As a student, the opportunity to study abroad is a chance to be taken. Discovering a new culture, exploring a new country, meeting new people… All of this is a life experience that is both professionally and personally enriching. Going to a different continent makes this experience even more exciting. Are you interested in studying in Europe in particular? With so many countries to choose from, it’s hard to make a choice. Here are the most important things to consider!
Academic Reputation
Of course, the academic reputation of the university you will go to is important, but is not enough. You need to ascertain the recognition of the programme you will be pursuing. What are the accreditations? What are the alumni doing after a few years? You should also check the rankings published each year by reputable sources such as the Financial Times.
To ensure the quality of the school, you can go one step further by contacting former students and asking them about their experience. You can also check who the teachers are and determine what their qualifications are.
As your research will show, Europe is full of great institutions that meet the highest educational standards. But don’t limit yourself to the most famous universities. Depending on your situation, you can find more affordable schools that will give you all the skills you need to succeed in your dream career.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is a key factor in deciding where to study. European countries are at different levels of development, and the cost of living varies greatly from one country to another. Western and Northern Europe tend to be the most expensive countries, while Eastern and Southern Europe tend to be cheaper.
Of course, within a single country the cost of living varies greatly, with the capital city usually being the most expensive. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find quality universities in all major cities, so you won’t be forced to live in an expensive capital city to study in Europe. During your research, look at other cities and what you can study there.
It will also help if you can work in Europe while you study. Choosing a country where it is easy for students to find a job or even work as part of their curriculum (especially as a foreigner) is a good way to make a choice.
One last thing to consider is tuition fees. While some countries have a comparatively high cost of living, their universities are very affordable. France, for example, has the cost of living that you would expect from a Western European country. But, thanks to state funding, public universities offer high-quality programmes, with an annual tuition fee of a few hundred euros.
Language Requirements
English is widely spoken and understood throughout Europe and is often the only language requirement for entry to an international university. But learning the local language is always a good choice. Not only will it allow you to participate in non-English programmes, but it will also make your life easier and your overall experience more authentic. If you want to stick to English, the British Isles are perfect for you.
But if you want to learn a new language, which is always good for an international career, going abroad is a great idea. Europe is home to some of the most widely-spoken languages: English, Spanish, French… Going to a country where one of these languages is spoken will open up many international opportunities. Don’t underestimate the lesser-spoken languages, as being proficient in rare languages can be an asset.
Ultimately, learning a new language is not mandatory for studying in Europe, but it is definitely something to consider to broaden your cultural experience. Speaking of which…
Cultural Experience
Going to Europe to study is not just about getting a diploma. It is also an opportunity to grow as a person. Discovering a new culture and perhaps living on your own for the first time will be a life-changing experience.
The choice of which country to go to will affect the whole experience. There’s no such thing as a bad choice, as all countries have something to offer and it all depends on your personal goals and aspirations.
What should your life in Europe look like? What climate would suit you best? What activities would you like to do? Do you like art museums? Do you like spending weekends at the beach? Are you the adventurous type, always looking for a new landscape to explore or a new mountain to climb? How will you connect with the locals?
Another factor to consider is whether it is easy for you to travel from the city where you are studying. Being able to visit another city or even another country during the holidays is a great way to discover more about the continent. European countries are interconnected and if you choose a city at the heart of the continent from which you can access many other countries and visit many cities, your experience will get even better.
Answering questions like these will help you decide which country is best for you to study in Europe.
Why is France the best country to study in Europe?
France is definitely one of the best countries to start or continue your studies abroad. It is home to some of the best universities and private schools in the world. In all major cities, you will find prestigious institutions offering curricula in all subjects. The country is also very welcoming to foreign students and offers many scholarships to help all students. In addition, the public universities are renowned and offer a high quality of learning, but their prices are kept very low thanks to government investment. As a result, studying in France is usually much more affordable than in the USA or in the United Kingdom.
With its vibrant culture and dynamic cities, France has a lot to offer to students who want to get the most out of their studies! Want to find out more?