How to study abroad in Europe
Thinking of studying abroad in Europe but don’t know how to start? Today, earning your degree or part of it abroad has become a vital tool for students to grow personally and professionally. With more than 5,400 institutions, a cohesive higher education policy, a safe environment and an amazing cultural and historical heritage, Europe has a lot to offer you as a student. In this article, I explain the steps you need to follow to come study in Europe and give you some advice on the essential factors to consider when preparing your study abroad experience in Europe.
* STEP 1: Have you already started your higher education studies? There is a big difference between applying to study abroad in Europe as a freshman and moving from a university or college in another country: – If you are not enrolled in any higher education institution in your home country and would like to study as a student university in Europe, you may need to show that you have successfully passed your upper secondary/secondary school studies and your final school exam. If you have passed the final exam and your home country has signed the Lisbon Convention or has a reciprocal agreement with the country in Europe where you will study, you may be exempt from taking the exam again. To verify the validity of your previous studies in secondary school to continue with higher education studies, you must contact the university or college of your interest or the ministry of education of the country where you will be studying. Which one you will need to contact varies by country in Europe. – If you are already studying at the university or college in your country of origin and would like to study abroad in Europe, you can continue reading step #2.
* STEP 2: Decide if you will be an exchange student or free mover. If you wish to study your entire degree in Europe, coming as a free-roam student may be the most suitable option for you. If you only want to study abroad in Europe for a specific period of time, participating in an exchange program between your current school and its counterpart in Europe might be the best approach. It is important that you first assess your status as a student, as it will determine how you apply to study abroad in Europe. Among the differences between being an exchange student or a free mover in Europe, I would mention these: – Exchange students submit their applications through their coordinator at their school of origin, while free movers must manage all the documentation themselves. – As an exchange student, you will be charged no or moderate tuition fees, while you will have to pay full tuition and registration fees as a free mobility student. – Please note that if you intend to return to your home school, you should ensure that you agree in writing with your teachers which courses you studied abroad will be recognized once you return. This is usually done through a document called a “Learning Agreement.” – In general, exchange students follow different application deadlines than the usual dates.
* STEP 3: Find the school that best suits your academic profile and personal expectations This is the slowest part of organizing your study abroad experience in Europe. When selecting a school in Europe, you should consider factors such as: – The language of instruction: In Europe, you can study in many languages, such as English, Spanish, French, German, or Italian, just to name a few. Do not be afraid and take the opportunity to improve your foreign language skills. Many schools in Europe offer language courses aimed at their international students. Therefore, you may be able to earn a degree while learning or improving your skills in a foreign language. In fact, I studied Swedish while I was getting my degree. The language of instruction for my lectures was Swedish! It may seem difficult at first, but the result is really rewarding. – Social activities: does your school offer activities for you to integrate socially into campus life? It is not just about having fun, but also about learning more about the country you are going to live in and meeting other people who are in the same situation as you. You will even make very good friends! – Offer of accommodation: does your school provide you with accommodation on campus or help you find a place to stay? You should look for an accommodation option before coming to Europe. – Career opportunities: think about the possibilities available to you after finishing your studies at the school of your choice. Do they also help you with professional development?
* STEP 4: Take the admission tests. This may not always be the case, but for certain competitive study programs, students must pass an admission test. The results you obtain in those tests will determine if you will finally be admitted. In case you are applying for studies related to fine arts, you may also need to pass aptitude tests.
* STEP 5: Prepare your student visa and residence permit. Once you have selected your school and been admitted to the study program of your choice, you can start the process of applying for a student visa or residence permit. Students from certain countries or who plan to stay in Europe for a period of time greater than 90 days, will need to apply for a Schengen Visa and/or a residence permit. Usually, the application for a residence permit and a Schengen Visa is made through the embassy or consulate of your country of origin, where you can also answer any questions you may have.
I hope that the advice is helpful and encourages you to come to study in Europe. Welcome to Europe!