There are a lot of educational programs abroad, which can be divided into several types: language courses (English in Malta, French in Paris), professional courses (journalism, finance, cooking, design), and higher education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.). Internships can be roughly divided into three types: professional internships (in your specialty, for example in an IT company, in a bank), volunteer programs (ecological expeditions, participation in archaeological excavations) and international exchange programs (Work and Travel, Au Pair).
Why Study Abroad?
Are you just looking for a good time? Or, is this something you hope to gain professional experience from? School abroad is a perfect chance to get acquainted with the country better and immerse yourself in the environment. It is a kind of a personal challenge and an invaluable experience.
Many of the world famous universities offer courses during summer and winter holidays. This can significantly improve your skills, and you can add such training to your resume. In addition to language classes, you can book a course on journalism, culture, history, sociology, etc. Of course, your level of language should be higher, and often the university will ask you to provide confirmation, the results of the language test. They place students either in apartments or in host families. Classes are held in the morning or afternoon, and the rest of the time you can spend as if you were on a vacation.
To book a course, you can either contact the agency (you will need to pay an agency fee) or choose a school through the online booking platform. After completing the training, you will not receive a degree, but you will be issued a certificate.
Summer study abroad, is also known as summer sessions, programs, courses. For instance, Humboldt Universität in Berlin, Cambridge, Harvard, UC Berkeley offer many summer courses.
Professional & Educational Goals
The choice of a suitable program depends on many factors that can be divided into two groups: what do you want from the program (country, duration, program cost) and what requirements does the program have for you (experience, age, education, language level).
Students of the latest courses or young specialists are more likely to be accepted for professional internships; there are no special professional requirements for volunteers, and there is no upper age limit (there is only the lower one: 18 years old). The professional language courses are open for everyone, and study abroad scholarships are more likely for graduates. Au pair requires a childcare experience and a driver’s license. If you’re dreaming of a higher study abroad, prepare to pass a number of exams (IELTS, GRE, GMAT, etc.) Clarify the requirements for each program and plan ahead. Whatever you choose, international experience is always new ideas, vivid impressions, and a useful networking platform. Do not sit in one place.
Helpful Tools for Your Study Abroad Program Search
In order to prepare for the huge investments and jump into the world of global research, you should focus on finding a study program using the best tools!
Google. The most popular search engine in the world, which has a lot of useful information, and is always available. Choose to compare overseas study programs around the world or see reviews of a program abroad that you have been looking for a long time. Google is a perfect place to start when you are at the beginning of the search.
High school or college advisor. These are the people who know you, and who can give you more personalized tips on how to evaluate study abroad offers. Sometimes, your advisor can even suggest scholarships available at the school you’ve found. They’ve got a more profound experience and can your back as you start comparing study abroad best for you, and your schedule.
MyGoAbroad. There is a massive database of courses that you can narrow down by country, region, and the time you want to visit them. Get matched for recommended abroad program and start comparing study abroad programs side by side until you find your perfect fit. By the way, this service is free!
Study Abroad Organizations
Not everyone can receive education or continue their studies abroad at their own expense. There are several sources of funding:
1) Universities offer scholarship programs and grants, but the sums depend on the country and the particular university. In one university, a scholarship can amount to 1000 euros, in another, it can reach 50-70% of the cost of training, and sometimes completely cover it.
2) A lot of international scholarship programs: Fulbright, scholarships from DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, Campus France, Japan Foundation, Humboldt Foundation. Also use special search engines for scholarships, grants, exchanges, and conferences.
In order to pass an internship abroad successfully, you need to be almost a native speaker and have an ability to pay someone to do my research paper on your desktop (just in case). Many agencies and companies offer education and training services (Education First, Rospersonal), but if you want to find internships on your own, there are several options: to look at information on the website of companies and organizations whose profile corresponds to your specialty, or to search on specialized sites. Many companies are developing internship programs. In most cases, they are market giants (known banks, large IT companies) and international organizations such as UNICEF, WTO, WHO and the United Nations.
It is also worth mentioning the international student organization AIESEC, which organizes internships around the world – both social volunteer projects, and professional internships in start-ups and international companies.
Nicolas Walker is a recent University of Delaware graduate. He is a freelance writer and editor. In his spare time, Nicolas likes to binge watch documentaries on Netflix.
