Study in the heart of Europe: forward to perfection!

Currently studying abroad has turned from something exotic in justifiable investment in their own future. This kind of experience is invaluable and can dramatically change your life. And among the many options for one of the most interesting is still training in Europe, with its centuries-old educational tradition. Sadly aware, but, in contrast to the local universities, the quality of education in Europe is highly stable, and education can be characterized by a capacious word «now.»

Study in Britain or, for example, in the United States has long been the dream of many Russian students (if you belong to one of them, then pay attention to the article «English in Britain» and «Process of admission to an American university»), but because of high cost It remains an expensive luxury for most. In this article, I would like to offer an alternative to all those who want to continue their studies abroad and to consider than the attractive Benelux countries.

Located in the heart of Europe, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg are a small country with one of the highest living standards in Europe. Given that the preferred in most cases is to teach English in the first place should pay attention to the Netherlands and Luxembourg (as in Belgium, studying at the University for the most part French).

Netherlands

Let’s start with the Netherlands (Holland). Historically, that in this country the population in addition to their own language (Dutch) speaks perfect English. Maybe that’s why the Netherlands became the first non-English speaking country, where there are university programs in English (now their number is more than 1500).

Dutch higher education is recognized as one of the best quality in the world. This is facilitated by the use of problem-based learning, based on the active participation of each student in the discussion and debate. Here, the principle: It’s much better to debate the question without settling it than settle the question without debating it. (It is better to discuss the issue and make a decision, you make a decision without discussion.)

An important advantage of learning in this country is relatively low cost of education and living in comparison with other European countries in the impeccable quality of education, as well as the opportunity to receive scholarship (scholarship), partially or fully cover the costs of the student, as well tuition waiver (reduction of tuition fees or its total cancellation).

Among the many Dutch universities would like to highlight the Maastricht University. As a young institution, the university has earned a good reputation and is one of the most international in the Netherlands, and (which is very important!) Offers the possibility of obtaining scholarships to the UM High Potential Scholarship for foreign students.

One of the oldest and most prestigious universities is a Utrecht University. Competition has steadily high, but the diploma is valued throughout the world. An excellent student scholarship is also provided.

For a complete list of universities can be found here: http://www.topuniversities.com.

Luxembourg — where perfection rules

You may not know it, but Luxembourg — it is a separate country, not a city in western Germany. The tiny (about 500 thousand. Inhabitants) is a state in the heart of Europe, in the summer of lush green and autumn — in gold of their leaves. As well as an international banking center — the number of banks here exceeds all conceivable representation. And even the «out-the building» like a medieval castle, the same bank. Country impresses toy, with fabulous houses with turrets and bridge over low ground, which found refuge Central Park. The most common epithet awarded to Luxembourg, — perfect (excellent).

More than 50% of the population — the foreigners, so on the streets you can hear what you want it. Officially, however, the official languages ​​are Luxembourgish, German, French. The average Luxembourger speaks 4 languages ​​(above + English).

University of Luxembourg — pretty young school, he’s only 8 years old. But despite this, he has gathered under its roof a lot of students from different countries. The reason for this is an excellent (and here Perfect) Government funding for training programs. For example, tuition fees in most programs is only 200 euros. It is also possible to get a scholarship for Non-European students (students from non-European countries).

The university consists of three faculties:

• The Faculty of Sciences, Technology and Communication (Faculty of Science, Technology and Communications).
• The Faculty of Law, Economy and Finance (Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance).
• The Faculty of Language and Literature, Humanities, Arts and Education (Faculty of Humanities).

Each offers a wide selection of programs (mostly Master Program).

Training is conducted in 3 languages ​​- English, German and French. Therefore, an applicant is desirable to know the two of them. Although there are programs in English only.

Luxembourg — a good place for those who are seriously interested in languages ​​and is ready to accept the challenge of teaching in a multilingual environment. If you are interested in — take a look at my blog odnogrupnitsa Mexican Raquel Moon devoted to studying in Luxembourg: http://studyinluxembourg.lu.

Or the official website of the university: http://wwwen.uni.lu.

The process of admission to universities in the Netherlands and Luxembourg

The good news for applicants is that it is not necessary for admission to take entrance exams. The enrollment decision is based on a consideration of the necessary documents provided by the applicant by mail or in electronic form, and in some cases the interview, conducted on-line.

You can act immediately after school, having a high school diploma or with incomplete or complete higher education. Serve documents better in advance, taking into account the possible nuances. For example, if you want to start in the winter semester (1 September), the documents should be prepared to start the new year. If you have questions do not hesitate to send letters and to ask questions to the contact person of the University (admission officer). These friendly, professional people lucidly explain what to do.

The list of required documents varies somewhat from university to university, but usually the following documents are required.

Required documents:

• Application form (filled questionnaire).
• Copy of your passport and / or residence permit (copy of passport or residence permit).
• Certified copy of your diploma or declaration of graduation (a certified copy of the diploma and confirmation of receipt).
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) (proof of knowledge of English).

Often requires the following points:

• IELTS, Academic Module. Minimum score: 6.5 overall band, at least 6 for writing.
• TOEFL, Internet based. Minimum score: 93.
• Cambridge Certificates.
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English, at least a B grade.
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, at least a C grade.
• A motivation letter (motivation letter).
• A letter of recommendation (reference letter).

Terms and conditions apply for scholarships vary from university to university, so they need to specify separately in order not to miss deadlines and provide all the necessary documents. In general, experience has shown that a scholarship is not a myth but a very real possibility.

And finally, a few tips:

1. Carefully read the description of the program that interests you, then not to be surprised by its content.
2. Pay attention to the languages ​​of instruction.
3. Plan your estimated budget (including the unpleasant option that will not give you a scholarship).
4. Read about what you can do after the end of the program. Ask this question to the head of the program (Program Director).
5. Talk to someone who has studied this or a similar program, learn the nuances.
6. Actively practice the language before they go to school — he will be very useful!

I wish you success! And remember: «Long way to Fuji starts with the first step». 🙂

 

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