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Is it true studying in Europe is better?
I have heard it's cheaper but I know you usually go to college where you can pursue a career. Are there many career opportunities in Europe? If so, what type of career is most needed? Do you end up living there?
#europe #careeroppurtunities #studyingabroad #livingabbroad #careers
#germany #france #italy #switzerland #UK #greece #sweden
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7 answers
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Alexandra’s Answer
Hi! While studying in Europe can be cheaper there are a lot of things you must take into consideration before making that decision. Studying in Europe can be cheaper however the reason it is cheaper is that most schools are subsidized or funded by the tax-payer money, and therefore if you are not a European national you will be pay higher fees then a European citizen who parents are paying taxes. Even so you may decide the fees are still lower than a school in the US however you need to take into account that you will not be eligible for most scholarships, grants or loans as a non-European citizen and factors in the cost of living and flights back and forth to the US to visit your family once in a while.
Albeit all of this I highly recommend having an experience abroad if you can make it work. I studied in the UK (I am British) and went on to study in Spain, which was an incredible experience and led to me living there for 15 years before being given the opportunity to move to the US. So if you feel brave and adventurous and above all if you want to broaden your horizons or are particularly interested in an Undergraduate/Postgraduate program I highly recommend it, but I would not suggest it if it is only about saving money because it will not be as cheap as you assume and you will not necessarily have you support network (family/friends) close by, if it does not turn out to be what you hoped.
Good luck!
Albeit all of this I highly recommend having an experience abroad if you can make it work. I studied in the UK (I am British) and went on to study in Spain, which was an incredible experience and led to me living there for 15 years before being given the opportunity to move to the US. So if you feel brave and adventurous and above all if you want to broaden your horizons or are particularly interested in an Undergraduate/Postgraduate program I highly recommend it, but I would not suggest it if it is only about saving money because it will not be as cheap as you assume and you will not necessarily have you support network (family/friends) close by, if it does not turn out to be what you hoped.
Good luck!
Thank you, I do not think it is just about the money. I want to experience other parts of the world.
rachyl
Then Rachyl, if that is the case then I encourage you to absolutely do it. I have moved around for both school and my career (which is why I am in the US these days) and it has absolutely enriched my life and career. Good luck!!
Alexandra Huntrods
Updated
Christen’s Answer
I'd recommend attending a school that's fairly close to where you'd like to work. Sometimes local networks are the strongest. Try studying abroad one semester to get a feel for living in another place.
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René’s Answer
Hello Rachyl! It's wonderful to hear about your interest in studying abroad. Let me write to you about Switzerland. The good news is, for international students like you, the tuition fees are quite affordable, even though they're a bit higher than what local students pay. However, you should be prepared for the living expenses which can be a bit steep - that's something to keep in mind.
In terms of language, you'll be glad to know that English is widely spoken here, not just in schools but also in shops and everyday life. So, you'll have no trouble fitting in!
Another fantastic thing about Switzerland is its central location in Europe. This means you'll have easy access to amazing travel destinations like Italy, Spain, France, and more. It's like having Europe at your doorstep!
I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what to expect in Switzerland. Happy planning! :)
In terms of language, you'll be glad to know that English is widely spoken here, not just in schools but also in shops and everyday life. So, you'll have no trouble fitting in!
Another fantastic thing about Switzerland is its central location in Europe. This means you'll have easy access to amazing travel destinations like Italy, Spain, France, and more. It's like having Europe at your doorstep!
I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what to expect in Switzerland. Happy planning! :)
Updated
Mickael’s Answer
Hi Rachyl B.
I am going to match Alexandra's answer: schools in Europe are cheaper because they receive money from tax-payers. That is as simple as that. Also, please consider that while getting abroad to study, in addition to the fact that the schools will have higher fees for non-resident and/or non-European citizen, you should also consider cost of living there. You need an apartment, you need to eat ... Cost might be higher than you think when you add all that up. Depending on the country you live in, there might be immigration costs to add on top of it.
Finally, if we move costs away, there is the language. Studying in a country means you need to be fluent enough to understand the language and what is taught. It is hard if you hardly speak the language.
I am French and a friend of mine at the university was Russian. He had the hell of the first year: he had hard time communicating with us, harder time to just understand the questions in the tests. Just to mention few examples. He spent most of his vacation time studying French then trying to catch up with what he did not understand. And he was helped by a russian-speaking teacher. Sure, you will find English speakers but remember that many schools will require you write into the country's language.
I am going to match Alexandra's answer: schools in Europe are cheaper because they receive money from tax-payers. That is as simple as that. Also, please consider that while getting abroad to study, in addition to the fact that the schools will have higher fees for non-resident and/or non-European citizen, you should also consider cost of living there. You need an apartment, you need to eat ... Cost might be higher than you think when you add all that up. Depending on the country you live in, there might be immigration costs to add on top of it.
Finally, if we move costs away, there is the language. Studying in a country means you need to be fluent enough to understand the language and what is taught. It is hard if you hardly speak the language.
I am French and a friend of mine at the university was Russian. He had the hell of the first year: he had hard time communicating with us, harder time to just understand the questions in the tests. Just to mention few examples. He spent most of his vacation time studying French then trying to catch up with what he did not understand. And he was helped by a russian-speaking teacher. Sure, you will find English speakers but remember that many schools will require you write into the country's language.
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Vengadan’s Answer
I come from India, studied in Europe and have been living now in Europe now for the past 20 years. I would suggest first decide what you want to study and then find the best place to study that specific subject. You benefit not only from the lectures but also a lot from the study environment as you end up spending a lot of time with fellow students on various projects and discussions. So I would put a premium on international environment where you would benefit from multiple POV. When it comes to UK, not all universities are equal I suggest to check a reputed website for university ranking by subject. Other points to consider whether you are allowed to take jobs while being a student, are you allowed to work after the studies etc. From the employer POV of course it is extra burden for them if they have to process work permits etc. All the best.
Thank you so much! I will have to look into the jobs while studying. I never knew that it could be a problem.
rachyl
Ayesha Hassan
Strategy/Communication Associate
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Ayesha’s Answer
Hi Rachyl,
This is a very subjective question as choosing the best place to study depends on multiple factors, along with money.
Firstly, think about what you want to study, and why. This will help you narrow your area of focus when it comes to finding the right college for yourself.
Secondly, research local and international universities that offer courses best aligned with your chosen field. Through this, you can assess whether the costs of each university are suitable to what you are looking for from the particular university (international exposure, opportunities to network, learning goals and opportunities, employability etc).
Thirdly, research the job market for your chosen field, locally and internationally. This will help you in understanding what skills within your field are in demand currently, and will be in time for your graduation.
Studying abroad can be a great experience, and I believe you can reap the greatest benefits by researching your options thoroughly.
This is a very subjective question as choosing the best place to study depends on multiple factors, along with money.
Firstly, think about what you want to study, and why. This will help you narrow your area of focus when it comes to finding the right college for yourself.
Secondly, research local and international universities that offer courses best aligned with your chosen field. Through this, you can assess whether the costs of each university are suitable to what you are looking for from the particular university (international exposure, opportunities to network, learning goals and opportunities, employability etc).
Thirdly, research the job market for your chosen field, locally and internationally. This will help you in understanding what skills within your field are in demand currently, and will be in time for your graduation.
Studying abroad can be a great experience, and I believe you can reap the greatest benefits by researching your options thoroughly.
Updated
Kathy’s Answer
Hi Rachyl
Have you considered attending a US college and while there taking a semester or year abroad? Many college students do this and have a wonderful experience getting to know the country they decided to study in. I suggest this as it will take a great deal of research to determine where are the best colleges, what the job market and economy are like in various countries and then how easily it will be for a non-citizen to get a job in a foreign country. Colleges have wonderful study abroad programs where you can go to any number of countries to study and also get some travel in while there. Once in Europe it is much less to travel to other countries.
Good luck with your decision!
Have you considered attending a US college and while there taking a semester or year abroad? Many college students do this and have a wonderful experience getting to know the country they decided to study in. I suggest this as it will take a great deal of research to determine where are the best colleges, what the job market and economy are like in various countries and then how easily it will be for a non-citizen to get a job in a foreign country. Colleges have wonderful study abroad programs where you can go to any number of countries to study and also get some travel in while there. Once in Europe it is much less to travel to other countries.
Good luck with your decision!