author Rahim Madhavji of Knightsbridge Foreign Exchange.

By on June 26, 2015 in Studying Abroad
Image by greyweed on Flickr

Image by greyweed on Flickr

Social media is the most powerful platform of disseminating information. It has started to guide our lives in ways that not many would have thought possible a decade ago. How you intend to use it is, however, your prerogative. So, why not use it to your advantage?

For those students who travel abroad for their education, social media can be an important research tool. So, here is a list compiled of social media accounts to make your student-traveler life just that much easier and more adventurous.

Facebook:
The ease of posting blogs, pictures, and posts makes it an ideal site for sharing traveling experiences. Here are some must-follow accounts on Facebook that will give you a completely new perspective on traveling.

The Blonde Abroad:
This award-winning blog-cum-Facebook page is engaging with beautiful photography and video segments.

Everything Everywhere:
The Facebook page name means literally what it says. Gary Arndt has travelled over 170 countries and chronicles his travels through photographs. Give this devout traveler a go and do what he does, whether it is bungee jumping, floating in the Dead Sea or riding out a tsunami in Haiti.

Twenty-Something Traveler:
“Why wait to see the world?” That’s the question you will ask yourself after exploring Stephanie’s blog. This travel blogger not only writes about her travels but also gives some very helpful tips on traveling.

Nomadic Matt:
Are the expenses of travel stopping you from planning your trip? Well, Nomadic Matt is here for your rescue as he tells you how to make budget-friendly trips across the world as he has done with 16 million others.

Twitter:
Head over to the Twitterverse to explore tweeps who have traveled and are now here to help you experience the joys of travel.

Reid on Travel:
Unique in its content, Robert Reid will make you look at places anew and at its eccentric best. He is presently the Digital Nomad for National Geographic Traveler.

Chic Travel:
Discover luxury travel on a budget with Melanie Nayer as she shows you the best that the world has to offer. She explores not only the culinary world but also social issues that matter.

Pinterest:
Pin these travel accounts into your life and they are sure to grab your interest. Find out all the to-dos of traveling!

Go Overseas:
The perfect destination for students, Go Overseas combines travel with meaning. Whether for study, volunteering and interning or taking a gap year, their Pinterest account will guide you through it all.

Globetrotter Girls:
Globetrotting since 2010, Dani and Jess will supply you with the to-dos of traveling while showing you the world through their travels. They address everything from budget travel to social issues.

yTravelblog:
This Australian travel couple, Caz and Craig, will help you with anything travel-related. Whether solo or group trips, they have the best advice up their sleeves and they are willing to share.

Instagram:
Travel through pictures. Be inspired to travel by seeing the world through the lens of another.

A New Yorker Travels:
Harry Devert is the New Yorker who travels. Whether high up in the mountains or down below at Madison Square garden, he captures the world with his camera. And what a world it is.

Kick the Grind:
The world is actually incredible and Mike Corey shows it to you. This travel filmmaker will show you why possessions don’t hold a candle over experiences.

Murad Osmann:
Who wouldn’t be envious of the girlfriend who is leading Murad Osmann around the world? His photograph captures the poignancy of each place.

This article was contributed by guest author Sophia Harris.

By on April 15, 2015 in Saving Money, Studying Abroad
Image by Newton Free Library, Flickr

Image by Newton Free Library, Flickr

Jennifer Fonda* is currently pursuing her MS in computer science from Oxford University in the UK, which is deemed to be one of the most expensive universities in the world. Even though she comes from a middle class family, she made it to one of the most expensive colleges in the world without having to worry. She says,

For me it really was not hard to come up with the required admission fee. I had already saved quite a lot during my undergrad. My parents inculcated the habit of saving every penny I could since a young age. It really helped me pay off my tuition fee.

Being short on funds is the permanent state of every college student. But if you have bigger dreams in mind and want to go study outside of the US to gain global exposure, you need to start planning early. Jennifer knew her parents would not be able to afford the expenses of living abroad, but that didn’t deter her from pursuing her dream. If you want to study abroad, you have two options: either give up or go through the hard work of earning and saving money. It is up to you which one will you choose.

Planning throughout the four years of your undergraduate course will help you save money during grad school. Here are a few points which will not only help you save money but also guide you on making some:

Manage your money

  1. Set a monthly budget – This doesn’t have to be a difficult task. An Excel spreadsheet will be enough. You need to keep track of your monthly expenses and stop any unnecessary spending habits. List your fixed expenses like transportation costs, food etc, and keep money aside for these. Put aside some for saving, and the remaining balance can be used for unplanned expenses like shopping or gifting.
  2. Plan your expenses – Has buying expensive things left you cashless? Simple math and bit of planning can help you avoid this situation. Cut down your expenses by a certain amount for a couple of months and save the leftover money. Planning ahead is the easy way to avoid bankruptcy. Keep your eyes open for clearance sales at big-box stores – you may find some great deals there.
  3. Save money for emergencies – For students without a regular source of income, it is mandatory to have a fund for emergency situations. Rather than borrowing from friends or family, save money yourself by making small adjustments like skipping a movie or a trip to help you prepare for an unexpected crisis.
  4. Open a savings account – Rather than going for a regular bank account, go for an account specifically designed for students. Student savings accounts have other benefits apart from zero-balance facility which make them better than any other no-frills account.
  5. Avoid misusing credit cards – As mentioned above, if you open bank account for students you may get a credit card with low interest rates – but you want to avoid paying interest as much as possible, so if you are going to use a credit card, make sure you can pay off your bills on time and in full every time.
  6. Choose prepaid plans for your phone – Choose prepaid plans instead of pay-as-you-go for your phone will help you avoid surprises at the end of the month.

Increase your savings

  1. Be patient – If you want to buy a new iPhone, wait for a few months – gadgets’ prices fall as soon as there is a successor of the same model in the market. Postponing your purchase for some time can get you a reduced price.
  2. Watch for online discounts – If you are shopping or booking shows online, Google discount coupons, codes, or deals. Discount sites are the new money-saving method, as you can easily get a discount of 20% or free shipping with using a coupon code. You can get good bargains at restaurants, movie tickets, clothes, gym memberships, etc. Get an Amazon Prime account to get the best deals and discounts.
  3. Make shopping lists – A good way to control impulsive shopping is to make lists before going to the market. Though the market is filled with options, stick to your requirements, and you will save more money at the end of each month. Or use the wish list option many websites offer while shopping online.
  4. Save, save, save – Buying course books often leaves your pockets empty. Instead of buying, borrow them from a library or purchase them at a second hand bookstore. Once you graduate, the secondhand books can be re-sold and the money can be put towards your savings.
  5. Try getting cheaper accommodations – As a college student, you can save a lot of money on lodging. Rather than living in a studio apartment near college, try getting a shared apartment in the suburbs. It could cut your rent money in half. Or try sharing your apartment with 3-4 roommates, which further reduces your share load.
  6. If you’re in the city, don’t rent a car – Big cities like Toronto or New York have a good public transportation system in place, so you can save a lot of cash by not buying or renting a car to move around the city. Invest in a train pass or student pass to save more on travelling.

Earn some money

  1. Turn hobbies into careers – If you love to bake, or are great at painting, you can always turn this passion into earning. Form your own music band or start a blog or vlog. If you have talent, you can make it a career even before you finish college.
  2. Work part-time – Get a part-time job to earn some pocket money. Many jobs have a constant demand for interns. Remember, at this stage no job is small or big; you need to do what is required without feeling embarrassed of your job. Many job search engines are specifically designed for college students, and can help you look for temporary jobs. You can also talk to your college placement cell and consider the options available in your city.
  3. Participate in college activities – Be part of cultural societies and participate in competitions which offer cash prizes. Find out about scholarships offered by your college. If you are eligible to apply, do so! If your professors are involved in some research work, ask them if they need some assistance. You may get a stipend for doing so.

This article was contributed by guest author Harleen.

By on March 18, 2015 in Studying Abroad
Image from Jan Natividad

Image from Jan Natividad

Bonjour! I am currently spending the semester studying abroad in Paris, France. Two months in, and it is undoubtedly one of the best experiences I have ever had. As much fun as I may be having right now, the process of getting to this point was very long and complicated. Here is some advice for avoiding the stress of pre-departure. Although some of these tips are specific to Paris, you can use them for practically any exchange location!

Packing

Tip 1: You don’t need to pack everything that you own, but don’t forget to pack essentials that you take for granted. I am having a difficult time finding baking soda here in Paris and a friend of mind couldn’t find any heat protection hair spray! Although you probably won’t find out if you can buy a product locally or not until you actually arrive, be sure to pack favourite hygiene products, food and anything else that you absolutely cannot live without. In some cases, they may sell what you need, but not in the brand that you prefer.

Tip 2: Don’t be afraid of the $100 extra baggage fee on an airplane. The contents of your extra bag are probably worth more than the $100 fee. This also gives you extra space for any souvenirs and gifts that you plan on bringing back home. Remember that things in France are in euros, meaning it is probably going to be significantly more expensive for your favourite shampoo or cereal in France than it is in Canada, so do the math! The only problem you may encounter with this is lugging it from the airport to your new apartment by yourself.

Tip 3: You should also remember to pack both regular sized and travel-sized hygiene products. If you plan on travelling while on exchange, $1 mini toothpaste from your local drugstore is a lot cheaper than buying €1 mini toothpaste in France.

Paris Tip: Parisian street fashion is very stylish but monochromatic. So, when packing clothes, you may want to skip your neon-green top. This may sound silly, but a decent sense of fashion is a matter of self-preservation! Aggressive beggars and pickpockets are less likely to attack you if you don’t have that neon-green “tourist” target on your back.

Everything Else

Tip 1: Don’t worry too much about banking, meeting new people, public transportation, cellphone plans and most other things. The international team at your host school will cover a lot of this during orientation week. Just remember to bring necessary documents, photocopies of IDs and an unlocked cellphone so that everything else will go by a lot smoother.

Tip 2: Remember to have fun! School is important, but don’t spend your whole day inside school or inside your apartment. If you’re not exploring your new environment and soaking all the culture in, you’re more susceptible to getting really home sick. Your new place – as great or as dingy as it may be – will be your new home for the next couple of months. Try to find the positive aspects of your new place such as a really cool nearby bar or your kind neighbour.

By on March 9, 2015 in Studying Abroad
Image from Jan Natividad

Image by Jan Natividad

Bonjour! I am currently spending the semester studying abroad in Paris, France. Two months in, and it is undoubtedly one of the best experiences I have ever had. As much fun as I may be having right now, the process of getting to this point was very long and complicated. Here is some advice for avoiding the stress of pre-departure. Although some of these tips are specific to Paris, you can use them for practically any exchange location!

Visa Application

Tip 1: I don’t want to bore you with all of the technical information because everything is all laid out very clearly on the French consulate’s website. Just make sure you are getting the visa that best suits your needs. Most students will get the basic student visa that will allow them to become temporary residents for a specific period of time. There is another visa that allow students to work and get paid as well as receive a housing subsidy from the French government. They are two different visas with different requirements, so check carefully.

Tip 2: The process of getting your visa is extremely fast and simple. The process of getting all of your documents for your visa can be a nightmare. Do not leave this to the last minute! Make sure you read over the visa requirements and get the necessary documents as soon as possible.

Housing

Tip 1: If you want a (relatively) hassle free way of finding a place to stay, just stay in the student residence that your host school offers. If the residence isn’t that great in terms of price, location, amenities, etc. you can find places to stay online. Websites like airbnb.com and lodgis.com are great because they’re catered specifically to foreigners. Fully furnished and cheap places are hard to come by and so are highly competitive. Search for places early and book as soon as you find one. Just be careful of any scams!

Tip 2: Make sure you research the neighbourhood of your potential new place very well. It may be cheap, but it’s not going to be worth it if it’s in a bad area. If you know the address, search it up on Google Maps and use the street view function to explore the neighbourhood. Look for nearby laundromats, grocery stores, metro stations, bus stops and restaurants.

Paris Tip: If you’re going to Paris and want to live in the “typical” Parisian apartment (the ones with a beige façade and on top of a boulangerie), you’re probably thinking of an apartment in a Haussmann building. Although not all of them are atop a bakery, they are everywhere in Paris. Just note that they can be expensive, especially considering the fact that a lot of them are very old. Some don’t have elevators and others don’t have toilets inside the rooms! The toilet may be outside of the room and shared with neighbours on the same floor.

By on December 11, 2014 in Programs, Studying Abroad

 
 
Guide-to-study-medicine-in-Bulgaria-Romania-Infographic

This infographic was produced to highlight the options available for medical students to study medicine in Romanian and Bulgarian universities. Many medical students abandon their hopes of studying medicine due to reasons outside of their control – and affordability is a key issue for many. For more information, visit https://www.studymedicineeurope.com/medical-studies/medicine-europe/medicine-romania.html.

This article was submitted by guest author Aris Grigoriou.

By on May 20, 2014 in Studying Abroad, Travel
Image by Tim Morris, Flickr

Image by Tim Morris, Flickr

The UK is home to around 430,000 international students from 180 countries each year, of which 125,000 are from outside of the European Union (EU). These students will be required to fulfill visa requirements before being allowed entry in to the UK and being given the green light to commence their higher education course. Because of this, the process of choosing the right course at the right university and then getting a visa can be a very complicated procedure; here are some helpful tips to help you understand further what you will be required to do.

The first step is to decide upon the course you wish study and at which university, come up with a shortlist of choices in the order that you’d like to attend them and then visit the UCAS website. UCAS is the “Universities and Colleges Admissions Service”, which is responsible for all admissions to higher education in the UK and will be the middle men for your applications with the different universities. Search for the courses you want to do on the UCAS website, write down the responding reference number and then fill in an application with them. Remember to note each individual university’s entry requirements and application deadline dates as well as the UCAS deadlines as they may differ.

Provided you fulfill all of the entry requirements to the course, you have achieved the grades, and you have the required tuition payments, then you can move on to sorting out your visa. To study in the UK you will require a tier 4 student visa. The vast majority of people will want either a ‘general visa’ or a ‘student visitor visa’. The general visitor visa allows an adult to enter the UK for a post-16 education. In order to apply for this visa you will need 40 points from the points-based visa system. 30 of those points will come by providing confirmation of acceptance on to your university course. For more information on where the rest of the points come from, get in touch with an immigration specialist who can offer advice such as the IAS Immigration Advisory Service, which has offices all over the UK, from London to Manchester and Birmingham.

The difference between the student visitor visa and the general visa is the length of stay. With a general visa, you can stay to the completion of your course whether that is 3, 4 or even 5 years. However, with a student visitor visa you can only apply for 6 month short-term courses. Once you have sorted out the correct visa for your requirements, you have everything in place to move to the UK, commence your studies and have the time of your life.

This article was submitted by guest author Stephen McCance.