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Study in Sweden

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

Study in Germany

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Study in Germany

A Guide to Study Abroad

Germany: The preferred study abroad destination

With excellent institutions available in the field of science, technology and medicine, Germany offers abundant opportunities to foreign students.

In recent times, Germany has gained popularity as a study abroad destination. It is now one of the top destinations students aspire to study in. Ideally located in the heart of the European Union, it offers diverse experiences. The favourable temperate climate also adds to its appeal as a destination for studying and living. Additionally, due to its location, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands are easily accessible too. Therefore, for students who seek maximum international exposure, across Europe, Germany offers excellent prospects.

A Guide to Study Abroad - Study in Germany

Germany boasts of cutting-edge facilities and a high standard of living. It has one of the most developed economies, second only to the USA and Japan, in addition, Germany has a very high quality of education both, in government-aided and private universities. The government makes a lot of effort to give students the best possible opportunities. Most universities offer courses in the German language, making familiarity with the language compulsory for students aspiring to study there. Though a few universities offer the same programmes in English as well, it is definitely advantageous if students learn German prior to planning their higher education in Germany.

Today, India ranks third amongst the countries of origin of foreign students studying in Germany. The most common areas of study for Indian students belong to the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) category. Higher education in Germany is based on the ‘Dual Education System’ that encourages and focuses on learning and undertaking simultaneous research activities. This system aims at combining theoretical knowledge with practical learning, offered via apprenticeships and internships. Higher education is affordable in Germany due to the availability of numerous scholarships for international students such as DAAD, Heinrich Boll, KAAD, Erasmus Mundus and many more. Even if a student has to pay the tuition fees are very minimal and depend on the course and level of study.

Undergraduate programmes require a minimum of 13 years of education, an IELTS score of 6.5, good academic scores and proficiency in the German language. Graduate programmes require a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 70%, an IELTS score of 6.5, a GRE score of about 305-310 and A1 orA2 level proficiency in the German language certificate GATE score (course specific). For admission in a PhD programme, a student should have completed his/her Master’s degree and have identified a professor, who is willing to be their mentor. Some popular graduate programmes in Germany are architecture and landscape sciences, economics and management, electrical engineering and computer science, mathematics and physics, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, neuroscience, energy/renewable energy and environmental engineering.

Higher education is affordable in Germany due to the availability of numerous scholarships for international students such as DAAD, Heinrich Boll, KAAD, Erasmus Mundus and many more.

Germany has some of the best and the top nine technical universities (TU9); they obviously attract the highest number of Indian students. The most preferred postgraduate courses are in the field of science, engineering and technology. Some renowned universities are Ruprecht- Karls-Universitat Heidelberg, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Munich and Technische Universitat Munchen. In totality, there are 400 higher education institutes, divided as universities and universities of ‘Applied Sciences’ (called Fachhochschulen). German universities can also be classified as ‘public’ and ‘private’. The government funds all the public universities and does not charge any tuition fee. In contrast, private universities are expensive and the student needs to pay the tuition fee.

A Guide to Study Abroad - Study in Germany 1

Youth from India are welcomed to study in Germany and they then pursue jobs in different STEM fields such as engineering, medicine and technology: Thus, with language no longer a barrier and lucrative scholarship options available, Indian students and professionals are definitely going to undertake their higher education in Germany. Another interesting aspect about studying in Germany is that environmental awareness and protection are a top priority here. Thus, students who wish to study dimensions such as sustainable development and renewable energy sources will find this to be an interesting and beneficial proposition.

With regard to admissions, there are two intakes: summer intake (in March/April) and the winter intake (in September/October). Applying for the winter intake is advisable due to the number of opportunities available at the time, in terms of a wider range of courses available and diverse opportunities to support finances.

All these factors together make Germany a popular and credible study abroad destination, especially for Indian students looking for quality education.

AT A GLANCE
The most preferred postgraduate courses are in the field of science, engineering and technology. Some famous universities are Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat Heidelberg, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Munich and Technische Universitat Munchen. There are 400 higher education institutes in Germany that attract foreign students