English has long been international language where people learn, communicate and work in all countries of the world. It is not surprising that, wanting to attract foreign students, many universities offer universal study programs at English language.

Today you can study in English abroad not only in, and other English speaking countries... English-taught courses are actively offered at universities and.

From our article you will learn about where in Europe you can get higher education studying in English ...

Sweden

Sweden has a developed academic system and is considered a true European center of international education. The regular increase in English-language curricula at local universities is also taking Swedish education to a qualitatively new level.

Today at educational institutions Sweden offers about 1,000 study programs taught in English. Most of these are graduate programs designed specifically for international students. In this country, you can study in English not only in universities, but also in schools and colleges.

If you are going to study in Sweden in English, you, just like in the USA, Canada or England, will have to pass a language exam in order to enroll in a university. A language exam certificate is proof that you are fluent in English and can study in that language. Swedish universities most often accept exam results and.

For students studying in Swedish universities in English, there are special Swedish courses. In these courses, those who wish can learn the local language in order to feel more confident living, studying and working in Sweden.

Holland

According to statistics, from all countries of continental Europe, it is in the largest number of study programs in English that are offered, namely, more than 2,000! Given the relatively low cost of education, studying at Dutch universities in English is especially attractive for international students. In addition, 95% of the Dutch population speaks English.

In addition to colleges and universities, in Holland wide choose academic programs in English are also offered at the Centers for International Education. These centers work with international students to offer training courses, master's and doctoral programs. In total, there are 6 International Education Centers for foreigners in the country.

As in Sweden, foreign students must pass the international language exam IELTS or TOEFL when entering English-language study programs in Holland. In addition, for admission it is necessary to translate into English and certify all documents.

Other countries

In addition to Sweden and Holland, education in English is offered in other European countries, including France, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Norway, Finland, Austria, etc. In these countries, English-language education can be obtained both in local private and public educational institutions and in branches of foreign universities.

Advantages of studying in English in Europe

Most foreign students come to Europe precisely for English-speaking studies. Indeed, such an education has many advantages.

First, students save money - education in most continental European countries is cheaper than in English-speaking countries.

Second, there is no need for students to teach new language, one English is enough. If you wish, you can learn a new language later, already living in a European country.

And, finally, many countries of the Old World attract foreigners with their culture, history and atmosphere, it is a pleasure to study here!

V modern world English is enough to live, study and work in almost any country. By offering new academic programs in English, European universities are making their education accessible to a wide range of students from all over the world.

For most applicants, education in Europe seems to be an unattainable goal, primarily because of its cost. In fact, there are many ways to get a European diploma absolutely free.

I propose to start with countries with free education not only for their own, but also for visiting students.

Choosing a country

Czech

The Czech Republic provides foreigners with the opportunity to study for free at state universities in the Czech language. In most cases, you will need to pass exams and have a basic knowledge of Czech. Living expenses - at your own expense.

Poland

Another real option free study abroad for foreigners. It is not difficult to enroll, there are a fairly large number of English-language programs.

To enter a Polish university, you need to present a certificate or a bachelor's degree (if you want to study for a master's degree). In addition, most Polish universities cooperate with the Erasmus Mundus program (more on that later).

Germany

It also provides an opportunity for foreigners to study for free. In order to enroll, you need to pass an exam in German and have at least 1-2 years of study at the university at home behind you. Or complete a one-year preparatory program.

You should also take into account the fact that quite often universities charge fees for using the library or, for example, the gym. Therefore, if you do not have third-party funding, you will have to have the necessary amount of money in your bank account, which will be frozen for the entire period of study. During your studies, you will be able to withdraw from your account only the amount specified in the documents for accommodation.

Belgium, Norway

Here also free education, including, there are many programs in English. In some universities, foreigners need to pay a registration fee upon admission and pay for textbooks (about 1000 euros for everything). In Norway, knowledge of their language is required.

Greece

Foreigners can study for free in public universities in Greece. You can apply, but on the basis of the average score in the certificate. Some universities require an annual fee (up to 600 euros). Also if you don't know Greek, you will have to enroll in courses, and for the first academic year learn a language (courses can be either free or paid). Study visa Greece gives the opportunity to work 20 hours a week.

France

By law, foreigners have the right to study at public universities is free. They pass on an equal footing with the French, which means they pay the same fees upon admission. Another requirement is knowledge French... Despite the fact that it is possible not to pay for studies in France, you should pay attention to living expenses, since life in the country is quite expensive. Therefore, most of the students work part-time during their studies.

Important

When choosing a country, you should also pay attention to living expenses. Even if you don’t have to pay for your studies, universities do not provide free housing and do not cover pocket expenses. In this case, scholarship programs come to the rescue.

How to find a scholarship to study

To do this, one can and should consider various non-profit organizations, grants and programs.

Erasmus Mundus is one of the most famous European student exchange programs. It fully covers the costs of graduate studies and living expenses. A feature of the program is that, often, you cannot choose a specific university. Erasmus Mundus cooperates with dozens of European universities, and in each specific program there can be from 4 to 15 universities, in two of which you will be invited to go.

There are also scholarships to study in specific countries. You should start looking for them from the official websites of the government of the country where you want to go. For example, the Chevening grant or the Commonwealth Scholarship for Developing Countries - education in the UK. These grants cover tuition, accommodation and air travel expenses in full.

You can also approach from the other side - decide on the university, and then find out about the scholarship. Most European states provide scholarships for foreigners.

Natalia Glukhova

Pros and cons of education in Europe

14/05 2017

Good afternoon friends!
An important topic for young people is education in Europe. It seems that this is some kind of unrealistically difficult event. In fact, everything is much simpler.

Europe will gladly accept students from other countries, and in some universities education is free.

From this article you will learn:

Which countries offer good education?

European school

Our approach is not the same as in other countries. The education system is completely different here. Coming to school, many children at first do not understand how it works. For instance:

1. Children have more independence. Especially in the choice of what you want to do. Already since high school they are distributed according to profile classes. Why should a child with artistic inclinations, singing and musical instruments learn hard mathematics, physics? These subjects are also given, but the light version, there is no in-depth study.
2. Lessons often take the form of a debate. You can argue, even with a teacher, to prove your point of view.
3. If the opportunity to attend a variety of circles, sections. There is no principle “start studying - bring it to the end”.
4. Children with primary grades you need to do design work, research. They study a particular subject consciously and independently.
5. Admission based on the results of exams at school. We now have almost the same system with the Unified State Exam.
6. You yourself choose a set of subjects for study for each semester.

The European system aims to make it fun for children to learn.
I will tell you about the possibilities, and you choose where the conditions are best for you personally.

European schools

Let's start with school education.

Spain

They study here from 6 to 18 years old, but only until 16 years old. Further - at will. There is an opportunity to continue your studies at the university - 2 years, and you have a bachelor's degree in your pocket. Here children are taught logic.

History, literature, art of the 18th century are connected. It makes no sense to study 3 separate subjects if everything can be considered as a complex.

Parents prefer private or semi-private schools. The state is full of migrants who speak Spanish poorly. This significantly lowers the level of the entire class.

Finland

It's generally interesting here. There is no clear division into lessons of 45 minutes. There is no schedule either, but there is one training space. The teacher is guided by the mood of the class. Kids are active - let's do something creative.

Finnish schoolchildren

A literature lesson can be easily translated into a conversation about the world around us, and it smoothly flows into mathematics. A chemistry lesson can take only 20 minutes, and then the class really wants to do astronomy, talk about the stars. This lesson will take 1-1.5 hours.

Mandatory - 4 foreign language to choose from. Secondary education is considered weak. Universities give in-depth study... But the children are calm, confident, there is no suffering due to bad grades. Yes, and especially not given. All the good fellows here. I wrote about this in more detail in the previous one.

Italy

Here the scheme is as follows: 5 + 3 + 5 = 13 years. The first 5 years - elementary school, then 3 years - secondary and 5 years - lyceum. After that, it's a university.

Children are bored to sit still for 45 minutes. And cramming math or your native language is even more boring. Teachers with children primary school play educational games, almost every day visits to museums, excursions, trips to nature. Between all this, I manage to squeeze a couple of hours of mathematics.

The main thing is that the school does not cause feelings of despondency. This is a cheerful team, teachers do not scold, but help and praise. But they have a lot homework... These are tasks for every day, for the summer. The child learns to be independent. The school gives the material - the child works out at home.

France

For Russian children, French is very unusual. On the one hand, there is a lot of free time, interesting projects. The studies are going on, but the child does not feel much pressure. We are accustomed to the fact that teachers shout, give two marks, call parents.

France, primary school

The attitude towards the student is even. There is a project for the whole semester, for example. Need advice - the teacher is ready to help, suggest, sit after lessons. But then - they ask in full.

Exams are held every day, it is simply unrealistic to prepare. You need to gain knowledge in advance every day, do not skip. Studying in a good lyceum is not the cheapest, so it is always a big problem for parents if a child is expelled.

Universities of Europe

But, you still have to come for an interview. European universities have quotas for foreign students. Of course, first their own students, and then foreigners for the remaining places.

Stages of higher education

Usually, by the age of 18 it ends school education... From this age, a young person has the right to enter a university. Further:

• 3-4 years bachelor's degree (bachelor of science degree). Many stop there;
• 1 year master's degree (master's degree);
• 3-4 years Doctor of Science.

You will spend at least 6 years in a beautiful European city! I think this in itself is already a great motivation.

Exams

The system is similar, but not the same as ours.

1. exams must be taken;
2. it is not a formality, a little conversation and a grade in a grade book;
3. there are no "machines";
4. the examiner asks a variety of questions, there are no tickets as such;
5. there is no such evaluative division as we have.

You need to pass the exam, pass the next semester. Dealt with a "three", "four" or "five" does not really matter. Of course, "excellent students" are held in high esteem everywhere. Here is a struggle for knowledge, not for a mark.

Studying well is the main task of the student himself. Good students get recommendations later, it is easier for them to find work.

In Germany, for example, the marks are "0" - excellent, "1" - good, "2" - satisfactory.

For example, a medical student with a GPA will never qualify for a good teaching program in a first-class European hospital.

I think the cheapest option is Italy and the Czech Republic. In Italy, the cost of studying at a public university is 500-800 euros per semester. For example, at the University of Milan. It is one of the oldest in Italy and in all of Europe.

V The University of Bologna you can unlearn language courses... This will prepare the student for a new form of education, and will tighten up the language. Nice option, right? And then you can apply here.

Cons of European studies

Of course, there are also downsides. Receipt is a kind of contract. You get the opportunity to study, train, live in the country. You get a visa for the entire period of study, which means you can freely move around the Schengen area.

But, this is followed by several disadvantages:

1. most often, foreigners are not provided with a hostel. You will have to look for an apartment, a room, an option with a settlement. Rarely does anyone end up on a student campus. Renting an apartment for 2-3 people costs 250-300 euros at best. Somewhere around 500 euros per month;
2. student visas exclude employment opportunities. You will be able to earn money at the institute. For example, in a library, a cafeteria, in departments. This is a small income, but still;
3. you have to pay for textbooks. This is from 20 to 70 euros for 1 textbook. Some can be borrowed from the library, and some are cheaper to copy. This is a big disadvantage - new books are expensive;
4. your visa is valid while you are studying. After graduation - everything. Or you managed to find a job, you got an invitation - then you can prepare documents for a residence permit, for example. Or they found their soul mate, again a residence permit by marriage, a bride / groom visa. This is not uncommon, you know. Read more about this in the section for each country separately.

For 3-5 years in the country, you can understand how and what functions. Getting an education, finding a job is real. This is your new life, you need to try to find your way, a new life from the first day.

European universities have long attracted students from the CIS countries with an exemplary education. But the word "standard" is often associated with high prices. It is not always so. Free and quality education in Europe is a reality.

Another country where you can get high-quality and free education is the Czech Republic. It should be borne in mind that it is possible to study for free at the university only in the Czech language. And only private universities provide courses in English. Many students from the CIS countries go first for annual training courses at the university, they pull up and pass the exam in the Czech language, and only then they submit documents for admission. You can enter the university after school.

The same documents are required as for admission to France and Germany plus certificate of knowledge of Czech... Most often people go to the Czech Republic to study economics and medicine. Upon graduation, students can work in any EU country ( read the article Universities of the Czech Republic).

Higher Austrian education will cost 700 euros per semester, for citizens of the CIS - 350 euros, but in the case of positively passed exams, the payment is completely canceled.

Some features of studying at universities in Austria:

1. Complete absence of age restrictions... You can apply immediately after leaving school.
2. Austrian higher institution work on Bologna system, which means that the diplomas will be recognized throughout Europe.
3. Lack of exams when joining. This also applies to the language test, exceptions are made when admitting applicants to medical specialties.
4. Opportunity to work during training. In the first courses, employment is allowed at 10 hours, and in the last at 20.
5. Receiving special one year visa after graduating from university to look for work.

Accommodation and food costs in Austria will cost 600-800 euros per month.

Study in European universities can be not only of high quality, but also low-cost, and the prospects that open up after graduation are enormous.