The Swedish system includes not only traditional universities but also different kinds of Teachers Training, Health Care Training, Technical Training, etc. Higher education is divided into undergraduate studies (combined towards a first degree) and postgraduate studies and research.
Academic Qualifications
The minimum requirement for applications to programmes and courses at undergraduate level is a foreign upper-secondary diploma that lets you pursue university studies in your home country. Minimum requirement for applications for master’s programmes or for research is a relevant university degree.
SWEDEN If you plan to study in English, you need to show that you have attained a level of written or oral profiency. You will need to support your application with an international proficiency test certificate.
Why Study in Sweden? There are compelling reasons why you should study in Sweden:
Free Tuition
Sweden is one of the less expensive countries to study. Tuition is free and scholarships abound everywhere. What you cater for is feeding and accommodation.
Innovation and Creativity Run Deep
Sweden is a safe and modern country in Northern Europe, and it has accrued a spectacular reputation as an inventor and creative force.
Sweden has a long and proud history of academic excellence, with outstanding universities dating back to the 15th century. Aalso, Sweden is the home of the Nobel Prize, the world’s most prestigious academic distinction.
Many Foreign Students
There are about 26, 000 foreign students studying in Sweden, making for a vibrant, international study environment.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available in Sweden for foreign students. Examples of some are:
• Guest Scholarship programme
Open to all nationalities pursuing Masters level or advanced level studies in Sweden, with exceptions to citizens from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway.
• Masters programme scholarship for key Personnel in Developing Countries (MKP)
Scholarships for specific masters level programmes for students from targeted developing countries, in order to help grow special competencies where they are most needed.
Cost Of Living
Accommodation: monthly rent is about $300-$500. Single rooms are more expensive than shared rooms. Also to note that family- host rooms are the most expensive.
Tuition fees: Tuition fees are free in Sweden. You only have to pay for your books, stationery, and accommodation.
Working and Studying:
Whether you are in the College, University, pursuing Diploma, Bsc, B.eng, Msc, Ph.D; you are entitled for a part-time work .But before you look for part-time jobs please contact the respective institutions for further details.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Tips on securing scholarship as a foreign student in a UK University
Grants or scholarships for International Students are available for those who need full or additional financial assistance for studying in the United Kingdom.
The following are guidelines to securing Scholarships for International Students at the Postgraduate Level:
1.Before applying for a scholarship, make sure that you have done the necessary research on the university you wish to study at and the scholarship foundations you plan to request for aid.
2.Aside from these organizations, you may also contact the British Council or the British Embassy for additional information especially on how much exactly will living and studying in the United Kingdom will cost.
3.When applying for a scholarship, you must apply at least one year before school starts. You must use and properly fill up the application form of the scholarship provider.
4. Be sure that you have completed all the other requirements they ask for aside from the filled up application form.
5.Lastly, postgraduate Scholarships for International Students vary in terms of the financing that they award. Some will cover the whole tuition for the entire course, while some scholarships are in the form of a monthly stipend enough for one's living expenses.
Here are some of the main schemes that cover Scholarships for International Students at the postgraduate level:
1) Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme (ORSAS). This is for full-time study at a research degree and will cover the cost difference between the home country and international rate of tuition fees. Candidates are selected based on academic merit and research abilities. This scheme is funded by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
2) Royal Society Fellowships. The fund was set up to attract postdoctoral scientists from North America and Asia to do their postgraduate research at a UK laboratory. Postdoctoral researches from the USA can expect financial support on their research for up to two years. Research should be in fields within the natural sciences.
3) British Chevening Scholarships. Part or full funding on the cost of a one-year postgraduate course is given to awardees of this scholarship. Awardees are selected based on record of success in one's chosen career.
The following are guidelines to securing Scholarships for International Students at the Postgraduate Level:
1.Before applying for a scholarship, make sure that you have done the necessary research on the university you wish to study at and the scholarship foundations you plan to request for aid.
2.Aside from these organizations, you may also contact the British Council or the British Embassy for additional information especially on how much exactly will living and studying in the United Kingdom will cost.
3.When applying for a scholarship, you must apply at least one year before school starts. You must use and properly fill up the application form of the scholarship provider.
4. Be sure that you have completed all the other requirements they ask for aside from the filled up application form.
5.Lastly, postgraduate Scholarships for International Students vary in terms of the financing that they award. Some will cover the whole tuition for the entire course, while some scholarships are in the form of a monthly stipend enough for one's living expenses.
Here are some of the main schemes that cover Scholarships for International Students at the postgraduate level:
1) Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme (ORSAS). This is for full-time study at a research degree and will cover the cost difference between the home country and international rate of tuition fees. Candidates are selected based on academic merit and research abilities. This scheme is funded by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
2) Royal Society Fellowships. The fund was set up to attract postdoctoral scientists from North America and Asia to do their postgraduate research at a UK laboratory. Postdoctoral researches from the USA can expect financial support on their research for up to two years. Research should be in fields within the natural sciences.
3) British Chevening Scholarships. Part or full funding on the cost of a one-year postgraduate course is given to awardees of this scholarship. Awardees are selected based on record of success in one's chosen career.
Friday, December 11, 2009
TEACH ENGLISH ABROAD: 5 TIPS TO APPLY FOR A VISA FOR TEACHERS SEEKING TESOL JOBS / TEFL JOBS ABROAD
Every year thousands of adventuresome souls leave their home country for six months or more to teach English abroad. Yet the search for TESOL jobs (Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages) or TEFL jobs involves obtaining a foreign country visa at some point before or after the big move. Every country’s visa application process is manageable, but this could involve: a fair amount of items to collate to meet the foreign consulate’s requirements, consultation with your targeted country’s embassy, an understanding of deadlines to meet, and more.
Following are 5 recommendations on how to best manage the process.
1. Understand the difference between tourist and extended stay visas.
Your TEFL job / TESOL job will likely require some non-tourist visa classification to remain in the host country for an extended period of time (for example, more than 90 days). Work with your teaching institution or recruiter to understand what type of visa you will need, how to go about applying for it, and who will pay for the visa if costs are involved.
2. Check with the foreign consulate in your home country.
Use the Internet to find out what requirements are needed for you to understand the country-specific requirements for long-term stays. For example, a quick Google search to “[XYZ country] consulate in [your home country]” should provide you a good start to understand the details for the visa requirements.
3. Pay attention to schedules and plan ahead.
Some country’s consulates will require specific information from you prior to your departure. They might also have a deadline for your visa application depending on the date you plan to enter your targeted teaching country. Other countries will provide the visa for you upon entry into the country. You should consult with your teaching institution and/or recruiter regarding these details.
4. Collate materials for the visa application.
Depending on the country you choose for teaching English abroad, there may be items you need to collate prior to submitting a visa application. Examples may include, but are not representative for each and every country:
• a type-written (not hand-written) application submitted to the consulate,
• 2 or more passport-sized photos of yourself,
• a job offer letter or student scholarship letter from the teaching institution,
• proof of medical insurance coverage,
• copies of recent bank statements indicating that you have had financial stability in your home country,
• clearance from your local or federal police department that you do not have any misdemeanors or felonies,
• a signed doctor clearance that you do not have any communicable diseases, including HIV,
• a visa application processing fee.
5. Utilize resources such as recruiter or placement agencies.
It is common to utilize third-party recruiting agencies to assist you find the optimal TEFL job / TESOL job placement and with assistance and/or advice for the visa. Good recruiters are worth their weight in gold even though they may charge you $1,200 to $2,200 U.S. for their services. Ask your recruiter for advice on what is necessary in the visa application process. They will know details from the most recent teachers that have entered the country and can offer advice on how to circumvent potential delays or problems.
Following are 5 recommendations on how to best manage the process.
1. Understand the difference between tourist and extended stay visas.
Your TEFL job / TESOL job will likely require some non-tourist visa classification to remain in the host country for an extended period of time (for example, more than 90 days). Work with your teaching institution or recruiter to understand what type of visa you will need, how to go about applying for it, and who will pay for the visa if costs are involved.
2. Check with the foreign consulate in your home country.
Use the Internet to find out what requirements are needed for you to understand the country-specific requirements for long-term stays. For example, a quick Google search to “[XYZ country] consulate in [your home country]” should provide you a good start to understand the details for the visa requirements.
3. Pay attention to schedules and plan ahead.
Some country’s consulates will require specific information from you prior to your departure. They might also have a deadline for your visa application depending on the date you plan to enter your targeted teaching country. Other countries will provide the visa for you upon entry into the country. You should consult with your teaching institution and/or recruiter regarding these details.
4. Collate materials for the visa application.
Depending on the country you choose for teaching English abroad, there may be items you need to collate prior to submitting a visa application. Examples may include, but are not representative for each and every country:
• a type-written (not hand-written) application submitted to the consulate,
• 2 or more passport-sized photos of yourself,
• a job offer letter or student scholarship letter from the teaching institution,
• proof of medical insurance coverage,
• copies of recent bank statements indicating that you have had financial stability in your home country,
• clearance from your local or federal police department that you do not have any misdemeanors or felonies,
• a signed doctor clearance that you do not have any communicable diseases, including HIV,
• a visa application processing fee.
5. Utilize resources such as recruiter or placement agencies.
It is common to utilize third-party recruiting agencies to assist you find the optimal TEFL job / TESOL job placement and with assistance and/or advice for the visa. Good recruiters are worth their weight in gold even though they may charge you $1,200 to $2,200 U.S. for their services. Ask your recruiter for advice on what is necessary in the visa application process. They will know details from the most recent teachers that have entered the country and can offer advice on how to circumvent potential delays or problems.
DISCOVER SECRETS TO SECURE SCHOLARHIPS INTO FOREIGN UNIVERSITIES FOR 2010 SESSION SERIES
CANADA
Education in Canada is under the complete jurisdiction of the provinces and territories and as such, there is no Federal education system in Canada. In keeping with the national commitment to education, public education is free in Canada. However each provincial system, while similar to the others, reflects its specific regional concerns, and historical and cultural heritage. At the post-secondary level, institutions are divided into Community Colleges and Universities.
There are significant differences between the educational systems of the different provinces of Canada. Post –Secondary education is offered by four types of Institutions:
The academic year usually starts in September and ends in May, and is normally divided into two semesters. Some institutes operate on a semester or tri semester system and admit students in January and/or May as well as September. Many institutes offer a little number of courses and special programmes during the summer session.
Certificate is a qualification awarded upon successful completion of a programme, which is usually one year in length, and is offered at colleges.
Diploma is the qualification awarded on the basis of one or two years successful study, and is offered at Colleges.
Undergraduate/bachelors degrees are awarded by a university after four years of Full-time study, and lead to graduate level studies.
Graduate/postgraduate degrees: lead to advanced degrees, diplomas and certificates.
MBA Programmes
Will typically require minimum of two to three years of relevant work experience, GMAT Score of 580-600, Toefl Score of 560-600, and a four year bachelor’s degree, and are generally 2 years in duration, though a few institutes offer a fast track option.
Masters Degree Programmes
Will require a four year bachelor’s degree with high academic standing; at least two academic letters of reference; and other qualifications as specified, i.e. TOEFL, GRE, general and/or subject test. Master’s programmes generally require two years to complete full-time, and usually require a combination of course work and thesis.
Doctorate or PhD is a degree ranking above a master’s degree, and generally requires four to seven years to complete full-time.
Benefits For Studying In Canada
High Recognition
A degree or diploma from Canadian educational institutions is instantly recognized around the world as being of highest standard.
Affordability
Tuition fees for international students in Canada are much lower than comparable countries. Canada spends more per capita on education than any other country in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Foreign Students
There are over 100,000 international students from all parts of the world annually in Canada. It is renowned all over the world for its tradition of hospitality and tolerance.
HI-TECH
Canada is a world leader in software development, telecommunications, aerospace, engineering, urban transport, biotechnology, mining technology and environmental industries.
Wide Course Options
Canada offers a wide choice of over 90 Universities and 150 colleges and institutes, featuring virtually every programme imaginable.
Low Cost of living
Canada has a remarkably low cost of living. Its inflation rate has remained one of the lowest in the industrialized world.
Working In Canada
When students come to Canada to study, they are required to have enough money to live on and pay for tuition for the duration of their stay. They can assuage their cost of living by working. The following are the scenarios that could enable an international student to work in Canada.
Working On Campus:
An international student who is going to school full-time can work up to 20 hours on campus. This means that if there is a job opening at the school’s bookstore or in the cafeteria or somewhere on the school’s property you may apply for that job.
Working As Part Of A Co-op Program or Work Placement:
If the programme that you are admitted to have a work requirement, meaning that you are required or have the option to work at a job related to your programme as part of the curriculum, you will be allowed to do this.
Working As A Postgraduate Research:
In some instances, work and education come together and become almost one at the same time. If you are a graduating student working on academic research, you may be able to get paid job.
Working After You Graduate
You may be able to work in Canada for up to a year or more following your graduation. In order to do this, and you must have studied full-time; you must have a valid study Permit.
Tuition fees:
International student fees at Canadian Universities are set at roughly similar levels for both arts and science courses, although science courses at some institutions are slightly higher. Undergraduate arts courses range from about $3,500 to $10,000; Undergraduate science students pay between $2,500 and $9,400.Postgraduate fees start at about $1,500 and go up to $11,500 for arts and science courses. Fees for clinical courses, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, are shown in the same range as arts and science courses at a handful of Universities, but generally are higher. At undergraduate level they range from about $2,500 to $20,500.Postgraduate level range from $3,000 to $20,400.
Education in Canada is under the complete jurisdiction of the provinces and territories and as such, there is no Federal education system in Canada. In keeping with the national commitment to education, public education is free in Canada. However each provincial system, while similar to the others, reflects its specific regional concerns, and historical and cultural heritage. At the post-secondary level, institutions are divided into Community Colleges and Universities.
There are significant differences between the educational systems of the different provinces of Canada. Post –Secondary education is offered by four types of Institutions:
The academic year usually starts in September and ends in May, and is normally divided into two semesters. Some institutes operate on a semester or tri semester system and admit students in January and/or May as well as September. Many institutes offer a little number of courses and special programmes during the summer session.
Certificate is a qualification awarded upon successful completion of a programme, which is usually one year in length, and is offered at colleges.
Diploma is the qualification awarded on the basis of one or two years successful study, and is offered at Colleges.
Undergraduate/bachelors degrees are awarded by a university after four years of Full-time study, and lead to graduate level studies.
Graduate/postgraduate degrees: lead to advanced degrees, diplomas and certificates.
MBA Programmes
Will typically require minimum of two to three years of relevant work experience, GMAT Score of 580-600, Toefl Score of 560-600, and a four year bachelor’s degree, and are generally 2 years in duration, though a few institutes offer a fast track option.
Masters Degree Programmes
Will require a four year bachelor’s degree with high academic standing; at least two academic letters of reference; and other qualifications as specified, i.e. TOEFL, GRE, general and/or subject test. Master’s programmes generally require two years to complete full-time, and usually require a combination of course work and thesis.
Doctorate or PhD is a degree ranking above a master’s degree, and generally requires four to seven years to complete full-time.
Benefits For Studying In Canada
High Recognition
A degree or diploma from Canadian educational institutions is instantly recognized around the world as being of highest standard.
Affordability
Tuition fees for international students in Canada are much lower than comparable countries. Canada spends more per capita on education than any other country in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Foreign Students
There are over 100,000 international students from all parts of the world annually in Canada. It is renowned all over the world for its tradition of hospitality and tolerance.
HI-TECH
Canada is a world leader in software development, telecommunications, aerospace, engineering, urban transport, biotechnology, mining technology and environmental industries.
Wide Course Options
Canada offers a wide choice of over 90 Universities and 150 colleges and institutes, featuring virtually every programme imaginable.
Low Cost of living
Canada has a remarkably low cost of living. Its inflation rate has remained one of the lowest in the industrialized world.
Working In Canada
When students come to Canada to study, they are required to have enough money to live on and pay for tuition for the duration of their stay. They can assuage their cost of living by working. The following are the scenarios that could enable an international student to work in Canada.
Working On Campus:
An international student who is going to school full-time can work up to 20 hours on campus. This means that if there is a job opening at the school’s bookstore or in the cafeteria or somewhere on the school’s property you may apply for that job.
Working As Part Of A Co-op Program or Work Placement:
If the programme that you are admitted to have a work requirement, meaning that you are required or have the option to work at a job related to your programme as part of the curriculum, you will be allowed to do this.
Working As A Postgraduate Research:
In some instances, work and education come together and become almost one at the same time. If you are a graduating student working on academic research, you may be able to get paid job.
Working After You Graduate
You may be able to work in Canada for up to a year or more following your graduation. In order to do this, and you must have studied full-time; you must have a valid study Permit.
Tuition fees:
International student fees at Canadian Universities are set at roughly similar levels for both arts and science courses, although science courses at some institutions are slightly higher. Undergraduate arts courses range from about $3,500 to $10,000; Undergraduate science students pay between $2,500 and $9,400.Postgraduate fees start at about $1,500 and go up to $11,500 for arts and science courses. Fees for clinical courses, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, are shown in the same range as arts and science courses at a handful of Universities, but generally are higher. At undergraduate level they range from about $2,500 to $20,500.Postgraduate level range from $3,000 to $20,400.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tips on How You Can Protect Yourself From Scholarship Scamers
There are diverse student financial aid programs which are available to assist students meet their financial requirements in achieving their education goal. But some fraudulent people are using such program to extort money from gullible students and guidance who don't suspect their criminal intent. How ever, here are some useful information you can consider to protect yourself from those scholarship scams.
1. Check if it involves money or requests for fees.
You may see before such advertisement that offers you very attractive scholarship package but when you ask for their application form, you are requested to pay a fee. Beware! Legitimate organizations do not solicit fees from students for an application form. Some scholarship applications do involve processing fee when you submit your application, but there are still many scholarships are free to apply.
2. Check out the scholarship background
It's better to conduct a background check on the organization before applying for the scholarship that involves fee. Is the grant you plan to apply offered for the first time? If yes, you should be caution about the offer, try to get the details about the organization that the offers the grant. You can check with the business bureau to find out whether the company is a legitimate registered company, and whether it is an established company which has been in the business for years. If you are unable to find the company listed in business bureau, it more likely to be a fraud.
If the scholarship has been offered for many years, it's more likely that your school has heard about it, or you have friends who have applied it before, try to get as much information as you can from those you know who had applied and successful secured the grant before. If a scholarship opened for application in the past few years but you are unable to find information on the success student list that are being offered with the scholarship, better be alert on the potential fraud. A scholarship may be offered every year, but it may not give out even one to a student if it is a scam.
3. Ask the company or individual where they got the information
Are you receiving various kinds of scholarship offers right to you mail box? As you can remember, you have not applied those grants before. Scams use scripts to dig information from you and they are trying their best to get your interested to their offers. Their scholarship packages are very attractive so that you will be interested with the free money and move your step into their trap. You better be the one who ask questions and find out where they got your contact information. Do not give your personal information such as social security number. Anything look too good may have hidden agenda, you better be caution.
4. Request a printed copy of scholarship policy
If you are really interested with the scholarship, then it's best that you review the terms and conditions in print before you sign to accept the offer. Keep these documents as the future support evidence if the scholarship turns out to be a scam and you want to make complaints about i
Summary
The bottom line is if you feel uncomfortable about any scholarship offered to you, then it is better not to accept it or seek for more advice from schools student affairs office or from colleagues before you finalize your decision to accept the offer. Be smart to protect yourself from any scholarship scams who are trying to rip you off.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Financial Aid - Different Forms of Funding For Your Education
The majority of the financial support available is need based. However, a lot of the schools and universities also have merit scholarships. After contacting the financial aid office and receiving the proper forms to fill out, it's very important that you keep in mind the deadlines. Here's a tip, complete your federal financial support packet and submit it in early January, and you could get even more money. The grants sometimes are awarded on a first come first serve basis. If the student completes the packet early and the funds are available, the students will be given some of those grants that are limited.
Grants come from the federal government, and some states and schools. So ask the people in financial aid office to steer you towards grants and scholarships first because they're like free money. You don't have to pay this money back unlike the private loans, which is the money you have to return after graduating from college.
In some states, including California, there are laws aimed at helping students who do not have a social security number. There are various programs that help such students attend school legally, and without any impact whatsoever in their legal status. So as long as you can provide documentation that you attended a high school and graduated from a California high school and attended for 3 years, you could attend school paying the resident fee instead of non-resident.
If your situation changes after completing and submitting the financial support forms, you need to let the financial aid office be aware of this change. Some financial aid offices have a form that you can fill out which helps you gather your thoughts and put everything on that paper. You can turn that in to the financial aid office to let them know of any unfortunate event that has happened. The financial aid office can then use their professional judgment after assessing your financial situation and make adjustments along the way to see if there is some way they can increase your financial support package via loans or education grants to accommodate you in the new situation.
If you or your family does not speak very well English, many financial aid offices have bilingual services, so there is no reason for you to be hesitant.
If you're stuck and need some help finding good information online try using Financial-Aid-Directory.com for finding the latest information on financial support to help you when you need it most.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
How to Secure Your Future From a Student Loan
Aspiration for higher studies often surrenders to the sky rising expenses of education. Planned properly, finance for the education would never be a hurdle. Career tend to wreck and study loan escalate due to improper planning and short sightedness. With the growing competition, it's prudent to decide a career at an early stage and make arrangements accordingly. Parents should guide children in choosing a career as per their ability in the school days it self and prepare them for the future.
Unplanned education would result in more expenses and culminate in a debt situation. In order avoid student loan, following steps should be taken into consideration.
1. Deciding career in an early stage. Parents should especially be responsible in saving a small amount of income for higher education. The amount of saving being determined as per the choice of career.
2. Brilliant performance would save the trouble of donation and can help in getting into college easily. Students should be more involved in their career and try to get higher grades. Procrastination should be avoided at any cost.
3. Scholarships, grants and aid are great support in pursuing higher studies involving more expenses. Proper research and consultation with the concerned departments in the college may result in a scope of winning a scholarship.
4. Students can join community college to save high fee structures of regular college and university. Community college in the same locality spares a student from the boarding expenses as the student can commute from the home.
5. Trying for a work-study program would extend a financial as well as career support. As it facilitates work in the same campus in the related field while pursuing study.
6. Part-time jobs also count as good option to deal with the fees. Jobs within the campus or near by campus can help the expenses without much affecting the study.
7. Being economical in expenses by buying used books and sharing room can remove some burden off the shoulders.
Student Loan Advice - 3 Reasons Student Loans Are Good Debt
We're conditioned to think all debt is bad, and for the most part it is. Any money you owe someone else is less you have for building your own long-term wealth. However, there are cases where some debt isn't a bad thing, and some debt is definitely better than others.
In this article we'll discuss three reasons why student loans aren't close to being bad debt and how they can even be considered good debt to have.
1. Interest is tax-deductible
On federal school loans you can claim interest you pay as tax deductions. Very few types of loans or debt allow you to do this and it can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars over the life of your loan. Credit card debt will not allow this and neither will car loans. You can usually claim interest on your mortgage,but that's about it. Pretty much all other debt will not get you any deductions on interest.
2. Low interest rates on consolidated loans
Granted, it's still debt. And yes, you do have to pay it off. But compared to credit cards at 20-25% interest your 6% student loans are an absolute bargain. Especially when you consider them what they really are: an investment in your future. If you are stuck owing both, pay the minimum on your student loans and close out the credit card debt as soon as possible.
3. Federal loans offer repayment flexibility
If you have an unplanned event occur (such as a job loss) and cannot pay your student loans, most lenders offer deferment plans that will stall your repayment for 6 months or a year. This will allow you to correct your financial situation and get things under control without defaulting on your loans. Student loan lenders understand things happen and they are usually more than willing to work with you. Try getting that kind of compassion from your credit card company.
As good as those three reasons are, your monthly student loan payment would still be better off in your personal retirement fund, so pay them quickly, just not at the expense of paying off other, high interest debt.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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