Master Scholarships for East-European Students in Sweden

This Swedish Institute program for highly-qualified East-European students aims to promote democratic, economic and social development through supporting know-how and transfer of knowledge to advanced students within areas in which Sweden is at the forefront of academic research. About 10 scholarships will be awarded for studies in Sweden, starting August 2013. The scholarship covers both living costs and tuition fees. 

Countries

The program is open to candidates from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia (FYROM), and Serbia. For the academic year of 2013/2014 about 10 scholarships will be offered. The applications are assessed by a selection committee taking into consideration the relevance and quality of the personal motivation letter and CV. Academic merits are already evaluated by the universities in the admission round and is not a criteria for scholarships. 

Who is eligible?

The scholarships are intended for students from the above mentioned target group for full time studies in Sweden starting in the autumn semester, August 2013. There is no age limit for scholarship holders.

Scholarships cannot be granted to students who:

• Have already lived in Sweden for two years or more, previous to the scholarship period.
• Have a permanent residence or work permit in Sweden.
• Have previously been awarded a Swedish Institute scholarship for Master’s level studies or research at a Swedish university.
• Already hold a master’s degree from a Swedish university/university college.
• Are currently enrolled in a study program at bachelor’s or master’s level at a Swedish university or university college.

How to apply

The scholarship application period for the academic year 2013/2014 will be February 1 until February 11, 2013. A list of successful candidates will be published on www.studyinsweden.se before deadline to accept your place at the study program at www.universityadmissions.se.

The eligible master programs are within the area of social science and environmental studies and have been selected by the Swedish universities. The list of eligible study programs will be published on December 1, 2012 can be found here.

1. Apply for a study program at a Swedish host university by using the Swedish official online application service for academic studies in Sweden at www.universityadmissions.se. This has to be done before the student can apply for a SI scholarship. Please observe that the personal application number retrieved in the confirmation from your study program registration has to be used when applying for a scholarship in the next step.

2. Submit the payment of your application fee to www.universityadmissions.se.

3. Apply for a scholarship. This step can only be taken once having successfully registered an application for a study program at a Swedish university. Up to four programs can be applied for in order to maximize the chances to get admitted. In this case the candidate has to make a separate scholarship application to each of the study programs.

Scholarship benefits and period

The scholarship covers both the tuition fee (which is paid directly to the Swedish university/university college by the Swedish Institute) and living expenses to the amount of SEK 9,000 per month. The scholarship is only awarded for programs starting in the fall semester 2013 (August) and is granted for one academic year, i.e. for two semesters at a time, but will be extended for programs longer than two semesters provided that study results are satisfactory. 

The scholarship is designed to cover living costs and study expenses for the scholarship holder. There are no grants for family members. The granted scholarship period cannot be altered or extended beyond the study program period nor can the scholarship be transferred to another study program and/or university.

Travel grants

Scholarship holders will receive a travel grant in connection with the scholarship. The travel grant is a one-time payment of SEK 5,000 and is meant to cover also the return flight. 

More information about the details of the application procedure can be found here.

Useful Tips to Fund Your Study Abroad

Studying abroad can enhance your skills and experience that nothing else can do. It is an excellent idea to study abroad, but it is somewhat costly also. Never end up your dream of studying abroad. Even it costs a little high amount, by following some tips you can make the study affordable. Here are the tips to be followed in order to make your dream of abroad study affordable. 

1.    Breakdown Expenses

Different study programs cost differently. Contact a counselor to get the list of various study programs and to get the detailed information of each. If possible ask him to introduce a person who is pursuing the same degree in the same country of your interest for more guidelines. In this way you can estimate the daily and monthly costs of that program in that country. According to that you can start saving money by limiting your current expenses.

2.    Plan Early & Set Goals

Plan in advance to study abroad. If you plan early you will get the basic idea about home work to do and the monthly expenses. According to that you can set a saving plan as early as possible. If you have long time to go abroad, you will be having more time to save money. It will be better to plan before at least ten months.

3.    Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships fund not only for just books and tuitions but also fund for abroad study. Most of the professors give advice to apply for those scholarships which will fund both abroad study and tuitions. By using the financial aid we can get the money with a little effort. You do not have to submit more number of documents. With the help of an agreement you are given money you have to pay it back.

4.    Apply for Loans

If the collection of money which you have saved, gained with scholarships and get with the financial aid is not sufficient for your abroad study then you can opt for loan such as educational loan. It will be an intelligent idea to opt a loan along with PPI.  Because payment protection insurance can secure the loan. Basically ppi claims is given along with loans and credit cards in order to secure those loans. It will also provide some coverage if you are in a situation that restricts you from work.

5.    Search for Other Aid

You can also get additional money by communicating with different social, networking, welfare and professional organizations. Basically these types of welfare organizations fund the students to go abroad and study the program in a country of their interest. Always remind yourself the reason for which you are going abroad, what field of study you are going for, and what do you want to achieve through this.

In this way you can plan your abroad study affordable with money you have. So plan well, study hard, control your expenses, set proper goals, if you are short of money apply for scholarships and loans.

Author Bio: This article has been written by Maria Benson, a professional blogger. Maria Benson is interested in finance and politics and she has been writing articles on several such categories. Her hobbies include painting and reading, during free time. Her interests are researching on financial products and services and writing reviews on them. She is working on ppi claims and she is looking forward to posting a few articles on it. Catch her @mariabenson10.

  

Yale Young Global Scholars Program 2013

We are pleased to announce that the prospectus and application information for the Yale Young Global Scholars Program for Outstanding High School Students  2013 is now available online.

Formerly the Ivy Scholars Program, our name change this year to Yale Young Global Scholars reflects the fact that our program has developed into one of the most selective and academically rigorous high school summer programs worldwide. By exposing our students to the best scholars and practitioners in a wide range of academic and professional fields, we seek to give our students the analytical skills they will need in whatever leadership positions they may one day assume.

As an official Yale University program that is administered by University officials, you can expect a first-rate summer experience studying in beautiful campus lecture halls and classrooms, living in our famed residential colleges, eating in our award-winning dining halls, engaging with world renowned professors, and interacting with extraordinary visiting practitioners. 

The Yale Young Global Scholars Program brings the best of the academic and policy communities together in a scholarly learning environment. Although our programs are designed for top-performing high school students, our faculty members teach the same material and in the same manner as in their undergraduate courses here at Yale.

The Yale Young Global Scholars Program for Outstanding High School Students offers two innovative, intensive, summer educational experiences for 2013.

Politics, Law, and Economics Program (PLE)

• July 13 – 26, 2013
• Focus on the great ideas and thinkers in the American intellectual tradition, covering political philosophy, democracy, constitutional law, political economy, and financial literacy
• Key deliberative exercises may include writing and presenting a political campaign speech, publicly defending a legal opinion, and engaging in a Constitutional Convention simulation

Studies in Grand Strategy Program (GS)

• August 3 – 16, 2013
• Focus on strategic lessons from history and their application to contemporary international affairs
• Key deliberative exercises may include participating in an international crisis simulation and negotiation, and writing and presenting a group policy paper on a critical global challenge

Application and Investment

• Must be entering your junior or senior year of high school (or equivalent for international students).
• The application consists of a high school transcript, two teacher recommendations, and a 1,000-word essay. For non-native English speakers, spoken and written English must be nearly fluent.
• The all-inclusive cost of $4,500 includes tuition, housing, food, and activities. Bring your own laptop. Travel to and from Yale is not included.
• Generous financial aid is available to American and international students, based on demonstrated financial need (no merit scholarships).
• The program fills up every year, and it is highly selective. Applications are processed on a rolling basis. Applicants interested in financial aid should apply as soon as possible.
• The first application deadline is March 1, 2013.

Eligibility

We seek outstanding high school students with strong academic records, passion for national and international issues, and desire to make substantive and lasting contributions to their communities and world. Because each program is conducted as a university-level academic and leadership development experience, students are expected to be mature, focused, responsible, articulate, and willing to engage respectfully in discussions over difficult intellectual, moral, and policy issues.

The Yale Young Global Scholars Program seeks students who have strong written and verbal communication skills, can read and analyze large amounts of difficult material, draw well-reasoned conclusions, work under considerable pressure and time constraints, and consistently adhere to a high standard of personal and professional conduct. Our academic and leadership development experiences are designed for capable individuals who possess a strong desire to analyze and understand complex ideas and issues.

Due to the very large number of applicants, we do not accept applications from rising freshmen (grade 9) or sophomores (grade 10). While there is no formal minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement, applicants with less robust grades should demonstrate intellectual excellence and leadership in all other areas. Teacher and mentor recommendations, as well as student statements of interest, are very important parts of our admission decisions. Each of our Yale Young Global Scholars Program experiences are taught in English and all students who are non-native speakers of English should possess strong verbal and written communication skills in the English language. 

Click here to download the 2013 prospectus and application

Contact Us
EMAIL: global.scholars@yale.edu 
PHONE: +1 (203) 436-8223
FAX: +1 (203) 436-2395

St. Gallen Symposium 2013

Fostering an intergenerational dialogue is the aim of the St. Gallen Symposium. For that reason, 200 talented young people from all over the world are invited to take part in that event . The mission of these Leaders of Tomorrow is to fundamentally challenge the Leaders of Today with critical questions and new approaches. The 43rd symposium will take place on 02–03 May 2013 at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. The Conference is the world’s premier opportunity for intergenerational debate on issues of management, politics and civil society – completely run by students.

 

With the ultimate goal  for the sustained success of companies and societies in a globalised world, the St. Gallen Symposium:

• creates added value for a global target group made up of entrepreneurs, top managers, politicians, scientists, decision-makers from civil society, and students
• through gaining insight into fundamental issues concerning management, the entrepreneurial environment and the interfaces between business, politics and society
• through gaining insight into fundamental issues concerning management, the entrepreneurial environment and the interfaces between business, politics and society

Every year, the competition for the St. Gallen Wings of Excellence Award offers graduate and postgraduate university students throughout the world the unique opportunity to qualify for an expenses-covered participation as “Leaders of Tomorrow” in the St. Gallen Symposium. Students enter into a challenging exchange of ideas with today’s global leaders about the pressing economic and societal questions of our time. Competitors are invited to submit their thoughts and visions on the theme of the St. Gallen Symposium. All contributions will be evaluated according to specific criteria by an independent jury, composed of professors, corporate executives, entrepreneurs and politicians.

The authors of the 100 best contributions qualify for a participation in the St. Gallen Symposium. The following highlights await the qualifiers:

• Meet 600 top decision makers and 200 of the world’s brightest young minds
• Expenses for travel, board and lodging covered, travel service provided
• The three winners will present their work in front of the assembled plenum. The three winners share EUR 20,000 prize money

Eligibility

• you must be enrolled at a recognised university or an educational institution that is affiliated to a university,
• you must be enrolled in a graduate or post-graduate programme (e.g. Master, MBA, Ph.D., postgraduate Diplomas)
• you must be born in or after 1983.

The deadline for essay submissions is 01 February 2013.

Read more and submit your essay

7 Things to Consider When Choosing a TEFL Program

Few professions are better than Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) if you're the type of person who loves to learn about different cultures, meet new people, and travel the world, because English is still one of the most sought-after foreign languages globally.

You can spend your weeks correcting spelling and conjugating verbs and your weekends touring the French countryside or enjoying the gorgeous vistas of Prague. But if you're going to do it, chances are that you'll need to get a TEFL Certificate.

Thankfully, there are lots of schools that offer them, and most programs are incredibly quick - around four weeks. Pick a good program and you can be ready to teach English in a foreign country in little more than a month!

The key phrase there, however, is "pick a good program." How do you know if the schools you're looking into are good or not? Here are 7 things you should consider when looking into different TEFL programs - and don't be shy about asking questions and expecting answers; reputable schools should be forthcoming if they want your money.

What does the program actually teach you? Sure, you'll earn a TEFL Certificate, but if you leave your training not really knowing what you're doing, your chances of finding a job are slim - and keeping it is probably even more unlikely. You want a curriculum where you're going to learn how to manage a classroom, put together a lesson plan, engage in appropriate classroom behavior, and, of course, actually teach.

What will your teaching practice be like and how many hours will you get? One of the biggest positives of going through a good TEFL Certificate program is that you get a chance to practice your English language teaching skills. Typically, schools will offer a mixture of three different kinds of practice teaching:

• Public - You will teach at one of your school's courses that is open to the public
• In-company - You'll head out to a local place of business and teach English to a group of their employees
• One-on-one - You'll teach students privately on an individual basis

Some schools, however, only offer some of the above options. And others don't offer any of them, instead limiting your "teaching" to practicing with your classmates. Obviously, that's not an ideal situation, and you should keep looking if a school tells you that's how you'll be practicing. The other important thing to note is how many hours of this practice you'll get. Industry standard is usually 6 to 8, but some schools offer upwards of 12, and higher is always better.

Who recognizes this school's TEFL Certificate? Sadly, not all certificates are created equal, so you have to make sure that the school you're considering has an internationally recognized program. Otherwise, your job options might be limited to whatever language schools your program is attached to. Not the kiss of death, but certainly not good for someone who might want to travel more and work and live in several different places.

What degrees or other qualifications to the people training you have? Reputable schools almost exclusively employ trainers with at least an MA in English, Education, Linguistics, or some other field that's related. Unfortunately, not every school out for your money should be considered reputable. Ask this question early on to weed out programs that aren't worth your money.

What is included in tuition? Look at a dozen different schools for TEFL programs and you'll probably find that most of them seem to cost about the same. That, however, is just how it looks on the surface. Some programs have hidden costs that most people don't think to look for, like internet access, teaching materials, and money for making copies. And on the flip side, there are many programs that offer "bonuses" such as a well-stocked library, on-site teaching resources and…

Is there "settling in" support? This is a huge one, especially if you're traveling to a foreign country to take the course. Lots of schools consider it part of their tuition package to help you find temporary housing while you're in the program, but the quality varies widely. You want to ask about the area of town where the housing is located, how close it is to the school and public transportation, and just how nice it is in general.

How easy is it for graduates to find jobs? When people graduate from well-respected programs, they are usually snapped up very quickly. Lots of out-of-work recent grads, however, is a sign that the school may not have the best of reputations. Ask for the school's recent employment statistics, but also try to track down recent grads to speak to them about how hard it was for them to find work.

About the Author:Samuel Clemens is a former educator who has been writing about study tools and student resources for many years. You can find him reviewing college essays for companies including GradeSaver. 

American University in Bulgaria Program

American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) is located in Blagoevgrad, a vibrant regional economic and cultural center in the picturesque Southwestern part of Bulgaria. The mission of the American University in Bulgaria is to educate students of outstanding potential in a community of academic excellence, diversity, and respect and to prepare them for democratic and ethical leadership in serving the needs of the region and the world. We envision a community of diverse and creative students of outstanding potential living and learning together in an engaging and rigorous academic environment on a campus which offers world-class academic, recreational, and residential facilities.  Mentored by internationally respected faculty committed to the liberal arts tradition, graduates will be fully prepared for lives of professional achievement, personal fulfillment, and service.

Quality and Accreditation
AUBG has full American accreditation, as well as Bulgarian. Graduates receive an American diploma, as well as the Bulgarian national diploma and European supplements when they have successfully passed the state examinations. AUBG is recognized as one of the finest universities in eastern Europe, and the University currently attracts top students from more than 30 countries from around the world. 

Fields of Study and Professors
AUBG offers Liberal Arts education based on a general education foundation and a specialization in a declared major and/or minor. Instruction is in English. Majors offered are: Business Administration; Computer Science; Economics; European Studies; History and Civilizations; Journalism and Mass Communications; Mathematics; Political Science and International Relations. Students at AUBG may, and most do, take two majors. Courses are taught by high-quality, American and international faculty experienced in teaching in a multicultural, learner-centered environment. 

Safe and Modern Campus
AUBG offers accommodation in the Skaptopara Residence Halls I and II, located in a green park area, a ten-minute walk from the AUBG Main Building. Residence facilities are equipped with TV lounges, study areas and fitness equipment. There are canteens and cafes in the Main Building and the Scaptopara Residence Hall that offer a variety of meat and vegetarian meals, as well as salads, desserts, and beverages. The university library is the largest English language library on the Balkans. The whole collection of more than 100,000 volumes is indexed through a computerized catalogue.  In Fall 2008 AUBG opened a new 2000 square meter library building on the Skaptopara campus which provides a comfortable, welcoming and safe environment for study, research, quiet reflection and collaborative work.  Each student has free access to the Internet at more that ten student computer labs, in the Skaptopara Residence Halls, and at wireless “hot spots” across campus.

Student Services 
The Advising Center, the Career Center, and the Counseling Center all work cooperatively to provide a complete, integrated program of services designed to provide support for student needs ranging from personal counseling to assistance with their job search. At present AUBG offers a variety of sport opportunities, including baseball, tennis, boxing, chess, skiing, fitness, dancing, soccer, American football, swimming, and aerobics.  The AUBG Career Center assists students in planning for the future. Every year a Job Fair and a Graduate School Fair are organized. The Job Fair gathers representatives of leading international companies who wish to employ AUBG graduates. The Center also maintains current information about graduate school opportunities at leading American and European universities. The Health Center provides health services and ensures prompt consultation, evaluation and treatment of medical problems, working according to the regulations established by the Bulgarian legislation and the standards of the American College Health Association.

English Language Institute
Applicants to AUBG who are generally qualified for admission but whose test scores, particularly in English, fall short of AUBG minimum requirements, may enroll in AUBG’s English Language Institute (ELI). Intensive programs in English language/TOEFL preparation are offered during the summer, as well as during the fall and spring semesters. ELI is a Certified Internet-Based TOEFL Test Center and has an excellent  record in preparing future AUBG applicants for the TOEFL and SAT exams. 

All ELI instructors are university graduates with at least a Master's degree in English and with substantial teaching experience. The higher level courses are taught by a team of instructors - non-native English speakers emphasize grammar and text, while native English speakers teach listening comprehension skills and conversation. ELI classes are small and “learner-oriented,” and the center applies a variety of modern and effective methods of language instruction, using the latest state-of-the-art educational technology. 

Applicants for the full-time intensive courses seeking admission to the University should present a high school diploma with GPA of minimum 5.00 (Bulgarian Grading System) or its equivalent if the candidate is a non-Bulgarian.

Admissions requirements and deadlines  
AUBG requires a minimum SAT score of 1,000 (Critical Reading plus Math)  and a TOEFL score of 80 (iBT Internet based) or 550 (paper-based).  If a student is otherwise qualified but not yet able to achieve the required TOEFL score, we may offer conditional admission with the requirement that the student spend a semester doing intensive language study at AUBG’s English Language Institute. 

Open Society Institute (OSI) Scholarships deadline - January 1st

Complete application for Fall Semester should be received at AUBG Admissions Office:

• By March 1 for early admission and more favorable financial aid.
• By June 1 for regular admission and financial aid.

Complete application for Spring Semester should be received at AUBG Admissions Office:

• By October 1st for non-EU students and financial aid.
• By November 1st for EU students and financial aid.

Students need to submit to the AUBG Admissions Office the following:

• A completed application form with a non-refundable $25 application fee (unless the application is completed on-line)
• An application essay on a topic announced by AUBG (the essay may also be submitted on-line or by email).
• Official educational records -- original documents or notary certified copies, with a certified English translation if they are not in English
• Three confidential letters of recommendation from teachers or professors, a guidance counselor, or an academic advisor
• Official TOEFL, IELTS, or ESOL examinations and SAT or ACT score reports should be sent to AUBG directly from the agencies administering the tests. For the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and the College Board, the AUBG institutional code for receiving TOEFL and SAT test scores from ETS is 2451.

TOEFL and SAT Tests
Students must meet the minimum requirements for proficiency in English based on TOEFL or  IELTS or ESOL examinations and present SAT or ACT test scores. Test scores should be officially sent to the AUBG Admissions Office by the respective organization administering the tests. The TOEFL score is valid for 2 years and the SAT score is valid for 5 years. Applicants can take the tests while still in high school. Schedule the TOEFL and SAT no later than January for the fall semester applications and June for the spring semester applications.

 

Financial Assistance
We believe that AUBG offers outstanding value. Whereas a high-quality education is not inexpensive, AUBG is committed to making it possible for every qualified applicant to attend. Students and their families are expected to pay a significant portion of the cost of their education. If a student does not have the resources to pay the full amount, we work with the student to find supplemental sources of support, including direct aid from the University, loans, and funds earned in work-study or a work-travel program. Most students find that after the first year they are able to earn the full cost of tuition and expenses during summer work-travel jobs. 

All further information, necessary application forms and templates are available online at: www.aubg.bg in the Admissions section.

Erasmus Mundus Partnership Scholarships

EMP-AIM is a Partnership of 17 Universities from European countries, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova, which aims to build a structured and sustainable cooperation between the involved universities and thus to strengthen academic, cultural, economic collaboration between the European and Eastern Europe region countries. The project EMP-AIM is coordinated by Mykolas Romeris University (Lithuania). The Erasmus Mundus programme's overall aim is to promote European higher education, to help improve and enhance the career prospects of students and to promote intercultural understanding through cooperation with third countries, in accordance with EU external policy objectives in order to contribute to the sustainable development of third countries in the field of higher education.

EMP-AIM offers scholarships for undergraduate, master, doctoral, post-doctoral students and staff mobilities:
• from Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine to study, teach or research at 8 European Partner;
• from 8 European partner universities to study, teach or research at 9 partner universities in Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine.

The eight EU partner universities are Mykolas Romeris University (Lithuania), Johannes Kepler University Linz (Austria), University of Pécs (Hungary), University of Salento (Italy), School of Business Administration Turiba (Latvia), Comenius University in Bratislava (Slovakia), University of Alicante (Spain), University of Glamorgan (UK).

The EMP-AIM scholarships are funded by the European Commission under Erasmus Mundus Action 2 Programme and will cover subsistence allowance, travel, insurance and participation fees (if applicable).

EMP-AIM call for applications for the academic year 2013/2014 is open from 19 November, 2012 to 25 January, 2013. Scholarships are available for study, research and professional visits at all mobility levels.

Applications for the EMP-AIM scholarship must be submitted through an online application system. Only one application per person is allowed. People who register multiple applications will be omitted from the selection process. Among other things, applicants will need to provide a short explanation of a maximum of 1,000 characters about their motivation for applying for an EMP-AIM scholarship.

Read more and apply:  http://emp-aim.mruni.eu/

Scholarships for University Graduates From ENP Countries

The EU (European Commission/DG Education and Culture) offers a large number of scholarships to university graduates coming from European Neighbourhood Policy countries for post-graduate studies at the College of Europe (Bruges or Natolin (Warsaw) campus) during the academic year 2013-2014. These scholarships cover academic expenses, accommodation, meals and travel costs.

 

The eligible countries are: Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia and Ukraine.

Selection Procedure:

1. Candidates are requested to visit the website of the College www.coleurope.eu and check the necessary information under 'Postgraduate Programmes' and 'Admission': admission requirements and language requirements.

2. Candidates have to register and apply online (Admission/apply online).

3. Candidates have to print the application form and send it by post to the Admissions Office of the College of Europe (address : Dijver 11, BE-8000 Brugge) with the requested documents.

4. After the deadline, all applications will be evaluated by the study departments at the College of Europe and a preselection will be made. Preselected candidates will be invited for a (telephone) interview with the Professors/assistants of the department(s) they have applied for. The final decisions on admission and scholarships will be taken after all interviews of the candidates from the ENP countries. Candidates will be contacted by e-mail.

Read more and apply: http://www.coleurope.eu/website/study/admission/scholarships/scholarships-university-graduates-coming-european-neighbourhood

Top 6 Study Abroad Destinations

Studying abroad gives students a chance to spread their wings and experience life outside their country. In an increasing globalized world, having international experience on your resume is extremely important if you are looking to impress. Where you would like to study largely depends on your subject.  If you are looking to study a language, then it makes sense to study in its country of origin. Some universities have particularly prestigious courses, so it is wise to look at them if you are aiming high. 

Many companies exist to assist you in your choice of subject and country of study, whereas some universities have affiliations with many other universities across the world and offer the chance to study at one or a number of these institutions. Below are some of the top study abroad destinations:

1. Italy

Italy comes top in student’s searches for international study.  This renowned country captures all of the romance and cultural ideals of studying abroad.  But romance aside, there are many reasons to study in Italy.  Italy is eighth in world ranking of most industrial countries and is a hub of international business and trade.  It is also home to possibly the world’s first university, Università di Bologna (UNIBO), plus 90 other higher education institutions. If you are looking to study arts or languages, Panrimo Study Abroad Program offers a highly regarded scheme at Santa Reparta International School of Art in Florence, where they have on the ground staff to help with all of your needs and organize sightseeing trips.

2. United Kingdom

With the UK boasting four out of the top ten highest-ranking universities in the world (with the other six being in the USA), it is no surprise that it is a popular choice for studying abroad.  Studying in the UK has the undoubted language benefit for those who do not speak a foreign language, and with over 300 universities to choose from, there is no shortage of choice.  There are a number of ways to apply to a UK university: you can contact a particular university directly, as the majority have foreign student schemes, or you can go via an agency that specializes in study abroad programs.  The former is best if you know specifically where you would like to study, whereas the latter will be able to help you choose the right course and university for you, and possibly help with the practicalities such as visas.

3. Spain

If studying Spanish or Hispanic Studies is your ambition, then spending a semester or year in Spain will be of huge benefit to you.  This beautiful and diverse country has a rich cultural heritage and its people are known for their welcoming nature.  Many of the universities have their own foreign student programs, but if you don’t know where to start in finding the scheme for you, the API Study Abroad Program at the University of Salamanca is a well-respected one.  This program offers courses that are fully integrated with the Spanish students or in separate international classes.  They also offer the choice of accommodation in halls of residence or in the home of local families.  This program also has its own support staff on the campus and provides trips for students to get a taste of the entire country.

4. Australia

Famous for its wonderful beaches, relaxed lifestyle and diverse culture, Australia is a very appealing destination for those wanting to study abroad.  The University of Queensland offers a comprehensive program for foreign students, which can be arranged through GlobaLinks.  The University of Queensland is ranked in the top 50 world universities and offers courses across all subject areas. It is located in the St Lucia district of Brisbane, a vibrant, metropolitan city close to Moreton Bay beach.

5. China

With all of the business and industrial world looking to China for their innovations and investments, it is the ideal country to study.  The country itself is vast and is a land of both economic prosperity and hardship.  China is welcoming of international students and many of the universities offer programs for American students.  USAC has an affiliation with Shanghai University, which offers business studies and Mandarin in the world’s largest city.

6. France

The thought of studying in France may stir up images of romance, art and picturesque scenery but it is also a center of academia.  If you are fluent in French already, then there are 85 universities across France, with 5 being in Paris, that have international student programs.  For those wanting to experience France but do not have language skills, there is another option.  The American University of Paris teaches across 33 minor and 16 major subjects and welcomes students from all across the world, whilst still teaching in English.  It teaches to the American system and incorporates American style co-curricular activities, allowing a seamless transition from your home university to Paris.

Alice Norum works as a freelance writer for topessayservices.com, quality essay writing service reviews website.

Surviving Culture Shock When You Are Studying Abroad

Studying abroad can be an exciting experience as you get to travel to a new land and learn about new people and new customs. For many, the chance to live and study abroad is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. However, many students who study abroad suffer culture shock during their first weeks or months in their new country.

Culture shock is a feeling of disorientation of living in a new country. It can include feelings of loneliness, boredom, or even hostility toward the new culture. Culture shock can make it difficult to adjust to the new place and to enjoy the experience of studying abroad. Learning ways to cope with culture shock can  help you to adjust quickly and create an enjoyable experience that you can remember for years to come.

Here are a few tips for how you can survive culture shock when you are studying abroad.

Research before You Go

Take the time to research your new city and country before you leave and learn as much about the new place as you can. Doing so will help you become more familiar with the place and know what to expect, making the place and the customs seem less "strange" or "different." 

Take the time to learn about social customs and local traditions. Learn a few words or phrases in the new language (or a few slang expressions particular to the local culture if you already know the language). Look up what stores and attractions are near where you live, both for entertainment and for finding items that you need. The more you know before you leave, the less "shock" you are likely to experience when you arrive.

Adjust Your Expectations

Many students experience culture shock because they are unable to do the things they are accustomed to doing at home. This may include purchasing or ordering foods they are used to eating at home, getting around in the same manner (such as driving or driving on a certain side of the road), or being able to communicate in a certain way or rely on certain customs.

It is important to adjust your expectations before you go, preparing for the changes you are likely to encounter and coming to terms with the fact that things are likely to be very different than what you have come to expect in your own day-to-day life.

Be Flexible

An open mind can make difference in your experience. If you come to view certain local foods as "disgusting" or certain social customs as "strange" or "weird," you are more likely to view the local culture as foreign or even hostile.

Keeping an open mind can help you to more readily accept the new people and the new customs you are likely to encounter. Keeping an open mind can foster a spirit of tolerance, curiosity, and adventure, making the experience a much more enjoyable one.

Continue Previous Activities

By continuing to enjoy some of the activities you previously enjoyed, you can help create some stability and continuity that will make other changes easier to bear. If you were active before, continue to exercise by attending a local gym or participating in local sports. If you enjoyed hobbies at home, find the supplies or an outlet to continue that new hobby in your new culture.

Continuing some of these activities in your new home will help you to acclimate more quickly to your new routine and new surroundings while also enjoying something that you knew previously.

Culture shock can make adjusting to your new home more difficult, putting a damper on your study abroad experience. Finding ways to overcome culture shock can help you acclimate more quickly and get the most you can out of the experience.

How did you adjust to culture shock when you were studying abroad? Share your experiences in the comments!

Bridget Sandorford is a freelance writer and researcher for Culinaryschools.org, where recently she’s been researching executive chefs. In her spare time, she enjoys biking, painting and working on her first cookbook.

Mitrovica Winter University 2013

Mitrovica Winter University 2013 is an six-courses educational program which brings together local and international professors and around 150 students. This year, Mitrovica Winter University 2013 (MWU13) will be organized for the sixth time! We are looking for highly motivated students, who want to participate in the MWU13 and to make it an unforgettable experience. 

Mitrovica Winter University 2013 will be held in Mitrovica between the 21st of January and the 1st of February 2013. Continuing with the original format, the program for MWU13 will bring together local and international professors and students, providing an opportunity to learn and share experiences. Approximately 150 students can participate:  90 local students, 35 students from South East Europe and 25 from EU and beyond.

MWU 2013 offers 6 intensive academic courses of 2 weeks taught by international professors together with local professors. The courses will be cover different fields such as political, social, medicine, environment, economical science, art and information technologies. All courses will be taught in English, though some courses will be translated into Serbian.

The following courses will take place during the MWU 2013:

1. EU Enlargement and Migration
2. Emergency Medical Conditions
3. E–Marketing
4. Contemporary European Film and Production
5. Business Psychology and Management
6. Green Architecture and Urban Design
 

Successful participants will gain an official Certificate of the Mitrovica Winter University which includes between 3 to 4 ECTS credits.

The two-week courses are organized together with cultural excursions and a recreational program. In addition, public discussions, lectures and other interactive events on prominent issues in society will take place. MWU13 offers a unique opportunity to expand academic knowledge and skills, while enjoying an exciting international atmosphere.

Lectures and classes are tuition free.

You are invited to apply online before the 14th of December 2012.

For more information concerning the programme or the application process, please visit
www.my-program.org or contact us at mwu13@spark-online.org

Stay in touch with us: www.facebook.com/MWU13

Chevening Scholarships 2013/14

Applications for 2013/14 Chevening Scholarships are now open. Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The programme makes awards to outstanding scholars with leadership potential from around the world to study postgraduate courses at universities in the UK.

The Chevening programme began in 1983 and has developed into a prestigious international scheme. Chevening Scholars come from over 116 countries worldwide (excluding the USA and the EU), and this year the Scholarships will support approximately 700 individuals. There are over 41,000 Chevening alumni around the world who together comprise an influential and highly regarded global network.

The Chevening programme makes awards to talented individuals who demonstrate the potential to become future leaders, decision makers and opinion formers. Chevening Scholarships are awarded across a wide range of fields; including politics, government, business, the media, the environment, civil society, religion, and academia.

Chevening awards enable Scholars to study a one-year postgraduate Master's course in any discipline at any UK university. The priority areas in which Scholarships are funded vary from country to country and can be found on the country pages of the Chevening website.  In some countries short courses are also funded, with further details set out from time to time on the relevant country pages of the Chevening website and/or your local British Embassy or High Commission website.

Selection criteria

Chevening Scholarships are for high-calibre graduates with the personal, intellectual and interpersonal qualities necessary for leadership. You will need to demonstrate that you:

• have the personal, intellectual and interpersonal qualities necessary for leadership in your home country
• are motivated to develop your career in order to establish a position of leadership in your own country within ten years of your Scholarship
• have a clear post-Scholarship plan, outlining your career objectives and how you plan to achieve them
• are committed to networking to find global solutions
• are committed to networking within the Chevening community, via online engagement and attending Chevening events in the UK and engaging with the alumni network in your home country
• are able to use your studies and experience in the UK to benefit yourself, your country and the UK
• are capable of successfully undertaking and completing your proposed course of study in the UK

Eligibility

There are no age restrictions for Chevening Scholarships. To qualify for a Chevening Scholarship, you must:

• demonstrate that you have achieved a minimum English language requirement (set out below) at the time that you submit your application
• be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country at the time of applying for the award, and intend to return there at the end of the period of study
• hold a degree that is equivalent to at least a good UK second-class honours degree. Further information on UK degree equivalency can be found from UK NARIC
• have completed at least two years' work or equivalent experience by 30 September 2012

University admissions

You are expected to submit applications to UK universities before, or at the same time as, applying for a Chevening Scholarship. It is your responsibility to pay for any fee relating to your university applications, (including administration fees, English tests and GMAT tests). The courses to which you apply must be:

• a one-year postgraduate Master's course,
• the University of Oxford Certificate in Diplomatic Studies, or
• an approved short course (as advertised from time to time on the Chevening website and/or your local British Embassy or High Commission website).

You may be able to apply for other courses through our partner organisations.  

The following courses will not be accepted under the Chevening Scholarships programme:

• Undergraduate degrees
• Distance learning courses
• Part-time courses
• Courses over one year in length including PhDs or DPhils
• Supervised research not leading to a Master's degree qualification
• Courses with more than one month of study outside the UK

Application

To apply for a Chevening Scholarship, you must complete and submit an online eChevening application form.

Applications will open in October 2012 and close in December 2012. If you have registered on the Chevening website you will be notified when the eChevening site is open for applications. The opening and closing dates for each country will be available on the country pages of the Chevening website. Applications received after the closing date for your country will not be considered. In some countries paper applications may also be accepted. If, exceptionally, paper applications are accepted in your country this will be stated on your country page of the Chevening website. Please note that the closing date for receipt of paper applications, if allowed, may be earlier than for electronic applications. 

Read more and apply:  http://www.chevening.org/apply/guidance

Youth Encountering Environmental Human Rights

We invite you to apply for the study session “Youth Encountering Environmental Human Rights” (24.02.-02.03.2013) that will take place at the European Youth Centre in Budapest.

This study session aims to promote active youth participation in environmental human rights education and peaceful activism. We have prepared this activity for youth workers, educators, activists- anyone interested to explore the topic of environmental human rights, willing to share their histories of participation and learn new ways of engaging in local and global environmental matters. 

“All over the world, people are experiencing the effects of ecosystem decline, from water shortages to fish kills and landslides on deforested slopes. The victims of environmental degradation tend to belong to more vulnerable sectors of the society —racial and ethnic minorities and the poor—who regularly carry a disproportionate burden of such abuse. Increasingly, many basic human rights are being placed at risk, as the right to health is affected by the contamination of resources, or the right to property and culture compromised by commercial intrusion into indigenous lands. Human rights activism presents a significant opportunity to address the human consequences of environmental degradation and can serve as a catalyst for inspiring ideas and action in the real world ” 

IYNF finds it essential to empower young people to defend their rights and the rights of the communities that are affected by abuse of local ecosystems and climate change. We believe that human rights education plays an important role in exploring the interdependencies of rights and links between environmental degradation and human rights. Thus this course! 

During this study session we also want to build a network of young people willing to multiply their knowledge and create follow-up initiatives and projects in the field of human rights education, environmental education, education for sustainable development and youth participation internationally and in their local communities. 

If so far it all sounds exciting and you would like to apply, there is certain criteria you have to fulfill before you click on the application link. 

Applicants for this SS should be: 

· 18-30 years old (with some exceptions over 30); 

· Residing in one of member states of Council of Europe; 

· Volunteering, working/ actively hanging out in youth/environmental or both field organizations; 

· With previous experience in fields of youth work/environmental human rights/human rights/ environmental activism; 

· Willing to multiply their learning by passing it to others through projects and incentives; 

· Eager to learn, actively participate, share and contribute. 

There is participation fee of Euro 50, however all your visa and travel, accommodation and board costs are 100% covered!

Fill your application form until 20nd of December, 2012  here: https://docs.google.com/a/iynf.org/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEROT0VWanVWcDlqb2RabWtNU2pjR3c6MQ#gid=0 

We will notify only accepted applicants of selection results by 7th of January the latest. 

More info: http://www.iynf.org/activities-meetings/activities/call-participants-study-session-%E2%80%9Cyouth-encountering-environmental-hum

If you have any further questions, please contact Ilze Jece- ilze@iynf.org