Tool estimates education's cost | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper

Tool estimates education's cost | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper

If You Need Financial Help for College, Look to These Schools - College Bound - Education Week

If You Need Financial Help for College, Look to These Schools - College Bound - Education Week

How to: Tips To Prepare Language Course Abroad?

Before you head abroad for a language course, you will certainly find points that it's well advised to do when preparing. Taking these suggestions onboard will hopefully making your experience as entertaining and beneficial as possible.

Usually talking, the suggestion could possibly be split into two categories: realistic travel-related suggestions and suggestions about how to prepare for your personal learning experience. There are plenty of additional steps you can take to assist you possess a really optimistic experience.

Here is a list of IҀm sharing with you all while preparing for a language course abroad.

Get yourself educated initially

ItҀs very essential to find out about the history of the nation where you will probably be studying. This can give you some help in a few different methods. Number 1 is to assist you grasp the countryҀs background and current situation. Number 1 will guide you actively participate and communicate with locals and feel more connected with the society at the same time. If youҀre able to prove that you took time to educate yourself about their history, then it'll help permit more outstanding connections with those around you. Plus, it prevents those uncomfortable situations where you pretend to get Ӏin the knowԀ concerning what a regional is speaking about, but really don't understand (this happens by actually speaking a lot, particularly with local politics).

Look the realities of former students

This is actually the best way to know if the university as well as the situation will meet your expectations. If you're in search of a small or new school, you won't be able to find it from the big international agencies, and such will be the incredibly schools where specific care and close contact with the local tradition and individuals are offered.

Sketch your daily routine

Think of the time spent training with other students. Just remember to get 2-3 hours to perform homework, review what you learned from school and organize the important points. Generally, the more time your specific stay is, the less time daily should really be selected. Thus, to get a 3-month language course twenty lessons a week are acceptable.

General travel-related guidance

Similar to any foreign journey, itҀs advisable before going abroad with regards to your course to actually:

• Organize suitable travel insurance plan, and also keep a copy of your policy. Get any vaccinations, which youҀll want. Particulars on what vaccinations you need to have are featured via your doctor.
• Make sure youҀve any visas necessary for going abroad, or that you've registered your particular details online. You wonҀt be permitted into the nation in case you havenҀt done this.
• Tell a family member or close friend where youҀre going and provides them contact details on your behalf if at all. Inform your bank that youҀre going abroad in case you intend to make use of your debit or credit card whilst youҀre away. Failing to work on this might result in the bank presuming your card has been used fraudulently, and putting end on all transactions.
• Get some foreign money to make use in the country youҀre visiting. Ensure that your passport is valid and that thereҀre actually at least valid for another six months before it expires.
• Finally, learn some fundamental words in the language. YouҀll be gaining knowledge of particular thing if youҀre starting out. Beneficial are simple greetings, so that you know what things to say to your specific host family.

Please contribute with us your views in the comments if you have any other tips for preparing language course abroad.

This article is written by Todd Bently. Todd, a guest lecturer at the Nipissing University, Canada, is a specialist in English Studies.He encourages students to take take up medical program at the School of Nursing provided by the University.

http://www.autism-society.org/news/the-parents-guide-to-college.html

http://www.autism-society.org/news/the-parents-guide-to-college.html

KCPW Radio Interview

Susan Matt (my spouse) and I were interviewed on KCPW today about our course "Are Machines Making Us Stupid?" Here is a link to the podcast on the KCPW site or listen to it here as well:

Segment 2: Living the Tech Life

TodayҀs conventional wisdom may be that a well-rounded life must include Facebook, iPhones and constant connectivity. But does technology and omnipresent media really enrich our relationships, boost our moods and enhance our intellectual capacity? Professors Susan Matt and Luke Fernandez join us to explore the question: Are machines making us stupid?

Guests:
Dr. Susan Matt, Professor and Chair of the History Department, Weber State University
Dr. Luke Fernandez, Manager of Program and Technology Development, Weber State University

How to Choose the Best Home Schooling Distance Learning Program

You have decided to take your child out of traditional public school in favor of home schooling. You have heard many of your friends talk about this option, but no one has done anything yet. And you're determined to give your child the best education they can get because you want a better experience for them.

Many parents out of frustration with traditional schools turn to home schooling distance learning programs. The challenge is that there are so many today that it can be difficult to find the one that will work for your child. It seems like there are hundreds of these programs now because of the interest in home schooling but they are not all good programs.

When you are considering any home schooling distance learning program here are some issues to consider:

Accreditation

Traditional schools have to be accredited to show that they meet certain standards for their curriculum and teachers. A home schooling distance learning program should also be accredited by the state in which they reside. This insures that you are getting quality teaching and not just a fly by night school.

Teachers

Teachers should be certified and have at least the requirements for teaching in the state where the home schooling distance learning program is housed. This insures that the teachers have the knowledge and the skill to teach in the K-12 environment.

The Curriculum

There should be a flexible curriculum that allows for not only online instruction, but also the ability to have a textbook and a hands-on application. In order to be different than the traditional classroom, the home schooling distance learning program should take into consideration the need for real world application and immerse the student in learning.

Suggestions to Parents for Support

A good home schooling distance learning program will help parents integrate the program and find ways to support their child in learning. They will help parents find a comfort level with this process and give them actual ways that they can help between lessons.

History

Any home schooling distance learning program that you choose should have a history of educating students and should show their success on their websites. You should see testimonials and other information from students who have gone through the program. Make sure that the program has been in existence for at least five years and that it is student focused rather than curriculum focused.

Customer Service

You should be able to get in touch with someone from the school at least through email, but also by phone if necessary. The program should tell you how to do this before you sign up. You should also have access to the teacher via email, throughout the course of enrollment.

When you enroll in a home schooling distance learning program it will be a good idea to have at least a basic DSL connection for your computer because these programs generally work with higher level technical skill. The program will guide you and your student through the process of what to do for each lesson.

Day Nine--Eckerd College

Yeah! The marathon is over. We got to spend a morning in St. Petersburg. This wonderful area has many things to explore--beaches, shops, museums. The Dali Museum was a worthwhile cultural experience.

This is my second visit to Eckerd College. The campus looks very similar. Now there is a new science building under construction and five pet dorms, instead of one.

Marine science is still their strong major. The Eckerd Edge allows recent graduates to come back and take four additional courses at no charge if it will assist them with gaining employment or admission to graduate school. Their freshmen orientation program of three weeks in length has won awards.

Writing portfolios are mandatory for all graduates. General education credits are fulfilled through their prospective groups. Community service learning, study abroad, and green initiatives define this campus. Students are also required to attend 16 program series events. These are a variety of cultural events.

Traveling the campus is done on a yellow bike. Need one, just pick up the closest one that you can find.

Saturday proved to be a good time to visit and see a large student body on campus involved in many activities from a rugby game to waterfront activities. I really liked what I saw and heard on this campus. They have a vision to specialize in undergraduate education with a goal of producing a well-rounded, involved global citizen. They are succeeding quite well! They really do live up to the label of one of the Colleges That Change Lives.

ThinkOUTside is their motto and it is certainly true. The unique large white tented pavilions are used for many things including outdoor dining and recreation.

If you don't need Greek, and you want to have some life-altering educational experiences, consider Eckerd .

DAY Eight --Saint Leo University and University of Tampa

Saint Leo's University is the epitome of a campus with Florida architecture with its lakeside setting and widely-spaced red tiled roofs on its buildings. This would be a good choice for a student who needs few distractions. Basically there is very little around St. Leo's except a beautiful view. It is the largest Catholic college in Florida and it is also the oldest college in Florida.

They are generous with their financial aid. For non-Florida residents, you receive $2,000 each year.

This is a good option for an average student who needs academic support and few distractions.

It is test optional with about 1800 undergrads on campus and a hope to grow to 3,000. They are also trying to grow from 35% out-of-state to 50%. Their biggest majors are business, education, criminal justice, biology, and a variety if pre-professional programs.

With enrollment you are given a new laptop. LEAP is their program for at-risk students. They have two professional staff members to assist LD students.

New construction includes a business building. The interiors of the building are refreshing, clean, and up-to-date.

University of Tampa

Tampa is set in a small urban setting. Since my visit several years ago, no remarkable changes were apparent to me. My campus tour offered the opportunity to explore parts of the campus that I had not seen on my prior visit.

All 50 states represented on this campus. Strong majors are marine science, education, nursing, film and media arts, dance and musical theater. Dance will soon become a major with the addition of additional staff.

Things that identify UT are experimental learning, travel abroad and research.

I had several good experiences on this campus. I got to explore the fine arts facilities and meet s dance professor. After dinner a small group of us stayed on campus to attend a dance program. It offered a variety of dance numbers, each of them excellent. The house was packed. Footloose was the final number. I'll always remember this inspiring event.

The bad experience was the professor who sat at my table at dinner. Everything revolved around him. Their was no conversation with the other five seated at the table. Pity the student who gets him. Compassion and understanding was never mentioned.

Art Therapy Schools For Everybody

What is the role of art in your life? Perhaps you havenҀt given it much thought especially because you think that art is just another way of tinkering with colors and paint and everything nice and colorful. And yet, there are still others out there who think of art as more than just a way of expressing oneҀs creative side. Today, people are looking at art as a means of expressing themselves not for self satisfaction but more for therapy. Art therapy schools have joins the art school rankings in its desire to equip people with the thought that art can be used to help them reveal what they feel from the inside. But what is stopping people from using art to their advantage?

One of the main drawbacks in the use of art for therapy is the notion that art therapy schools only cater people who are already good in art. People need to know that art therapy schools are not for people who have god-given talents in art but rather it is for people who need help to determine what they feel from the inside. The main goal of the art therapy classes is to help its students to use art to express their thoughts and feelings because not all people have the capacity to talk about how they feel. How will one know that enrolling in art therapy schools are for them?

Art therapy schools admit almost everybody who feel that art can help them. They also encourage those that do not think that art therapy is for them. It can be for kids and adults and just about everybody from different age groups. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why art therapy has become such an effective tool particularly because it can cater the needs of just about everyone. Sometimes, groups of people like a family or a circle of friends could attend the art therapy sessions together. These art sessions are especially designed for a group of people who experienced the trauma together. Not only are these people encouraged to draw or paint about how they feel but it also helps them see that there are other people around them who may be suffering from the worse. More than that, it shows people the other side of the family member or a friend that they do not have any idea about.

Art therapy schools are included in the art school rankings for a reasons and one of which is the fact that these schools have catered to people who really needed the help from a therapists. The art classes are supervised by therapists who help students in discovering the different forms of art and how they could employ such tools to express themselves and their thoughts. There is no need to worry whether you were born an artist or you were born without skills in art production because art therapy schools will equip you with the skills needed not to produce a great work of art but to use art as a tool to get over all the negative pent up emotions from deep inside.

Art therapy schools employ the concept of the using art forms to be an effective tool to help people discover who they really are through the way they express themselves. If art therapy schools have helped other people, then how could it not help you.

Does Applying Early Mean a Better Chance of Acceptance?

Does Applying Early Mean a Better Chance of Acceptance?

Day Seven-- Stetson University and Florida Southern

Stetson University wins the prize for most improved. It is amazing the transformation that has occurred since I last visited. The grounds are well-manicured with beautiful landscaping. It reminds me of Elon in appearance.

The primary emphasis at Stetson is to produce citizens who are not only engaged in research, but involved in the community. They want to produce students who will make a difference in the world.

Having met faculty, students, administrators and the President, each seems truly dedicated and excited about their learning community.

Some unique opportunities include music scholarships to non-music majors, the Bonner Scholars Program, student participation in the service-dog program New Horizons.

Pet friendly dorms are now available on campus. The next big new thing is Division I non- scholarship football coming in 2013.

Florida Southern College in Lakeland is truly by a lake. You can get a dorm room with a vista lake view. Their campus was named "The Most Beautiful US Campus" by The Princeton Review. The oldest part of the campus was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Many of the newer buildings also reflect this same architectural style.

Their motto is " Learn It, Live It, Own It, Love It. " There is a four-year residential requirement. Each student is guaranteed an internship and a study abroad experience. They describe their curriculum as transformational. Self-designed majors are the norm .

They have a diverse population. Lots of school spirit is evident in their gym with " The Viper Pit." Greek houses are on campus. Student Greek participation is 30-40%.

Strong majors are business, education,, nursing, fine arts.

New Campus Book Store!

HIGGINBOTHAMS PRIVATE LIMITED, is going to inaugurate a new campus book store at Alliance university main campus on 17th Feb 2012, Friday at 10:00 am.
Dr. Madhukar G. Angur, Chancellor, Alliance University, has accepted our request to inaugurate the book store.
You all are cordially invited to grace the occasion.

Day Six -- Flagler College

Flagler College earns the crown jewel of colleges for the tour at this point. Situated in America's oldest city, Saint Augustine, it has breathtaking interiors in its historic buildings. Tiffany windows and a Harry Potter-type dining facility are some of the wonderful historical elements found on this campus.

This is a good fit for your middle-of-the-road student, not only academically, but socially. If you are a history buff, this place would be paradise. Also it is only 5 minutes from the beach.

Flagler is one of the few campuses that I have visited recently with no coed dorms. It is also a dry campus. If you are looking for the party scene, this may not be the place for you.

Some strong and unique majors: Business, communications, education, deaf education. This is not for science or math majors.

The best part of this the price tag--$22,500! WOW!

Overview of Higher Online Education in Spain

Overview of Higher Online Education in Spain

Spain's higher education system includes a large number of public and private universities as well as other non-university schools of higher education such as business schools and schools that offer programs in tourism, visual and performance art and physical education. An estimated 88 percent of Spain's higher education students attend one of over 45 public universities.

Spain's public higher education system is known to be overcrowded, especially in the first year, before tough exams have weeded out the less committed students. The system is very structured and students are not allowed to move between public schools except for reasons of necessity. Most students live at home and thus the full experience of higher education many students benefit from in other countries is not common in Spain.

Admissions to public universities is based on a student's secondary school grades as well as their score on the PGB university entrance examination given at the end of secondary school. Tuition at public universities and other public schools is fairly low ր typically up to about 1000 euros a year for undergraduate programs.

Higher education in Spain is the responsibility of the Ministry of Science and Innovation, which is a newly created organization that is focusing attention on the need for research and innovation in sciences to promote the economic and social development of Spain.

Types of Schools and Degrees

Until very recently, Spain's higher education schools and degrees were quite different from those of most other western countries. As a result of the European Bologna agreement of 1999, which set a goal of standardizing higher education degrees across Europe, Spain has been making significant changes to their higher education structure. Most schools now offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral level degrees but some still offer old-style degree programs as the transition from old to new continues.

Bachelor's degrees, which are referred to as a "graduado degrees" are earned in four years for most programs, master's degrees in another year or two and doctoral degrees in a varying amount of time, depending on the program. Schools may also offer other certificates and diplomas in addition to these degrees.

Students who wish to study engineering or architecture can attend universities that specialize in these areas. Other universities offer a broad range of programs of study while smaller non-university schools offer a limited scope of programs. Foreign universities and colleges attract international students who want to study in Spain. Study programs in Spain's public institutions typically have a fixed curriculum, leaving students with minimal flexibility to explore subjects outside their program of study.

International Students

Less than two percent of higher education students in Spain are from abroad. Those that do choose to study in Spain often do so through an exchange program or choose to attend a private school which is often an American or European school.

European Union citizens are admitted on the same basis as Spanish citizens, substituting their own country's secondary qualifications for Spanish qualifications. Proficient knowledge of the Spanish language is necessary and is confirmed by the individual university. Tuition for international students at public schools is the same as for Spanish citizens which tends to run up to about 1000 euros a year but varies from school to school.

About Spain

Spain is a country of diverse geography, climates, and cultures. It's population of about 46 million people live in higher densities near the capital of Madrid and in coastal areas which exist on three sides of the country. Spain is a popular tourist destination that is well-known for its many historical sites, artistic influences and Spanish architecture.

Spain ranks 15th on the 2007 United Nations Human Development Index and has the 9h highest life expectancy in the world, based on the same report. It's GDP is about the 10th highest in the world. It is a member of the European Union, the United Nations and NATO.

Spain Universities 

Centro Universitario Villanueva -- Madrid

Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea -- University of the Basque Country - Bilbao, San Sebastian, Vitoria- Gasteiz

IE University -- Segovia

Mondragon Unibertsitatea -- University of Mondrag　n - Mondrag　n

Schiller International University -- Madrid

Universidad Alfonso X -- Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio - Villanueva de la Caကada

Universidad Antonio de Nebrija -- Hoyo de Manzanares, Madrid

Universidad Autonoma de Madrid -- Universidad Aut　noma de Madrid - Madrid

Universidad Camilo Jos退 Cela -- Villanueva de la Caကada

Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU -- Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera - Castell　n de la Plana, Elche

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid -- Colmenarejo, Getafe, Legan退s

Universidad Cat　lica de @vila -- Catholic University of Avila - @vila

Universidad Cat　lica de Valencia -- Universidad Cat　lica de Valencia San Vicente Martir - Valencia

Universidad Cat　lica San Antonio -- San Antonio Catholic University - Murcia

Universidad Complutense de Madrid -- Madrid Complutense University - Madrid

Universidad de Alcalက -- University of Alcalက - Alcalက de Henares

Universidad de Alicante -- University of Alicante - San Vicente del Raspeig

Universidad de Almeria -- University of Almeria - Almer퀀a

Universidad de Burgos -- University of Burgos - Burgos

Universidad de Cadiz -- University of Cadiz - Cadiz

Universidad de Cantabria -- University of Cantabria - Santander

Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha -- University of Castilla-La Mancha - Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Toledo

Universidad de Cordoba -- University of Cordoba - Cordoba

Universidad de Deusto -- University of Deusto - Bilbao

Universidad de Extremadura -- Badajoz, Cကceres, Merida, Plasencia

Universidad de Granada -- University of Granada - Granada

Universidad de Huelva -- University of Huelva - Huelva

Universidad de Ja退n -- University of Ja退n - Ja退n

Universidad de La Laguna -- University of La Laguna - La Laguna

Universidad de La Rioja -- University La Rioja - Logroကo

Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria -- University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Universidad de Le　n -- University of Leon - Leon, Ponferrada

Universidad de Malaga -- Mကlaga University - Malaga

Universidad de Murcia -- University of Murcia - Murcia

Universidad de Navarra -- University of Navarra - Pamplona

Universidad de Oviedo -- University of Oviedo - Oviedo

Universidad de Salamanca -- University of Salamanca - Salamanca

Universidad de Sevilla -- University of Seville - Seville

Universidad de Valladolid -- University of Valladolid - Valladolid

Universidad de Zaragoza -- University of Zaragoza - Zaragoza

Universidad Europea de Madrid -- European University of Madrid - Villaviciosa de Odon

Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes -- Miguel de Cervantes European University - Valladolid

Universidad Francisco de Vitoria -- Francisco de Vitoria University - Pozuelo de Alarc　n

Universidad Internacional de Andaluc퀀a -- International University of Andaluc퀀a - Huelva, Jaen, Malaga, Seville

Universidad Internacional Men退ndez Pelayo -- Men退ndez Pelayo International University - Madrid

Universidad Miguel Hernကndez -- Miguel Hernကndez University of Elche - Alicante

Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia -- National University of Distance Education - Madrid

Universidad Pablo de Olavide -- Pablo de Olavide University - Seville

Universidad Pontificia Comillas -- Comillas Pontifical University - Madrid

Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca -- Pontifical University of Salamanca - Salamanca

Universidad Pꀀblica de Navarra -- Public University of Navarra - Pamplona, Tudela

Universidad Rey Juan Carlos -- Rey Juan Carlos University - Madrid

Universidad San Pablo -- San Pablo CEU University - Madrid

Universidad SEK -- International University SEK - Carcel退n

Universidade da Coruကa -- University of A Coruကa - A Coruကa

Universidade de Santiago -- Royal University of Santiago de Compostela - Santiago de Compostela

Universidade de Vigo -- University of Vigo - Vigo

Universitat Abat Oliba CEU -- University Abat Oliva CEU - Barcelona

Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona -- Autonomous University of Barcelona - Cerdanyola del Vall耀s

Universitat de Barcelona -- University of Barcelona - Barcelona

Universitat de Girona -- University of Girona - Girona

Universitat de les Illes Balears -- University of the Balearic Islands - Palma

Universitat de Lleida -- University of Lleida - Lleida

Universitat de Valencia -- University of Valencia - Valencia

Universitat de Vic -- University of Vic - Vic

Universitat Internacional de Catalunya -- International University of Catalunya - Barcelona

Universitat Jaume I -- Jaume I University - Castell　n de la Plana

Universitat Obierta de Cataluniya -- Open University of Catalonia - Barcelona

Universitat Pompeu Fabra -- Pompeu Fabra University - Barcelona

Universitat Ramon Llull -- Ramon Llull University - Barcelona

Universitat Rovira i Virgili -- University Rovira i Virgili - Tarragona

University San Jorge -- San Jorge University - Huesca

Overview of Higher Online Education in Belgium

Overview of Higher Online Education in Belgium

The country of Belgium is made up of a large Flemish community, a large French community and a much smaller German community. The Flemish and French communities each have their own system of higher online education. Students from the German community usually study elsewhere in Belgium or in Germany.

Admission to most of Belgium's higher  education online institutions is open to anyone who has graduated from secondary school. However, programs in medicine, engineering, business and arts may also require students to pass an entrance examination. Only schools that are accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting organization can confer degrees that will be recognized within Belgium and across Europe.

Tuition is free but there are registration fees for all public institutions which are set by the government These have been about 600 euros a year in the Flemish community and over 800 euros a year in the French Community.

Types of Schools and Degrees

Flemish Community

Higher education institutions are referred to as universities or university colleges. Academic degrees available at Flemish universities are bachelor's, master's, advanced master's and doctoral degrees. Professional degrees are offered at university colleges and include associate's, professional bachelor's and advanced bachelor's degrees. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from both types of instituions follow the structure defined by the Bologna agreement which has standardized degrees across Europe.

The universities and university colleges in the Flemish community are grouped in associations where one university will have an association with one or more university colleges to facilitate research. Bachelor's level courses are taught in Dutch while some master's and doctoral level courses are taught in English to appeal to an international audience.

French Community

Universities, professional education schools, schools of architecture and schools of art provide academic and professional degree programs. These degree programs conform to the Bologna agreement which defines standards for degree programs across Europe. Universities offer bachelor's, master's, complementary master's and doctoral degrees as well as medical doctor and veterinary doctor degrees. Professional education schools and other institutions offer bachelor's and master's degrees.

International Students

Flemish Community

International students are able to enroll in bachelor's degree programs at universities, university colleges and other schools as long as they have completed a secondary education deemed equivalent to Belgium's secondary education. Admission to master's and doctoral programs is decided by the institution's board who will determine whether the student's foreign degree is equivalent to a degree earned in Belgium.

International students must have Dutch language competency and students from outside the European Union must obtain a student visa. All international students must register with the local administration in Belgium within eight days of arrival. Tuition and fees for international students vary by institution but are generally higher than for Belgium's citizens.

French Community

Higher education in the French community is very popular for international students with about 19 percent of all students coming from outside Belgium. Admission of foreign students is determined by individual universities and schools which decide whether a student's secondary education qualifications are equivalent to Belgium's. Certain areas of study such as art, engineering, and science require that students take an entrance examination that is also required of Belgium's students.

Fees for international students vary by institution and are higher than fees paid by Belgium's citizens. EU students pay more than citizens of Belgium but less than non-EU students. In 2010, a non-EU student may have typically paid about 1500 euros in addition to the normal registration fee of about 820 euros each year. There may also be additional charges for international students that vary by school.

About Belgium

Belgium is a country of about 10.7 million people which is made up of two major linguistic groups, the Flemish who speak Dutch and the French. A much smaller group speaks German. Its complex system of government involves a federal government, language-based community governments as well as regional governments. It is bordered by France, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and the North Sea. Its capital, Brussels, is the seat of the European Union and NATO.

Belgium's GDP is the 31st largest in the world and it ranked 17th on the United Nations 2009 Human Development Index. Belgium has a very high rate of those who pursue post-secondary education, compared with its European neighbors.

Belgium Universities

Acad退mie des Beaux-Arts de Tournai -- Academy of Fine Arts in Tournai - Tournai

Acad退mie royale des Beaux-Arts de la ville de Bruxelles - ɀcole sup退rieure des Arts -- Royal Academy of Fine Arts City of Brussels - Brussels

Arteveldehogeschool -- University College Arteveldehogeschool - Ghent

Brussels School of International Studies -- University of Kent's Brussels School of International Studies (BSIS) - Brussels

Carolus Magnus University -- Brussels

Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles -- Royal Conservatory of Brussels - Brussels

Conservatoire royal de Li耀ge -- Royal Conservatory of Li耀ge - Liege

Conservatoire royal de Mons -- Royal Conservatory of Mons - Mons

Continental Theological Seminary -- Sint-Pieters-Leeuw

ECAM - Institut Superieur Industriel -- ECAM-Institut Superieur Industriel - Brussels

ɀcole nationale sup退rieure des Arts visuels de La Cambre -- National High School of Visual Arts - Brussels

ɀcole sup退rieure des Arts - ɀcole de recherche graphique -- School of Visual Research - Brussels

ɀcole sup退rieure des Arts de la ville de Li耀ge -- Royal Academy de Li耀ge Beaux-Arts - Liege

ɀcole sup退rieure des Arts plastiques et visuels de la Communaut退 fran瀀aise -- ɀcole sup退rieure des Arts plastiques et visuels de la Communaut退 fran瀀aise (ESAPV) - Mons

ɀcole sup退rieure des Arts Saint-Luc de Bruxelles -- ɀcole sup退rieure des Arts Saint-Luc de Bruxelles (ESA) - Brussels

ɀcole sup退rieure des Arts Saint-Luc de Li耀ge -- Saint Luc Liege - Liege

Erasmushogeschool Brussel -- Erasmus Hogeschool - Brussels

European Open University -- Hasselt

Evangelische Theologische Faculteit, Leuven -- Evangelical Theological Faculty - Leuven

Facult退s Universitaires Catholiques de Mons -- Mons

Facult退s Universitaires Notre-Dame de la Paix -- University of Namur

Facult退s universitaires Saint-Louis -- Brussels

Gembloux Agricultural University -- Gembloux

Groep T - Leuven Hogeschool -- Groep T-Leuven Hogeschool - Leuven

Haute Ecole Blaise Pascal -- Blaise Pascal Haute Ecole - Arlon

Haute Ecole Charlemagne -- Charlemagne High School - Liege

Haute Ecole Charleroi-Europe -- Charleroi-Europe High School - Loverval

Haute Ecole de Bruxelles -- Brussels

Haute Ecole de la Communaut退 fran瀀aise du Luxembourg 'Schuman' -- Haute Ecole Robert Schuman - Arlon

Haute Ecole de la Communaut退 fran瀀aise en Hainaut -- Mons

Haute Ecole de la Communaut退 fran瀀aise Paul-Henri Spaak -- Haute Ecole Paul-Henri Spaak - Brussels

Haute Ecole de la Province de Li耀ge -- Higher Education Institution of the Province of Li耀ge - Jemeppe

Haute ɀcole de Namur -- Haute Ecole de Namur - Namur

Haute Ecole Francisco Ferrer -- Brussels

Haute Ecole Galil退e -- Brussels

Haute Ecole L退onard de Vinci -- Brussels

Haute Ecole libre de Bruxelles Ilya Prigogine -- Haute Ecole libre de Bruxelles - Brussels

Haute Ecole Libre Mosane -- Haute Ecole Libre Mosane (HELMO) - Liege

Haute Ecole Lucia de Brouck耀re -- Brussels

Haute Ecole provinciale de Charleroi - Universit退 du Travail -- Haute Ecole Provinciale de Charleroi University Labor - Charleroi

Haute Ecole provinciale du Hainaut Occidental -- Haute Ecole provinciale du Hainaut Occidental (HEPHO) - Tournai

Haute Ecole Roi Baudouin -- Haute Ecole Roi Baudouin (HERB) - Mons

Hogeschool 'Sint-Lukas' Brussel -- Brussels

Hogeschool Antwerpen -- Antwerp

Hogeschool voor Wetenschap & Kunst -- School of Science and Art - Brussels

Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen -- Kortrijk

Institut des Arts de Diffusion -- Institute of Broadcasting Arts - Louvain-La-Neuve

Institut national sup退rieur des Arts du Spectacle et des Techniques de Diffusion -- Graduate School of Arts (INSAS) - Brussels

Institut Saint-Luc de Tournai -- Higher Institute of Architecture Saint-Luc de Wallonie - Ramegnies Chin

Institut sup退rieur d'Architecture de la Communaut退 fran瀀aise La Cambre -- Higher Institute of Architecture of the French Community La Cambre - Brussels

Institut sup退rieur d'Architecture Intercommunal -- Higher Institute of Architecture Lambert Lombard - Liege

Institut sup退rieur d'Architecture Saint-Luc de Bruxelles -- Institut Sup退rieur d'Architecture Saint-Luc - Saint-Gilles

Institut sup退rieur d'Architecture Saint-Luc de Wallonie - Site de Li耀ge -- Higher Institute of Architecture Saint-Luc Wallonie - Liege

Institut sup退rieur d'Architecture Saint-Luc de Wallonie - Site de Tournai -- Institut sup退rieur d'Architecture Saint-Luc de Wallonie - Tournai

Institut sup退rieur de Musique et de P退dagogie -- Institut sup退rieur de Musique et de P退dagogie (IMEP) - Namur

Karel de Grote-Hogeschool Katholieke Hogeschool Antwerpen -- Karel de Grote-Hogeschool (KdG) - Antwerp

Katholieke Hogeschool 'Sint-Lieven', Gent -- Sint-Lieven Hogeschool - Ghent

Katholieke Hogeschool Brugge-Oostende -- Katholieke Hogeschool Brugge-Oostende (KHBO) - Brugge

Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen -- Geel

Katholieke Hogeschool Limburg -- Katholieke Hogeschool Limburg (KHLim) - Diepenbeek

Katholieke Hogeschool Mechelen -- Katholieke Hogeschool Mechelen (KHM) - Mechelen

Katholieke Universiteit Brussel -- Catholic University of Brussels - Brussels

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven -- Catholic University of Leuven - Leuven

Limburgs Universitair Centrum -- Hasslet University - Diepenbeek

Operastudio Vlaanderen -- Flanders Opera Studio - Antwerp

Plantijn Hogeschool -- Antwerp

Prins Leopold Instituut voor Tropische Geneeskunde -- Prince Leopold Institute of Tropical Medicine - Antwerp

Online Universit退 catholique de Louvain -- Catholic University of Louvain

Online Universit退 de Li耀ge -- University of Liege

Online Universit退 de Mons-Hainaut -- University of Mons-Hainaut

Online Universit退 du Travail -- University Labor - Charleroi

Online Universit退 Libre de Bruxelles -- Free University of Brussel

Online Universiteit Antwerpen -- University of Antwerpen

Online Universiteit Antwerpen Management School -- University of Antwerp Management School - Antwerp

Online Universiteit Gent -- University of Ghent

Online Universiteit Hasselt -- Hasselt

Online University of Liege Campus d'Arlon -- Arlon

Overview of Higher Online Education in France

Overview of Higher Online Education in France

The higher education system in France includes large broad-based public universities and smaller specialized schools that may be public or private. The public universities and schools are fully funded by the government aside from minimal registration fees paid by students. In addition to degree-granting universities and schools, France has a strong vocational program that focuses on manufacturing, trades and services. These programs are referred to as short programs, last two to three years and include internships.

University-level degrees are awarded at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral level and are considered equivalent to these degrees in many other countries. More than 35 percent of the French population earns a bachelor's degree or higher from a post-secondary school.

Types of Schools and Degrees

Over 90 public universities and over 170 professional schools offer a full spectrum of post-secondary education. The universities offer a wide array of degree programs while professional schools, also referred to as specialized schools, train students for a professional career in a particular subject area. These schools, which may be public or private, are more selective in their admissions and have much smaller enrollments than the universities. Schools known as grandes 退coles are the highest echelon of professional school and have extremely competitive admissions. Most specialize in engineering and business. Two-thirds of students attending post-secondary schools attend public universities.

As a result of the Bologna process of 1999, degrees earned in France are equivalent to those from all other European countries as well as many others. Bachelor's degrees can be earned in three to four years, master's degrees in another one to two years and doctoral degrees in varying amounts of time. Tuition at public universities is free for both citizens and non-citizens other than some minimal fees that usually do not total more than 300 euros a year.

International Students

International students have made up about 11 percent of higher education enrollment in recent years with many students drawn to arts, history and architecture programs. France is one of the most popular countries for international students. The general universities are open to all applicants that qualify to attend a university or college in their own country. The professional or specialized schools are more selective so applicants will need to provide academic records and may need to take entrance exams before being accepted.

International students are admitted to the highly-regarded grandes 退colesbased on their academic record with most students attending only after completion of some post-secondary schooling elsewhere.

Tuition for international students is the same as for citizens and is rarely higher than 300 euros a year. France has a high cost of living so students should plan on having at least 1000 euros per month for living expenses.

Other requirements for international students include:

• French language fluency, which usually needs to be proven via a French language proficiency exam that can usually be taken in one's home country.
• Possession of a student visa.
• Submission of a preliminary application of admission. This must be done onlineby residents of thirty participating countries.

Campus France is a national French agency which promotes French education abroad and has a website with helpful information for international students.

About France

France is the largest country (in area) in the European Union with a population of about 60 million. Over 2 million people reside in the largest city, Paris and 11 million live in the greater metropolitan area of Paris. France includes ten islands and territories including Guadeloupe, Martinique and the largest territory, French Guiana. It is the sixth largest economy in the world and is one of the founding members of the European Union.

France is the most visited tourist destination in the world as people are drawn to its culture of art, food, architecture and historical sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral. France is rated in the top tier of the United Nations Education Index and Human Development Index.

France Universities

Universit退 de Toulon-Var -- University of the South Toulon Var - Toulon

American University of Paris -- Paris

BEM - Bordeaux Management School -- Bordeaux Management School (BEM) - Bordeaux, Paris

British Institute in Paris, University of London -- University of London Institute in Paris - Paris

Centre universitaire de Formation et de Recherche Jean-Fran瀀ois Champollion -- University Center Jean-Fran瀀ois Champollion - Toulouse

Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales du Nord -- EDHEC Business School - Lille, Nice, Paris

Ecole nationale des Chartes -- National School of the Charters - Paris

Facult退 de Sciences Economiques et de Gestion ր Universit退 Lumi耀re Lyon 2 -- University Lyon 2 - Lyon

Institut catholique d'Etudes sup退rieures -- Catholic Institute of Higher Studies - La Roche-sur-Yon

International Space University -- Illkirch-Graffenstaden

Universit退 Aix-Marseille III -- Universit退 Paul C退zanne Aix-Marseille III - Aix-en-Provence

Universit退 Bordeaux 1 -- University of Bordeaux 1 - Bordeaux

Universit退 Catholique De L'Ouest -- Catholic University of the West - Angers

Universit退 catholique de Lille -- Catholic University of Lille - Lille

Universit退 catholique de Lyon -- Catholic University of Lyon - Lyon

Universit退 d'Aix-Marseille 1 -- University of Provence Aix-Marseille I - Aix-en-Provence, Marseille

Universit退 d'Aix-Marseille 2 -- University of the Mediterranean Aix-Marseille II - Aix-en-Provence, Marseille

Universit退 d'Angers -- University of Angers - Angers

Universit退 d'Artois -- Artois University - Arras

Universit退 d'Auvergne -- University of Auvergne - Clermont-Ferrand

Universit退 d'Avignon -- University of Avignon - Avignon

Universit退 d'Evry -- University of ɀvry Val d'Essonne - ɀvry

Universit退 d'Orl退ans -- University of Orl退ans - Orl退ans

Universit退 de Bordeaux 2 -- Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2 University - Bordeaux

Universit退 de Bourgogne -- University of Burgundy - Dijon

Universit退 de Bretagne Occidentale -- University of Western Brittany - Brest

Universit退 de Bretagne Sud -- University of Southern Brittany - Morbihan

Universit退 de Caen Basse-Normandie -- University of Caen Lower Normandy - Caen

Universit退 de Cergy-Pontoise -- Cergy-Pontoise University - Cergy-Pontoise

Universit退 de Clermont-Ferrand 2 -- Blaise Pascal University - Clermont-Ferrand

Universit退 de Corse -- University of Corsica Pascal Paoli - Corte

Universit退 de Franche-Comt退 -- University of Franche-Comt退 - Besan瀀on

Universit退 de Haute-Alsace -- Haute Alsace University - Colmar, Mulhouse

Universit退 de La Rochelle -- University of La Rochelle - La Rochelle

Universit退 de Lille 2 -- Lille 2 University of Health and Law - Lille

Universit退 de Limoges -- University of Limoges - Limoges

Universit退 de Lyon 1 -- Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 ր Lyon ր The Universite Lyon 1, also known as Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1 was established in 1971... Sometimes the university is referred to as UCBL...

Universit退 de Lyon 2 -- Lumi耀re University Lyon 2 - Lyon

Universit退 de Lyon 3 -- Jean Moulin University Lyon 3 - Lyon

Universit退 de Marne-la-Vall退e -- University of Marne la Vall退e - Marne la Vallee

Universit退 de Metz -- University Paul Verlaine-Metz - Metz

Universit退 de Montpellier 1 -- University of Montpellier 1 - Montpellier

Universit退 de Montpellier 2 -- University of Montpellier 2 ր Montpellier ր The Montpellier 2 University, established in 1970.

Universit退 de Montpellier 3 -- University of Montpellier III Paul Val退ry - Montpellier

Universit退 de Nantes -- University of Nantes - Nantes

Universit退 de Nice - Sophia Antipolis -- University of Nice Sophia Antipolis - Nice

Universit退 de Nmes -- University of Nmes - Nmes

Universit退 de Paris 01 -- University Paris 1 Panth退on-Sorbonne - Paris

Universit退 de Paris 02 -- Pantheon-Assas Paris II University - Paris

Universit退 de Paris 03 -- University of the New Sorbonne - Paris

Universit退 de Paris 04 -- Paris-Sorbonne University - Paris

Universit退 de Paris 05 -- Paris Descartes University - Paris

Universit退 de Paris 06 -- Pierre and Marie Curie University - Paris

Universit退 de Paris 07 -- Paris Diderot University - Paris

Universit退 de Paris 08 -- University of Vincennes in Saint-Denis - Paris

Universit退 de Paris 09 -- Paris Dauphine University - Paris

Universit退 de Paris 10 -- Paris West University Nanterre La D退fense - Nanterre

Universit退 de Paris 11 -- Paris-Sud 11 University - Paris

Universit退 de Paris 12 -- Paris 12 Val de Marne University - Val de Marne

Universit退 de Paris 13 -- University of Paris 13 - Paris

Universit退 de Pau -- University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour - Pau

Universit退 de Perpignan -- University of Perpignan Via Domitia - Perpignan

Universit退 de Picardie Jules Verne -- University of Picardie Jules Verne - Amiens

Universit退 de Poitiers -- University of Poitiers - Poitiers

Universit退 de Reims -- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne - Reims

Universit退 de Rennes 1 -- University of Rennes 1 - Rennes

Universit退 de Rennes 2 -- University of Rennes 2-Upper Brittany - Rennes

Universit退 de Rouen -- University of Rouen - Rouen

Universit退 de Saint-Etienne -- Jean Monnet University - Saint-ɀtienne

Universit退 de Savoie -- University of Savoy - Chamb退ry

Universit退 de Strasbourg 1 -- University of Strasbourg - Strasbourg

Universit退 de Toulouse 1 -- University Toulouse 1 Capitol - Toulouse

Universit退 de Toulouse 2 -- University of Toulouse II - Toulouse

Universit退 de Toulouse 3 -- Paul Sabatier University - Toulouse

Universit退 de Tours -- Fran瀀ois Rabelais University - Tours

Universit退 de Valenciennes -- University of Valenciennes and Hainaut-Cambresis - Valenciennes

Universit退 de Versailles -- Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University - Versailles

Universit退 de wallis -- University of Wallis - Wallis

Universit退 du Havre -- University of Le Havre - Le Havre

Universit退 du littoral -- University of the Littoral Opal Coast - Dunkerque

Universit退 du Maine -- University of Maine - Le Mans

Universit退 Grenoble 1 -- Joseph Fourier University - Grenoble

Universit退 Grenoble 2 -- Pierre Mend耀s-France University - Grenoble

Universit退 Lille 3 -- Charles de Gaulle University-Lille III - Lille

Universit退 Michel de Montaigne -- Michel de Montaigne University Bordeaux 3 - Bordeaux

Universit退 Montesquieu - Bordeaux IV -- University Montesquieu-Bordeaux IV - Bordeaux

Universit退 Nancy 1 -- Henri Poincar退 University - Nancy

Universit退 Nancy 2 -- Nancy University 2 - Nancy

Universit退 Panth退on Sorbonne (Paris1) -- Sorbonne Graduate Business School - Paris

Universit退 Stendhal -- Stendhal University Grenoble 3 - Grenoble

Universit退 UCO Bretagne Nord -- UCO Northern Brittany - Guingamp

Overview of Higher Online Education in Sweden

Overview of Higher Online Education in Sweden

Sweden's higher online education consists of over 60 institutions that offer various forms of higher education. This includes over 35 public online universities and online university colleges and over 20 private institutions. At 76 percent, Sweden has one of the highest percentages of students starting higher education as a percentage of its population.

Sweden's funding of higher online education exceeds that of most of the world with 1.5 percent of their GDP being spent. About half of that money goes towards doctoral level programs and research, resulting in a high number of doctoral program graduates and significant interest among prospective doctoral students from around the world. Since public higher education is funded almost entirely by the government, both Swedes other EU citizens able to attend free of charge. Living costs and study materials can be financed through government grants and online loans, to make it possible for all students to attend regardless of income or where they live.

Admissions to bachelor's level programs for both public and private institutions are based on final secondary school grades and scores on the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test. In the common scenario where there are more qualified applicants that there are spaces available for a given program, students are ranked by their school grade averages. Some programs also require knowledge from specific coursework at the secondary school level such as a higher level of math for an Economics program.

Sweden's higher education is overseen by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education which is also responsible for reviewing the quality of institutions.

Types of Schools and Degrees

The country's public and private universities offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. University colleges of which there are over 20 public and close to 10 private, offer diplomas, bachelor's and master's degrees although a few have obtained permission to offer limited doctoral degrees. There are also over 12 independent schools with the right to award qualifications in psychotherapy.

The name of a school does not necessarily correspond to the type of school it is; some universities use the Swedish term for college (hogskola) and some university colleges call themselves universities. The only real difference is whether the school has unrestricted rights to award doctoral level degrees.

Many of the universities and university colleges offer a broad range of subjects while others specialize in areas such as medicine, technology, fine arts, social sciences and psychology. Within Sweden, the schools are seen as equivalent to each other with desired program availability, location and size being the primary considerations when students choose a school.

All bachelor's degrees and above conform to the structure set by the Bologna Agreement which standardized higher education degrees across the 29 European nations that participated.

International Students

Many students from other countries are drawn to study in Sweden resulting in approximately eight percent of Sweden's higher education students coming from outside Sweden. A remarkable 33 percent of doctoral students come from abroad. Students must speak fluent Swedish to take courses taught in the native language although there are many programs that are taught in English and require English proficiency. Students from outside the EU and EEA will also need to obtain a visa which can take several months to receive.

Beginning in the fall of 2011, international students from outside the EU and EEA who are beginning their studies at a Swedish institution will be required to pay application and tuition fees, which will vary by school. EU and EEA students will continue to receive a Swedish higher education for free.

Admission of foreign students is determined by each institution based on students' prior education and test scores. Sweden has a pooled admissions system, allowing prospective students to apply for more than one program via the same application.

About Sweden

Over 9.2 million people live in Sweden which is located in northern Europe with Norway to it's west, the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Bothnia to its east and Finland across its northern border. The most heavily populated areas in the south have a temperate climate and mild temperatures year-round.

Although Swedish in the official language, about 89 percent of residents speak fluent English, making it Europe's most English proficient country. Sweden is the home of the Nobel Prize committees for all prizes except the Peace prize. It is a member of the European Union but maintains its own currency ր the krona. Sweden maintains a high standard of living and ranked 7th on the 2009 United Nation's Human Development Index.

Sweden Universities

Blekinge University -- Blekinge Institute of Technology - Karlskrona

Hoegskolan i Lulea -- Lule倀 University of Technology - Lule倀

Dansh怀gskolan -- University College of Dance and Circus - Stockholm

Free University of Stockholm -- Stockholm

Goeteborgs Universitet -- University of Gothenburg - Gothenburg

Halmstad University College -- Halmstad

Hoegskolan i Boras -- Bor倀s University College - Bor倀s

Hoegskolan i Joenkoeping -- J怀nk怀ping University - J怀nk怀ping

Hoegskolan i Kalmar -- Linnaeus University - Kalmar, V䀀xj怀

Hoegskolan i Skovde -- Sk怀vde University College - Sk怀vde

Hoegskolan Kristianstad -- Kristianstad University College - Kristianstad

H怀gskolan Dalarna -- Dalarna University College - Borl䀀nge, Falun

H怀gskolan i G䀀vle -- G䀀vle University College - G䀀vle

H怀gskolan Trollh䀀ttan - Uddevalla -- University College West - Trollh䀀ttan

Karlstads universitet -- Karlstad University - Karlstad

Linkoepings universitet -- Link怀ping University - Link怀ping

Lunds universitet -- Lund University - Lund

M䀀lardalens H怀gskola -- M䀀lardalen University - Eskilstuna, V䀀ster倀s

Malmo University -- Malm怀 University - Malm怀

Mitthoegskolan -- Mid Sweden University - H䀀rn怀sand, րstersund, Sundsvall

րrebro universitet -- րrebro University - րrebro

Stockholm University -- Stockholm

Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet -- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences - Uppsala

Umea universitet -- Ume倀 University - Ume倀

Uppsala Universitet -- Uppsala University - Uppsala

World Maritime University -- Malm怀

Diversity Network Summer Scholarship - Application Now Open

The Diversity Abroad Network ӀDiversity NetworkԀ will offer twenty summer scholarships in the amount of $500 for full-time undergraduates.

Applicants must be full-time undergraduates at a university or community college based in the Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom or the United States. Economically disadvantaged students, African-American/Black, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Multiracial/ethnic or Indigenous/Native-American, students with disabilities and first generation college undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline: Friday, April 13, 2012 for Summer 2012 consideration.

For more information, please visit: http://www.diversitynetwork.org/scholarships