Featured Archives - Opportunities Abroad

July 26, 2018 by Edgar

The View From Campus: Arriving in the United States as an International Student

Image courtesy of Mike Mozart via Flickr (CC 2.0)

This month we turn to the very timely topic for those students getting ready to make the journey to the United States for their higher education, preparing for arrival. Jim Crawley, Director of University Recruitment and Outreach, for ELS Language Centers, shares his best advice for international students coming to America.

Q: Describe your institution in 5 words?

A: Many Centers offering intensive English.

Q: For what is your institution best known overseas?

A: Offering intensive English to prepare international students for entrance into an academic program.

Q: What are your top programs for international students?

A: English for Academic Purposes; General English; Short-term Specialized English Programs; Vacation Programs

Q: What are the top 5 countries represented at your institutions?

A: China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Saudi Arabia

How does ELS prepare students for university study in the United States?

The ELS English for Academic Purposes program not only helps the international students increase their proficiency, while preparing them to move into their academic program; but through workshops and elective coursework, students also work on their study skills and academic and workload expectation of the U.S. university classroom.

Once students have gotten their visas to enter the U.S., what is the most important thing you recommend students do next?

It is important that students familiarize themselves with the local area, and that they feel comfortable with their arrival information. We provide them with web sites and information brochures related to arrival, airport pick-up, housing and the local area.

How soon can students enter the U.S. once they have their visas?

Students can enter up to 30 days prior to the program start date on their I-20, however, we do not recommend that they arrive more than a week in advance.

Would you recommend any resources in the students’ home countries to help them prepare for their journey to the U.S.?

Many students work with counseling agencies. If they do have a counseling agency that they trust, this can be a good resource. Another reliable resource is EducationUSA. They have over 400 locations around the world, usually in major cities.They offer unbiased advice about studying in the USA, and many of the Centers offer pre-departure sessions.

How do U.S. schools assist international students prepare for their arrival on campus?

It is important to communicate with the student and their family. This is one of the most important decisions the family will have made regarding their son or daughter up until this point. We have an obligation to make sure the student and family have as much information as possible about all relevant details including, but not limited to: the university, the location, the academic program, and their financial obligations.

Our ELS students are fortunate, as they are already in the U.S. We encourage our students to visit the school where they have been offered conditional admission. It allows them to become familiar with campus and meet some the faculty and staff who they will be working with when they ultimately transfer.

Most U.S. colleges and universities offer some form of orientation for new international students. Sometimes it is just for the international students, while other programs integrate the international students with the newly arrived U.S. students. Orientation is a great way to get to get familiarized with campus along with the other new students, while also having an opportunity to meet their new roommate(s).

What advice would you give students who are about to get on a plane to the States to begin a degree program?

Take time to learn about the school, and the community. You are about ready to begin an adventure that will positively affect your future. Be ready to meet many new people, some of whom will be your friends for many years to come. Be open to new ideas. You have much to offer, and much to learn. Above all else…be yourself.

September 29, 2016 by Edgar

Why Studying in Ireland Could Be For You

World Class Universities

With all of its universities ranked in the top 5% in the world, Ireland can be a great choice to study with your IELTS score.

Though the Irish language (Gaelic) is spoken by around a third of the population and you’ll find it written regularly, the predominant language is English, and so is a great option for international students wanting to study degree programmes in English.

Research Excellence

More than 780 million euros is spent on research programmes at Ireland’s universities each year, helping to make it one of the leading countries for research across a number of subjects. From the arts and humanities to the sciences, this excellence is attracting talent from around the globe to Ireland’s shores. In fact, Ireland is now ranked 2nd in the world for both Chemistry and Nanotechnology.

It’s then no wonder why the international student population has reached around 35,000, with people coming from more than 161 countries to further their studies there.

Beyond the classroom

Downtime from study could never be boring in Ireland either.

It’s a country with a rich cultural history, producing giants of literature, science and song. It also boast some of the most welcoming people on the planet and a rugged and beautiful landscape to explore. Around half of Ireland’s total population is under 28 years old too, so there is plenty that cater to people of a student age!

Ireland will welcome you with open arms!

September 21, 2016 by Edgar

Student Life in London Made Affordable (Part 2)

In the first part, we looked at ways to spend less while travelling or shopping for food in London. Read on for some further money-saving tips.

Take full advantage of your student status

Being an international student in the United Kingdom can be expensive, but it has its own privileges too. Discounts and great deals are to be had just about everywhere. Restaurants, museums, art galleries, cinemas, retailers, banks often have something exclusively for students. So, take advantage of your student status by flashing your identity card as frequently as possible.

You may also want to join student discount schemes or clubs such as ISIC or NUS. An ISIC cardholder, for example, could get benefits in over 125,000 locations worldwide currently. Although there’s usually a fee to join these schemes, it’s worth spending the money because you’ll be entitled to innumerable discounts while your card remains active. Of course, how much you save would depend on how frequently you choose to take advantage of the offers you receive.

Use the internet to help you spot discounts and offers

London undoubtedly provides an uninterrupted choice of free events and discounts all year round but how do you get to hear about them before it’s too late? After all, if you can’t be in the right place at the right time, none of those benefits can be enjoyed.

The internet can be a great help in this regard: there are several websites that tell you where to find the best student discounts in the UK. A couple of popular ones are StudentBeans and UniDays, both of which are also available as mobile phone applications. Most university students download these apps on their phone so that they don’t miss out on great deals, even on the essentials like laptops.

So if you follow these useful tips, enjoying student life in London shouldn’t cost you a fortune!

GLOSSARY

privilege
Form	:	noun
Meaning	:	a special benefit that a group of people has
Example	:	If you become a full member of this club, you can enjoy many privileges.

exclusively
Form	:	adverb
Meaning	:	for only one particular person or group
Example	:	This café is exclusively for staff; visitors have to go out of the building to get food.

flash
Form	:	verb
Meaning	:	to show something, such as an ID card, to someone very quickly
Example	:	The police officer flashed his ID card at the security as he entered the private building.

take advantage of (something)
Form	:	phrase
Meaning	:	to make full use of something
Example	:	Josie’s kids took advantage of her absence to play in the rain.

in the right place at the right time
Form	:	phrase
Meaning	:	be in the best position to make full use of an opportunity
Example	:	Miguel isn’t very skilled, but he got the job because he was in the right place at the right time.

miss out on (something)
Form	:	phrasal verb
Meaning	:	to fail to benefit from an opportunity
Example	:	It’s sad that you won’t be attending the party – you’ll miss out on all the fun.

fortune
Form	:	noun
Meaning	:	a large sum of money
Example	:	Siobhan’s new motorbike cost a small fortune.

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September 15, 2016 by Edgar

Back to School: 5 Tips to Kick-Start Your University Life

Before you start university, especially if you’re in a foreign country, things can be quite daunting.

Here are five ways to make sure you start off on the right foot…

Get organised

This is an obvious one, but it can be easy to overlook. From making sure you know when and where your lectures are, to what time the library is open, it is rule number one to be organised. Student life is so much easier when you have it together.

2. Read ahead

Falling behind on the required reading for your studies is a no-no. You won’t be able to engage in the topics properly, and your grades will suffer as a result. The great thing about reading ahead is that you can have longer to think. Mastering complex problems or concepts early on can give you time to be creative and come up with something original!

3. Get to know your classmates

Of course, you should get to know as many people as possible during your time at university! If English is not your first language, then this can especially beneficial to you and how valuable your time there will be. Classmates can also be good allies when it comes to exam time as you can help each other in study groups or simply discussing the course itself.

4. Budget

Running out of money can throw everything else off-track. The added stress of worrying about bills or where your lunch is coming from will affect your health and your work. Budgeting everything from your travels costs and books, to that occasional(!) night out will make sure you’re happier and can concentrate on what you’re there for – learning!

5. Get everything you can from your University

Beyond the classroom there are a host of other societies, clubs, events and academic support that universities offer to students, that can give a challenge or take some of the stress off. Take these opportunities – they’re there for you! And try your hand at something new, you could discover you have a hidden talent or passion…

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August 31, 2016 by Edgar

Student Life in London Made Affordable (Part 1)

London is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and attracts people from all corners of the globe each year. It has a rich history to discover and caters for every taste.

Unfortunately, London’s popularity means it can be an expensive city to live in, so for most students, getting by on a limited budget is essential.

It can be hard to avoid tourist traps as an international student, so getting to know the place can save you a lot.

Here are a few London transport tips to avoiding throwing money down the drain as a student.

Two Wheels Good

Cycling is perhaps the cheapest way to get around a major city. In fact, over a million Londoners own a bicycle and use it regularly. A word of warning though: only cycle if you are competent cyclist – London traffic can be difficult to handle. But there are many parks, group lessons, and a growing cycle highway system which can help you gain the confidence and practice you need.

You can also hire one of London’s 11,000 ‘Boris Bikes’ (named after the previous Mayor, Boris Johnson) from one of the 750 docking stations across the capital. It costs £2 to rent the bike for 24 hours and the first 30 minutes of your journey is free.

Mind the gap

The city’s public transport network is extensive and well-developed, but some may find ticket prices a bit high. No need to panic though if you’re a student: just get a Student Oyster photocard to enjoy a 30% discount on travel cards as well as tube, bus and rail fares.

Don’t stick to the map

Another way is to just walk! Walking is the best way to discover any city’s secrets. You’ll soon realise that most things are nearer than you thought and you’ll get the added exercise and save lots of money! For instance, most Tube stations in the centre are within walking distance (around 0.5 to 1 mile) of each other.

Happy travels!

GLOSSARY

get by
Form	:	phrasal verb
Meaning	:	to manage, especially when facing difficulties
Example	:	Tom and Sally are able to get by with little money, as their needs are limited.

Cater for
Form	:	verb
Meaning	:	To provide what is needed
Example	:	The cabin crew catered for all passengers’ needs.

handle
Form	:	verb
Meaning	:	to deal with a situation
Example	:	Miguel doesn’t handle angry customers well.

throwing money down the drain
Form	:	phrase
Meaning	:	To waste money (especially by spending it on something useless)
Example	:	‘Why are you spending your wages on gambling? You’re just throwing money down the drain!’

competent
Form	:	Adjective
Meaning	:	Having the necessary skill or ability to do something
Example	:	Mathew was a competent swimmer and knew to stop when he felt tired.

in Featured / Student Finance / Study Destinations / Tips / UK 2 comments

July 5, 2016 by Edgar

Engineering your Future with an English-taught Degree in Germany

Photo courtesy of Oregondot (CC Flickr)

Germany and engineering go hand in hand. Germany has a great tradition of producing all things world-class, whether it’s automobiles or innovations in energy. So, it’s worth considering Germany as a destination for your studies.

But what if you don’t speak German?

Well, many courses are now taught in English and is a reason why Germany is fast becoming an extremely popular choice among international students. Here are three more reasons to consider a degree there:

Low tuition fees

Almost all German universities (about 95%) are financed by the government. Since they receive direct funding, they charge low tuition fees, or sometimes no fees, as is the case with public universities. With living expenses (€600 – 800 a month) being the most significant cost, students find German university education quite affordable. To get additional financial support, international students can also apply for grants provided by the German Academic Exchange Service, locally known as Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst (DAAD).

Collaboration with German industries

Historically, there has always been a great deal of collaboration between German universities and industries. Study programmes are generally structured in a way such that students have to spend considerable time – anywhere between 6 to 12 months – working in the industrial environment. While in most countries an internship is considered an added benefit, in Germany this is mandatory – in engineering courses, for example, students need to complete practical experience. Such internships are invaluable, as they enable students to understand everyday working life in Germany, gain work experience and perhaps meet potential employers.

Wide variety of courses

The German higher education system offers over 17,000 courses in almost every possible subject you can think of! Be it scientifically oriented studies, practice-oriented courses or even artistic subjects, there’s something for everyone. What’s more, they cover different academic levels too – bachelors, masters, state examinations, and doctorate degrees. Anyone looking to study in Germany is spoilt for choice.

In short, if you are looking for an engineering degree that’s cost-effective, unique and practice-oriented, think Germany.

To get proof of your English ability to study on a degree course, take IELTS.

GLOSSARY

go hand in hand
Form	:	phrase
Meaning	:	two things that are closely connected
Example	:	Success and money usually go hand in hand.

collaboration
Form	:	noun
Meaning	:	the process of working together with another person or group to produce something
Example	:	The singer worked in collaboration with local musicians on his new album.

internship
Form	:	noun
Meaning	:	a temporary job, paid or unpaid, taken by a student to get practical experience in a job
Example	:	Luke learnt a lot of useful skills during his internship at the local radio station.

mandatory
Form	:	adjective
Meaning	:	describes something that must be done because of a rule
Example	:	It’s mandatory to wear a seat belt when an aircraft is taking off or landing.

spoilt for choice
Form	:	phrase
Meaning	:	confused because there are a lot of good things to choose from
Example	:	The city had such great restaurants that I was spoilt for choice.

cost-effective
Form	:	adjective
Meaning	:	describes something that gives the best possible benefits for the sum of money that is spent
Example	:	They decided to set up the new factory in Asia, as it was more cost-effective.

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June 29, 2016 by Edgar

Thinking of Studying in Australia? IELTS is Your Key

Why Australia?

Australia has a number of well-respected degree programmes that international students are flocking to in ever greater numbers.

Its higher education system is now the third most popular for international students in the English-speaking world, behind only the USA and UK, and is set to become more popular still.

It’s unsurprisingly a popular destination for higher learning, as it has built a reputation for academic excellence and career opportunities. It has seven of the world’s top 100 universities and because it is so remote, it often needs skilled professionals to meet shortages in labour.

International students are allowed to work 40 hours each fortnight whilst studying, so many take advantage of that opportunity to get some international workplace experience under their belts, particularly as international employers are increasingly looking for graduates who are comfortable working across borders and cultures.

Advance Australia Fair!

Australia is a young country (in relative terms) and full of a mix of peoples from every corner of the globe. In that way, Australia is a great environment for students to learn and develop in an international setting.

That internationalism is evident in her major cities too. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide are excellent places to study and bases from which students can explore this vast and varied continent. From the Barrier Reef to Uluru (Ayer’s Rock), Australia is home to some of nature’s most awesome sights and unique animals, so don’t miss the chance to get out and see them!

Why IELTS?

IELTS has long been the world’s gold-standard for proving English language ability for international study and work. And Australia is no different.

IELTS test scores are accepted by top universities for studying in Australia, and over 9,000 institutions worldwide.

An IELTS test score can be the key to securing your place at an Australian institution and start you on the road to an international education.

To check what IELTS score you’re chosen Australian universities ask for search here.

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May 25, 2016 by Edgar

The View From Campus: Tips for Funding a U.S. Degree

Photo courtesy of jrmyers (CC licence)

Eastern Illinois University

We spoke to William Elliott, Assistant Dean of Graduate & International Admissions at EIU about financing a U.S degree.

Describe your institution in 5 words?

Nationally ranked comprehensive Midwestern university

What is your institution best known for overseas?

EIU is known primarily for its programs in Technology, Economics and Business Administration

What are the top 5 countries represented at your institution after the U.S.?

India, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, South Korea and Nigeria. International enrollment is 373 out of 7990 total enrollment.

How does your institution use an IELTS result in the admissions process?

We use IELTS as a part of our suite of language proficiency tests accepted to gauge a non-native speaker’s mastery of English language. It’s our belief that we should be as flexible as possible in acceptance of IELTS and other testing tools so as to allow our students more flexibility in their choice of use and availability.

Tips for Funding a U.S. Higher Education

What are the best sources of funding for international students coming to the U.S.?

Most institutions will offer scholarships and graduate assistantships based on a combination of GPA (grade point average), financial need, and/or other factors.

Graduate assistantships can be offered in every graduate program as well as non-academic units. Assistantships provide a monthly stipend in exchange for duties performed in research, teaching and service, as well as a tuition waiver scholarship.

How should prospective international undergraduate students look at the price of a U.S. higher education?

A student should understand that due to the strong accreditation system in the US, price is not a good indicator as to the quality of education they will receive. It’s possible for a student to be price-conscious and still earn a degree that will not only help them succeed in their career, but also be the equivalent of a higher priced, more “prestigious” university (as long as their school is equally accredited).

For postgraduate students, what is the best advice for finding institutional aid?

My best advice would be to be as interactive with the graduate faculty as possible via whatever technological means available. A big part of successful graduate education is to search for a program that is a good academic fit for both student and their faculty.

Talk about the role of work in funding an international students’ education in the U.S.?

Students must have their own means of outside funding and/or scholarship and monetary awards and not plan to support themselves with on-campus employment. The best that one might hope for might be to recoup some money from OPT (Optional Practical Training) employment after graduation, but that is not guaranteed.

Are there funding sources available for students after their first year of studies, in case they don’t receive any institutional support initially?

In some cases there might be departmental awards or scholarships that come available once a student has proven their academic talent. Again, these should serve more as an unexpected reward for great academic performance, and not as a hopeful source of base funding.

We’ll have more interviews with university faculty members in the campus spotlight, so stay tuned.

in Featured / IELTS / Student Finance / Study Destinations / Tips / USA 0 comments

April 27, 2016 by Edgar

Four Reasons to Study in Poland (in English)

Photo courtesy of Mathangi Jeyakumar

An Unconventional Choice

Born in Norway to Indian parents, Mathangi Jeyakumar ‒ or ‘Mathu’ as she’s known among friends and family ‒ had her schooling in two different countries, India and Norway. Having completed her O-level in Norway and a bachelor’s degree in India, she then made an unconventional choice: to do a graduate programme in Management at Kozminski University, Poland – taught in English!

More and more people are taking advantage of degrees in continental Europe taught in English and, like Mathu, open their horizons to new cultures and experiences amongst an international peer group.

Why Poland?

Over 400 courses in English

Despite Polish remaining the common medium of instruction across the country, more than 400 courses are now taught in English. And the good news for international students is that this number is expanding at a fast rate, thanks to Poland’s growing reputation as a centre of excellence in European education.

Expanding community of international students

Poland’s international student population is getting larger and larger with each passing year. Visit one of its top-class medical universities and you are likely to meet students from the USA, UK, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, among others. Many arrive as exchange students for a term but are attracted by its rich history, great food, vibrant night-life and picturesque countryside.

Inexpensive tuition fees

Compared to many European countries, Polish educational establishments charge a lot less in tuition fees. You can expect to pay somewhere between £1,250 and £2,750 a year, which is a bargain considering that you get to study in a European country. Of course, this figure may vary depending on your choice of institution, type of course, etc. ‒ enrolling at one of Poland’s acclaimed medical universities can cost you over £10,000 per year.

Low cost of living

When a meal can cost you under £3, a loaf of bread is under than fifty pence, and shared accommodation is available for about £100 a month – you know you’ve come to an inexpensive part of Europe. If you are used to the high costs in countries such as the UK and the US, then it’s safe to say that Poland is cheap!

For more information about studying abroad and proving your ability in English click here

Powodzenia! (Good luck)

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April 6, 2016 by Edgar

One Easy Way to Improve Your English Listening Skills

Photo courtesy of Philippe Put (Flickr) www.ineedair.org

So Easy A Baby Could Do It!

As babies, we’re bombarded with sounds that our brains begin to codify almost straightaway. It’s a skill that is in-built and helps us to adapt to real life situations and understand our environment. So, as adults we should approach listening comprehension in the same way, by relating it to real-life experiences.

It’s all about context

Babies associate familiar people ‒ such as parents or siblings ‒ with typical situations (e.g. feeding time, bath time, naptime, etc.) and the sound chunks that are frequently produced on these occasions. Listening to repeated utterances of these chunks makes it easier for them to understand the gist of what is being said.

Let’s now take this theory and apply it to language tests.

Consider the IELTS Listening test, which is divided into four parts: the first two focus on informal contexts, whereas the last two are set in more formal situations. Just being familiar with the context can help you predict the sort of language that will be used, which subsequently helps you identify answers.

Filling in the gaps

In some language tests, the context of a conversation becomes clear as soon as the instructions are given. In IELTS, for instance, we hear the voiceover set the context at the beginning of each part; for example: “Section 1. You will hear a conversation between a university student and the shop assistant at a book store. First, you have some time to look at questions 1 to 4.”

Take a few seconds and think about your own experiences of buying books: What questions did you have? What information did the seller provide? Then, look at the questions and think of the sort of language you are likely to hear when the speakers reveal the required information ‒ i.e. how to get details such as the title of a book, its author’s name, the publisher’s name, its cost, etc.

Here are some ways in which such information can generally be sought:

Title

Author

Published by

Cost

· What’s it called?

· What’s the title?

· We have an international bestseller called …….

· Who’s it by?

· Who wrote it?

· Who’s the writer?

· Do you mean the one by Prof. Derek ……..? Oh yes, that’s the one!

· Who’s the publisher?

· Who’s it published by?

· How much is it?

· Is it expensive? Not really, it’s only $ ……

· Is it cheap?

· What’s the price?

Sometimes, anticipating the language for a specific context prepares you to spot answers in conversations.

So the next time you attempt a listening exercise, do what babies do – use situations you know to your advantage.

Click here to try this technique on a practice IELTS listening test

Good luck!

P.S. We’re going to be posting every week on a Thursday. So, come back for more English language tips, experiences and insight into studying abroad.

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