With much consideration, and several second opinions (thanks mom), I have decided that the most beneficial and interesting place for me to attend school is the Technical University of Munich, Germany.
I did change the university I chose for Munich, mostly because I realized what I wanted to study was not at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. I would most likely pursue a bachelor's or master's of science in Biochemistry or Biology. They offer around 170 + courses in English at TUM (https://www.tum.de/en/). I was very relieved to know that I am satisfied in my choice, and I am very exited to see if this project and all the research I did comes into play later on if I decide to pursue this!
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Now that I have compared and contrasted the pros and cons to studying in each of the four locations I chose– Munich, Prague, Florence, and Greece– I wanted to come up with my top two picks.
After much consideration and a little influence from past experiences, I came to Munich, Germany and Florence, Italy. Both of these places are rich in culture, art, and history, and they are both the most beneficial picks for studying there for college. Americans are at a disadvantage when it comes to learning multiple languages. Since English is one of the most spoken languages around the world, there is a collective thought that learning a different language is unnecessary. However, his is not true because there will always be a benefit to being a well-rounded person. Most career paths value traits that would make you, as a student, well-rounded with diverse experiences. This includes knowing more than one language, and even obtaining your degree in a different country. Foreign exchange is an amazing way to do both. For me, I am an immersive learner and (as it is for most others) would much prefer learning about a different language or culture where they are the normal, everyday experience. For example: learning Italian while studying in Italy at an Italian university. Obviously the money and overall less expensive way of living in Europe compared to America is a definite plus, but the things you will experience in a foreign country will not be paralleled by anywhere in America. Maybe it's just my affection for travel and adventure, but getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing new things is so important. The world is not so small, but wanting to immerse yourself in unfamiliar things connects you to it outside of your home and community. This week's pros and cons are about Greece.
PROS: - Overall cheaper tuition, despite Greece being a more expensive European country: The university I chose is the University of Crete, whose tuition fees amount to about $417-796 USD per month. Like most European countries, tuition is much cheaper than the United States, and even free for European Union members. Nonmember students have to pay tuition fees that range from 1,500 to 9,000 EUR/year (but also may include textbooks for the chosen courses). - Location: Greece is so beautiful, and the vast collection of islands are hot tourist destinations for a wide range of people. Greece is also very rich in history and stories, from the old myths, legends, and tales of Ancient Greece told in books such as the Iliad and the Odyssey to more recent events such as the World Wars. Greece has also been known for its patronage of education and government, and also being the basis inspiration for art and architecture for many civilizations after its Golden Ages. - CONS: - Visas: The student Visa process is fairly lengthy and difficult. To obtain a visa, a student needs a letter of acceptance from the university they will be attending, proof of health insurance, and proof that they can afford to live in Greece. Students also must have a letter from a doctor stating that they have no communicable diseases - Language barrier: Though English is widely spoken alongside Greek throughout most of the country, learning Greek would be extremely beneficial: especially if you are a student or plan to live there later on. The upside to learning a new and complicated language is that it will largely put you at an advantage for knowing more than one language in the job market. Because most Americans speak English and only English, we are at a disadvantage in this sense. But studying in a different country would allow me to learn a second language, despite how difficult it would be. - Recession: Currently, Greece is experiencing an economic recession. This means the job market is fairly restricted, and foreign students will have a harder time getting a job while studying there. Florence, Italy is up next for the week nine pros and cons.
PROS: - Historical and artistic significance: Florence, Italy was the epicenter of the Renaissance in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The rich history from this time period and periods past make for a wonderful educational experience while in Florence. - Location: Florence is located at the center of Italy. This means it's very easy to visit all of the major Italian cities like Rome, Bologna, Milan, Venice. The train and bus systems are the easiest ways to get around. The beaches and mountains are only a train and bus ride away, which makes for great weekend trips. - Cheaper living: The school I picked, the University of Florence, has the total amount of enrollment charges and tuition fees for around 156 to 2650 Euros. Average living expenses are also generally cheaper than other countries like Germany and France at 700 to 1,000 EUR/month. CONS: - Language barrier: Several programs for non-EU international students are in Italian. The Italian language shares several aspects with Spanish, which I have a tiny background in. It would be difficult, as learning any language is, but the upside is that English is more widely known in Italy than in Prague. - Job opportunities: Generally speaking, the job market is open for postgraduates in Italy. However, there are restrictions for foreign students not part of the European Union. They cannot work more than 20 hours per week, and processing times for extended work period requests can take around two months. Sources: - https://capaworld.capa.org/2012/12/18/top-10-reasons-to-study-abroad-in-florence Prague, Czech Republic is up next for the pros and cons list.
PROS: - Tuition: Public universities are free for all EU members who choose a program in Czech, and even if neither of those apply, the fees are significantly lower than American ones. - Cost of Living: Generally, the Czech Republic is a very affordable place to live and study for students, especially when compared to other popular study destinations in Europe and the United States. Rooms in a student dormitory start from around $150 a month- usually including utility bills and WiFi. Of course, this depends on the university being attended. Postgraduates can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $450 per month, though rent can be higher in Prague. - Job Opportunities: Students can join the labor market after graduating, and going to school in Prague opens up a lot of post-graduation opportunities for jobs. For example, the IBM Academic Initiative Program offers internships and placements, where students benefit from one-to-one mentoring, career advice, and workshops. After graduation, you can apply for a long-term residence visa as well. It lasts for nine months and gives you free access to the job market. You can also use that time to start your own business. CONS: - Language barrier: though I personally do not mind learning Czech while in school, but most universities charge fees for programs that are taught in English. Not a lot of the citizen population speaks English though, which could pose a problem when learning Czech. - Visa process: The process for getting a student visa can be an extensive and complicated, as with most international student programs. - Weather: Eastern European countries are not my personal favorite, weather-wise. Cold a lot, not very sunny, snowy, and the lack of cars would make walking around campus in the middle of November fairly undesirable. Sources: - https://www.bachelorstudies.com/article/why-study-in-the-czech-republic/ - https://weatherspark.com/y/77807/Average-Weather-in-Prague-Czechia-Year-Round This week I start comparing and contrasting the places on my list using pros and cons lists.
First up: Munich, Germany PROS: - Free Tuition (to an extent): Most public schools are free to EU or German students, and even international students outside those boundaries only have to pay a small administration fee. And depending on the school, even that can be very little. - The cost of living: if you, as a college student, aren't worrying about paying for loans or tuition every semester, you can focus on your rent, groceries, and living necessities. In larger cities, around $1,000 USD per month is more than enough to live comfortably. In rural areas, it can be half that. Obviously, the availability of cheap living for a student studying in Germany depends on the person as well as the school and location. - The weather and nature: I love the perfect in-between seasonal weather, and Germany has amazing views. The mountains and Bavaria especially are covered in forests, fields, and dotted with old monasteries open for visitation. CONS: - Language barrier: In my experience with German, the hardest part is pronunciation. A lot of English words have Germanic and French roots, but learning any language beyond your native language is difficult. I will say that it is more appealing than Spanish. - Working limits: As elaborated upon in my Germany post, the work force in Germany isn't open to just anyone. The process of obtaining a work permit is relatively complicated, as is with other countries that have restrictions on international students working. Non-European students enrolled in a German university are only allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half-days. Otherwise, students need to get permission from the German employment offices. - Moving process: Accounting for airfare, rent, book costs, college fees, and only being able to work so often could also mean the seemingly cheaper cost of living are difficult to achieve. Sources: - https://www.goabroad.com/articles/degree-abroad/going-to-college-in-germany-pros-and-cons For Week Six, I will be breaking down the place I'm most exited about: Greece.
I have chosen the University of Crete for the university I would like to attend, whose tuition fees amount to about $417-796 USD per month. In Greek public universities, EU/EEA students are usually not charged with any tuition fee, and the only exception are a few Master programs. Any other international students will have to pay tuition fees that range from 1,500 to 9,000 EUR/year and also includes textbooks for the chosen courses. Students from EU member nations do not require a visa to study in Greece. All other international students must have a student visa. To obtain a visa, a student must have a letter of acceptance from the university they will be attending, proof of health insurance and proof that they have sufficient funds for living in Greece for the duration of their studies. Students also must have a letter from a doctor stating that they have no communicable diseases, and most higher education institutions will help students with the visa process. Sources: - https://www.unipage.net/en/6488/university_of_crete#:~:text=1%2C182%20USD%2Fyear.&text=%24417%2D796%20USD%2FMonth. - https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/442/7-reasons-to-study-abroad-in-greece-in-2020.html#:~:text=In%20Greek%20public%20universities%2C%20EU,textbooks%20for%20the%20chosen%20courses. - http://www.en.uoc.gr/ - https://www.masterstudies.com/Greece/#:~:text=Citizens%20from%20an%20EU%20nation,must%20have%20a%20work%20permit.&text=Students%20from%20EU%20member%20nations,visa%20to%20study%20in%20Greece.&text=Most%20higher%20education%20institutions%20will%20help%20students%20with%20the%20visa%20process. - https://www.globalization-partners.com/globalpedia/greece-employer-of-record/work-visas/ For Week Five, I will be breaking down Italy.
I have chosen Florence, Italy based on its location and its deep history in art and science dating back to the Renaissance, and how I would love to surround myself in it. The school I picked is the University of Florence, which, for the total amount of enrollment charges and tuition fees for academic year 2019-2020, varied from around 156 to 2650 Euros. Students are required to have adequate knowledge of the Italian language. In general, you need to have a minimum level of Italian to go to college in Italy. I already have a very small background in Spanish, which is very similar to Italian, so I wouldn't mind learning more of the language at all. generally, language is a barrier I can dedicate time to crossing, and I have no qualms in doing so. International students who are EU members have the right to work in Italy while studying, but should not exceed working 20 hours per week. However, taking on more hours during vacation periods is possible. Non-EU students can work during their studies if they obtain a work permit, which requires a job offer from an Italian-based employer. Processing times vary between regions, but they average to be around two months. Sources: - - https://www.unifi.it/changelang-eng.html - https://www.educations.com/study-guides/europe/study-in-italy/student-visa-6660#:~:text=International%20students%20who%20are%20EU,more%20hours%20during%20vacation%20periods. For Week Four, I will be breaking down Prague, Czech Republic. I picked Prague because of its rich history, as well as its location as the capital of the Czech Republic.
Public universities are free for all the students regardless of their nationality if they choose a program in Czech, even for those from outside the European Union. However, if you choose a program in English, you'll have to pay. Fees will vary greatly depending on the university and the major you choose. I've chosen the University of New York in Prague, which costs about $425-812 USD/Month. There are no restrictions for part-time employment of international students. All students are allowed to do temporary work. After graduation, all international allumni have access to the labor market. However, they would need to change the purpose of their stay for the visa from "studying" to "employment". Sources: - https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/college-study-abroad/locations/czech-republic/prague - https://www.tul.cz/en/international-office/international-students/getting-a-job-in-the-czech-republic - https://www.unipage.net/en/5313/university_of_new_york_in_prague_s_r_o#:~:text=%24425%2D812%20USD%2FMonth.&text=University%20of%20New%20York%20in%20Prague%2C%20s.r.o%20(UNYP)%20%2D,UNYP%20was%20established%20in%201998. - https://www.unyp.cz/cge/study-abroad This is the week I start breaking down each country and rate it based on its merits and disadvantages. To start this process, I will just go down my list, each week having a different country, and decide at Week Seven if I will eliminate any.
While looking through articles and other sites for information, I came across this site. It is the website of the Council on International Educational Exchange, and it offers a lot of programs around the world and has some in Europe as well. The information offered on the webpage could be useful later on. Germany If I were to study abroad in Germany, I would pick Munich. Munich's location is ideal: it's not far from Bovaria, Switzerland, and Austria. I also would not mind learning German while spending time there, and there are a ton of abroad programs that are in English too. The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, though a very competitive school, has the large majority of international students in Germany. Attendance at Bavarian universities is generally free, but a semester fee is payable for each term. The Semester Fee at LMU currently (summer term 2018) amounts to about 130 euros, or about 154 USD. International students from other countries are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. They are not allowed to be self-employed or work as freelancers. Students who want to work more need permission from the Agentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) and the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office). Whether they are given permission depends on the situation on the labour market; the chances are better in regions with low unemployment. Sources: - https://www.topuniversities.com/where-to-study/europe/germany/how-apply-study-germany - https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/college-study-abroad/locations/germany/berlin - https://collegedunia.com/germany/college/690-ludwig-maximilian-university-of-munich-munich/programs - https://www.en.uni-muenchen.de/students/degree/admission_info/informationen_fluechtlinge/fragen_studium/index.html |
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