Studying abroad has many advantages. It encourages to become more independent, to think creatively and develops needed abilities for the future job. The employees with the international experience are always going to be most in demand. Employers value high education and choose the best candidates, as prioritizing right people in the team is the key to success. Noting that, students search for universities and different programs out of their countries. Pursuing higher education, taking the initiative and moving to the new country, demonstrates that a person is eager to complete different tasks coming his way.
Here are some other benefits of studying abroad:
- High level of education
- Gaining independence
- Increased cultural awareness
- Developing self-reliance
- Understanding the diversity of people
- Problem-solving skills
- Flexibility
- Solving complex issues individually
- Solving complex issues as a team
WHY EUROPE?
‘Equal access to quality education is one of the EU’s central goals.’
Europe has the most prestigious universities in the world with the strongest educational system. The number of international students in the European Union increases each year. They are being attracted by quality assurance for higher education and by the numerous scholarships offered by universities and international organizations.
Just like the citizens of the EU, foreign students are eligible to apply to any tuition-free European university. The educational systems in the European countries used to be pretty diverse and quite unexpected in qualifications. Nowadays, the European Higher Education Area intensifies cooperation in recognition of diplomas. The EHEA increased number of educational programs taught in English, which is an advantage for international students.
Europe’s education system is practice-oriented, and it ranks as one of the best in the world. It offers a wide range of programs, numerous universities, internationally known large research centers and lots of opportunities for financial support for the studies. Languages, lifestyle, and living costs are of course different in all European countries.
Even though the level of living in some countries are expensive, most of the universities offer relatively low costs of the tuition, literally at local rates. There are about 24 official languages in the Schengen Zone. Despite that, the majority of the universities offer a wide range of programs delivered in the English language.
In addition to this, it is super easy to travel and explore the countries of the Schengen Zone. A student with a tight schedule of the semester can afford to visit new countries. It can be by plane, as flights are very short or by train/bus, which offer fantastic experience with some fascinating views. Tempting, isn’t it?
The European Higher Education Area (EHEA) is the result of the political will of 48 countries which, step by step during the last eighteen years, built an area using common tools. These 48 countries implement reforms on higher education on the basis of common key values – such as freedom of expression, autonomy for institutions, independent students unions, academic freedom, free movement of students and staff. Through this process, countries, institutions and stakeholders of the European area continuously adapt their higher education systems making them more compatible and strengthening their quality assurance mechanisms. For all these countries, the main goal is to increase staff and students’ mobility and to facilitate employability.
REQUIREMENTS
As the requirements for international students vary from country to country, it is essential for you to check all the information on student visas, the costs of education, accommodation, the laws and customs of the country you are moving to and the university entry requirements you need in order to study there.
Whilst the EU students cross borders of Schengen Zone only with their passport, non-EU students are required to obtain a visa prior to entering Europe.
The process of obtaining a visa can be lengthy, start required procedures well in advance of the intended date of entry.
As for the citizens of the United States of America, at the moment, they are not required to obtain Schengen Visa. They can travel to any European country with a valid passport, for a maximum period of 90 days. Meaning, if you are a student and you want to participate in the workshops or courses that are less than three months, you will not need a Schengen visa.
However, staying in Europe for longer for studying at the university, does require a long-stay study visa at the embassy of the respective country. It is advisable to consult with the embassy and find out all requirements beforehand. In general, student visas are easily obtainable if the student is invited by the university.
Reminder: The United Kingdom, Ireland, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania are not the part of the Schengen Zone.
ETIAS
Before embarking on the adventure to Europe, American students will have to obtain ETIAS travel authorization prior to their travel. Right after its implementation in 2021, it will be a mandatory requirement for all the visa-exempt nationals, including the citizens of the United States of America.
ETIAS is Europe Travel Information and Authorization system, and it is being created to strengthen the borders member countries of the Schengen Area. Applicants will have to submit an online application form by providing the biometric information and including the answers on security questions. The provided information will cross-check against several databases, such as the Schengen Information System, Interpol, Eurodac, etc.
If the automated system finds false information in the application, it will go through manual review by the ETIAS Central and ETIAS National Units.
An approved ETIAS will be valid for three years. It needs to be said that ETIAS will NOT replace a student visa. It will be a mandatory requirement for every visitor from visa-free country entering the EU.
So if you are willing to study in any European country, then get ready for new adventures and an amazing study abroad experience!
Some of the World’s famous European Universities
Top universities in SWEDEN:
Lund University
Uppsala University
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Top universities in GERMANY:
Technische Universität München
Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Top universities in FRANCE:
Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University (PSL)
Ecolé Polytechnique
Sorbonne University
Top universities in SWITZERLAND:
ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
Ecolé Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
University of Zurich (UZH)
Top universities in NORWAY:
University of Oslo
University of Bergen
University of Agder
Top universities in THE NETHERLANDS:
Delft University of Technology
University of Amsterdam
Eindhoven University of Technology
Top universities in ITALY:
Politecnico di Milano
Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna Pisa
Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa
Top universities in SPAIN:
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Universitat Autonóma de Barcelona
University of Barcelona
Article source here: Education in Europe
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