Study and Travel in Spain

What is Volunteer abroad program?

Volunteer abroad program can be defined as a program which is an integral part of study abroad program. It offers a great opportunity to many kind-hearted and compassionate participants to help others while studying abroad. Needless to say, volunteer abroad program helps students gain a wealth of experience of working in a different environment which in turn helps them upgrade their skill later in their career.

Why volunteer abroad?

Broadly speaking, when you join a volunteer abroad program, you achieve much more than just experience. There is nothing like working for less privileged community and achieving a great deal of self-satisfaction. When you work abroad for unprivileged communities, you exposed yourself to brand-new world. It’s truly an enriching experience in itself. Besides, volunteer abroad programs help you see life in different places up close by working abroad.

Volunteer abroad program – prime requisites:

Patience and flexibility play a vital part in making a success of the volunteer abroad program. One needs to be compassionate, humble and deeply understanding in order to be an effective volunteer. These traits are extremely essential as one has to work in a culture which is inimical to their own. A voluntary abroad program can throw in situations and conditions that the participants may not be familiar to in their domestic country. Hence, it takes a great deal of girt to be an effective volunteer. Finally, a volunteer abroad program instills problem-solving, planning, management and organizational skills in a natural way. In a nutshell, it is critical to the development of a well-round personality.

Volunteer abroad program – some considerable factors:

While you get ready for a volunteer abroad program, it is worth pondering over some factors that go into making a successful volunteer abroad program. Typically, there are two aspects you should be looking at, i.e, what issue or cause you would like to volunteer your services for and where part of the world you would like to work in. ideally, you should be choosing an issue that you are extremely passionate about. This will help you stick around when the going gets tough in a volunteer programme. Also, think about what you can bring to the volunteer abroad program. Besides, before joining a volunteer abroad program, make sure you choose a place which would be suitable for you fairly long period of time.

For further information on volunteer abroad program,log on to www.spainexchange.com.

Student housing is one of the most vital part of any study abroad programmes. Arranging your own accommodation could be extremely difficult until and unless you are aware of the student housing facilities available in a particular region. As a matter of fact, quite a few study abroad programmes take care of their participants’ international travel housing arrangements. However, not all study abroad programmes offer student housing and accommodation facilities to their participants. Moreover, those who want to do additional traveling at the end of their programme should plan their own transportation and housing as well. At Spainexchange, we have exhaustive resource of information on student housing on study abroad which helps students to locate the best place their accommodation.

Take a look at the following student housing options available to you if you are planning to study abroad:

Student Housing:

If your study abroad programme does not offer student housing facilities then you should allow yourself ample time to arrange accommodation for yourself. Usually, in most countries student housing comes at a premium; hence, you should consult a representative from your programme for student housing recommendations. In case, you are enrolling directly in a foreign university, make it a point to contact the student housing office of that university to see if they can help you find proper accommodation.

Youth Hostels:

Youth hostels are meant for those who want to stay for a short span of time, i.e, traveling on weekends, during school breaks, or at the end of ones study abroad experience. Youth Hostels are a great and economical option of student housing and usually, much cheaper than hotels. Youth hostels can vary from dormitory-style rooms to private rooms. However, most youth hostels may have restrictions such as imposing curfews, own bedding, or limiting your stay to a certain number of nights. Moreover, staying in youth hostels require you to have International Youth Hostel Pass.

Student Hostels:

There are a few countries that offer student hostels facilities to their study abroad participants as a means of student housing. However, they are most restricted to university students only. Needless to mention, these student hostels offer greater conveniences than youth hostels in terms of quality food service and the opportunity to interact with international students. The student hostels facilities can be obtained by producing a valid international student identity card to prove your student status.

Other student housing facilities:

If you don’t want to opt for any of the above student housing facilities available for your study abroad programme, then make sure that you ask your travel advisor about the budget accommodations available at your travel destinations. There are a few student housing options available for you in terms of bed-and-breakfasts, pensions, budget hotels and so on. A browse in the internet should help you get ample information on these forms of student housing facilities for your study abroad prgamme.

At spainexchange, we provide you with a great resource for finding the best student housing facilities for your study abroad programmes. Log on to www.spainexchange.com for the latest update on the student housing opportunities abroad.

Why volunteer abroad when you can fetch handsome remunerations in your home country?

A very simple answer to this is- not everything on this earth can be measured on monetary yardsticks. Volunteer abroad programs expand the individual’s mental horizons by enabling him/her to live and learn in a different environment altogether.  By volunteering abroad people get to see the flipside of life. They meet new people and seek solace by helping the disadvantaged communities existing at remote locations.

What’s more, volunteer abroad programs also undertake elaborate training and synchronize all formalities of assigning the place and work of your interest, besides fulfilling visa-related obligations.  So think no more, and volunteer abroad to open your eyes to the humanity.  Volunteer abroad programs put you in front of a challenging expedition that is enriching and rewarding for the volunteer.

If you volunteer to work abroad, possibilities are that you teach rural children, help out deprived communities at far-off locations or other such causes. Volunteering abroad need lot of introspection, ask yourself what causes or problems you want to serve? which country you wish to work in etc. After a brainstorming session of weighing all pros and cons, follow your muse. Ponder your purpose in life; evaluate your embedded skills and how you can bring them to volunteer work.

To volunteer is highly demanding. People who want to volunteer abroad should possess some peculiar characteristics.  The means and passions may differ with varying personalities, but the motive remains one. An ideal volunteer should have the adaptability to any situation along with endurance to bear odd circumstances. They should be humble, helpful, trustworthy and hospitable to every person and situation. They should have respect for the culture and traditions of the host nation and zeal to absorb it.

Consequently, by adapting and learning to stay in a new cultural environment you feel sanctified. Helping others is a blissful experience. It makes you analytical enough to answer all predicaments, plan and manage things that would come to aid afterwards.

Volunteer abroad programs enrich the prospects of brilliant career as it widens people’s mental horizons and augment their all-round development.

Spain has become the most talked about education hub of the millenium with hosting over 20 private and more than 50 public universities under its periphery. With so many universities playing over here, the number of students flocking to Spain has lost count, especially when it comes to post secondary studies nothing can beat the English universities in Spain. The various universities operating here offer enormous choice in courses to students who want to study abroad. The major English universities are located in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia (Madrid topping the list with highest English universities in Spain).

Various American universities in Spain are offering promising graduation courses that ensure bright carreer for students. These universities lay stress on the all-round development of ward, while giving him/her a platform to grow both academically and professionally. The curriculum is based on the yardsticks laid by EHES. Thus, the degrees obtained here are higly acclaimed in all European countries.

English universities in Spain offer subjects to benefit students from all streams be it Medical stream, Science, Law and Social Studies, IT or Humanities, it has something for everyone.

The duration of each subject area depend upon the program. Each university opearte on 3 cycles and degrees come under the aegis of any one of these cycles.

All three cycles are dicussed in detail below:

Short-cycle programs by English universities in Spain- These programs are populary known as single-cycle programs that attracts majority students to study abroad. Students taking these programs acquire bachelor’s degree at the end of 3 years. It includes programs like nursing, lebraray studies etc.

Two-cycle programs plus intermediate diploma by English universities in Spain- these programs offer students an opportunity to take up the second cycle studies provided they have got their bachelor’s degree. Either in single cycle programs or engineering/architecture, both are acceptable. This second cycle studies are usually the 5-6 years long master degree programs. It includes programs like Law, Architecture and Engineering etc.

Two-cycle programs devoid of intermediate diploma by English universities in Spain- this program neccesitates the achievement of both cycles to get a master’s degree. It is gaing 4-5 years long and includes courses like veterinary etc.

Thus, offering such comprehensive choices of courses English universities in Spain have extended horizons of success for students willing to study abroad.

For more details Please visit: www.spainexchange.com

A foreign student exchange program beckons all students to explore new avenues of education and success. From adventure lovers to studious bookworms none is left uninfluenced by the appeal of foreign student exchange programs. Now when the geographical boundaries are fading and the whole world is espousing the concept of “global family”, foreign student exchange programs are beefing-up the universal brotherhood.

Foreign student exchange programs are enriching as well as an inspiring experience that inculcate respect for other’s cultures and beliefs. Students really live and feel the culture of an altogether new nation, and this voyage fills their heart with sense of delight.

Foreign student exchange programs are not merely a thrilling opportunity, but an asset that ensures a bright future. Foreign student exchanges, apart from giving an opportunity to live and learn in another nation offer a pool of specialized knowledge.

Foreign student exchange programs stress more on the practical front of life rather that making students mug-up the bookish concepts. Needless to say, this encourages the all-round development of the student and strengthens his/her global communication skills.

Besides offering educational opportunities foreign student exchanges develop the overall personality of the student. Each individual is benefited enormously according to his/her mental ability and perspectives. It makes students grow both intellectually and individually.

Individual growth is instrumental to fetch the approaching employment opportunities. A student grows personally, enhance confidence, gain leadership competencies and boost up their cross-cultural communication ability. Foreign student exchanges make students conversant and help them learn new things in a new environment. This helps them grow both on personal and intellectual front which guarantee a flourishing future ahead.

Studying abroad via foreign student exchange program is undoubtedly an enriching experience and enables him to view the world from a universal perspective.

Over the years, the patterns of language teaching have undergone a drastic change. Language study has become imperative in the wake of globalization and amazingly vanishing geographical barriers. Students all across the globe are attending language schools and mugging the language of other nation by heart. Language study is now not merely measured on conventional theoretical yardsticks. Many language schools have stepped up with more comprehensive and practical language study curriculums stimulating not only brains but bodies too. Some of the latest additions to the course include extracurricular arts like pottery, knitting, cloth weaving, dance, cooking etc.

Learning a language is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you can’t afford to miss upon. But partial knowledge and lack of resources may land you in a deep trench of confusion resulting in a major slip-up.  The major challenge that confronts a student in language study is to choose amid the seemingly attractive schools which appear equally promising. Well, here you own prudence and keen sight can come to the aid. Don’t get lured by the striking location or misguiding opinions of other. Follow your muse and inner instinct. You can take advice but mind not to follow others blindly. Do some self analysis and research before finally choosing a school for language study.

Students have their own personal reasons to undergo language study. Some students study language as a career opportunity, for some it’s a hobby. Others may learn it for conversing with the host family, so on and so forth… Language study not only eliminates geographical differences but also draw together people from the different walks of life. In a language study school a student can interact with people younger or even older to him/her. Majority of students are aged 18-30 yrs.

It is also advisable to consider the fee structure, what all is it inclusive of? Do a comparative analysis between a few language schools. Log onto their websites, check out the course contents, fee periodicity i.e. weekly, monthly or half yearly. You can further personally contact the school by calling or sending an email on the particulars given on website. After observing the abovementioned tips, you can finally arrange for the accommodation, you can either rent a flat or stay with a host family. The choice depends upon your comfort and most importantly budget.

Thus, language study is no more a taboo subject. Anyone can study the language of any country he/she desires to. Language study not only brings people but even nations closer to each other.

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and offers many breathtaking sites. Some of the finest universities in Europe are also located in this historic city. And once you start studying in Lisbon you will feel more its splendor and all the fun and excitement it offers. Below are some basic yet very important points for international students to consider while planning their study. It is definitely better to know these essential facts to get the most of your stay in Lisbon…

• Cost of Living

It is safe to allot at least 700 € for a month’s expenses. This is comprise of meal (225 €), room rent (200-300 €), public transport (25 €), and others (100 €).

• Accommodation

Most universities in Lisbon offer accommodations majority of which have limited places so inquire in advance. There are 2 Youth Hostels in Lisbon – Lisbon Youth Hotel and Youth Hostel Parque das Nacoes both offer excellent lodging services recommended for foreign students. Students with Youth Card can avail of the 15% discount.

• Health Services

EU/EEA students are advised to bring their European Health Insurance Card given by the social security of their country for free medical access from public health system in Lisbon. Otherwise it is recommended to get a private medical insurance good for the duration of study.

• Transportation

The most popular transports to get around Lisbon are buses and trams (Carris) and Underground (Metro). Fares for buses cost about 1.2 to 1.4 €, Metro is 0.70 €. But you can save a lot if you purchase a monthly ticket which you can use for as many times as you need, it costs 25 €. Taxis are also common in Lisbon most of which are painted cream and use taximeters. The city is very accessible from other major cities such as Paris, Madrid, and Porto-Vigo through international trains and airports.

• Banks

Banks open at 8:30 a.m and close at 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday but several banks in Lisbon and in tourist area are accessible until 7:00 pm. Debit and credit cards are widely used and ATM’s are available in almost all universities in Lisbon.

• Entertainment/Recreation

Places that can familiarize foreign students with Portugal culture are very popular and widely visited such as museums (Ancient Art, City Museum, Modern Art Centre, Chiado), churches (Lisbon Cathedral, Basilica da Estrela, Madre de Deus), palaces (Ajuda and Marques de Fronteira), and theatres (Aberto, Villaret, Nacional Dona Maria II). Discos, bars, shopping malls, and movie theaters are also popular among students.

• Special Services

A special Youth Card that costs 8 € entitles a student (12-25 years) many discounts and free services such as transportation, cinema, clubs, zoo, and some other recreational places. It is valid for 1 year and may be obtained at the Movijovem Shops, Pousadas da Juventude (Youth Hostels), Caixa Geral de Depositos (CGD) Bank, Regional Delegations of the Instituto Portugues da Juventude (Portuguese Youth Institute), and at Post Offices.

Spain has some of the oldest universities and academic institutions in the world dating back as early as 1218. Renowned Higher Education world rankings such as the Times Higher Education Supplement, QS World University Rankings, and Academic Ranking of World Universities have places various institutions in Spain in top positions – old and newly established universities. Below are popular destinations for many international students in the past years:

University of Navarra (UN) – cited by The Economist magazine in 2005 and 2006 for having the best MBA program in the world with its business school IESE. In 2006 ranks as the top private institution in Spain according to Times Higher Education Supplement. Degree programs for international students include Liberal Arts, Language Studies, Economics and Business Administration, and different Master’s and Doctoral programs.

Autonomous University of Madrid – founded in 1968 as a Spanish public university along with the Autonomies Universities of Bilbao and Barcelona. The university has already received outstanding and top rankings from various institutions such as El Mundo, Times Higher Education Supplement, and Academic Ranking of World Universities despite its 30-year existence.

University of Barcelona (UB) – the only Spanish university to be included in the Top 200 Academic Ranking of World Universities 2008. It recently celebrated it 555 years of prosperous history and academic contributions. Foreign students can take Spanish university or postgraduate degree or continue their university studies.

University of Valencia – one of the biggest and oldest universities in Spain, having been established in 1499. It has 3 campuses – Burjassot, Blasco Ibanez, and Tarongers with a total population of more than 60,000 students. The university has over 90 departments, 18 faculties, 16 research organizations, and almost 5,000 employees.

Complutense University of Madrid– one of the oldest universities in the world and remains an outstanding public university in Spain. Its studies in Spanish Literature, Schools of Philisophy, History, Sociology, Journalism, and Psychology lead various national rankings.

Comillas Pontifical University – located in Madrid, the university has about 10,000 students. It forms collaboration with different academic exchange studies and international projects together with more than 200 Higher Education Institutions from Asia, America and Europe. Foreign students can choose from various Business Administration, Social Sciences, International Relations and Engineering courses.

University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM)– one of the youngest academic institutions in Spain established on 1982. Specific courses and programs are offered in 7 key cities, Albacete, Almaden, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Puertollano, Talavera de la Reina, and Toledo.

There also non-degree programs, short courses, and other different special programs/educational trips for group of students you can choose from. Study abroad in Spain is more than learning, it is an experience of a lifetime. Enjoy!!!

In 2007, 6 Irish institutions of higher learning were included in the top 500 universities in the world list by Times Higher Education Supplement (THES). The country also placed 8^th place in the top 500 universities per capita. Academic status, world-class research, huge campuses situated in very accommodating environment and near key cities, modern faculties and amenities, inovating and excellent teaching and the list could go on forever… Below are some of Ireland’s premiere universities – especially for international students who are looking for more than quality education:

• Queen’s University Belfast – established by Queen Victoria in 1845, this institution prides itself with its international vision and commitment. It is a member of the Russell Group of top UK universities. One of Queen’s students was recently recognized with UK International Student of the Year Award.

• National University of Ireland – is a federal university and makes up the biggest component of the country’s university system. It comprises of 4 constituent universities (UCD, UCC, NUI Galway, NUI Maynooth), 5 recognized colleges, and one college of a constituent university.

• University College Cork (UCC) – founded in 1845 as Queen’s College, UCC has about 2,000 foreign students from over 80 countries. The university continues to be a leading institution in research and has more than 120 degree and professional studies.

• University College Dublin (UCD) – Ireland’s biggest university with more than 1,300 faculty and 22,000 students. It has modern and lively campus community perfect for international students who want to feel home while studying in Ireland. It offers foreign students with various support services such as health care, accommodation, counseling and career assistance.

• National University of Ireland, Galway – founded in 1845, it remains as one of Ireland’s leading centers of academic excellence. Currently it has more than 2,000 foreign students from about 90 countries. NUI Galway has 7 faculties – Arts, Celtic Studies, Commerce, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Science.

• University of Limerick (UL) – located at the center of the 650-acre National Technological Park, UL aims to promote excellence in teaching and research. It has 4 constituent faculties – Faculty of Arts, Kemmy Business School, Faculty of Education and Health, and Humanities and Social Sciences.

• Trinity College Dublin – currently ranks 53^rd in Times Higher Education Supplement Global University Rankings and 13^th place in Europe. It has a very rich and exceptional history with its more than 400 years of existence as one of the world’s best universities. It has state-of-the-art libraries, IT facilities, and laboratories. Its 3 core colleges are Arts, Engineering, and Health Sciences.

• Dublin City University (DCU) – is the youngest degree-awarding institution approved by the Irish government. Despite this fact, DCU boasts of its ambitious vision together with is cutting edge research, exceptional interdisciplinary studies, personalized support and attention, employments prospects, and strategically-positioned and spacious campus.

In this age of globalization, the presence of foreign students has been perceived by universities around the world as an effective instrument in the internationalization of their campuses. Exposing domestic students to contact with international students has served as a strategy to prepare students for living and working in a global community and as a tool in developing global knowledge. It has also helped in overcoming negative attitudes toward other peoples and cultures. In meeting the objective of internationalization of their campuses, US colleges and universities have actively recruited students from all areas of the world.

It was a known fact that international students go to the United States in search of more than an education. They wish to hone their English language skills, to understand the American culture, and to develop friendships with US nationals. However for the most part, foreign students fail to integrate into the mainstream of American higher education and many return to their home countries without meeting their academic or personal objectives. Of those who are able to complete their academic programs, many do not enter into any meaningful participation in American culture.

International students in the US want to understand the American culture, their patterns of thinking and behavior, and to learn the cultural norms. Additionally they need for the university community to understand and value the international students’ cultures. More interaction with American students and families is a way to increase that type of learning.

In recognizing its responsibility for the well-being of international students, American universities across the nation have designed and implemented programs in an effort to meet the students’ personal needs and academic objectives The programs included new student and ongoing orientation, programs to pair international and domestic students, holiday celebration programs, homestays and family friendship programs among many others. Out-of-the-classroom, social contact has been identified as an important factor in reducing misunderstanding and promoting adaptation. To this end, colleges and universities have sought to match international students with domestic students and have tailored programs to particular target groups to assist with the adaptation process.

My question today is how many higher education institution located throughout the world are dealing with these issues? Has your university successfully integrated your foreign students into the mainstream of your country’s culture and education? The academic and cultural integration of international students is congruent with the mission of most universities in promoting the educational development and the professional and social skills of all students. The satisfaction of international students, their retention, their progress toward a degree, and their full human development should be as much a concern to educators as those of their national students.

Universities through their international services office are responsible for examining the experiences of international students on their campus, identifying what hinders their adjustment and integration, and developing workable strategies to help international students feel a stronger sense of involvement in the larger academic community. Assessing and addressing the problems that international students experience will impact many areas. It will aid not only in the internationalization of the campus—as stated in the mission and goals of most universities—but it will expose domestic students to the life styles, values, and culture of people throughout the world and thereby enrich their experience. It will also foster goodwill between nations and will help all students develop beneficial bonds for their personal lives and future careers.