Studying abroad Where How Why Outline

Studying abroad: Where? How? Why?

Outline • • • Why? Shortly on Programs in Different Languages Programs in English General Requirements For Bachelor in English Advantages of Europe Real Experience: Universities in Czech Republic Real Experience: University College Roosevelt Real Experience: Universities in Germany Useful Hints Useful Links

Why? • • • Internationally recognized diploma International environment Chance to improve foreign language skills Higher reputation of the universities More options for future work

In different languages • Warsaw Pact countries: Poland, Czech Republic: cheap; Poland/Czech language easy to master; “Home environment”, prestigious enough • Germany/Austria: German language, cheap (fee limited by the government) Prestigious universities • France: French language, cheap, medium prestige level

In English • The US and the UK: World’s top universities (on average 15. 000 -25. 000 Euro / Academic year) • The Netherlands: Prestigious universities (some in top) (on average 5000 -9000 Euro / Academic year) • Germany: Prestigious universities, relatively cheap (up to 2000 Euro / Academic year)

General Requirements For Bachelor in English • 6. 5 -7. 0 IELTS (~90 TOEFL) (≈Advanced) • School Diploma (Usually no state exam needed) • Motivation letter (1 -1. 5 pages: why to study there, why this major) • School Teachers’ recommendation • Additional documents (optional)

Advantages of Europe • • Open borders Relative closeness of interesting cities Close to Russia Many language opportunities/semester abroad options

Prestigious Universities in Czech Republic • Foundation year: No language prerequisites (basic knowledge recommended though) Czech School diploma 1500 -2500 Euro • No foundation year: affordable fee (see university websites); Also programs in Russian or English available; Top universities: Karlov (Charles) University, Higher School of Economics, Masaryk University

Personal reflection: Czech Republic (foundation year at school) • Collecting the documents didn’t take much time: among the others, I had to submit the list of grades for the last high school year, residence address proof and school enrollment confirmation: I had to find an accommodation in advance (with the Czech school’s assistance). As for the locals, they are friendly to foreigners and their mentality resembles ours a lot. As an advice, some average level of Czech is strongly recommended before going there, it is not so hard though. I am applying to Higher School of Economics, Prague. Yana

Personal reflection: Czech Republic (foundation year course) • I had to collect a lot of documents while choosing the educational company which was going to provide the foundation program. I chose Masaryk University as my future university, which is in Brno, so my choice was a course which is also taught there. You should definitely apply for a study visa in advance as this may cause problems, but in the end, I am very satisfied with my choice, I am grateful to people who convinced me to go there, it’s really lovely in Brno and I already had a chance to go for a little trip to Austria. Yuriy

University College Roosevelt • Part of Utrecht University (highly-ranked) • The best liberal arts & sciences college in the Netherlands: high chances to be admitted to master’s anywhere else • No Dutch language is needed to live • English is the main language of instruction • Small classes: school atmosphere • 3 years to get bachelor • Semester abroad options • Comfortable campus: http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Yd 4 Iw. D 6 i 5 QA#t=218

Personal Reflection: Netherlands, University College Roosevelt • I needed Attestat, motivation letter and English proficiency certificate first of all to apply to the UCR. Since my arrival, I find this place interesting to live at, I am in the heart of Europe. For instance, I have already been to Prague and to Paris, both are just a few hours away without any borders. As for studying, the teachers here always willing to help and explain anything what is unclear, but we study a lot and it’s really hard. The people here are very friendly to anyone. And, of course, we all have bikes! Ilya

Shortly on the program of UCR 6 semesters × 15 weeks 4 subjects per semester Focus on homework (large tasks) Subjects to be selected by student for himself All students must take at least one course of Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences departments regardless of major. • Foreign language course requirement: Spanish, German, French or Dutch • • •

Personal Reflection: Germany, (with foundation year) • A convenient way to be enrolled to German universities is to apply after the first year at Russian university to the foundation year course and then to apply to the uni itself. Although the tuition fee is less than 2000 Euro a year at German universities, I had to provide them with the documents stating I have enough funds to live with. I started to collect all the documents in advance, in half a year or so, and applied to several places. By the end of foundation year your level of German has to be at least C 1. As for the life here, the people are friendly and willing to help, despite some differences in mentality. I have a few German friends here already. In addition, the cities are so clean and great, I love it here! Julia

Useful hints • Look for the universities in advance: by the end of 10 th grade you have to be sure whether you are going abroad or not • Do not postpone the paperwork as you may encounter bureaucratic problems, apply around the New Year • Try to learn at least some of the language of your future residence land

Useful links • http: //www. timeshighereducation. co. uk/worl d-university-rankings/2013 -14/world-ranking • http: //www. bachelorsportal. eu/ • http: //www. ucr. nl/ • http: //www. vse. cz/english/ • Or you can still write me an e-mail about studying abroad: i. sheykhon@ucr. nl (Mark as “Study abroad”)