Brad VanAuken on the "Branding Strategy Insider: the Branding Blog" describes the process of rebranding Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute without changing its name. He provides the story behind the Rensselaer tag line: "Why not change the world?"TM
See his blog entry at Branding Strategy Insider.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Facebook petition sinks revamped logo
Here's one I found by accident last night and wish that it had been included in my dissertation. At Vermont's Middlebury College, students protested the change in institutional logos and did so via Facebook. While student activism has not been as successful in branding issues as have alumni efforts, here's one example of the power of the Internet and concerned students who forced the college's administration to cave on their original intent to rebrand the institution's seal.
See the article in the student weekly newspaper. Unfortunately, the Facebook group "Just Say No to the Middlebury Logo" is no longer available. A companion article explains that a variation of the new logo will be used ׀ it just will not replace the original institutional seal.
While most administrators appear not to involve students in such decisions, there are times when these stakeholders may need to be consulted. In my research, student dissatisfaction was successful when coupled with alumni and other groups. This occurred at University of Mary Washington, Case-Western Reserve University, and California State University of Pennsylvania. With the exception of the Mary Washington rebranding, the student protests alone may not have been as successful. In other examples, the students were apathetic about what the institution was doing in regard to branding issues.
It is an interesting story and I find in noteworthy that students preferred a traditional logo than a streamlined, rectilinear, and contemporary style logo. Regarding other issues, the students appear to be very active and contemporary in thought rather than traditional in nature. To me this appears to be a dichotomy; however, not knowing this school (noted as "one of the nation's top liberal art colleges") nor the student body, I have no answer to this apparent conundrum. Some comments pro and con are found below the main article.
See the article in the student weekly newspaper. Unfortunately, the Facebook group "Just Say No to the Middlebury Logo" is no longer available. A companion article explains that a variation of the new logo will be used ׀ it just will not replace the original institutional seal.
While most administrators appear not to involve students in such decisions, there are times when these stakeholders may need to be consulted. In my research, student dissatisfaction was successful when coupled with alumni and other groups. This occurred at University of Mary Washington, Case-Western Reserve University, and California State University of Pennsylvania. With the exception of the Mary Washington rebranding, the student protests alone may not have been as successful. In other examples, the students were apathetic about what the institution was doing in regard to branding issues.
It is an interesting story and I find in noteworthy that students preferred a traditional logo than a streamlined, rectilinear, and contemporary style logo. Regarding other issues, the students appear to be very active and contemporary in thought rather than traditional in nature. To me this appears to be a dichotomy; however, not knowing this school (noted as "one of the nation's top liberal art colleges") nor the student body, I have no answer to this apparent conundrum. Some comments pro and con are found below the main article.
The Beginning
Greetings. It's Christmas morn and the presents are all unwrapped - I got mine, an Irish bouzouki, several weeks early as a combination present for my birthday and Christmas. I've been driving everyone nuts for the past several weeks learning to play the thing. No one here appreciates my eclectic musical tastes. It is not my fault that the family doesn't value the many great musical styles I appreciate, so I have become a denizen of the basement or the bathroom where I may "jam" in peace without fear of reprisal.
With that said, I thought no better time than the present to start this blog. It is based upon the research I conducted for my dissertation on educational branding and rebranding. The document is found in its entirety at http://www.newriver.net/.
One of my mentors asked me what am I going to do with all my free time and my new-found knowledge and I replied "me thinks I'll start me a blog." They tell you when you write a dissertation that you are the expert in the field, so I've been driving those who can't hear my bouzouki playing with information regarding higher educational branding. After all, they tell me I am expert ׀ so, I might as well pontificate. So, this serves as the introductory post to what will probably become an infrequently managed blog as rebrandings, although popular these days, are not very frequent in the scheme of higher education in general. In other words, there shouldn't be a post every day on the topic only as the phenomena dictate (plural intended as there are different sorts of higher ed rebrandings).
In a nutshell, my dissertation, which carries the title of Survival of the Fittest? The Rebranding of West Virginia Higher Education, primarily deals with the topic in relation to West Virginia higher education. With that said, there is research dealing with the rebranding of over 150 institutions outside of West Virginia. I only considered U.S. based rebrandings of regionally accredited institutions (although some lesser status nationally accredited institutions served as illustrations). Most institutions in the study transitioned from college to university status, but all types of rebrandings were noted.
The primary institutional rebrands charted in my mixed method study include the following West Virginia rebrandings in chronological order:
Here it begins, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
With that said, I thought no better time than the present to start this blog. It is based upon the research I conducted for my dissertation on educational branding and rebranding. The document is found in its entirety at http://www.newriver.net/.
One of my mentors asked me what am I going to do with all my free time and my new-found knowledge and I replied "me thinks I'll start me a blog." They tell you when you write a dissertation that you are the expert in the field, so I've been driving those who can't hear my bouzouki playing with information regarding higher educational branding. After all, they tell me I am expert ׀ so, I might as well pontificate. So, this serves as the introductory post to what will probably become an infrequently managed blog as rebrandings, although popular these days, are not very frequent in the scheme of higher education in general. In other words, there shouldn't be a post every day on the topic only as the phenomena dictate (plural intended as there are different sorts of higher ed rebrandings).
In a nutshell, my dissertation, which carries the title of Survival of the Fittest? The Rebranding of West Virginia Higher Education, primarily deals with the topic in relation to West Virginia higher education. With that said, there is research dealing with the rebranding of over 150 institutions outside of West Virginia. I only considered U.S. based rebrandings of regionally accredited institutions (although some lesser status nationally accredited institutions served as illustrations). Most institutions in the study transitioned from college to university status, but all types of rebrandings were noted.
The primary institutional rebrands charted in my mixed method study include the following West Virginia rebrandings in chronological order:
- Morris Harvey College to The University of Charleston in 1979,
- Salem College to Salem Teikyo University (now Salem International University) in 1989,
- Wheeling Jesuit College to Wheeling Jesuit University in 1996,
- West Virginia Institute of Technology to West Virginia University Institute of Technology in 1996,
- The College of West Virginia to Mountain State University in 2001,
- Concord College to Concord University in 2004,
- Fairmont State College to Fairmont State University in 2004,
- Shepherd College to Shepherd University in 2004,
- West Virginia State College to West Virginia State University in 2004,
- Ohio Valley College to Ohio Valley University in 2005, and
- the proposed rebranding of West Liberty State College to West Liberty University in the near future.
Here it begins, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
Monday, December 3, 2007
The Parental Overinvolvement Quiz
ItҀs only natural for parents to be part of their childҀs college selection and application process: YouҀre paying for it, after all, and this is a climactic moment in your offspringҀs life. ItҀs also one of the visible results of primary and secondary education. With few rituals left to mark the passage from childhood to adulthood, the process enables your child to relish this significant moment in the safety of home and school, with guidance from you, teachers, and counselors. In important ways, itҀs also a test run for college and life itself.
But this American walkabout often suffers from too much parental involvement. At a time when a child should be taking the reins and learning to direct his or her own life, parents can unwittingly short circuit the process. They see this moment as theirs instead of their childrenҀs, or in the name of ӀhelpingԀ or Ӏpreventing mistakesԀ they take over, situations that can cause a great deal of conflict and ill will as a child heads into the future. Anyone who has been through it knows the signs: increased mumbling and eye rolling, dark looks, eruptions at the dinner table, and a refusal even to say the word ӀcollegeԀ or fill out applications.
But there are ways to tell if youҀre doing too much and need to back off. Below is a short quiz to see if youҀre letting go or holding on.
1. Do you say, ӀWeҀre applying to collegeԀ instead of ӀJohnnyҀs applying to collegeԀ?
2. Do you insist that your child apply to your alma mater or other college of your choice regardless of his/her interest in it?
3. Do you look forward to telling friends at cocktail parties where your child is applying?
4. Do you let people know your childҀs GPA, standardized test scores, and other personal information?
5. Are you planning college visits with little or no input from your child?
6. Do you ridicule your childҀs college choices because he/she clearly doesnҀt know whatҀs good for him/her?
7. Do you know more than your childҀs college counselor does, even if you havenҀt applied or been to a college in 20 years?
8. When you have college conversations with your child do you talk more than listen?
9. Do you insist on scouring rankings lists for ӀbestԀ colleges rather than listening to what your child wants?
10. Do you lose sleep worrying that your child will go to a Ӏno nameԀ college?
11. Do you talk about your childҀs talents/gifts/abilities or lack thereof to others with him or her present?
12. Do you (or a surrogate) do all the college research, all the calling, and all the typing of request letters and applications?
13. Do you make admission interview appointments for your child?
14. During college visits, do you ask questions for your child or otherwise take center stage?
15. Do you worry that you havenҀt done enough as a parent to ensure that your child gets into a ӀgoodԀ college?
16. Do you prod your child, even as application deadlines approach, to join more clubs or take up exotic activities like bungee jumping or spelunking?
17. Do you insist that your child begin taking honors or AP courses even if he or she has never taken them in the past, and do you berate school officials if they think thatҀs not a good idea?
18. Do you see college as a reward for your efforts at raising a child?
19. Do you see college as a judgment of those efforts?
20. Do you interpret your childҀs college choices as a comment on you as a parent?
21. Have you read all the college guides, getting-into-college guides, secrets-of-getting-into -college guides, and "how to" books about essays, tests, and everything else?
If you've answered "Yes" to any of these questions, it's time to pull back and take stock because you're taking control of something that should belong to your child. Allowing him or her to take the driver's seat in the college process is like, well, letting him or her take the driver's seat. You can't do it for your child; at some point your offspring has to drive alone. You may panic that he's not taking that corner properly or she's changing lanes too quickly, but true knowledge and independence, not to mention maturity, only come with experience. If your child is resisting college planning, perhaps you're pushing too much' he may want to take his own time and make his own plans.
Naturally, you need to keep an eye on things, but stay in the passenger's seat; don't try to grab the wheel. Make suggestions, keep the nagging to once or twice a week, and remember that, overall, the college process is actually a lot more forgiving than driver's ed: despite the panic over early admission and "regular" deadlines in November and December, many colleges have deadlines that run into February and even March. Now, it may be difficult, but you may want to acquaint your child with the idea of being responsible for her/his actions, if you haven't already done so: Late applications can mean being shut out of a college or being last to be considered for financial aid. But put the responsibility on your child, don't do applications for him or fill out forms for her. Be resolute and insist that your child do the work. In the long run, this will be much better for your child's development and your long-term relationship.
Remember, itҀs your childҀs future at stake here, not yours. Give him or her the power to make decisions, even to make mistakes, with your support and guidance, not your direction or judgment. Take a virtual vacation and ӀreturnԀ only when an application check needs to be signed or youҀre asked for advice. Let your child feel the thrill of controlling his or her own destiny. Above all, parents, enjoy this moment of watching your child begin the process of becoming an independent, well-adjusted adult. YouҀll be glad you did.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Teaching in a digital world
With the increase of parents choosing to remove their children from traditional public school classrooms, online education has seen a marked increase in popularity.
The number of charter schools and home school programs offering online programs continues to rise. To meet the need of students with medical needs and behavioral problems, some states have even begun offering online public education as an option for students who are not excelling in the physical classroom.
This increase in online education has brought about a demand for online teachers.
Online teaching isn't for everyone, but many teachers are finding enjoyment and benefits from exactly that.
Teachers who have recently retired or teachers who want to take time off from the everyday stress of the classroom are enjoying the freedom and flexibility an online schedule provides. While some online classrooms do require teachers to be present at certain days and times as in a traditional classroom, others allow teachers to set the syllabus for students and check online several times a day to answer questions or address concerns. Professionals teaching elementary and junior high students may find stricter scheduling requirements, whereas teachers teaching older high school and college students may find more flexibility with their schedules.
This type of digital teaching situation can be ideal for teachers who have a short or long-term disability, an extended illness, or need time off to take care of smaller children or an ailing parent.
Online teaching can also be beneficial for teachers who wish to take on a second job. If the requirements of the online teaching position aren't intense, an online teaching job can sometimes be worked around regular work hours. This also applies to online tutoring positions, where teachers may choose to tutor students online during evening hours to help with homework, research specific school projects, or develop math and writing skills.
Educational institutions vary on their practice for hiring online teachers. With some schools, the teacher may be an actual employee of the institution, but this will most probably not be the case. Many online teachers are independent contractors who are paid by the number of classes taught, the amount of students attending class, or time required to do the job. Independent contractors are usually required to provide their own equipment such as computer, web cam (if required), and internet connection.
As in the real world, teachers must have the correct certification required for their particular state. They also must keep up to date on continuing education. In order to become an online instructor, teachers usually must have a required number of years in a traditional classroom.
For many teachers, the biggest drawback to becoming a teacher in the digital world involves the emotional connection lost between the teacher and student. While a relationship can be formed online, it almost never matches the relationship the teacher forms with a student in a physical classroom.
As technology increases, it's becoming apparent the digital classroom is here to stay. The demand for digital education is likely to increase as people become more and more technically connected in a virtual world. Online teaching will most certainly be a part of future generations, providing an option for teachers looking for a traditional role in a non-traditional world.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Institutions In Sweden
In Sweden, there are 39 accredited institutions of higher education. Many of them offer English-language education accessible to international students.
Finding the institution that is right for you depends on a number of factors - your academic interests, course availability, but also the location and size of an institution.
Not everyone is familiar with the geography of Sweden, so it helps to put these places on a map. Use the menus on the left to find academic institutions on an interactive map of Sweden. You can look through an alphabetical list of institutions, or you can browse them by region and by size. Some students prefer big campuses in big cities, while others prefer the more intimate atmosphere of smaller schools and smaller towns; now it's easy to find these places.
Some institutions have several campuses in addition to the main one.
In Sweden, there are 39 accredited institutions of higher education. Many of them offer English-language education accessible to international students.
Finding the institution that is right for you depends on a number of factors - your academic interests, course availability, but also the location and size of an institution.
Not everyone is familiar with the geography of Sweden, so it helps to put these places on a map. Use the menus on the left to find academic institutions on an interactive map of Sweden. You can look through an alphabetical list of institutions, or you can browse them by region and by size. Some students prefer big campuses in big cities, while others prefer the more intimate atmosphere of smaller schools and smaller towns; now it's easy to find these places.
Some institutions have several campuses in addition to the main one.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
What you need to know when considering an online education
I have been both an online college student and a traditional ground college student. I have my preferences now as a seasoned college veteran and have learned a few tricks to keep online students on track. Here are my top five things to consider when looking for an online school:
1. Are you able to commit yourself to learning on your own? Online degree programs offer the convenience of going to class when it's convenient for you. This is a major plus for those who work full time and are juggling a family. The trade-off for this convenience is actual face to face contact with faculty and students. There are no online lectures with notes and handouts to facilitate your learning. Everything you learn online will be from reading your text and doing research in the library. You are responsible for your own success or failure.
2. Can you handle the cost? I was amazed at how much it costs for the convenience of going to school online. I was paying almost $2,000 for a 3 credit course. You have no room for failures or dropped course work online since the fees are so high. Financial aid grants will only cover so much be prepared to take out hefty loans. To some students ground college will make more sense if they foresee paying back these $40,000 loans will cause a problem.
3. How many transfer credits do you have? This is an important fact to consider when thinking of online schools. Make sure you take a good look at the college catalog to see what degree program your credits fit into. I can say with great probability that all your credits will not transfer and the school is allowed to give credit for a certain number of credits. Make sure you go over the transfer credits with your academic representative to make sure your getting the most credits possible.
4. Is the school accredited? It would be an absolute horror to spend four years and $40,000 getting a degree from a school that isn't even recognized as a reputable facility. You wouldn't go to a fake doctor would you? Same holds true for schools. Schools that meet educational standards are accredited and are the online students best bet.
5. Can you get the same quality out of a traditional ground school for half the cost? I am a firm believer in using the county colleges to knock out the core classes like English 101 and 102 before entering a costly online program. I understand the simplicity online schools have to offer but the fact is community colleges are so much cheaper in comparison and in some cases it makes more sense to get rid of the bulk of your classes to ease the loan payback.
Online schools offer students a chance to work full time and still earn their degree. It makes sense to a lot of students who are juggling school, work, and family. The downside is the cost of this convenience. With cut throat enrollment tactics, academic sales people will tell the student anything to get them enrolled, even if they can't afford the loan payback. Think long and hard to decide if an online degree program is right for you and your family.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Tuition Free Universities in Denmark
Studying in Denmark offers the international students many opportunities for personal, academic or professional development. Students have the following options to choose from:
full degree programmeThe student follow a full-time study programme at undergraduate or postgraduate level and finish with a Danish award or a joint/double degree.
exchange/guest student programme Exchange students usually come to Denmark via an institutional, a bilateral or a multilateral exchange programme and follow courses of their own choice at the host institution for one or two semesters. They are also called рnon-degree studentsҀ because they finalise their studies at their home institution with transfer of credit for their studies in Denmark. Guest students are accepted on the same conditions as exchange students, but come from institutions with no cooperation agreement with the Danish host institution.
specially designed programmeSome institutions offer pre-designed semester packages, intensive programmes or other kinds of specially designed programmes for international students. The students, who follow these specially designed programmes, usually come to Denmark on exchange or guest student conditions.
summer university programmeSome universities offer courses during the summer holiday in a broad variety of disciplines and with the possibility for international students to choose as many courses as they like.
All programmes offer high quality education in a challenging study environment. Although the national language is Danish, international students will find plenty of programmes taught in English, and it is also fairly easy to live in the country with no prior knowledge of Danish as most Danes speak English.
Bachelor Degree programmes in DenmarkAt undergraduate level, three types of degrees are offered at different types of institutions ր each with well-defined profiles and qualities. This gives the international students a great variety of study options depending on their interest; be they mainly research-oriented or of a more professional and applied character.
3 year bachelor degree programmes in all academic fields offered by the research universities
3-4 year professional bachelor programmes in field such as business, engineering, it nursing, education and social work offered by university colleges and higher education colleges. These institutions have a professional focus and combine theoretical studies with applied research and practical application in many different fields. Some are placed in the larger cities, others in more tranquil surroundings in smaller towns
2-year academy profession degrees in fields such as business, technology, multimedia, food industry, tourism etc offered by Academies of Professional Higher Education. They are fairly newly established mergers of smaller institutions with very strong linkages with the regional business and industry.
MasterҀs Degree ProgrammesDanish university education is rooted on a continental European university tradition based on the continuous cooperation between teaching and research. This is a particularly prevailing aspect at MasterҀs degree level. MasterҀs degree programmes are offered in all subject-areas be they in the more traditional academic subjects, in fields such as business, engineering, it or some of the new edge-cutting research fields as nano-technology, food science and environmental protection. At MasterҀs degree level, international students can choose from among around 100 programmes taught fully in English in all subject fields. Ph.D. programmes are usually always possible to follow in English.
The following options are available for international students:
2-year MSc or MA programmesAccess requirements are at least a bachelor degree of good standing, normally in the same or a nearby subject area as the master programme. Some universities also give international students the opportunity to complete studies in one year with a postgraduate diploma.
1-year Master degree programmes e.g. MBA programmes. Most of these MasterҀs degree programmes are part-time programmes allowing students to work while studying. A few are very intensive full time 1-year programmes.Access requirements are at least a bachelor degree of good academic standing and 2 ր3 years of professional experience
3-year PhD programmesEntry requirement is a MSc or MA level degree.
MasterҀs degree programmes are offered by the 12 Danish research universities as well as by the 13 academics and specialist university level institutions in architecture, art and music.
Tuition and scholarshipsSo far tuition is free for undergraduate and MSc and MA studies. It is expected that from 2006 a tuition fee system will be introduced for international full degree students outside the EU/EEA countries. However, at the same time a national scholarship programme will be introduced. Institutional recognition/accreditation Nearly all higher education institutions in Denmark are public and are thereby subject to an overall state-regulation. Institutions have an extensive institutional autonomy, but they must at the same time abide by an overall framework of quality assurance, guaranteeing that all Danish universities live up to high national as well as international academic standards.
What is it like to study in Denmark? Danish higher education has a long academic tradition that combines excellence with a dynamic and innovative culture in research as well as in the teaching methods and learning environments.
High standards, institutional and personal commitment, interdisciplinary studies and project work are some of the characteristics of studying in Denmark. Apart from attending lectures, students work together in small groups, and they are expected to contribute actively to discussions and to be capable of working independently. The studentҀs own critical and analytical initiative is an important element of higher education in Denmark. For some international students this is a new way of studying, which most students find positive and challenging.
Student lifeIn general only a few Danish universities have campus-like facilities, so the campus-life that international students may know from their own or other countries, does not exist to the same degree in Denmark. However, this does not mean that the social life at the higher education institutions does not exist, on the contrary.
The social life at many institutions is vital and varied. Often there are several committees at the different institutes that organise activities, such as parties, caf退s, excursions, student politics etc. Moreover, most higher education institutions also arrange sports activities that students can use if they sign up as a member.
Furthermore, many institutions have, as a special service to international students, established a student-to-student programme in order to make the international students feel at home more easily. On arrival, a ӀbuddyԀ (a pre-enrolled student) will help the students get settled, meet other students and assist them with practical matters in their first weeks at the university. Attending the special introductory programmes and the courses in Danish language and culture are another opportunity for the international students to facilitate their stay and to meet other international and Danish students.
Philip Robinson, Ireland, Studying Religion and Gym in DenmarkI like the pace of life in Denmark, the cycles and the way of studying. The students learn to reflect upon their own choices, get detailed feedback and have to defend their projects at oral exams. This makes students more self-reliant and independent ր and this is very positive.
Further information: Denmark and the Danish Society: www.denmark.dkStudying in Denmark: www.ciriusonline.dk/engWorking in Denmark: www.workindenmark.dk
Jette Kirstein jk@ciriusmail.dk
Studying in Denmark offers the international students many opportunities for personal, academic or professional development. Students have the following options to choose from:
full degree programmeThe student follow a full-time study programme at undergraduate or postgraduate level and finish with a Danish award or a joint/double degree.
exchange/guest student programme Exchange students usually come to Denmark via an institutional, a bilateral or a multilateral exchange programme and follow courses of their own choice at the host institution for one or two semesters. They are also called рnon-degree studentsҀ because they finalise their studies at their home institution with transfer of credit for their studies in Denmark. Guest students are accepted on the same conditions as exchange students, but come from institutions with no cooperation agreement with the Danish host institution.
specially designed programmeSome institutions offer pre-designed semester packages, intensive programmes or other kinds of specially designed programmes for international students. The students, who follow these specially designed programmes, usually come to Denmark on exchange or guest student conditions.
summer university programmeSome universities offer courses during the summer holiday in a broad variety of disciplines and with the possibility for international students to choose as many courses as they like.
All programmes offer high quality education in a challenging study environment. Although the national language is Danish, international students will find plenty of programmes taught in English, and it is also fairly easy to live in the country with no prior knowledge of Danish as most Danes speak English.
Bachelor Degree programmes in DenmarkAt undergraduate level, three types of degrees are offered at different types of institutions ր each with well-defined profiles and qualities. This gives the international students a great variety of study options depending on their interest; be they mainly research-oriented or of a more professional and applied character.
3 year bachelor degree programmes in all academic fields offered by the research universities
3-4 year professional bachelor programmes in field such as business, engineering, it nursing, education and social work offered by university colleges and higher education colleges. These institutions have a professional focus and combine theoretical studies with applied research and practical application in many different fields. Some are placed in the larger cities, others in more tranquil surroundings in smaller towns
2-year academy profession degrees in fields such as business, technology, multimedia, food industry, tourism etc offered by Academies of Professional Higher Education. They are fairly newly established mergers of smaller institutions with very strong linkages with the regional business and industry.
MasterҀs Degree ProgrammesDanish university education is rooted on a continental European university tradition based on the continuous cooperation between teaching and research. This is a particularly prevailing aspect at MasterҀs degree level. MasterҀs degree programmes are offered in all subject-areas be they in the more traditional academic subjects, in fields such as business, engineering, it or some of the new edge-cutting research fields as nano-technology, food science and environmental protection. At MasterҀs degree level, international students can choose from among around 100 programmes taught fully in English in all subject fields. Ph.D. programmes are usually always possible to follow in English.
The following options are available for international students:
2-year MSc or MA programmesAccess requirements are at least a bachelor degree of good standing, normally in the same or a nearby subject area as the master programme. Some universities also give international students the opportunity to complete studies in one year with a postgraduate diploma.
1-year Master degree programmes e.g. MBA programmes. Most of these MasterҀs degree programmes are part-time programmes allowing students to work while studying. A few are very intensive full time 1-year programmes.Access requirements are at least a bachelor degree of good academic standing and 2 ր3 years of professional experience
3-year PhD programmesEntry requirement is a MSc or MA level degree.
MasterҀs degree programmes are offered by the 12 Danish research universities as well as by the 13 academics and specialist university level institutions in architecture, art and music.
Tuition and scholarshipsSo far tuition is free for undergraduate and MSc and MA studies. It is expected that from 2006 a tuition fee system will be introduced for international full degree students outside the EU/EEA countries. However, at the same time a national scholarship programme will be introduced. Institutional recognition/accreditation Nearly all higher education institutions in Denmark are public and are thereby subject to an overall state-regulation. Institutions have an extensive institutional autonomy, but they must at the same time abide by an overall framework of quality assurance, guaranteeing that all Danish universities live up to high national as well as international academic standards.
What is it like to study in Denmark? Danish higher education has a long academic tradition that combines excellence with a dynamic and innovative culture in research as well as in the teaching methods and learning environments.
High standards, institutional and personal commitment, interdisciplinary studies and project work are some of the characteristics of studying in Denmark. Apart from attending lectures, students work together in small groups, and they are expected to contribute actively to discussions and to be capable of working independently. The studentҀs own critical and analytical initiative is an important element of higher education in Denmark. For some international students this is a new way of studying, which most students find positive and challenging.
Student lifeIn general only a few Danish universities have campus-like facilities, so the campus-life that international students may know from their own or other countries, does not exist to the same degree in Denmark. However, this does not mean that the social life at the higher education institutions does not exist, on the contrary.
The social life at many institutions is vital and varied. Often there are several committees at the different institutes that organise activities, such as parties, caf退s, excursions, student politics etc. Moreover, most higher education institutions also arrange sports activities that students can use if they sign up as a member.
Furthermore, many institutions have, as a special service to international students, established a student-to-student programme in order to make the international students feel at home more easily. On arrival, a ӀbuddyԀ (a pre-enrolled student) will help the students get settled, meet other students and assist them with practical matters in their first weeks at the university. Attending the special introductory programmes and the courses in Danish language and culture are another opportunity for the international students to facilitate their stay and to meet other international and Danish students.
Philip Robinson, Ireland, Studying Religion and Gym in DenmarkI like the pace of life in Denmark, the cycles and the way of studying. The students learn to reflect upon their own choices, get detailed feedback and have to defend their projects at oral exams. This makes students more self-reliant and independent ր and this is very positive.
Further information: Denmark and the Danish Society: www.denmark.dkStudying in Denmark: www.ciriusonline.dk/engWorking in Denmark: www.workindenmark.dk
Jette Kirstein jk@ciriusmail.dk
Study tuition-free in Germany (Deggendorf)
There is now a FREE alternative to exchange programs - and American colleges! And you don䀀t need to be fluent in German to participate.
A new program aimed at English-speaking students makes it easier for Americans to study in Germany. The German government is supporting the efforts of globally-oriented universities to attract foreign students. Because relatively few foreign applicants are proficient in German, and because English language proficiency is required of its graduates, Deggendorf University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule Deggendorf) will offer the first two years of its four year bachelor's degree programs in English. Students are expected to improve their German proficiency during this time through interaction with German students and culture, working in German companies, and though supplementary intensive German language courses.
Before beginning the final two years of study foreign students must pass a German language proficiency exam. . Upon successful completion of the program students will be awarded a bachelors degree. Students who elect to leave the program earlier will receive American style transcripts to facilitate the transfer of credits to American (or other foreign) colleges and universities.
Although the program is oriented toward recent high school graduates, applicants who have already earned college credits are eligible for advanced placement. Motivation and the potential for German language proficiency and success in the program weigh more heavily in the selection criteria than current demonstrated German language proficiency. This means a good high school graduate with two or three years of German as well as a college student with one year of German could be accepted.
Deggendorf is a state-supported university offering degrees in business administration and electrical, mechanical and civil engineering. There is currently no charge for tuition.
For more information visit www.FH-deggendorf.de or write to jack.bauersachs@FH-deggendorf.de.
There is now a FREE alternative to exchange programs - and American colleges! And you don䀀t need to be fluent in German to participate.
A new program aimed at English-speaking students makes it easier for Americans to study in Germany. The German government is supporting the efforts of globally-oriented universities to attract foreign students. Because relatively few foreign applicants are proficient in German, and because English language proficiency is required of its graduates, Deggendorf University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule Deggendorf) will offer the first two years of its four year bachelor's degree programs in English. Students are expected to improve their German proficiency during this time through interaction with German students and culture, working in German companies, and though supplementary intensive German language courses.
Before beginning the final two years of study foreign students must pass a German language proficiency exam. . Upon successful completion of the program students will be awarded a bachelors degree. Students who elect to leave the program earlier will receive American style transcripts to facilitate the transfer of credits to American (or other foreign) colleges and universities.
Although the program is oriented toward recent high school graduates, applicants who have already earned college credits are eligible for advanced placement. Motivation and the potential for German language proficiency and success in the program weigh more heavily in the selection criteria than current demonstrated German language proficiency. This means a good high school graduate with two or three years of German as well as a college student with one year of German could be accepted.
Deggendorf is a state-supported university offering degrees in business administration and electrical, mechanical and civil engineering. There is currently no charge for tuition.
For more information visit www.FH-deggendorf.de or write to jack.bauersachs@FH-deggendorf.de.
List of institutions
No matter what your academic interests are Norway can offer a wide variety of institutions - all with their own distinct profile. And the difference in geographic location, from the rugged islands of Svalbard in the Arctic to the capital city Oslo, makes each institution a perfect starting point for unique nature experiences.
The Norwegian higher education sector consists of six universities, six specialised university institutions, 25 state university colleges, two national academies of the arts, and 29 private colleges. For more information about each institution, please click on the link below.
http://www.studyinnorway.no/where_can_i_study/list_of_institutions
Tuition/Scholarships
Completing a university degree is often considered to be an expensive endeavour and tuition fees are usually making up the bulk part of the cost. Norwegian universities and state university colleges as a rule do not charge tuition fees for international students. However, you should take into consideration that living expenses in Norway are higher than in many other countries.
"Nothing is for free" is a saying that is true in many cases. But in Norway it is possible to get quality education without having to pay tuition fees. If certain prerequisites are met you could also be eligible for financial support that can pay for your living expenses. Through various fellowship programmes, scholarship schemes or student loans, international students can receive funding for a full degree or a limited number of semesters.
I want to study in Norway but need financial support. What do I do?How you can financially support your stay in Norway will depend on several factors:- your current country of legal residency- your current home institution- your previous education- what institution/degree/subject area you are seeking admission to
We recommend that you first contact the International Office at your home university to see if institutional agreements with a Norwegian institution exist. Also, check our scholarship section to see if you are eligible for support through any programmes or schemes.
No matter what your academic interests are Norway can offer a wide variety of institutions - all with their own distinct profile. And the difference in geographic location, from the rugged islands of Svalbard in the Arctic to the capital city Oslo, makes each institution a perfect starting point for unique nature experiences.
The Norwegian higher education sector consists of six universities, six specialised university institutions, 25 state university colleges, two national academies of the arts, and 29 private colleges. For more information about each institution, please click on the link below.
http://www.studyinnorway.no/where_can_i_study/list_of_institutions
Tuition/Scholarships
Completing a university degree is often considered to be an expensive endeavour and tuition fees are usually making up the bulk part of the cost. Norwegian universities and state university colleges as a rule do not charge tuition fees for international students. However, you should take into consideration that living expenses in Norway are higher than in many other countries.
"Nothing is for free" is a saying that is true in many cases. But in Norway it is possible to get quality education without having to pay tuition fees. If certain prerequisites are met you could also be eligible for financial support that can pay for your living expenses. Through various fellowship programmes, scholarship schemes or student loans, international students can receive funding for a full degree or a limited number of semesters.
I want to study in Norway but need financial support. What do I do?How you can financially support your stay in Norway will depend on several factors:- your current country of legal residency- your current home institution- your previous education- what institution/degree/subject area you are seeking admission to
We recommend that you first contact the International Office at your home university to see if institutional agreements with a Norwegian institution exist. Also, check our scholarship section to see if you are eligible for support through any programmes or schemes.
Study in Norway
Norway offers you a unique student experience and Norwegian institutions of higher education welcome applications sent by qualified students from all over the world.
Internationalisation is a priority within all sectors of the Norwegian education system, and universities and university colleges are constantly working to facilitate for international students. Nearly 11 000 foreign nationals are currently enrolled at Norwegian institutions of higher education. International students may apply for admission to a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programmes. You may come to Norway as student through established exchange programmes, institutional agreements, or as a so called "free mover", where you arrange the stay by yourself (type of study, length and financing).
Quality education
With a wide range of high quality courses and great flexibility, Norwegian institutions prove to be an ideal study destination. From vocational subjects to postgraduate and doctorate level, there are plenty of opportunities for students to fulfil their ambitions. You will also benefit from the informal atmosphere at Norwegian universities and university colleges, where teachers are easily approachable and tuition often takes place in small groups. Most institutions also have well equipped computer facilities with free Internet access.
Study off the beaten track
In our northern corner of the world you can combine your studies with exciting outdoor activities, both winter and summer. You can see the Aurora Borealis ("Northern lights"), experience the midnight sun, fjords and mountains. Challenge yourself with skiing, white water rafting or climbing. Or simply enjoy the fresh air, clean water and lots and lots of space. As a student in Norway you will never be short of possibilities for unique nature experiences.
Admission & Application
In order to obtain the neccessary application forms and information about the application deadlines you will have to contact each university or university college. In general the application deadline for foreign students is between January 15 to March 15 for courses starting the following autumn (August). Please note that some institutions have separate"pre-qualification" deadlines that are earlier than this.
Academic requirements
A compilation of country-specific information called the GSU-list (formerly SIS list) states what level of education applicants from different countries need to meet for entry into Norwegian higher education, including any requirements concerning proficiency in English. For courses where the language of instruction is Norwegian, proficiency in the Norwegian language is also required.
An updated version of the GSU list can be found here.
Undergraduate studies
Completion of secondary education at advanced level, equivalent to passing the exam at the end of Norwegian secondary school, is the general basic requirement for entry to Norwegian universities and university colleges. For students from some countries at least one year of completed studies at the university level is required in addition.
Please check the GSU-list for detailed information regarding additional requirements for your country.
Some study programmes have special admission requirements, usually relating to specialist subjects or fields of study from secondary school. Please check with the institution for information about these special qualifications.
Masters programmesAdmission requirements are decided by each university and university college based on an academic evaluation of the applicants.
Applicants for Masters programmes have normally obtained an undergraduate/Bachelor's degree or equivalent of at least 3 years' duration. The degree must include courses equal to at least 1 1/2 years of full-time studies in a subject relevant to that of the programme applied for.
In special cases, the first (and sometimes the second) year of study at a foreign higher education institution will not be recognised as higher education in Norway.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Do I need a visa or residence permit?
Do I need a visa or residence permit?
Visa and resident permits for non-Nordic non-EU/EEA citizensIf you are intending to stay in Sweden for less than three months, then you will need a visa if the country that issues your passport is on this list [PDF file]. If your studies in Sweden will take longer than three months, you need to acquire a residence permit before you arrive in Sweden. Permits are issued by the Swedish Migration Board. Their website has detailed advice.
You can apply for visas and permits at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country.
Please remember that you cannot apply for a residence permit unless you have been admitted to full time accredited university studies in Sweden. The application fee, which is not refundable, is SEK 1,000 (approximately EUR 110, USD 130).
When applying for a residence permit, you must prove to the Swedish Migration Board that you will have a guaranteed sum of money at your disposal throughout the entire period of your studies. The amount, SEK 7,300 per month for ten months of the year, is set by the Migration Board. If you wish to bring your family you must show that you have at your disposal an additional SEK 3,000 per month for your spouse and SEK 1,800 per month per child.
If you can prove to the board's satisfaction that that you will receive free lodging during the whole or part of your study period this sum will be correspondingly reduced. Students who have been awarded a scholarship through the Swedish Institute or another programme should supply proof of this. You will also need to show a valid passport and a letter of admission from the institution at which you will be studying. To be sure of obtaining your permit in time you should submit your application 6-8 weeks prior to your departure for Sweden.
Please note that residence permits are limited to the duration of the study period, or to one year, whichever is the shorter. Your permit will be renewed annually provided you receive the number of credit points required and can produce evidence of continued financial support. Renewal requests are processed by your local Swedish Migration Board office. If you have any questions please contact the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country or country where you currently live. You can also contact the Swedish Migration Board. Also make sure you have adequate medical insurance.
Visa and residence permits for citizens from non-Nordic EU/EEA countries (and Switzerland)If you are a citizen of a non-Nordic EU/EEA country (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom) or Switzerland, you do not require a visa if you are intending to stay in Sweden for less than three months. If your studies in Sweden will take longer than three months, you need to acquire a residence permit within three months of your arrival in Sweden. Permits are issued by the Swedish Migration Board. Their website has detailed advice.
You can apply for a residence permit at one of the Migration Board offices in Sweden. You may also apply via a Swedish embassy or consulate before travelling to Sweden. To obtain a residence permit as a student, you must show that you have been admitted to full time accredited university studies in Sweden, and provide assurances that you can support yourself. Residence permits for studies are granted for one year at a time. Also make sure you have adequate medical insurance.
Visa and residence permits for citizens of Nordic countriesCitizens from Nordic countries do not need a visa or residence permit to study in Sweden.
Visa and resident permits for non-Nordic non-EU/EEA citizensIf you are intending to stay in Sweden for less than three months, then you will need a visa if the country that issues your passport is on this list [PDF file]. If your studies in Sweden will take longer than three months, you need to acquire a residence permit before you arrive in Sweden. Permits are issued by the Swedish Migration Board. Their website has detailed advice.
You can apply for visas and permits at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country.
Please remember that you cannot apply for a residence permit unless you have been admitted to full time accredited university studies in Sweden. The application fee, which is not refundable, is SEK 1,000 (approximately EUR 110, USD 130).
When applying for a residence permit, you must prove to the Swedish Migration Board that you will have a guaranteed sum of money at your disposal throughout the entire period of your studies. The amount, SEK 7,300 per month for ten months of the year, is set by the Migration Board. If you wish to bring your family you must show that you have at your disposal an additional SEK 3,000 per month for your spouse and SEK 1,800 per month per child.
If you can prove to the board's satisfaction that that you will receive free lodging during the whole or part of your study period this sum will be correspondingly reduced. Students who have been awarded a scholarship through the Swedish Institute or another programme should supply proof of this. You will also need to show a valid passport and a letter of admission from the institution at which you will be studying. To be sure of obtaining your permit in time you should submit your application 6-8 weeks prior to your departure for Sweden.
Please note that residence permits are limited to the duration of the study period, or to one year, whichever is the shorter. Your permit will be renewed annually provided you receive the number of credit points required and can produce evidence of continued financial support. Renewal requests are processed by your local Swedish Migration Board office. If you have any questions please contact the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country or country where you currently live. You can also contact the Swedish Migration Board. Also make sure you have adequate medical insurance.
Visa and residence permits for citizens from non-Nordic EU/EEA countries (and Switzerland)If you are a citizen of a non-Nordic EU/EEA country (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom) or Switzerland, you do not require a visa if you are intending to stay in Sweden for less than three months. If your studies in Sweden will take longer than three months, you need to acquire a residence permit within three months of your arrival in Sweden. Permits are issued by the Swedish Migration Board. Their website has detailed advice.
You can apply for a residence permit at one of the Migration Board offices in Sweden. You may also apply via a Swedish embassy or consulate before travelling to Sweden. To obtain a residence permit as a student, you must show that you have been admitted to full time accredited university studies in Sweden, and provide assurances that you can support yourself. Residence permits for studies are granted for one year at a time. Also make sure you have adequate medical insurance.
Visa and residence permits for citizens of Nordic countriesCitizens from Nordic countries do not need a visa or residence permit to study in Sweden.
Working in Sweden
Who can work in Sweden?
If you are enrolled at a Swedish university or university college you can work in Sweden without a work permit. You do, however, need a residence permit. Nordic, EU and EEA students need to get a residence permit if they are staying in Sweden for longer than three months. All other nationalities need to get a residence permit before they arrive in Sweden.
For information on obtaining a residence permit, contact your nearest embassy or consulate or the Swedish Migration Board directly.
If you are enrolled at a Swedish university or university college you can work in Sweden without a work permit. You do, however, need a residence permit. Nordic, EU and EEA students need to get a residence permit if they are staying in Sweden for longer than three months. All other nationalities need to get a residence permit before they arrive in Sweden.
For information on obtaining a residence permit, contact your nearest embassy or consulate or the Swedish Migration Board directly.
Living in Sweden
Living in Sweden
Sweden is an open, multicultural society with a long tradition of welcoming students from abroad.
Currently, some 26,000 foreign students are studying in Sweden, making for a vibrant, international study environment.
Swedes have some peculiar cultural traits, but they are deeply proud of having built a society that promotes equality between the sexes, tolerance and inclusiveness.
As a student in Sweden, you will have ample opportunity to make new friends. A good part of your social life will revolve around your student union. The union can often help you with finding accommodation and other practical matters. Do make sure you are covered by adequate health insurance while in Sweden.
You will most likely need to get a residence permit or visa, maybe even before you arrive in Sweden. To get a residence permit, you need to show you have sufficient funds to pay for living expenses in Sweden. But there are ways in which you can mitigate the financial strain: Sweden allows students to work for the duration of their studies. (And there are scholarships, of course.)
Sweden is an open, multicultural society with a long tradition of welcoming students from abroad.
Currently, some 26,000 foreign students are studying in Sweden, making for a vibrant, international study environment.
Swedes have some peculiar cultural traits, but they are deeply proud of having built a society that promotes equality between the sexes, tolerance and inclusiveness.
As a student in Sweden, you will have ample opportunity to make new friends. A good part of your social life will revolve around your student union. The union can often help you with finding accommodation and other practical matters. Do make sure you are covered by adequate health insurance while in Sweden.
You will most likely need to get a residence permit or visa, maybe even before you arrive in Sweden. To get a residence permit, you need to show you have sufficient funds to pay for living expenses in Sweden. But there are ways in which you can mitigate the financial strain: Sweden allows students to work for the duration of their studies. (And there are scholarships, of course.)
Scholarships
Scholarships
Although in almost all cases, tuition is free, it still costs to live in Sweden. There are a number of ways you can get funding to help you afford your stay:
The Swedish Institute, a government agency, each year administers over 500 scholarships for students and researchers coming to Sweden to pursue their objectives at a Swedish university.
The number of available scholarships varies from year to year, and competition is keen. Most foreign students in Sweden finance their stay without help from scholarships.
There are several different kinds of SI scholarship available. You can find them listed by name here.
The application process for SI scholarships depends primarily on the level at which you intend to study. Application instructions are available here.
SI scholarships for students applying to English-language programmes in Sweden are for master's level studies or advanced studies/research only.
SI also administers bilateral exchange programmes with Bulgaria, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Romania and Russia. Students and researchers from these countries can apply for funding for academic pursuits in Sweden via this channel as well.
Other organisations, both Swedish and foreign, also sponsor scholarships for foreign students in Sweden
Although in almost all cases, tuition is free, it still costs to live in Sweden. There are a number of ways you can get funding to help you afford your stay:
The Swedish Institute, a government agency, each year administers over 500 scholarships for students and researchers coming to Sweden to pursue their objectives at a Swedish university.
The number of available scholarships varies from year to year, and competition is keen. Most foreign students in Sweden finance their stay without help from scholarships.
There are several different kinds of SI scholarship available. You can find them listed by name here.
The application process for SI scholarships depends primarily on the level at which you intend to study. Application instructions are available here.
SI scholarships for students applying to English-language programmes in Sweden are for master's level studies or advanced studies/research only.
SI also administers bilateral exchange programmes with Bulgaria, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Romania and Russia. Students and researchers from these countries can apply for funding for academic pursuits in Sweden via this channel as well.
Other organisations, both Swedish and foreign, also sponsor scholarships for foreign students in Sweden
Why study in Sweden?
Why study in Sweden?
There are compelling reasons why you should study in Sweden.
Innovation and creativity run deep:
Sweden is a safe and modern country in northern Europe, and it has accrued a spectacular reputation as an innovator and creative force. Sweden's famed corporate brands - like Volvo, Ikea, Ericsson, H&M and Saab - complement its cultural brands - like Bergman, Abba, Astrid Lindgren, Bjorn Borg, Strindberg, The Cardigans and Garbo.
Standards are high:
Sweden has a long and proud history of academic excellence, with outstanding universities dating back to the 15th century. Sweden is the home of the Nobel Prize, the world's most prestigious academic distinction.
Today, SwedenҀs reputation for innovation is built on close cooperation between industry and academia. Swedish universities are renowned for their investigative research and independent thinking, and this reputation is cemented with rigorous quality control and nationally certified degrees. Sweden has one of the most ambitious educational evaluation programmes in Europe, aimed at maintaining this competitive edge.
Choice:
Swedish universities offer around 450 masterҀs programmes in English, ranging from human rights law to mechanical engineering. Programmes are structured in response to student demand ր the result is a student-centric education system, with open, informal relations between students and teachers, and where personal initiative and critical thought are prized.
Foreign students are welcome:
Many students studying in Sweden come from abroad ր 8.5% of the student body, according to the OECD ր making Sweden one of the worldҀs most inclusive countries for education. But there is room for more: The number grew by over 80% over the last 4-year period. There are now PhD candidates from some 80 countries working towards their degrees in Sweden.
SwedenҀs educational policy is based on the recognition that a multicultural student body is a resource. Competition for places is keen, but students of all nationalities may apply, given the right credentials; and degree equivalency for past studies is granted on a flexible basis.
Scholarships are available:
The Swedish Institute grants hundreds of scholarships every year to help foreign students make their stay in Sweden more affordable. Currently, tuition fees for everyone are fully subsidised by the state. SwedenҀs public spending on education is the OECDҀs highest, at 4.9% of GDP. And because it costs to live in Sweden, foreign students can work while studying.
English is spoken by all:
Almost all Swedes speak fluent English. Many Swedish companies use English as their official working language.
Foreign students find that this prevalence of English makes adapting to their new surroundings much easier.
There are compelling reasons why you should study in Sweden.
Innovation and creativity run deep:
Sweden is a safe and modern country in northern Europe, and it has accrued a spectacular reputation as an innovator and creative force. Sweden's famed corporate brands - like Volvo, Ikea, Ericsson, H&M and Saab - complement its cultural brands - like Bergman, Abba, Astrid Lindgren, Bjorn Borg, Strindberg, The Cardigans and Garbo.
Standards are high:
Sweden has a long and proud history of academic excellence, with outstanding universities dating back to the 15th century. Sweden is the home of the Nobel Prize, the world's most prestigious academic distinction.
Today, SwedenҀs reputation for innovation is built on close cooperation between industry and academia. Swedish universities are renowned for their investigative research and independent thinking, and this reputation is cemented with rigorous quality control and nationally certified degrees. Sweden has one of the most ambitious educational evaluation programmes in Europe, aimed at maintaining this competitive edge.
Choice:
Swedish universities offer around 450 masterҀs programmes in English, ranging from human rights law to mechanical engineering. Programmes are structured in response to student demand ր the result is a student-centric education system, with open, informal relations between students and teachers, and where personal initiative and critical thought are prized.
Foreign students are welcome:
Many students studying in Sweden come from abroad ր 8.5% of the student body, according to the OECD ր making Sweden one of the worldҀs most inclusive countries for education. But there is room for more: The number grew by over 80% over the last 4-year period. There are now PhD candidates from some 80 countries working towards their degrees in Sweden.
SwedenҀs educational policy is based on the recognition that a multicultural student body is a resource. Competition for places is keen, but students of all nationalities may apply, given the right credentials; and degree equivalency for past studies is granted on a flexible basis.
Scholarships are available:
The Swedish Institute grants hundreds of scholarships every year to help foreign students make their stay in Sweden more affordable. Currently, tuition fees for everyone are fully subsidised by the state. SwedenҀs public spending on education is the OECDҀs highest, at 4.9% of GDP. And because it costs to live in Sweden, foreign students can work while studying.
English is spoken by all:
Almost all Swedes speak fluent English. Many Swedish companies use English as their official working language.
Foreign students find that this prevalence of English makes adapting to their new surroundings much easier.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Scholarships for International Students
You will undoubtedly encounter several scholarship matching services that, for a fee, will offer to search a database of scholarships for awards that match your profile. Unfortunately, the vast majority of awards in these databases are restricted to US citizens and permanent residents. Don't waste your money on such services.
The following databases are dedicated to listing scholarships for international students in specific countries. You should also consider searching the free databases of scholarships on the www.FinAid site, since some of them include scholarships for international students. The www.FastWeb database, in particular, has good coverage of the awards available for international students.
A word of caution: If a scholarship has an application fee, don't apply. If you have to pay money to get money, it is probably a scam. For more information about scholarship scams, the unclaimed aid myth, and related topics, see the Scholarship Scams section of the FinAid site.
A Selected List of Fellowship and Other Support Opportunities for Advanced Education for US Citizens and Foreign Nationals
This NSF publication (NSF 93-147) was obtained from stis.nsf.gov as the files ns93147a.txt through ns93147f.txt. Also available is the NSF publication 94-139, Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI).
GrantSearch Australia
GrantSearch Australia offers customised keyword searches of a database containing over 1,400 grants, scholarships, fellowships and awards available in Australia. The cost is AUD45 + AUD5 postage (approximately US$40).
International Education Financial Aid
This site contains a free searchable database of 870 scholarships and awards for international students. Most are restricted to use at specific universities.
ScholarshipsCanada.com
ScholarshipsCanada.com is a large searchable database of more than 17,000 scholarships, prizes, and bursaries for students in Canada. It includes both school-administered and private awards. ScholarshipsCanada.com is published by EDge Interactive, 3470 Pharmacy Ave., Toronto, Ontario M1W 2S7, Canada, phone 416-494-3343, fax 416-494-0949.
SFU Graduate Awards Database
A small database of Canadian graduate and postdoctoral fellowships, compiled by Simon Fraser University.
St怀d & Stipendier AB (SOS AB)
SOS is a Swedish-based scholarship and grant search service, serving primarily European students who wish to study abroad. They also serve American students who want to study in Europe or in the Pacific region (Australia, NZ, Far East). They also do grant searches for institutions and associations with international activities. They have a staff of seven people working in Sweden and four in Riga, Latvia. They compile their own database, which lists 17,000 addresses, and they also have access to several other databases of Scandinavian origin (Billeso & Baltzer), European origin (European Foundation Centre and Maecenata) and American origin (Foundation Center, Scholarship Finder). They have been in business since 1992. Their fees, if the printout is sent by email, are
US$45 for undergraduate or graduate students and for ill or disabled persons looking for financial support,
US$75 for students aiming for a PhD or postdoctoral studies or research. (Smaller personal projects.)
US$95 for institutions, non-profit-organisations and other associations. (Larger projects.) Add US$5 for currency-charges. (This extra-charge will be dropped as soon as they have a simple and secure international digital payment-system working.) They also sell "Stora Fondboken" for US$58 for Macintosh or PC systems with information on 3,000 grants worldwide. It is also available as a CD-ROM for US$285 per year plus VAT. They are working on an online search service for their web page. For more information, call +46-670-614310 or +46-8-836113, fax +46-670-614330, write to St怀d & Stipendier AB (SOS AB), Transtigen 7, S-833 35 STRրMSUND, Sweden, or send email to grants@algonet.se.
You will undoubtedly encounter several scholarship matching services that, for a fee, will offer to search a database of scholarships for awards that match your profile. Unfortunately, the vast majority of awards in these databases are restricted to US citizens and permanent residents. Don't waste your money on such services.
The following databases are dedicated to listing scholarships for international students in specific countries. You should also consider searching the free databases of scholarships on the www.FinAid site, since some of them include scholarships for international students. The www.FastWeb database, in particular, has good coverage of the awards available for international students.
A word of caution: If a scholarship has an application fee, don't apply. If you have to pay money to get money, it is probably a scam. For more information about scholarship scams, the unclaimed aid myth, and related topics, see the Scholarship Scams section of the FinAid site.
A Selected List of Fellowship and Other Support Opportunities for Advanced Education for US Citizens and Foreign Nationals
This NSF publication (NSF 93-147) was obtained from stis.nsf.gov as the files ns93147a.txt through ns93147f.txt. Also available is the NSF publication 94-139, Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI).
GrantSearch Australia
GrantSearch Australia offers customised keyword searches of a database containing over 1,400 grants, scholarships, fellowships and awards available in Australia. The cost is AUD45 + AUD5 postage (approximately US$40).
International Education Financial Aid
This site contains a free searchable database of 870 scholarships and awards for international students. Most are restricted to use at specific universities.
ScholarshipsCanada.com
ScholarshipsCanada.com is a large searchable database of more than 17,000 scholarships, prizes, and bursaries for students in Canada. It includes both school-administered and private awards. ScholarshipsCanada.com is published by EDge Interactive, 3470 Pharmacy Ave., Toronto, Ontario M1W 2S7, Canada, phone 416-494-3343, fax 416-494-0949.
SFU Graduate Awards Database
A small database of Canadian graduate and postdoctoral fellowships, compiled by Simon Fraser University.
St怀d & Stipendier AB (SOS AB)
SOS is a Swedish-based scholarship and grant search service, serving primarily European students who wish to study abroad. They also serve American students who want to study in Europe or in the Pacific region (Australia, NZ, Far East). They also do grant searches for institutions and associations with international activities. They have a staff of seven people working in Sweden and four in Riga, Latvia. They compile their own database, which lists 17,000 addresses, and they also have access to several other databases of Scandinavian origin (Billeso & Baltzer), European origin (European Foundation Centre and Maecenata) and American origin (Foundation Center, Scholarship Finder). They have been in business since 1992. Their fees, if the printout is sent by email, are
US$45 for undergraduate or graduate students and for ill or disabled persons looking for financial support,
US$75 for students aiming for a PhD or postdoctoral studies or research. (Smaller personal projects.)
US$95 for institutions, non-profit-organisations and other associations. (Larger projects.) Add US$5 for currency-charges. (This extra-charge will be dropped as soon as they have a simple and secure international digital payment-system working.) They also sell "Stora Fondboken" for US$58 for Macintosh or PC systems with information on 3,000 grants worldwide. It is also available as a CD-ROM for US$285 per year plus VAT. They are working on an online search service for their web page. For more information, call +46-670-614310 or +46-8-836113, fax +46-670-614330, write to St怀d & Stipendier AB (SOS AB), Transtigen 7, S-833 35 STRրMSUND, Sweden, or send email to grants@algonet.se.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Guide to virtual schools
when talking about Virtual Schools, this is the most talked about issue besides economy. Many people around the world find themselves struggling in jobs because of lack of education or lack of degree status. In current times, we are surrounded by many companies looking for degrees. For many of these hard working people, we see a sudden loss of interest in work since they are not being compensated since they have no degrees. They have more than enough experience but no "formal education". Many find this disturbing and inconsiderate but people are finding themselves going back to school to further their opportunities in their work fields.
After looking for so long and trying to do the same, I found Penn State University's World Campus. Around the world there are many schools, colleges and universities that are offering programs such as this. We see the commercials all over the television. What is not explained in these commercials is that many of these so called on-line schools, are not per say, "schools". These are places that offer people training and information in order for them to get the necessary "education". Many of these "schools" are businesses run by business men, not teachers which are the ones that should be teaching a course.
Besides the fact of having to deal with so many fake places that will take your money, which many families do not have, you also have to deal with the fact that you might not have the same opportunity to go into a job as any other person that has graduated from a brick and mortar college. These are acredited and their degrees are valid, while these companies degrees are accepted but not before the ones that come from an accredited school. The whole reason one is trying to do this is because between family and work, it is difficult to be able to go to a brick and mortar school.
Taking this into consideration, it is of great importance to make sure the school you choose is accredited. I was lucky that I found Penn State On-line. There are several others that will be able to provide you with the education you need, but make sure you go through one that is accredited. It is very interesting being able to experience this wonderful world of on-line schools. Not all are so lucky, if you are, you should take advantage of it. One word of advise. It is not the easiest task. You have to be very committed to your studies. It is not easy to try to juggle your full time job, home with the family and then have to also study and do homework.
Although it has been expressed by experts that on-line students tend to isolate themselves due to so much time needed to be on-line to achieve your desired levels, it is a risk you have to take in order to acquire your degree. It is incredibly fun and interesting to meet people from all over the U.S. I greatly encourage anyone interested, to take the first step and try to get some information. Remember the most important word; accreditation. There are so many on-line schools, my best bet would be a state college in your area and verify if they offer any on-line courses. I mean, even if you start with a certificate, it is a beginning.
I wish you the best of luck in your journey. Mine is far from done, but I am enjoying it everyday.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Khan Academy offers Free SAT Prep
Khan Academy online is a completely free resource for students and parents. Schools, homeschools and other educators use Khan academy to help students with math, science, history, physics and finance. They have a library of over 2400 videos. One of the newest programs they have is the SAT Prep Videos.
The Khan Academy has over 100 videos that go over every question in the 2004 SAT prep book. All you need to do is take the SAT practice test in the prep book and start going the videos for the problems you missed. You can pick up the book really cheap on Amazon or borrow it from the public library.
All of the Khan Academies videos are available to anyone, free of charge.
Khan Academy hits it again.
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