Education

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Essentials

Choosing a university

If you are already living outside your home country, selecting a university or college education will depend on the field of study you are interested in, and the quality of education. As well as the system and quality of teaching, you will have to take into account financial support given to the national universities and research institutions by the government in your country of residence, including international scholarships. Even if the country you are living in does not have a reputation for quality higher education, there will always be individual centres of excellence. Check out ratings on the internet such as Expatica’s listing of the best business schools worldwide and articles on the expat Higher Education channel which will help you to choose a university in your country or city of residence. For current listings of universities in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and the UK, check out the Education category in Expatica’s A-Z listings.

Student exchange programmes

Students wishing to study abroad can take advantage of a student exchange programme to go to a university or college outside of their home country. As well as educating the students in their chosen field of study, these programmes enable the expat students to learn a new language and culture.

Student life

Articles on the Higher Education channel on Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the UK focus on the national university and higher education system, giving an overview of expat college student life and accommodation (more information on student housing is available on Expatica’s Housing channel). You will also find information about financial matters such as expat university fees and student grants part time work for international students, and links to institutions and organisations which are relevant and helpful to students, both foreign and local. Expatica is creating an interactive platform for international students, beginning in the Netherlands, where students will find essential information about living, studying and working as well as the tools to build up a new social network.

Online programmes and part-time expat higher education

Higher education programmes for expats and accompanying spouses can sharpen skills, improve self-esteem and help ensure that an expatriate’s assignment is a success. The Open University offers a variety of courses, most of which Expat university students can study singly or combine with others to obtain a qualification. Student can choose the order, timing and type of courses they want, and can study online from anywhere in the world. Check out Expatica’s Courses & Workshops channel for more information on part-time and fulltime courses.