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Showing posts with label education online. Show all posts
Showing posts with label education online. Show all posts

Friday, August 26, 2011

Online Degrees in Nursing: How Do Online Degrees in Nursing Work?

Have you considered enrolling in one of the many available online degree programs in nursing? Do you need additional information about how online degrees in nursing work, including what you’ll need to get started? Online degrees in nursing have recently become very popular, largely due to the bright career prospects for qualified nurses throughout the country. However, before you commence on one of these programs there are certain qualifications and program aspects you should be aware of. To help prepare you for what you’ll need, in this article we will discuss online degrees in nursing in a bit more detail, including a list of what you’ll need before you enroll and what you can expect once the classes begin.

Online Degrees in Nursing: What You Will Need to Get Started

As the name implies, online degrees in nursing are college degree programs in which the majority—and sometimes the entirety—of the coursework is conducted online. As a result, to be successful in these types of programs, you will need to possess certain equipment and qualifications before you enroll, including:

Personal Computer This could be a desktop computer, laptop computer or tablet-style computer to which you have regular access.

Reliable Internet Connection A high-speed internet connection (broadband, DSL, Wireless, etc.) is essential when taking any online nursing degree class.

Email Account An email account is necessary for receiving and sending course information and coursework, however if you do not have one they are very easy to obtain.

Basic Computer Knowledge A basic understanding of how your computer and the Internet operate is essential when enrolling in an online nursing degree program.

Ability to Work Independently. Because the majority of the coursework will be completed online, students must possess the discipline to work independently to meet course deadlines.

While these are the base qualifications and equipment you will need to enroll in an online degree in nursing program, the school or university in which you enroll may have additional requirements, such as the ability to video chat or the ability to run a particular operating system.

Online Degrees in Nursing: How Do The Degree Programs Work?

These days almost every nursing degree, from an associate degree to degree at the doctoral level, is available online. Typically, these programs are broken down into two sections: course work and clinical practice, with the former being conducted over the Internet, and the latter at a medical facility of some type.

For the coursework section of the program, the school or university will generally host its own website, and students will be given a password. With this they will be able to access the site and participate in regularly scheduled activities, such as group chat sessions, video conferencing, lectures and seminars. Between these arranged sessions, students can also access the site to view any course assignments they may have missed and to read and contribute to bulletin board discussions.

Online Degrees in Finance: Bachelor of Science in Finance

Are you a business professional considering a return to school to help maximize your earning potential and improve your career prospects? Are you worried that you currently lack the time in your busy schedule to attend classes in the traditional sense and make the daily or semi-daily commute to the nearest college or university? If so, you may want to check out one of the many fabulous online degrees in finance that are currently being offered throughout the country, including the bachelor’s degree program in finance. To help get you started, here we will outline some of the specifics associated with this bachelor’s program, and show you why pursuing this particular online degree in finance may help you reach your goals without putting too much of a burden on your busy schedule.

Online Degrees in Finance: About the Online Bachelor of Science in Finance Degree

The online Bachelor of Science in Finance degree is a program featured at many colleges and universities across the country. The program is designed for busy, career-oriented professionals who are looking to advance within their current company, and for those seeking management-level employment opportunities in a variety of industries, including banking, investing, retail, insurance, financial services and government agencies.

The curriculum for the online Bachelor of Science in Finance degree is very thorough, and structured to include the most current trends in finance, including the latest techniques and practices that will allow graduates to compete in an ever-growing global economy. Throughout this online degree program, students will learn the basics of effective financial management, including the latest information and practices in financial analysis and planning, making important financial decisions and managing the financial resources of the firm and the firm’s clients.

Those who successfully complete the Bachelor of Science in Finance degree are in very high demand, and will be prepared for employment in areas/businesses such as:

Large private companies in a variety of industries

Government agencies and organizations

Non-profits groups

Small businesses

Management groups

Marketing and Financial services

Accounting

Investment firms

And much, much more…

Online Bachelor of Science in Finance Degree: Who Should Enroll?

The online Bachelor of Science in Finance degree is ideal for busy professionals—just like you—who are looking for a quality finance program that is flexible and convenient enough so as not to interfere with your current work schedule. Coursework is completed online at your own convenience, and when assignments are completed you simply email them back to the instructor for comments and evaluation. It really is that simple. This allows you to schedule your studies around your work schedule and family responsibilities, studying only when it’s an opportune time for you, including nights and weekends if you prefer.

A Bachelor Degree in Finance will not only provide you with the fundamental skills and principles you need to succeed in the financial world, it will almost always open new doors to more expansive opportunities and higher salaries. In fact, many will go on to earn and receive their MBA or Doctorate degree with an emphasis in Finance, and for both of these degrees, the Bachelor of Science in Finance is the perfect stepping stone.

Online Degrees in Education: What to Look for When Choosing a Program

Have you decided to pursue an online degree in education—a degree which will allow you to become a teacher and share your love of learning with the next generation of students? Education is a very popular course of study, with a variety of degree levels and programs to choose from. However, before you make any rash decisions regarding school enrollment, it’s important that you first consider whether or not the program(s) they offer suits your goals, matches your interests and fits your schedule. To help you accomplish this, in this article we will point out some of the primary factors to consider when shopping online education programs, and provide you with a list of questions to consider that will help you narrow down your selections.

Online Degrees in Education: What to Look For and Questions to Ask

The primary goal of any online degree in education program should be to fully prepare you for a career as a teacher. Thus, your primary selection criteria should be a school with which you feel comfortable—one that offers the most effective instructional methods and caters to a variety of learning styles. In addition, there are several factors and characteristics to consider—questions you need to ask to ensure you get the most from your educational experience. Some of these include:


Accreditation. Is the school and program through which you’ll earn your online degree in education accredited? This is very crucial and must always be considered, because if not, you may be wasting your time. Although most online schools of education are fully accredited through either the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education or the Teacher Education Accreditation Council, there are a few schools operating online without the proper credentials, and therefore a degree from one of these schools may be worthless, preventing you from becoming employed after graduation.

Schedule. One of the primary reasons for pursuing an online degree in education as opposed to a traditional degree is the flexibility. Sadly, some schools will promote their education program as “online,” when in reality only a small portion of that program is conducted via the Internet. For that reason, always make sure that the schedule requirements for your degree program will not interfere with your other responsibilities.

Curriculum. Are you certain that the curriculum offered through the online education program addresses your career interests and requirements? Has the curriculum been approved by a recognized standards committee? Always research the curriculum fully before making an enrollment decision.

Faculty. Does the faculty include doctoral level instructors and/or instructors with real-world teaching experience? Who you learn from is often as important as what you learn, so take some time to investigate your instructors’ qualifications beforehand.

Student Teaching. Does the institution you’re considering attending offer student teaching towards the end of the program? Student teaching is an important component of any teacher readiness program, and one that most states will require before you can become certificated.

Career Assistance. Does the online degree program help with placement assistance? Are the majority of graduates able to pass the state licensing exam? Competition for teaching jobs can be fierce in some states, which is why those schools that offer career services should be high on your list.

An online degree in education can open up a whole world of opportunities, but before jumping “feet first” into the first educational opportunity you come across, it is always a good idea to first do some research to ensure the school is a good fit for your unique interests and abilities.

Language Exchange Programs Defined

Are you interested in learning a new language, but perhaps having a difficult time doing so in the traditional manner? Would you be interested in becoming part of a language exchange program—a comfortable and collaborative new method for language acquisition? If so, the following information may prove very useful. In this article we will discuss the concept of language exchange in a bit more detail, first by defining the term and how the practice works, followed by a brief section outlining some of the benefits of this type of program.

What Is a Language Exchange and How Does It Work?

Simply put, a language exchange is a type of language acquisition program in which two or more people who speak a different language come together—either in person or electronically via email, voice chat, etc.—to practice one another’s language. For instance, if an English speaker is interested in learning Spanish, in a language exchange program he/she would be paired with a Spanish speaker interested in learning English.

There are several different ways a language exchange can be performed and practiced, including one of the more popular techniques called the Cormier method. In this system, small mixed groups of native speakers—speakers of two languages—will spend half the time conversing in one language and the other half speaking in the alternate language. This is carried out through various activities that are designed to address every important area of effective language acquisition, including vocabulary, comprehension and pronunciation.

While language exchange programs can take place in person, the improvements in technology in recent years have made it possible for speakers of different languages to get together electronically from thousands of miles away to practice each other’s language. This is often accomplished using a language exchange service of some type—one that provides a lesson plan and simplified instructions, usually for a very nominal fee. At the beginner level, speakers in a language exchange will often communicate exclusively through email or text, but as speakers become more advanced in each other’s language, video chat is often added to enhance the experience and to stress proper pronunciation.

The Benefits of a Language Exchange

Learning a new language takes not just practice, but the right kind of practice. Unlike other popular ways to learn a new language, methods such as a language class—in which the instructor does most of the speaking—and total immersion—in which the native speakers really have no motivation to help you learn—a language exchange allows both parties to speak, write and practice the new language often, with both parties sharing the same goal and thus just as motivated to help the other learn.

Another benefit of language exchange is that it stresses the type of communication most often used by people—conversational communication—and does so in a way that is very structured, yet comfortable. Through the carefully designed lesson plans and how-to guides, a language exchange program ensures that speakers will always have something to talk about, and because there is no evaluation process or penalty for mistakes, students tend to feel more at ease with the process and are more apt to practice on a regular basis.

Language exchanges offer a “win-win” scenario for both parties, and because these programs create an environment that is both supportive and collaborative, they are the perfect solution for anyone desiring to learn a new language.

Language Exchange: One on One vs. Group Language Exchange

Have you heard about the program called “language exchange”—an increasingly popular language acquisition program, based loosely around the premise of student and school exchanges? If you have, you know that there are essentially two ways to participate in a language exchange: in a one-on-one setting and with a group. And while both of these programs offer a number of advantages for new language learners, there has been some recent debate about which program model is the more effective. To help clarify this issue, here we will take a closer look at each of these styles of language exchange, explain their differences and similarities of each, and let you decide for yourself which of these programs offers the most benefit to learners.

Language Exchange: What Is Language Exchange?

Language exchange is a unique and extremely effective form of new language learning in which two or more people are grouped together, either physically in the same room or electronically through email, video chat etc., to learn each other’s language. The program can be conducted in either a one on one or group setting, with activities designed to teach and learn the other language.

In recent years, the language exchange model of new language acquisition has been lauded for the benefits it offers to all learners involved. It is a great alternative to the traditional model of language learning, direct language instruction, because instead of having one person teach many, this program demands a direct, even intimate participation between both parties, with plenty of opportunities for one on one discussions and language activities. This not only helps to learn the word and grammar equivalents in another language, but also the various idioms and pronunciations in language that are so vital to complete fluency.

One-on-One Language Exchange

One-on-one language exchange is a style in which two learners participate together in activities and dialogue designed to teach and learn the other’s language. In other words, a student from, say, Mexico would be paired with a French student, each desiring to learn the other’s language. This type of one-on-one exchange, with activities and instructions that are part of an overall lesson plan designed by the language exchange coordinator, can span several months or even a couple of years, and during that time it is not uncommon for the two learners to become very close friends as well as teachers and learners respectively.

One of the benefits to the “one-on-one” language exchange model is the program is much more conducive to electronic communication than is group instruction, essentially allowing two learners from opposite ends of the globe to meet regularly through email, instant messaging and video chat.

The obvious disadvantage to a one-on-one approach is the program is limited to only two teachers/learners instead of many. This tends to limit the amount of activities that can be performed and may not be completely representative of the language(s) that are being taught and learned.

Group Language Exchange

In group language exchange, several people meet together, some of which speak one language and some the other (usually 50-50), to conduct group discussions and participate in group activities, all designed to learn the other’s language. In other words, using the same example as above, a group language exchange with 10 participants would likely have 5 individuals from Mexico and 5 from France who meet regularly to participate in the program. Like one-on-one instruction, the activities are usually part of an overall lesson plan designed by the language exchange coordinator.

The advantage to a group language exchange is that it allows participants the opportunity to learn from several people at once. For example, in a group dialogue learners can hear various people speak the language on a single topic, both male and female, and a larger group usually translates to more discussion and longer dialogues. This repetition and the longer sessions can lead to increased comprehension.

Naturally, the group setting is not very conducive to electronic communication, as it is much more difficult to coordinate such activities when many people are involved. And while the group method can also lead to lifelong friendships, it tends to be much less intimate than one-on-one instruction, as people tend to be a bit more inhibited in a group setting.

Whether you decide to pursue one-on-one instruction, with increased opportunities for electronic communication, or a group setting, with more teachers/learners and more discussion, it is clear that the language exchange model is an excellent vehicle for achieving total fluency in another language and a much more beneficial alternative when compared to the often ineffective method of traditional direct instruction.

Want to Learn English in the United States? Some Factors to Consider

Do you need to improve your English language skills, perhaps for use in your profession or to qualify for a degree program in the United States or United Kingdom? Did you know that there are several programs available through which you can learn English in the United States? English language programs in the United States, also called ESL programs, are designed for non-native speakers who wish to learn the English language. Other types of English language programs simply cannot compare to those in the United States, as there is no better way to study the English language than to be constantly surrounded by native speakers. Not only will these programs allow you to learn advanced English language skills, they will also improve your resume and provide you with many opportunities to bask in the American culture.

Learn English in the United States: Some Factors to Consider

While the English language programs in the US are among the best in the world, there are several factors to consider before you make the decision to study here. Some of these factors include:

Location. Where do you want to study? The United States is a very unique country from a geographical standpoint. It features mountains, deserts and oceans; cold weather states and warm weather states; small rural communities and bustling metropolises. Deciding on the location that best suits your interests is one of the first steps prior to enrolling in an English language course.

Class Type What is your preference in terms of class type or size? There are many different types of schools that offer English language courses in the United States. From large, prestigious universities with many students, to smaller colleges and private institutions with fewer students, the US offers many different class options to suit your preferences.

Cost. The decision to study English in the United States can be a very expensive one. The cost of higher education is on the rise in the US and International students typically pay much higher tuition fees than native students, so if cost is a major issue you may want to consider studying at a private language learning institution instead.

Housing. There are many different housing options for international students. For example, if cost is not an issue, as is the case with many students on scholarship, you might prefer to live in an on-campus dormitory or in a private or shared apartment nearby. Those with cost concerns may be able to find a host family to live with—an option that is usually very affordable, if not free that also includes meals.

Credit Transfer. While most major colleges and universities are able to transfer your credits back to your home school, some of the smaller colleges and private institutions may not offer this benefit. It’s important to research this question beforehand, especially if you will need those credits to graduate

As you can see there are many factors to consider before making the decision to study English in the United States. Many of these questions can be answered by simply searching the Internet, but if you need additional assistance, check with your home university to see what resources they can provide you with, including some potential funding resources, as there are many grants and scholarships available for international students.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Study Abroad in France

Choosing what school to go to in college is not even a mile close to choosing between apple and orange. College education is certainly an investment and a decision that can change the life of an individual. The real life outside the academe requires extensive training, maturity, and remarkable skills – things an individual should be getting from the time he steps in the campus. This makes choosing the right school crucial.

France is known to be a “knowledge” economy – a country that invests significant portion of its budget in education, research, and extension. In fact, more than 20% of the country’s national budget is allotted to education, and this makes way for an education system that has the integrity and quality recognized worldwide. Yes, the French are serious about studying and schooling. In fact, 98% of French kids, as young as three years of age, are sent to maternelle or kindergarten classes. Among European countries, French kids spend the most number of hours per year in school.

The best thing about it is that this quality education is open not just to French but to the rest of the world. Yes, France is one of the top three countries (along with United States and United Kingdom) that host the most number of international students. This is no wonder given the wide array of top-notch disciplines (i.e., more than 35,000 post-secondary programs) and more than 6,000 learning institutions (both public and private) to choose from. More importantly, the French education is impartial between French and international students when it comes to admission requirements, tuition fees, and quality of education.

Despite the elite standing in educational system, France also offers low-cost education in its public institutions. Students get to avail special assistance, such as discounts in museums, sports events, and cultural events. They can also take advantage of low-cost restaurants and rentals (i.e., transportation and accommodation). Low-cost residences inside the campus are offered, with priority given to international or exchange students. All students below 28 years of age and are taking programs not shorter than a 4-month term are enrolled in student social security plan, where social security covers 70% of illness-related expenses incurred by the student. For students with excellent scholastic standing, there are lots of scholarship grants to apply for. They may even work part-time while enrolled in a degree program, provided they will keep the good academic standing.

Students work so hard not to enjoy themselves. France is the best place to balance between study and leisure. France is surely a window to view Europe - with nine other countries bordering it. What about its proximity to world famous cities, such as Amsterdam, Milan, Berlin, Barcelona, and London? It is definitely a plus!

France is undoubtedly rich in cultural heritage, and awareness of the European perspective is even included in the degree programs of most of the learning institutions in the country. What about being able to speak in French – a language spoken by more than 200 million people in approximately 50 counties? This is definitely an added feather an individual can have, and this can be best learned in France.

Truly, France has the right to boast itself not only for its wines and cheeses, gourmet food, and world famous designer labels - but also for its educational system. Graduates are definitely up to a good start. Not everybody is given the gift to have a French education – one thing that is worth investing, experiencing, and embracing. If you have what it takes, won’t you grab what others can only dream about?

Study Abroad in Berlin

An urban landscape rich in history and replete in modern constructs, Berlin is one of the great cities in the world that stood the test of time. From the Nazi occupation to the reunification of the country, Berlin has flourished into a vibrant setting worth exploring, especially for students who want to acquire world-class and dynamic education.

As the capital city of Germany with a population of 3.4 million, Berlin is a melting pot of different cultures and people and a convergence point of the old and the new. It is home to world-renowned universities and research institutions, thus making it one of the most progressive centers of education in the entire European Union.

Berlin is home to four topnotch universities that offer thousands of students an extensive roster of disciplines. Every year, approximately 110, 000 students crowd the halls of these hotspots of learning. The Free University of Berlin, the largest of the four universities, focuses on social sciences and humanities and on health and natural sciences and is one of the most highly regarded universities in Europe. Berlin’s oldest university, the Humboldt UniversitƤt zu Berlin, caters to 35,000 students annually and it primarily specializes on philosophy, mathematics and the natural sciences. One of the most notable individuals who graced this university was Albert Einstein. The other two universities found in Berlin are the Technische UniversitƤt Berlin and the UniversitƤt der Künste.

But of course, the old adage that experience is the best teacher also holds true in Berlin with its countless options for the arts, culture, leisure and recreation.

Those who want to major in the arts will find Berlin a big arena of learning. The city boasts of a 153 museums which reflect the rich heritage of its existence. One of the most popular is the ensemble on the Museum that was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other notable museums include the Jewish Museum and the Beate Uhse Erotic Museum, which is regarded as the world’s largest and most comprehensive erotic museum.

For zoology students, a trip to the Zoologischer Garten Berlin – the most visited zoo in Europe and holds the most number of species in the world among any other zoos in the world – is like browsing through volumes of encyclopedias, the only difference is that the animals are alive and not just printed photographs.

Who has not heard of the Berlin Film Festival? Held every February and attended by more than 430,000 movie aficionados, the Berlin Film Festival is the largest publicly attended film festival in the planet.

Finally, for the free spirits and fun-loving learners who want to relax via clean uninhibited fun, Berlin will not disappoint. The city is brimming with an exciting nightlife with numerous dance clubs welcoming stressed out students craving to break away from the pressures of studying. Life is indeed a party in Berlin with its nightlife pulsating with music from techno to punk and with endless choices to discover, all you have to do is pick one.

From its world-class universities, its historical walls, its well-preserved culture to its vibrant nightlife, Berlin is a seat of education like no other. Students can immerse themselves in the ways of the metropolis and learn from the smallest to the grandest of things. Indeed, Berlin is a place where one can realize the value of education and life as a whole.

Spanish Language School

To get a head start in learning the Spanish language in Spain, one must first find the right and comfortable environment where adaptation will set in. There are a variety of Spanish language schools in Spain that will surely adapt to your learning style and progress. It could be a school in the big city, or a relaxed ambience of the countryside, or perhaps maybe a small town where everyone is familiar and friendly. Wherever the location, a comfortable place is sure to help in hastening you conversational Spanish. To get you started, here are a few Spanish language schools that have different atmospheres to cater to your learning pleasure.

Hispalense Spanish language school, located in Tarifa, southern of Spain was one of the very first language schools in the province of CƔdiz when it first opened in 1989. It is most preferred by students who enjoy a laid- back environment by the ocean in a small town, since the beach is only a two-minute walk. They have a standard Spanish course in four course levels (A1,A2,B1,and B2). The intensive Spanish course is almost the same as the standard one, except that it has an additional five private lessons per week. They also have a DELE (diploma of Spanish as a foreign language) preparation course that has three course levels (intermediate, advance I and advance II).They also offer a spanish brush- up course for advanced students to refresh their Spanish. The standard price range is from 165 euros to 4000 euros depending on your weeks of study.


Aula sin Fronteras. Spanish School, located in Almansa, Spain is a small town where the Spanish language was born. What better place to study Spanish than in this La Mancha area on the Castillian plain? The town is a very splendid, a safe place to live in, with all the services and facilities that you may need, even though it is quite small (with about 30,000 inhabitants). You will very seldom meet foreign visitors and so there is no other way to communicate than to speak in Spanish, which will certainly boost your learning progress and even your conversational accent. The courses are divided into four levels (beginning, elementary, intermediate and advanced) and students who enter at an intermediate or advanced level are given a short placement test on the first day of class. The students per level are very small I number, ranging from only one to four students. They offer online classes, family classes’ and one to one private class. The prices range from 250 euros to 1000 euros depending on how long you will be studying.

Carpe Diem Spanish language school is located in the busy, cultural, commercial and social Calle Fuencarral, a street in the center of Madrid, Spain. It is awake at all hours of the day and night, due to the number of shops, cinemas, and theatres and because it is the meeting points of the three most interesting neighborhoods for "night life": Bilbao, Chueca and MalasaƱa. It is also near the museums, parks and other places of interests for the visitors. The hype of the city will surely help you to use your Spanish during parties, social events or even just during shopping and dining. They offer nine levels of learning (Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate I, Intermediate II, Advanced I, Advanced, Perfection/native Spanish level, D.E.L.E. BƔsico, D.E.L.E. Superior). Your course options are Intensive course, semi- intensive course, two days per week, evening course and one to one course. The price is 125 euros per week but again, it dependson the course you will take and the length of your study.


Delta Language School is located in Santander, the capital of Cantabria region which is surrounded by magnificent mountain landscapes. There are more than thirty public parks, four big museums, a glorious Cathedral and many open stretches of sandy beaches, which are distinguished by the Blue Flag of the European Community owing to their pristine condition. This friendly city is situated in a privileged natural environment. The city has amazing and relaxed surroundings, with mild weather all year round. As a coastal city, Santander enjoys warm winters and very pleasant summers. If you are looking for the luxuries of life during your study days, then this is your place. The school was founded in 1980 and is a well established school, open all year round. It is a fully accredited school with the reputation of providing a blend of high-level language instruction and a friendly atmosphere. They offer a standard course, extra cultural course, intensive course, Spanish for special subjects (business, tourism, etc.), course for mature people, D.E.L.E. preparation course, and a private course. The price range for this school is 242 euros for standard classes and 460 euros for intensive courses. The price would of course, depend on the length of your study. So get started by finding the right Spanish language schools and enjoy the benefits of speaking this well- renowned language fluently.

Great Opportunities in Studying Abroad

Going abroad does not only provide greener pasture for work opportunities. As a matter of fact, you can likewise achieve great academic privileges outside the country considering the long list of universities that awaits you. What is even more exciting is that you can optimize your options with the ever expanding selection of host countries from the East to the West. To convince you more about this opportunity, here are some of the exciting advantages.

Broadening Your Horizons

Studying abroad is an effective medium to open yourself to new possibilities. Staying in a different country involves delving into the prevalent culture apart from the school community. This includes discovering new set of values, beliefs, and ceremonies. As a newcomer, you are expected to adapt into the existing way of life so as not to be regarded as a complete stranger. The immersion process can be tough but you can certainly get acquainted with the new ambiance given sufficient time to adjust. Besides, the experience pays off with new pieces of learning.

Coping With Educational System

Coping with new educational framework is another consequence of studying abroad. Take it as an advantage though; it can be a chance to prove your academic competency. Take note that nothing could ever put down an intellectual person. Given intense perseverance, you can emerge as a wiser individual ready for another academic challenge before you. The next time you know, you are already marching to receive your diploma at last. Should you be fortunate enough, you can even earn recognition from such educational institution.

Meeting a Pool of Expert Mentors

More often than not, each country has its own pool of priced academic mentors. In fact, you can meet well-renowned academic personalities, too. Top western academies commonly take pride of its faculty members. Most of them can even be recipients of academic awards from renowned organizations. Moreover, you can expect no less than expertise which can bring out the best in you, as well. Meaning you don’t have to find your way to access their intelligent opinions for you can hear these ideas personally from them.

Encountering Career Privileges

No need to worry for studying abroad comes as a perfect investment. It is for the reason that you can reap return on investment via work privileges overseas, too. Getting a job in a foreign land comes easy to those with educational background in the same country. This way, the company can readily verify on your competence. Best thing is that you can earn double or triple times the regular pay in your home country in an equivalent position. Hence, you can even earn the cost of your education in a short term.

Learning More about Yourself

Leaving your home country likewise implies leaving your family. In turn, you should be able to stand on your own by learning the tricks to being an independent person. Facing life’s challenges alone would never be easy for great wisdom is learned out of tough circumstances. Along the process, you might even find yourself doing things you never used to do before. Undoubtedly, practical virtues such as independence cannot be found in books for this has to be encountered in real life situations. Consequently, your family is just a call or an email away whenever you need guidance for the internet is likewise a click away.

No doubt, you can anticipate holistic academic learning and training from the experience of studying abroad not to mention the career opportunities that await you.

Learning French in Paris

Voulez vouz coucher’ avec mo ce soir? Wouldn’t it be nice to know what those words mean? Especially if they were said to you by a very attractive person, mon ami. French the language of love has its uses apart from when you’re trying to sound romantic. It is also the third most spoken language in the world, Spanish and English holding the top two spots. Plus according to the famous comedian John Pinette, you need to know how to say the phrase “feed me I’m hungry” in every language. Knowing how to say this phrase in French would undoubtedly be useful; certainly if you’re in a country known for one of the world’s best when it comes to gourmet cuisine.

These days almost anything and everything is offered online, including language lessons specifically French. Some of these sites even offer their basic lessons for free, for the advanced level however you will have to pay. What they basically offer are manuals and English to French translated how-to-guides. Plus parrot mimic audio with a repeat-after-me format. Also today in almost every city you can find a huge number of language and grammar schools in which you can learn any and almost all the languages spawned by humanity, from East Asia and right down to Western Europe.

But as they say, the best way to learn how to swim is to jump off a pier. So why not book a plane ticket and head down to the world’s most romantic city and learn how to speak French the way only Parisians know how. The city itself offers a wide variety of language schools that specializes in French. The survey’s best comes up with the Accord French Language School; located right at the city’s center and offers an intensive training program for only 350 Euros per week. Also you can check out the other schools located within the area of the city. But before jumping on a plane you might want to check out their lists of other language schools online at www.languagecourse.net. The site presents other schools programs and comparative price offers regarding different types of courses. Learning French in the mother city itself has a lot of upsides, one of them being that you’re in Paris.

If the pheromone laden aroma of the city and its people isn’t enough, you are open to an unending variety of activities. That would ultimately present to you one of the most colorful cultures that the European world has to offer. Studying while being inside of the world’s best tourist attraction –the city itself, why not coast along with the classic tourist routine for starters? The first on the list would be the Louvre which contains the largest and most diverse collection of pre-twentieth century artworks. The second would be the Notre Dame Cathedral, the location backdrop of the 1996 Disney animated film; The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It is also one of the oldest Gothic styled structures that can be found. However we do not recommend jumping and sliding off of it’s ledges and pillars unlike Quasimodo. But since you are in Paris to be educated, why not check out the Sorbonne and the Latin Quarter? In which whose halls had been graced by some of history’s greatest minds such as Rene’ Descartes, Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone De Beauvoir, it is also one of the oldest university in Europe.

How to Choose a Spanish Language School in Spain

¿Hablas espaƱol? Si? Well, that would make you one of the 420 million people in the world who speak Spanish - the third most spoken language in the world, next to Mandarin and Hindi. Spanish (or Castilian, to be specific) is Spain’s ‘only’ official language. Recent statistics shows that around 98.8% of the population speaks the language; so, where else would it be best to study Spanish? Spain, of course!

Finding a Spanish Language School in Spain would be like looking for a bucket of water in Lake Sanabria. Choosing the right one, however, would be an entirely different matter. Learning the language should not be limited only to speaking it. In order to really learn Spanish, a learning program should encompass other aspects, like food, music, its customs, and a glimpse into the Spanish culture. Students should not only learn Spanish but experience it. Several factors, therefore, should be considered when choosing the right school that would provide a holistic approach to its potential students. These are: (1) the school’s locale, (2) accommodation and price, (3) course design or program of the study, and (4) last but not the least, the school’s track record and reputation.

The school needs to be known for its craft – teaching the Spanish language. It should have the necessary accreditations. Its faculty members should be known in the Spanish Language Teaching industry or have the degrees that would qualify them in this line of academe. The school should also be able to facilitate the teaching in small class size – which makes way for closer and more focused attention of teacher to her students.

Many schools in Spain offer home-stay with a host family as a part of their accommodations program. Here, a student lives with a real family in Spain and gets to experience first-hand a little of the Spanish life. Some schools have their own residence areas available for students. These are usually dormitory types with facilities, like libraries, audio-visual rooms, swimming pools, and other amenities to guarantee a comfortable stay for the students. Other choices could be hotels and apartments within the vicinity of the school. A student should choose the accommodation arrangements that he or she would be most comfortable with since this would be a home away from home for the duration of the course. To avoid unnecessary stress, the residence should be as close to the campus as possible to avoid the hassle of long travel before going to class. The place should likewise be safe and accessible to important establishments, like hospital, market, shopping malls, pharmacy, gym, etc.

Equally important would be the course offering and teaching methodologies of the school. Most schools use interactive approach to learning the language. Spanish is learned through constant interaction and practice. Students are grouped depending on their proficiency of the language, and instruction is done per level. That is, beginner, intermediate, or advanced. A student’s level of proficiency is determined by the school; and from there, courses that a student should take are prescribed. One class session usually takes an hour or so depending on the level or course. Learning should never be boring! It is the school’s responsibility to make it as exciting and enjoyable as playing. This is why you need to make sure the school you choose offers fun-and-education balance by engaging its students in fun-learning activities, like singing contest (song in Spanish language), Spanish dance contests, role playing in Spanish, and tour in museums and Spain’s rich cultural heritage.

The school should have the state-of-art facility – internet access, comprehensive libraries and online databases of resource materials, round-the-clock open hotline for emergency concerns and student’s inquiries, and multimedia classrooms. Speaking of multimedia and interactive learning, what about a weekly movie treat in the video room (wide screen) of the school, where you’ll see the best of Spanish movies? Sounds like a great way of learning Spanish, doesn’t it? On top of the language, learning how to cook Spanish cuisine is totally a great value-add a school can offer its students.

Studying is undeniably an investment – time, effort, and money. Make sure the school you choose is worth all these investments! ¡Buena suerte!

Graduate Study in Japan

Known as the second best in world economy, Japan’s educational level is also one of the most-sought after among students and professionals who want to pursue a graduate study. Both local and foreign students seek higher learning education in Japan’s graduates schools and universities to not just acquire premier education but to earn a degree relevant to their undergraduate study, conduct long-term research, acquire proficiency in Japanese language, and earn specialized skill in various fields of studies.

The MBA and MA’s in Japan are designed as cross-education degrees that offer education on global issues and aim to mold students to become responsible and internationally-functional professionals and learners. With the country’s global connections and position in world leadership, the country is an ideal training ground as schools and top universities accept and organize exchange programs that will allow students from other nations to participate in learning opportunities that cultivate one’s individuality.

Moreover, with Japan’s rich and diverse culture, backed-up with century and even millennium-old culture and traditions like the value of sacrosanct emperorship in their society to name a few, it becomes an effective foreground in providing cutting-edge and intensive learning opportunities, life-changing experiences, and budding interests that a student would aspire to possess.

International students get more benefited as Japan’s education system takes the role of introducing groundbreaking discoveries and extend its contribution in fast-paced advancement of technology. With this kind of learning environment, the country is undoubtedly an outstanding venue for a graduate study among professionals and students from other countries.

For the uninitiated, a graduate study in Japan is usually subsidized by Japanese government and other institutions that offer scholarships to students who have exemplary academic performance. Those who have been qualified to undergo scholarship programs financed by their own government or joint programs between the government of Japan and other governments are given trainings, seminars, and courses, not to mention an environment conducive to effective learning.

As Japan becomes an outstanding niche in educating students and professionals alike, it never ceases to prepare students to become, confident, courageous and extremely capable of facing the complexities of the present society by letting students take a firm and reliable grasp of world politics, economies, cultural studies, social relations, and religious views in the perspective of the academe.

Finally, students who yearn to pursue a graduate study in Japan are obviously exposed to a plethora of opportunities but they should also know that the educational system of Japan strictly follows students’ length of study. When it comes to length of study in Japan, it is important to take note that Master’s programs last for two years while Doctor’s programs last for five years. If a student desires to take medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, fours years would suffice. Though Japanese universities may differ in providing length of study to their students, the least that a student can do is to complete the study for two years or less and finish it not longer than five years.