Study Abroad

Study in Denmark

by

Study in Denmark

A Guide to Study Abroad

Denmark: The happy place for any student

Along with being touted as one of the happiest countries in the world, Denmark is also rising as a preferred destination for international students.

Made up of a collection of islands and peninsulas, Denmark is situated at a northern tip of mainland Europe. With a population of 57 lakh people, Denmark consistently ranks as one of the highest scoring nations on the United Nations’ Human Development Index, which looks at life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators. Germany is situated to the south, while a bridge across the oresund straits connects Denmark to its Swedish neighbours. Along with its popular pastries and bacon, the nation is also blessed with an accommodating climate of cool winters and balmy summers.

Denmark is amongst the popular international study locations in Europe, thanks to its low study costs, high-quality English-taught degree courses and innovative teaching methods. The very good standard of living and diversified study subjects make Danish universities important contenders on the international higher education market. Lifelong learning is a key principle in Denmark. The idea goes back all the way to the 19th century Danish clergyman and philosopher NFS Grundtvig, who argued that a prerequisite for active participation in a democratic society is education for all citizens on a lifelong basis.

Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, Odense, Roskilde and Lyngby are some of the popular study destinations in Denmark. Copenhagen, the capital city and central hub of Denmark, is a popular student city and is home to two of its most well-regraded universities, the University of Copenhagen and Copenhagen Business School. Just north of the city is the Technical University of Denmark, and the cities of Aarhus and Aalborg on the western Jutland peninsula each have their own highly-regarded learning institutes. English is the most common second language in Denmark and many university courses are taught in English too.

A Guide to Study Abroad - Study in Denmark

Regarded as one of the happiest countries in the world, for Denmark, its human resources are the only raw material in a world that is becoming more and more globalised.

In fact, Denmark invests more than 8 per cent of its GDP on education – much more than the OECD-average at 6 per cent. It believes that education is a must to survive in this world today. Also, Denmark is amongst one of the few nations in the world that use more than 3 per cent of GDP on R&D.

In addition to being happy, in Denmark, a student can also have the chance to pursue a quality education in a friendly, safe and innovation-driven environment. Denmark is ranked 2nd in the EU Innovation Scoreboard and considered to be an innovation leader in Europe together with Sweden, Germany and Finland. When it comes to higher education, the percentage of students completing a higher education programme in a year is 62% (2014), where women are at 69% and men at 55%, i.e. more women than men are getting a higher education degree today in Denmark.

A Guide to Study Abroad - Study in Denmark 1

INTERNATIONALISATION OF EDUCATION

Great importance is attached to the internationalisation of education and training in Denmark. The objective is to prepare pupils and students to meet the challenges of a globalised world by including intercultural understanding and international competencies in the entire educational system.

It is the aim of the Danish Government that the educational system should give the young people the knowledge and the competences useful in their future life and employment. Education programmes must be of high quality and relevant to the labour market. In order to face the challenges of globalisation, educational institutions should be of high quality with strong academic environments which can attract talented students and researchers and meet the labour market needs.

STUDYING IN DENMARK

A student can apply to Denmark through the following three means:

  • A student exchange agreement between higher education institutions;
  • An international double or joint degree with participation of Indian and Danish higher education institutions;
  • As a guest student with or without own funding.

MASTER’S LEVEL

At the Master’s-level, in the year 2014,13 per cent of students were foreign nationals. On full degree courses at Master’s-level, most international students are from Denmark’s neighbouring countries. In 2014, almost 3,000 students were from Norway and 2,500 from Germany. 80 students were from India.

The Danish Government provides funding for a limited number of scholarship to higher education institutions for highly-qualified non- EU/EEA students. The funds are administered by the universities and each university decides which students it wants to award a government scholarship.

PHD LEVEL

The 8 Danish research-based universities enroll approximately 2400 PhD students each year and 25 per cent are of foreign nationality. 128 Indian nationals were enrolled at PhD level at Danish universities in 2014 and that makes India amongst the top 5.

There are several funding options in Denmark, India and Europe. Innovation Centre Denmark in India based at the Embassy of Denmark publishes a funding guide each year that describes the funding opportunities at Master’s, PhD, postdoc and faculty level.

Internationalisation at all levels of the education and training system is supported and promoted by the Danish Agency for Science and Higher Education – a government agency within the Ministry of Higher Education and Science.

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

Higher education programmes are offered at different types of institutions, each with well- defined profiles and qualities. The three main programmes are:

  • University level programmes: Research-based education programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD level in all fields of science and research at the highest international level. The top Danish universities are Aarhus University, University of Copenhagen, The Technical University of Denmark (DTU), and Copenhagen Business School (CBS). DTU is ranked as one of the top engineering institutions in the world. CBS is also ranked as one of the top business schools in the world.
  • Professional Bachelor’s programmes: The programmes have a strong focus on professional practice and provide students with theoretical knowledge and its application to professions and industries. The programmes include a period of work placement. Most programmes provide access to further studies in the same field. The programmes are offered by so-called university Colleges. Main programmes are related to professions such as teachers, nurses, social workers, technical and mercantile educations, information technology as well as media & communications.
  • Academy profession programmes: The programmes prepare students for performing practical, vocational tasks on an analytical basis and may lead to employment in middle-management positions. They combine theoretical studies with a practice-oriented approach in the form of work-placements. The programmes are offered at so-called Business Academies. The main focus is on technical and mercantile educations.

A Guide to Study Abroad - Study in Denmark 2

PROGRAMMES AND COURSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH

Danish higher education institutions offer more than 700 programmes and over 1,300 individual modules taught entirely in English. All of these are internationally recognised and of high quality. Whether one is interested in a research-oriented programme or more hands-on vocational training, there are plenty of options in Denmark. A student can choose between several programmes taught entirely in English. Options also include degree programmes, exchange programmes, short-term programmes and summer schools.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMMES ONLY FOR INDIAN STUDENTS

Novozymes-Holck Larsen Scholarship Programme: Per Falholt, the then Executive Vice President and Head of R&D Novozymes, stated at the inception of the scholarship programme, “India has a large population of talented scientists. Novozymes has a need for talented scientists with a global mindset. Denmark also educates excellent biotechnologists, who could benefit from going on an international assignment. My dream is to connect Indian and Danish science in the field of biotechnology. I’m sure the programme will benefit both our countries and Novozymes.”

A Guide to Study Abroad - Study in Denmark 3

The scholarship programme includes the Technical University of Denmark, University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University.

  • Bachelor’s students – internship programme-4-6 weeks;
  • Exchange of PhDs/ Postdocs/ MSc students – 3 to 15 months;
  • Exchange of senior scientists – 1 to 9 months;
  • Mobility both, from Denmark to India and from India to Denmark.

New scholarship programme: A new scholarship programme for Indian students sponsored by the Government of Denmark has been forwarded to the Government of India, when an agreement is made, the programme will be announced at the webpage of the Embassy of Denmark in New Delhi.

A VIBRANT COUNTRY

Denmark is home to vibrant cities with cultural events such as Aarhus Festival, the Aalborg Carnival, the largest carnival in Northern Europe, and the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. There are also many areas of outstanding natural beauty throughout the nation, including the UNESCO listed hunting landscape on the North Zealand peninsula and the chalk cliffs of Moens Klint on the Moen peninsula.

In addition to being happy, in Denmark, a student can also have the chance to pursue a quality education in a friendly, safe and innovation- driven environment.

Study in Sweden

by

Study in Sweden

A Guide to Study Abroad

Sweden: A superb educational destination

Supritha Vijayakumar, Master’s student at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Study in Sweden Digital Ambassador, shares why Indian students should study in Sweden.

With big goals, an ambitious heart and a vision for the future, I started applying for my Master’s degree last year. I wanted to study Environmental Engineering and Sustainability. After researching intensively, I decided to pursue my Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Infrastructure at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. One year down the line, this was hands down one of the best decisions of my life. Here’s why Indian students should study in Sweden:

HIGH-LEVEL FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY

With global issues like climate change, resource overuse, energy inefficiency and carbon footprint problems, it is important to not only learn the latest technology, but also the latest sustainable technologies, no matter which field. Sweden is one of the leading countries in the world in terms of sustainability, and is a technologically and ethically advanced nation. With an education in Sweden comes knowledge of leading ways to sustainably handle the world’s problems.

TOP UNIVERSITIES

Universities like KTH Royal institute of Technology, Lund University and Chalmers University of Technology are not only some of the oldest but also some of the top ranked universities in Europe and in the world. Still, you don’t have to study at one of these to get a good education; the entire Swedish higher education system is one of the top-ranked in the world, meaning that any university you choose will uphold the highest quality standards.

FOCUS ON PRACTICAL EDUCATION

The blend between practical and theoretical learning is excellent jn Sweden. The courses are designed in such a way that you get to work in real-time projects alongside learning your course material.

Having a practical view of the course you are learning adds a lot more value than just theoretical knowledge.

SWEDISH LIFESTYLE

Sweden is a very welcoming place, and you feel at home right away. It is very diverse, and people are very accepting. People in Sweden are very independent; they have a ‘live and let live’ attitude and it’s overall a very comfortable and safe place to live and study, it is ranked as one of the world’s safest places to live in, and also ranked as one of the most ethical countries in the world.

A Guide to Study Abroad - Study in sweden

STYLE OF EDUCATION

The education system is very flexible and you get to pick which fields you’d like to specialise and work in. The professors are very open and encouraging; they nurture and promote thinking outside the box, and are always available to help out students. The student-faculty relationship is quite informal, which makes it easier for students to approach professors anytime regarding doubts and guidance. There are guest lectures as well.

The education system is very flexible; you get to pick fields you’d like to specialise and work in. The professors are open and encouraging. They nurture thinking outside the box.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

Having a Master’s degree from the top universities in Sweden is recognised worldwide. You will not only receive a global education but also find yourself building networks and connections that range over the entire world. So, the entire world is yours to work in once your degree is complete.

PREDOMINANTLY ENGLISH-SPEAKING

There are about 900 Master’s programmes offered in English in Sweden, and around 95 per cent of Sweden’s population is fluent in English. So there is no language barrier.

GUIDANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Moving to a new country can be exciting and scary at the same time. To make sure that international students have a full picture, and to help them with their queries, Sweden has a digital ambassador programme where you can contact international students who are studying in Sweden to learn more about their experience.

Study in Spain

by

Study in Spain

A Guide to Study Abroad

Spain: A country to study, work and live

Luis Delgado, PhD in Physics, Spanish Service for the Internationalisation of Education, talks about what makes Spain an ideal place to study.

You have probably heard about the beauties of Spain as an attractive country to visit, work and live but you still need some more arguments and evidences to commit yourself to a student experience in Spain. Did you know that Spain is the first country receiving Erasmus students from abroad beating larger countries such as the UK, France and Germany? Here you will find some good reasons to choose Spain for your student experience abroad.

QUALIFICATIONS ACCEPTED WORLDWIDE

Spain is home to 84 universities (50 public and 34 private) delivering courses in more than 230 university campuses distributed all over the Spanish territory.

As member of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), all the official degrees delivered by Spanish universities have full academic and professional recognition in more than 50 countries in the world. Spain’s high academic standards and quality controls ensure that you will receive a high quality education benefiting your future career.

ATOM OPENING

Under the Spanish higher education system you will not only acquire tangible and explicit knowledge related to your field, but you will also be trained in transversal skills and competences required for the new jobs and social life of the xxi century. You will also have the opportunity to learn on intangible knowledge on key aspects such as: leadership, team working, communication, creativity, self-confidence, problem solving, democratic values, etc.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND LANGUAGES

One of the major hallmarks of an education in Spain is the cultural diversity it provides, offering unique experience to every student to study programmes to student life to work experiences and to career prospects.

A Guide to Study Abroad - Study in SPAIN

Spain is the third country with more UNESCO world cultural heritages. Spanish is the 2nd more spoken language in the world with over 500 million people. It is the official language in 19 Latin American countries. It is foreseen that in 2060 USA will be the 2nd Spanish speaking country after Mexico in the world.

Every year, there is an increasing number of English taught programmes with more than 280 Bachelor’s and 500 Master’s in the academic course 2016-17, either totally or partially taught in English, offering the opportunity of simultaneously follow the course in English and study Spanish. Spanish courses are offered in all the Spanish universities as well as in specialised language schools and academies all over Spain.

WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION IN SPECIFIC SUBJECTS

Do you have a specific study subject of interest? Spanish universities can cover it. Spain has 34 universities in 55 subjects in the Top 100 of world subject rankings and even 4 in the Top 10 (QS and Shangai ARWU) in disciplines such as: Civil Engineering, Marine and Ocean Engineering, Veterinary Sciences, Food Science and Technology, Business and Management, Remote Sensing and others. Spainjanks 11 in the QS 2017 Ranking of Higher Education Systems Strength.

AFFORDABLE LIVING COSTS

The living standards in Spain are amongst the highest in the world, but the costs of living in Spain are generally lower than in other European countries, it is estimated that the average expenditure for a student or researcher in Spain is around 900-1000 Euros/month.

RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY

Most Spanish universities are research intensive universities connected with other research centers, technological and scientific parks, industry and civil society organisations through the above mentioned university-centered International Campuses of Excellence.

You will have broad opportunities to become part of these knowledge and innovation ecosystems, where you will be able to develop yours skills and creativity working in research, innovation and creativity activities in fields such as telecommunication, medicine, agriculture, computer technology, environmental science, etc.

CAMPUS LIFESTYLE

The Spanish excellence initiative international Campus of Excellence launched in 2009 introduced a new concept of university campus as a healthy and sustainable territorial environment for scientific and teaching excellence, integrated in the social life of the city or region.

A Guide to Study Abroad - Study in SPAIN 1

The social model of the Spanish campuses includes use of sophisticated information and communication technology, sports facilities, public events such as concerts, arts performances, etc., offering you a rich range of opportunities for learning and leisure.

VISAS AND IMMIGRATION

Do you know that there is an accelerated procedure to ease the arrival of foreign students, professors, scholars and researchers in Spain?

The Spanish Government is eliminating obstacles and barriers hindering the mobility of students and easing residence permits to look for a job after the end of the studies or research activities, with a minimum duration of nine months.

— With inputs from Embassy of Spain in New Delhi

FACT SHEET

HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM:

  • 84 Universities of which 50 public and 34 private, 234 university campuses.
  • 1,529,370 students, of which 1,361,340 undergraduate students (including 100.814 in pre-Bologna cycles); 139,844 master students and 28,546 doctoral students.
  • 2,637 Undergraduate courses; 3,361 Master courses; 1,035 Doctoral programmes.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS FROM INDIA:

  • 498 of which 99 in credit mobility and 399 in degree seeking mobility, of which 31 are at undergraduate level, 269 at Master’s level and 99 at Doctoral level.

TUITION FEES:

  • The range of tuition fees to study in Spain for undergraduate level in public universities is between 750-2,100 Euros per academic year (60 credits). Master and PhD degrees is 900¬3,300 Euros/year.

LIVING COSTS:

  • Spain is an affordable country. Madrid and Barcelona are the most expensive cities with around 1,300 Euros/month for all monthly expenses, while in other cities, living costs are cheaper, 800-850 Euros/month on average.

SCHOLARSHIPS:

  • Some scholarships are offered by the Spanish government and others include the Erasmus Mundus scholarships for international students provided by the European Union and other grant schemes.

The Spanish Government is eliminating barriers hindering the mobility of students and easing residence permits for them after the end of their studies or research.

Study in Switzerland

by

Study in Switzerland

A Guide to Study Abroad

Wellness paves the way

Simone Gibertoni, CEO, Clinique La Prairie, Switzerland, on what it takes to make a career in the spa industry.

Spa and wellness is a fast growing industry offering a wide range of career options. As our lives become longer, our mindsets and priorities are shifting too. The focus is no longer primarily on a curative approach to health, but on a holistic and preventive way. By becoming the architects of our vitality, we have the tools to protect ourselves as we age. Food, fitness and meditation are the cornerstones of health. They work together to build our bodies from our cells up. And this is what professionals in the field of spa and wellness work towards.

Wellness is a mega industry sizeej, at $3.5-3.8 trillion. The global wellness economy has grown steadily since 2010 with a CAGR of about 10%. The SPA and wellness economy has a positive outlook for the future. Despite being so large, it is still considered an emerging industry because new methods and technology are introduced to the market every year.

There is a focus on medica well-being now. People are taking an interest in holistic wellness. And hence, detox spa programmes continue to have a large audience.

A Guide to Study Abroad - Study in switzerland

There are various degrees in hospitality and business, as well as more specific spa management degrees offered at hospitality schools. Hospitality schools are now more open to focusing on spa management courses and classes. Students who wish to make a career in the field can pursue one of the many courses in hospitality and then move on to pursuing a degree or certificate in spa and wellness management from a recognised institute. Some luxury hotel chains offer management development programmes, where students can learn all aspects of a working spa. These programmes usually include travel, so it’s important to be able to relocate on an international level several times. The courses generally last a year or two.

Those who wish to make a career in the field must be willing to help other people. Emotional intelligence is the key skill required, with clients and the team. Then, of course, there are the technical skills which even a spa manager needs to have. Lastly, one must use innovative techniques, treatment and machines to succeed in the field.

Spa, an established industry in the US and Europe now, is “going east” with potential in Asia, especially in China and India. In particular, the Indian spa industry is growing every year. Even if it could still be considered a ‘niche market’ in the overall wellness market, it is very promising, making the country one of the most popular spa destinations.

Graduating students will normally start working at a junior level in a spa, probably at the spa reception desk. Alternatively, they can move on to work as therapy assistants, spa managers, etc.

Like in all industries, if we strive to work hard and work for the right company, salary can be very satisfactory.

Swiss sojourn

Roshni Tolani, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management at Glion Institute of Higher Education, Switzerland, on her Swiss experience.

I discovered my calling for hospitality which led me to Switzerland, the Mecca of hospitality and what better destination to study than the birthplace of hotel management education. I chose to study at Glion Institute of Higher Education, Switzerland. As part of my studies, I had the privilege of interning at two signature Ritz-Carlton properties, namely in Tokyo and Hong Kong.

These internships majorly contributed in preparing me for the challenges that lie ahead after graduation. They are the building blocks for future career success and form a strong foundation for implementation and execution of the theoretical knowledge being taught on campus. Obtaining relevant industry exposure and a taste of the real world was a learning experience.

I was able to spend a semester each in three major cities of the world as part of my studies: in Tokyo and Hong Kong where I interned at The Ritz-Carlton, as well as in London where I completed an exchange semester on Glion’s London campus. During their final semesters, the course I offers students various pathways to specialise in either Event and Sport Management, Real Estate Finance and I Revenue Management, Sales and Marketing or Luxury Brand Management.

The luxury market is booming and has seen exponential growth globally ever since the dot-com bubble. I chose the luxury pathway as it opens doors to several opportunities upon graduation.

My internship experience in the guest relations department paved the ground for me to enter the luxury retail sector where customer relationship management is key for every brand.

Various extra-curricular activities and cross-campus events with other hospitality schools, excursions and day trips allow students to make the most of their international exposure by mingling with other hospitality students and visiting neighbouring countries such as Italy, France and Germany.

My family and I firmly believe in the ideology of philanthropy and in my opinion, hospitality provides the basis for walking the philanthropist path. Being able to give back to society is pivotal to me and an inherent part of my nature.

THE RIGHT CHOICE
Various extra-curricular activities and cross-campus events with other hospitality schools, excursions and day trips allow students to make the most of their international exposure by mingling with other hospitality students and visiting neighbouring countries.

Hospitality all the way

Ajay Harjani, who completed a Bachelor in Business Administration from Les Roches, Switzerland, on his experience as a student in the land of the Alps and how he shaped his career path in the industry.

Born in Indonesia, Indian by . culture and being raised in Morocco gave me the perfect push to enter the hospitality industry. After having successfully completing a Bachelor’s degree at Les Roches in Bluche, I set about exploring the different worlds of hospitality. My ambition to explore took me to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, working with some of the best hotels in the world.

Starting as a receptionist at the President Wilson Hotel in Geneva, I quickly worked my way up to supervisory level. I then moved to Jakarta to discover the Asian hospitality market where I attained my management training with the Mandarin Oriental Group. I always had a dream to work with the “best hotel in the world” and my strong ambition took me to Dubai to work for the famous Burj Al Arab Hotel as a Guest Service Manager. My responsibilities as a Manager at the Burj not only included managing a team of 200 executive butlers, but also satisfying the most exclusive guests around the world.

A Guide to Study Abroad - Study in switzerland 1

Moving back to Morocco was a strategic move to help my father celebrate the 10th year anniversary of our Indian Restaurant in Casablanca. I then worked for a consulting firm in Casablanca as the Director of Learning and Development where l used my luxury experience to mystery shop, and to train and consult hospitality professionals to enhance their customer service.

After having helped many hotels and restaurants in Morocco, I then received an offer no hotelier would decline. I accepted the position of General Manager of Park Suites, a luxurious boutique hotel, located in the heart of Casablanca. Till date, I keep in touch with my classmates through the network. I also regularly check the posts in the university’s social media£hannels so that I can see how the university is growing.

Study in Netherlands

by

Study in Netherlands

A Guide to Study Abroad

Looking ahead

Sanah Vij talks about why she chose the Utrecht University School of Economics to pursue her higher education.

Tourism aside, the Netherlands continues to be one of the top destinations for Indians looking to study abroad, with its wide programme offering and study options.

While most people from her class were looking at the United States, the United Kingdom and even Singapore for their studies, Sanah Vij, a bright young student from the city of Bangalore, chose the Utrecht University School of Economics to pursue her higher education.

A Guide to Study Abroad - Study in Netherlands

Why Utrecht? The programme she wanted to study was the main reason she chose to go to the Netherlands, but apart from that, “It was the experiences that were available there. The ability to travel, to see a new place and live somewhere I had never been before. It wasn’t a common choice, but the people I spoke to had only good things to say about studying in the Netherlands,” she says. In 2017, Sanah graduated with a BSc Honours Economics and Business Economics.

Sanah wanted to study economics and business economics and the only other options were a few colleges on either coast of the United States. But while she was doing her research on colleges, Sanah found that Utrecht matched up well. “It was ranked number 1 in the Netherlands and overall high in Europe. They had the exact course I wanted to take and the minor I wanted to do (social sciences),” she says.

She quickly realised that the Dutch approach to education was very different from others. “It is very straightforward, just like the people there. There isn’t a lot of hand-holding like I’ve seen in other places. You’re expected to keep up on your own and you choose how much effort you want to put it – there aren’t a lot of contact hours, especially after the first year and a half. However, help is readily available to you,” she adds.

Those few years of being a student in the Netherlands taught her how to be independent and to work to get where she wanted. It gave her the opportunity to do a Master’s now, in the UK. As an advice to others aspirants, she says, “They have a really nice career services department to help students with preparing for applications to jobs and universities. They run regular workshops through the year to teach you how to market yourself.”

THE RIGHT CHOICE
They have a really nice career services department to help students with preparing for applications to jobs and universities. Try learning the language when you get there – it will help you find a job, while you’re studying or after