Higher education abroad. Education abroad: pros and cons

The diversity of school education systems in the world is generally greater than that of higher education. This is largely due to the lack of great need for standardization to facilitate international interaction at the level of secondary education institutions. The number of years of study, the assessment system, the disciplines taught and the content of curricula - all this can vary greatly from country to country. Unfortunately, these differences often create certain difficulties when entering foreign universities. Of course, within the framework of this article it is impossible to give a complete overview of all existing school education systems, but we can highlight those general points that you should pay special attention to when preparing to enter a foreign university.

In Russia and other CIS countries, as is known, there are 3 levels of school education: primary general, basic general and complete (secondary) general. When looking at education in America, most Western European countries, as well as Australia and Japan, it turns out that school education in these countries also has three levels: primary, middle and high schools. As in the case of Russia, the first two steps are mandatory; the goal of the third level is to prepare schoolchildren for higher education (although, for example, in France, this also includes vocational lyceums - analogues of our vocational schools). However, this is where the similarities end, because, starting from primary school, there are clear differences between school education systems in different countries of the world.


Primary School

Typically, primary schooling begins at the age of 5-6 years and continues for 4-7 years depending on the country and even region, such as in Australia. As well as public schools, which generally do not charge tuition fees, there are numerous private schools that charge fees. In Catholic and Protestant countries there are also schools affiliated with churches that provide education with a religious focus. Most subjects, with the exception of physical education, music, and fine arts, are taught by one teacher. Among the compulsory subjects to study in primary schools in most countries of the world, one can highlight the national language (speech acquisition, reading, writing), arithmetic, physical education, art (music, drawing, etc.).

Private schools often introduce some additional subjects into the program, for example, religious studies, secular ethics. In some countries, such as, for example. Japan, already at this stage, is focusing on studying the basics of natural sciences. However, in Europe and America these disciplines are not compulsory, so they are taught to a very limited extent and not in all schools. School uniforms are generally optional (even in Japan). The number of lessons per day is from 3-4 to 7 (in France; classes include a two-hour break). Typically, students attend school 5 days a week, with days off either at the end or in the middle of the week: in France, for example, these are Wednesday and Sunday.

It is worth noting that the results of learning in primary school do not have a serious impact on the further educational “opportunities” of the student. The exception is Germany, where, after graduating from primary school (at 11-12 years old), students, depending on their learning abilities, are assigned to the so-called “Main Schools” (lowest results; study until 15-16 years old, then work or study at a vocational school) , “Real schools” (average results; education up to 15-16 years old, then education at a technical school) and gymnasiums (the most capable students, preparation for entering universities).


high school

Training at this level takes from 3 (USA) to 6 (Germany) years. A characteristic feature (in comparison with the domestic education system) is that students have the opportunity to choose subjects to study, although at this stage most of the disciplines studied are still compulsory. Among the compulsory subjects, mathematics, national and English languages, natural (physics, chemistry, biology) and social sciences (history and geography) should be noted. Elective subjects include foreign languages, technology, and arts. In addition, there is a practice of dividing students into ordinary and advanced streams (USA). In “advanced” classes, the material is covered faster and the amount of homework is higher.

In most states there are no uniform textbooks - the question of which textbooks to use is decided at the state/federal level (typical for federal states - the USA, Germany), or at the school level. After graduating from high school, you can go to study at vocational lyceums (and similar institutions, such as vocational schools), or continue your studies in high school to enter a university.

In some countries, the boundary between middle and high school is quite arbitrary, as, for example, in Germany, where education after the age of 15 is available only in gymnasiums, which are entered at the age of 11-12 years. In France, grades at the end of the “college” (high school) do not affect the possibility of being accepted into a general or technological lyceum in preparation for entering university. In the USA and Japan, most schoolchildren go to high school because... There are no entrance tests. In England, however, there is a Common Entrance Examination, the successful completion of which is required to continue to high school.


High school

Studying abroad in high school is directly related to subsequent admission to higher education institutions and, as a rule, takes 2-4 years. This stage of school education in Western Europe and America is characterized by greater freedom for students to choose the disciplines they study. This freedom is realized in various ways. For example, in the USA, schools set the minimum criteria required to obtain a diploma (a certain number of years of studying natural sciences, mathematics, literature, social sciences, physical education). Moreover, each university includes in its admission rules the disciplines that must be mastered at school, which helps students choose which subjects to study additionally and in what volume. An interesting fact is that in the USA, to enter a university, as a rule, you need 2-4 years of studying a foreign language, which once again emphasizes the importance of this component of education, even if your native language is English.

Schooling in Canada

In Canada (English-speaking provinces), compulsory disciplines in the 10th grade are “Science” (a complex subject that includes the study of physics, chemistry, biology), mathematics, English, in the 11th grade - mathematics and English, in the 12th - only English. In addition, students choose additional subjects from a fairly wide list, as well as subjects for in-depth study (for example, you can study hotel management). In the 12th grade, much attention is paid to learning (yes, learning) how to apply to a university. Each school has a consultant with whom the student can discuss his plans and the admission process.

High school in England

In English high school (A-levels), there are no compulsory subjects to study and pass - everything is determined by the requirements of the universities to which the future applicant intends to apply, as well as his personal preferences (since the mandatory number of exams may be higher than the number required by the university items). This means that the decision about future specialization cannot be made at the end of the graduating class, as is often the case with us. Actually, the admission process in the UK begins approximately a year before the planned start of university studies.

Secondary education in Japan

In Japan, high school and secondary education are fee-paying, regardless of whether it is a private or public institution. Schoolchildren do not have much choice - there are a large number of compulsory subjects and several specialized subjects to choose from. Private schools may include additional disciplines in their programs.

Secondary education in Germany for schoolchildren

In Germany, as you know, education from grades 5 to 13 takes place in gymnasiums. These educational institutions are classical, as well as with in-depth study of individual disciplines: mathematics, natural sciences, humanities. There are also sports and music gymnasiums. There is no choice of subjects as such, which makes high school (grades 11-13) in this country similar to grades 9-11 in Russian high school. The level of education in the 11th-13th grades of gymnasiums is very high, and the final exams (Abitur) in their content approximately correspond to the 1st-2nd year of our universities.

In most countries, high school is not a compulsory level of education, but is generally free for its own citizens and those with an appropriate residence permit, with the exception of private educational institutions. However, it is private schools that provide educational opportunities for foreign citizens. For a number of reasons (e.g. grading system - see below), it can be very beneficial to spend some time in high school abroad to get into a foreign university. Programs for schoolchildren are now gaining popularity - you can find out more about them, as well as free opportunities, at.

Below is a table that allows you to compare the structure of school education in five countries around the world, as well as in Russia. From this diagram we can conclude that in many countries children spend more time in schools than in our country. It is this fact (and not the content of the school curriculum) that explains the requirements of many foreign universities for a 12-year education, which in our country can be obtained in two ways: study for a year at a Russian higher educational institution, and also enroll in the International Baccalaureate program (for more details, see . below). The above does not apply to the USA - you can and should enroll there after 11th grade, because... By entering any university in any country in the world, you lose your status as an applicant, and then admission to a US university (undergraduate) is only possible as a transfer student, which is practically impossible (it’s easier if you study at another American university).

Assessment systems

Knowledge assessment systems are extremely diverse. Even, say, in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, with an almost identical school education system, 5, 12 and 10-point grading scales are used, respectively. Although within one specific country each of these schemes can work perfectly and fully satisfy students, teachers and universities, when reaching the international level, all this diversity results in the practical uselessness of the data in the certificate for admissions committees of foreign universities. It is unlikely that even the University of Cambridge, which is very scrupulous in selecting future students, will delve into what level of knowledge corresponds to 7 points out of 10 in the Belarusian certificate of secondary education. You should always remember this when applying to a foreign university. To give the certificate at least some information content, it is advisable to provide each assessment with its name (excellent, good, etc.), and also indicate the maximum possible score.

The Russian knowledge assessment system is closest to the German one - at least both use numbers. There are, however, two “buts”: the Germans have a 6-point scale, and the highest rating is 1 (excellent). The remaining points: 2 - good, 3 - quite good, 4 - satisfactory, 5 - unsatisfactory, but there is basic knowledge, 6 - unsatisfactory. An interesting fact: for the first time, a system of assessing knowledge on any scale arose in Jesuit schools in Germany, and it consisted of 3 points (1 is the highest score).


School marks
In Great Britain

In the UK, assessment systems differ between middle and high school. Upon completion of secondary school, students become holders of GCSE certificates (General Certificate of Secondary Education), in which grades can be found A* (the highest score is excellent), B, C, D, E, F, G (the lowest score is satisfactory). The exam can also be graded U - Unclassified, which means that the result is below the minimum required for the certificate - in this case, the subject is not included in the GCSE. Interestingly, there is also a grade of X – it is given if offensive materials or obscene language are found in the examination work. As for high school (A-levels), the following grading system is used. Each work is scored in points. These so-called Raw Marks are converted into Uniform Marks (UMS): the more complex the work and the higher its “importance”, the more UMS is given for it, i.e. papers written the same on Raw Marks (say 60 points out of 90) may be awarded different amounts of UMS. The maximum number of UMS for a certain subject is from 200 to 600. The final grade is determined by the percentage of UMS points from the maximum number for a given course. In 2013, the boundaries were as follows: A*(80% subject to 90% for the second year of A-levels), A (80%), B (70%), C (60%), D (50%), E ( 40%), U (less than 40%).

US school grading system

In the USA, a 5-point grading system is used: A (excellent), B (good), C (satisfactory), D (poor), F (unsatisfactory). It is also common practice to add + or - to ratings. This scheme is the most common, although there is also a percentage system (the assessment is, for example, the percentage of correct test answers). However, all alternative schemes have tables for converting scores to letter grades.

One of the most sophisticated knowledge assessment systems is the 100-point Japanese one. Its fundamental difference is that the individual successes of the student are not assessed here, but a certain average level of knowledge of the entire class is determined, thus, the assessment is given to the class, and not to the student. However, such harsh suppression of the individuality of students (and children in general) is typical for the Land of the Rising Sun and is a reflection of the tradition of the Japanese and their way of thinking.

International Baccalaureate

The idea of ​​​​creating a unified school education system for students from different countries of the world arose in Switzerland in the 1960s, which led to the emergence of such a phenomenon as the International Baccalaureate (IB). The main goal of IB was to develop a unified criterion for assessing student knowledge, recognized by most universities in the world and, thus, giving students from different countries the opportunity to enter any university in the world. Over time, the program gained popularity. Currently, education under IB programs is provided by more than 3,500 schools in 144 countries. The IB Diploma in many countries (including Russia) is equivalent in status to the Certificate, and more than 2,000 universities in 75 countries recognize the results of IB exams.

The IB system consists of 4 levels: Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), Diploma Program (DP) and IB Career-related Certificate (IBCC). The important thing is that there are no fundamental difficulties in starting education with any level. Let's take a closer look at each of them, except IBCC, since in Russia there is no opportunity to study under this program.

PYP is intended for children aged 3 to 12 years. The main goal of education is the holistic development of the child, encouraging his natural curiosity. 6 interdisciplinary topics are considered: who we are, who we are in space and time, ways of self-expression of people, how the world works, how people organize themselves and interact with each other and nature. 6 disciplines are also taught: national language, social sciences, mathematics, art, natural sciences, as well as personal, social education and physical education.

For children aged 11 to 16 years there is a MYP level (duration - 4-5 years). This program aims to make students creative, discerning and critical thinkers. As students learn, they learn to make connections between what they study in class and what happens in the real world. MYP promotes the development of communication skills and intercultural understanding. At this stage, schoolchildren begin to study a foreign language along with their national one. Subjects such as technology (labor training) and humanities are also emerging. Depending on the subject, a 6 or 7-point grading system is used, grades are issued at the end of each year. Each subject has its own assessment criteria. At the end of 4 (5) years of MYP, the student submits a project on an academic/non-academic topic of his choice.

DP is a two-year program created directly to prepare for entering a university. In addition to 6 groups of subjects, there are 3 more components required for obtaining a diploma: Extended Essay (a research essay on a selected topic of 4000 characters), Theory of knowledge (a separate course), CAS - Creativity, Action, Service (this includes creative, sports, social activities). Three or four disciplines are studied at an advanced level, the rest at a standard level. Subjects are divided into the following groups:


There is internal and external assessment for all subjects. External examinations take place in May (Northern Hemisphere) or November (Southern Hemisphere) in the form of written papers. Usually these are 2-3 works that are written in one day or several consecutive days. Internal assessment usually takes place through video-oral presentations, experimental and written work depending on the subject. This estimate ranges from 20% to 50% of the final estimate. Knowledge in each discipline is assessed on a 7-point scale, with 7 corresponding to A*, 6 to A, and so on according to the English system. A maximum of 3 points can be earned for Extended essay and Theory of knowledge. The CAS is not graded, but is absolutely essential for successful completion of your studies. Thus, the total number of points that can be scored is 45. To obtain a diploma, you must have about 80% of this amount.

Each university has its own minimum IB Diploma requirements that must be met for admission. These requirements can be found on the admissions pages. It is also important that a foreign citizen who has studied, for example, English as a foreign language, does not need to pass a language exam when receiving a certain score for this subject.

There is more detailed information about the International Baccalaureate program and a list of IB schools in the Russian Federation.

Probably, the founder of overseas education was Peter the Great, because he was the first to understand that higher education abroad is very high quality and thorough. Since those times, much has changed in life, but education received outside our country has not lost its relevance.

Of course, educational programs have increased, and the learning conditions have become richer and more interesting. And this makes studying abroad increasingly popular and fashionable.

Popularity of foreign education

The popularity of studying in foreign countries is based not only on its prestige, but also on its affordable cost. Previously, it was believed that people who were decently wealthy or brilliantly gifted allowed themselves to do this. But now it is possible for a completely ordinary person to get a higher education abroad. Of course, to achieve this goal, specific knowledge and skills are required. You need to study the language of the country where you are supposed to study, or know the universal English language. Well, it’s good to have the skills to adapt to an unfamiliar country.

Of course, money is also required, but often the cost of higher education abroad is comparable to the amounts spent on studying at Russian universities. Naturally, educational institutions in other countries have their own characteristics:

  1. Multi-stage education system.
  2. A unique format of classes, emphasizing practical work and suggesting freedom of choice in the subjects studied.
  3. Independent work with the expression of informed opinions is encouraged.

Advantages

When deciding to take this serious step, you need to understand how important it is for you. Either this is language practice, or the desire to stay in another country after graduation, or the desire to acquire a second higher education abroad.

In any case, the advantages of studying abroad are obvious.


Flaws

There are also some disadvantages, which can be considered as follows.

  1. The cost of higher education abroad is quite high.
  2. Expensive accommodation.
  3. If the language is not studied enough, this can become a serious obstacle.
  4. Long separation from the Motherland.
  5. Problems may arise when obtaining a student visa.
  6. Quite a narrow specialization. This limits the possibility of working in another specialty.
  7. The need to adapt to a different culture.

Where are the best universities?

Many countries around the world invite those interested to take the training course. There are even opportunities to get free higher education abroad.

Of the European countries, Finland is the highest, occupying the top line of the ranking in 2012. The Scandinavian states have somewhat lost their position in the field of education. The UK, Canada, the Netherlands, Ireland and Poland have fairly high places in the ranking.

The lowest ranked countries are Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.

Features of studying abroad

Different countries have their own characteristics in the higher education procedure. They are quite specific, but there are common basic principles. The Anglo-Saxon model, which underlies education in English-speaking countries, involves three main stages of education:

  • Bachelor - duration of study 3-4 years;
  • Master - 1 year;
  • Doctor of Science – 3-4 years.

But a bachelor's degree abroad has some peculiarities. There are some bachelor's degrees that can only be obtained with practical experience. In addition, an increase in the duration of training is provided.

Admission to foreign universities is possible from the age of 18. Foreign applicants must complete the foundation courses.

Admission procedure

This procedure consists of specific steps.

Selecting a country and university

Having decided why you decided to get, for example, medical education abroad, you need to choose a country. It is better to look at this question from the point of view of your future profession. Some countries are famous for their medical universities, others for their technical ones. The same criteria apply to the universities themselves. Some are stronger in the humanities, others focus on economics.

Programs and terms of study

These positions depend on various factors. Do you enroll immediately after school or already have a bachelor's degree? Or it is decided to transfer from a Russian university to a foreign university. Each case requires a different learning time.

In choosing an educational institution and the desired program for obtaining higher education abroad, consultation with specialists practicing in this field can help.

Documents for admission

This is the longest stage, the length of which can be a year or more. Admission involves providing a certificate of language proficiency and has some subtleties. This:

  • collection of necessary documents;
  • translating them into the language of the country where training is expected;
  • notarization of them and many other procedures.

Cost of overseas education

The price of the issue depends on the cost of the chosen program and living costs. The less practical work they involve, the cheaper the training programs are. Therefore, music education abroad will be less expensive than economic education.

But there are also associated costs:

  • student fees for the use of university infrastructure;
  • payment for a travel ticket;
  • purchasing textbooks and stationery;
  • household expenses and telephone payments.

You can try to get a free education. There is a grant system for this. But to find a sponsor, you need to pass a competition to study abroad. Grants can be issued for the entire duration of study or for a specific time.

Some universities have scholarship systems. If a person receives a second higher education, it can be paid for by the company where he works. You can also take out a preferential loan offered by banks for students.

Obtaining higher education abroad is prestigious and in demand. But Russian education is also at a high level. For example, teacher education abroad is not superior to ours. But the prospects for those who studied abroad are still more obvious.

One could argue that it doesn’t matter where to study, but what matters is how. But this is hardly an indisputable truth, because a person wants to be not only well educated. For a full and happy life, you need to have a good promising job and decent living conditions.

When a person reaches the age when he needs to think about higher education, the main question arises - where to get it. You can enroll in a public or private university in your home country, or go abroad for higher education. The second option, of course, is considered prestigious, because it is much easier to find a job with a diploma obtained from some Western university. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the positive and negative aspects of higher education abroad, tell you how to start studying abroad and whether it can be done for free.

Quality education is the key to a successful and prosperous future for any person. This is exactly what we are told from school. Of course, one can argue about this, because there are many examples that prove that not having a diploma from a prestigious university opens up a sea of ​​opportunities for a person to become successful in life.

If we adhere to the point of view that teachers instill in us from childhood, then a very good education can indeed be obtained abroad. We will list for you the main advantages of studying abroad, which students who are currently in Western countries are talking about while getting a profession:

  1. If you want to work in a company with a high reputation and worldwide reputation, you must understand that it will be much easier for a graduate with a foreign higher education diploma to get a job in this place than for a graduate of a domestic university.
  2. Studying abroad is interesting to say the least. Teachers adhere to their own methods in their work; students can immerse themselves in the culture of the country where they are studying, learn the language, communicate with foreign students and make many interesting acquaintances.
  3. A student obtaining a profession can work on the latest equipment and apply modern technologies. This is especially a big plus for those who receive medical education abroad. Unfortunately, students do not yet have the opportunity to use the latest technologies in Russian universities.
  4. Foreign universities always send their graduates for internships in well-known companies so that they gain practical experience. Domestic higher education institutions do not provide such an opportunity to their graduates.
  5. By receiving higher education abroad, away from family, a young person becomes independent much faster, it is much easier for him to adapt to modern society and solve the problems that he has to face.

Disadvantages of studying abroad

In addition to the undeniable advantages of receiving higher education abroad, there are also several disadvantages. These include:

  1. Financial component. Unfortunately, the cost of education abroad is very high. In addition, to live in a foreign country, you need to rent housing, pay for a hostel, and buy your own food. All this costs a lot of money. A talented student with prospects living in Russia cannot afford to go study abroad purely for financial reasons. Of course, you can try to take part in special programs to undergo distance education abroad while sitting at home via the Internet. But such training gives nothing but knowledge. No practical experience or additional opportunities will be available to the student if he receives a document confirming that he has completed courses at a foreign university online. The only option that can be considered by a talented student in this case is a loan for education abroad. Various banks offer their own lending conditions. You need to familiarize yourself with them in detail locally. Don't let interest scare you. Remember that this is an investment in the future.
  2. If you decide to enroll in a foreign higher education institution, you will definitely need to obtain a visa. This is a very big problem, because universities in Europe and the USA usually do not take any part in solving bureaucratic problems related to the preparation of documents for study.
  3. If you don't know a foreign language well, then you won't be able to study properly. You will definitely have to learn it thoroughly first, and only then try to enroll.
  4. To enroll in a foreign higher education institution, it is not enough to know the language and have financial resources. You will have to devote a lot of time to translating Russian educational documents.
  5. Young people who are accustomed to a conservative upbringing will not be able to quickly adapt to a new country; moreover, it will be difficult for them to live independently.
  6. For failure to comply with discipline at a university abroad, you can immediately be expelled; the teachers there are not particularly nice to anyone. If you don't have a good enough reason for missing class, no one will find out what happened to you. Such Western values ​​are not to combine work issues, educational matters with personal relationships.

Where is the best place to get an education abroad?

If you intend to get your first or second higher education abroad, then you should take seriously the choice of the country in which it is better to study. We'll list a few options for you to consider:

  1. You can enroll in any university in England. In this country, educational institutions have the highest ratings, education is of very high quality, because diplomas from English higher education institutions are recognized throughout the world. England offers the best opportunities to practice your language. It is very interesting for a student to study in this country, and there are countless opportunities to find a job. However, studying here is very expensive. It is almost impossible for a Russian student to obtain a visa in general, since the embassy puts forward very high requirements. In English universities there is so much competition for a place that only a few manage to take it. In addition, it is almost impossible to find a job in England after graduating from one of the universities in this country.
  2. Many would like to get a higher education in the USA, because it seems that this country was simply created so that young people could realize themselves here. It is not without reason that in every country in the world there are numerous programs in which any interested student can take part for a fee in order to study at an excellent higher education institution with a high rating. In addition, students from all over the world study in the USA, and this is a unique opportunity to make acquaintances in Asia, America, and Europe. But again, studying at an American university is very expensive, the mentality in this country is completely different. It may be difficult for a Russian student to adapt to the American way of thinking.

  1. New Zealand is another country that has established itself as a state that provides a very high level of education. The British educational system is practiced here, but it is more affordable for Russian students. Here, every university provides jobs to its graduates, regardless of where they come from. If you love a warm maritime climate, then New Zealand will be paradise on Earth for you.
  2. You can also receive education in Holland. In this country, a lot of attention is paid to education. Competitions are organized for foreign students so that they can receive a diploma here absolutely free of charge. The education here is as high quality as in England, and as cheap as in New Zealand. In Holland, students are given a unique opportunity to combine study and work. After graduating from a Dutch higher education institution, a student can stay and work here. However, if you do not speak the local language, some courses that interest you may not be available to you.

How to get free education abroad?

If you are looking for a way to get an education abroad, knowing that you do not have personal finances for this, then think about what you can do to study for free. Fortunately, this option is possible, but no longer for school graduates, but for bachelor’s graduates who have a good diploma, high knowledge of a foreign language and have achievements in the profession they receive (publications, discoveries, won competitions).

It is advisable, in order to get the opportunity to study abroad for free, to participate in all kinds of volunteer programs organized by international organizations. Admissions committees of foreign universities pay great attention to this aspect. Practical experience is also preferred. If, after graduating from your home university in Russia, you worked for 2-3 years in your specialty, then this will be welcomed by the admissions committee.

If you are a school graduate and want to receive your first higher education abroad, then you can only apply for a discount on tuition or agree to the condition that you pay for the first year in full, and the opportunity to study for free will be considered by the university administration based on the results of the first year. course.

Where can I find information about the possibility of obtaining free higher education abroad? Visit the Global Education website for complete information on any curriculum around the world. Among them, the most popular are:

  • Erasmus Mundus
  • Fulbright
  • Chevening

The most difficult thing in the process of admission to a foreign university for free is the collection of documents and an interview. The admissions committee will, first of all, pay attention to the applicant’s personal interest, set of personal qualities and achievements. If you are a lazy, irresponsible person who is used to counting on someone in your affairs, then you don’t even have to try to enroll in a budget-funded study at a foreign university.

The main thing is to look for opportunities, try yourself in different programs, show your talents, realize yourself in the profession you have chosen, and show interest in everything. Only in this case can you build an excellent career with a comfortable future.

Video: “Study Abroad”

Educational tours abroad - primarily, of course, language tours - have recently noticeably increased in volume. This growth in popularity is greatly facilitated by their high efficiency: 100% immersion in the environment in a couple of weeks removes the notorious “language barrier”, which Russian foreign language teachers sometimes struggle with for years.

Today, Russian tour operators offer educational tours to almost 40 countries. Individual and sometimes group tours are organized for adults; children and teenagers under 17 years of age are most often offered vacation programs, including daily morning language classes and sports and entertainment activities in the afternoon and evening. Group educational programs for children, of course, cost less than personal trips, but they impose a number of restrictions: students from one group must be approximately the same age, and uniform training periods are strictly set for the entire group.

For the little ones

Some schools accept children from five years of age into language programs, but only together with their parents. This option can be found in England or Malta. For children aged 7-12 years, there are international children's camps to which a child can be sent either individually or as part of a group for 2-4 weeks. And for schoolchildren from 13 years old - the widest selection of programs in all countries. By the way, in many countries it is possible to organize living and training for parents with children directly in the families of teachers.

But still: if a child needs to improve his pronunciation or seriously prepare for entering an English school or university, it is British schools that will provide him with the appropriate program.

In the UK, Canada and the USA, “Language plus sports” programs are very popular. For example, studying at the David Beckham Football Academy in London (UK) and Los Angeles (USA). Eight- and fifteen-day programs are designed for girls and boys aged 11-16 years. Their training part was developed by the famous football player David Beckham and the famous children's coach Eric Harrison, a former coach of the youth team of the Manchester United football club. It includes all aspects of the game: passing technique, interception, dribbling, heading, man-marking, tactics and teamwork. There are specialized training programs for goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards. Theoretical classes on the physiology of the body, health, fitness and proper nutrition are also provided. Classes at the academy can be limited to football only (1 week), or can be expanded by learning English (1 week football + 1 week English) and excursions.

Seventeen and older

Young people over 17 and adults have much more freedom in terms of choosing educational programs. Firstly, a student at an “adult” school can choose between standard language classes or a special course. Secondly, he decides what to do in the afternoon. For those who strive for the most intense communication with native speakers, it is better to live in a family - local residents who have entered into a contract with the school welcome foreign students at home. For those who primarily value communication with peers, a residence is more suitable. It should be noted here that a residence is not just a type of residence, but rather a lifestyle in which the student is not left alone for a minute. Around him are peers from other countries with whom he sits in class, goes on excursions, swims in the pool and has fun at the disco. And you don’t need to drop everything at the most interesting moment and go to dinner “with the family.” Unfortunately, not all good schools for adults have good residences.

Cambridge, Boston, London and Munich are suitable for adult business people with serious requirements both for the intensity and quality of training, and for service and environment. Typically, “older students” prefer short but very intensive courses, preferably “one-on-one” with a teacher.

Prices

If we talk about the cost of programs in different countries, then all “educational” areas can be divided (of course, very conditionally) into three groups - expensive, affordable and economical. The first group includes Great Britain, Canada and Switzerland. In addition to the general standard of living in the country, the high price of their programs is due to accommodation in expensive boarding schools or universities, opportunities to play sports with professional coaches, an extensive excursion program and, last but not least, the prestige of educational institutions. The second group includes France, Italy, the USA, Australia and New Zealand (the last three are subject to long-term study). And finally, “economical” countries: Germany, Ireland, Spain and Malta. The latter is the clear leader among inexpensive programs.

Types of language courses for learning English

Standard course: 15-20 lessons per week, conducted at various levels. The goal is to provide students with the grammatical structures of the English language, sufficient vocabulary and, most importantly, to ensure the practical use of the acquired knowledge in everyday everyday situations.

Intensive course: for people with different levels of training, from elementary to advanced. Each level has its own program. It is designed for serious applicants who want to make real progress in learning the language and are ready to put maximum effort into it. The usual intensity of classes is 25-30 lessons per week, duration - from two weeks. During the classes, knowledge of grammar is improved and the vocabulary of both written and spoken speech is expanded, and correct pronunciation is actively taught. Special lessons and exercises are introduced to develop the ability to use language, to understand oral speech, as well as speaking practice, reading and writing.

Super-intensive course: for students of intermediate and advanced levels of language proficiency. This is an in-depth overview course for those who want to achieve the best results in a short time. As a rule, classes are conducted individually or in mini-groups (3-6 people) with an intensity of 40 lessons per week. The course lasts 2-4 weeks.

If we talk about the cost of programs in different countries, then all “educational” areas can be divided (of course, very conditionally) into three groups - expensive, affordable and economical.

Specialized courses are created for different categories of professional workers whose line of work requires in-depth knowledge of the English language. The cost of such courses is higher than general English courses, but the approach to learning is more individual, and the lesson programs are more serious and intense. The number of students in a group is up to 6 people, language classes are 15-40 hours a week.

The Business English course is not only a replenishment of vocabulary in the field of business, the development of spoken and written English with an emphasis on business topics. These are practical classes in which students master the skills of speaking in front of an audience, learn how to conduct business meetings and telephone negotiations, presentation strategies, and master special vocabulary. To begin studying in such courses, the level of English must be above average. Students are usually 21 years old, but there are schools that accept students from 18 years old.

Vacation courses for children, teenagers and students of different levels of training. Each language school has several age groups, which allows children to study among their peers, feeling comfortable both in the classroom and during leisure time. The course is designed for those students who want to combine serious language learning with excursions, cultural and entertainment programs. Duration - at least two weeks, study load, as a rule - 15-20 hours per week.

Family courses allow the whole family to relax during their vacation, combining relaxation with learning English. Children attend language classes in youth groups, and their parents attend language classes in adult groups (or just relax). Entertainment programs for children and adults are organized separately. Duration - from two weeks, intensity of classes - from 15 to 25 hours per week.

Exams and certificates

The examinations and tests of many English language schools and colleges are recognized by universities. But besides such “final” exams of language schools, there are also official or equivalent ones. The results of official examinations are recognized by organizations around the world. To enter a college or university, or to be hired by foreign companies, you are often required to provide the results of one of them. Such exams include, in particular:

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an exam for non-English-speaking foreigners that determines the level of language proficiency. TOEFL tests are developed and administered by the American organization ETS (Educational Testing Service).
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an international testing system for the English language, the English equivalent of TOEFL.
  • KET (Key English test) is a key test of the English language, “Cambridge first level exam”.
  • CAE (Cambridge in Advanced English) - advanced Cambridge certificate, or “Cambridge examination level four”.
  • CPE (Cambridge of Proficiency in English) - Cambridge Certificate of Fluency in English, or “Cambridge Level Five Examination”.

I recently decided to get a second education, but not in Russia. Knowing about the quality education that my peers receive in Europe and America, I also wanted to follow their example. If you believe the statistics, 10% of Russian students annually go to study and conquer the USA, Canada, Czech Republic, England, China and other countries. The issue of free education abroad is still relevant today.

In which countries can a Russian student study for free?

First of all, I decided to decide in which country it would be easier for me to live, where education would cost me less.

Please note that you can study for free only at state universities. They provide free education to foreigners.

In other organizations, training is paid.

Many people call training “free” in quotes. The reason is that you must provide for themselves , you will have to spend money not only on food, but also on the library, gym and other services of the educational institution. Everything is paid annual contribution . In addition, if you yourself are entering a university not under a funding program, then you will need to transfer a sum of money to your bank account, which would be enough for accommodation and food during the entire period of study .

Since I work and can support myself, I did not pay attention to the “free” education. While studying in Russia, we also spend on accommodation and food. Moreover, considerable sums are spent on rent, and if I live in a student dormitory , then my expenses will be much reduced.

So, I will list the foreign countries where you can get a free education and with what entrance requirements:


Note that educational institutions in the Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, China and other countries provide the opportunity to receive free education for Russian students.

But education at universities is not conducted in English, but only in the native language of this country, for example, Czech, Chinese, etc.

Despite this, they are admitted to universities without exams, after school and after completing the first year of a Russian institute.

Basic requirements for applicants for foreigners

Each university and country has its own requirements, however, they are almost the same.

Foreign applicants can enroll in universities, taking into account the following requirements:


Documents required for studying abroad

The standard package of documents includes:


Each document submitted to the commission plays a big role.

If you do not submit any document, you may be denied admission.

5 ways to study abroad for free

There are several methods for obtaining free foreign education. All forms directly associated with gratuitous assistance . It can be provided to students by an educational institution, the state, a private entrepreneur, or a representative of a public foundation.

I will list 5 ways of such training:

  • Grants or so-called social assistance to students , which is intended for educational expenses, implementation of a professional project, training in summer schools, courses, etc. The grant is issued as a one-time incentive. You can receive it again.
  • Scholarship . When receiving a scholarship that can cover the cost of all or part of your studies, a motivation letter plays a huge role. The scholarship can be awarded for achievements in volunteer, sports, creative, academic, or other talents. The scholarship can be issued by the university itself or by the Russian state.
  • Research Fellowship . This method of obtaining an education is intended for those who have graduated from a higher education institution and plan to enroll in a master's program for further research activities. Such a scholarship can be issued by the state, representatives of private or public foundations.
  • Assistant . Intended for those who wish to enroll in doctoral studies. In addition to teaching, you will work as an assistant professor. His responsibilities include teaching introductory courses in your specialty and participating in research projects implemented by your department. Such financial support can be provided by both the state and the institution itself.
  • Global Education Program . A program was developed so that a student studying abroad at the expense of the Russian Federation budget, after graduating from a university in a master's, postgraduate, or doctoral program, would return to Russia and work at the enterprise for 3 years. This is a great opportunity to get a free education and have a job upon completion.

So, as you understand, get free education abroad is possible . The main thing is to have a desire. When choosing an educational institution, I rely on entrance exams and requirements.

If you are also planning to study abroad, then my advice is: think through everything down to the smallest detail, how you will finance your studies, how much money you will need for accommodation, food and other expenses, what exact documents should be sent to the university upon admission.