Top Economics Departments in Europe 2015
To study economics in Europe will bring you a deep understanding of one of the top economic areas in the world. In addition, the reputation of all institutions will help you boosting your career and opening door to future jobs in international institutions. The list below is organized alphabetically per university and includes a compilation of institutions ranked by RePEC and QS Rankings. Department of Economics, Aarhus University Aarhus, Denmark Department of Economics, ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland Department of Economics, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium Faculty of Business and Economics, HEC Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland Department of Economics, London Business School London, United Kingdom Department of Economics, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) London, United Kingdom Department of Economics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Munich, Germany Barcelona Graduate School of Economics Barcelona, Spain Department of Economics, Lund University Lund, Sweden Department of Economics, Maastricht University Maastricht, Netherlands Department of Economics, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universitt Bonn Bonn, Germany Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands Department of Economics, Sciences Po Paris, France Stockholm School of Economics Stockholm, Sweden Department of Economics, University of Warwick Warwick, United Kingdom Department of Economics, Tilburg University Tilburg, Netherlands Department of Economics, UCL (University College London) London, United Kingdom Department of Economics, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid Madrid, Spain Department of Economics, Bocconi University Milan, Italy Department of Economics, Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona, Spain Department of Economics, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne Paris, France Department of Economics, University of Barcelona Barcelona, Spain Department of Economics, University of Bologna Bologna, Italy Department of Economics, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Leioa, Spain Department of Economics, University of Cambridge Cambridge, United Kingdom Department of Economics, University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, United Kingdom Department of Economics, University of Mannheim Mannheim, Germany Department of Economics, University of Namur Namur, Belgium Department of Economics, University of Oxford Oxford, United Kingdom Department of Economics, University of Southampton Southampton, United Kingdom Photo Credit: Alexander Baxevanis
Economics topics are an inherent part of our lives. Employment, global competition in world markets, agreements for free trade zones, social and monetary policies affect our lives constantly. The social science of economics attempts to analyze and understand many of those problems. To study economics have the potential to bring you a deep understanding of the world apart from opening a wide range of opportunities in the job market.
Last year we shared the top economics summer schools, and top business and management summer schools to attend in 2014. With that in mind, now we decided to put together a list of the best Summer Schools taking place this year. The following courses are listed based on their approaching deadlines – have a look and apply now since some deadlines are approaching soon! Economics Summer Schools at Barcelona GSE Country: Spain Duration of the course: From 29 June to 10 July 2015 Application Deadline: 15 Jun 2015 This short summer program includes courses in banking, labor economics, macroeconomics and microeconomics addressed to researchers, professionals and graduate students who want to improve their knowledge. EcoMod Modeling School - Europe Country: Czech Republic Duration: From 29 June to 3 July 2015 Application Deadline: 18 May 2015 EcoMod Modeling School offers training programs in general equilibrium, macroeconometric and financial modeling. Courses in CGE, DSGE, OLG – GE, time series econometrics, and global VAR, using software such as GAMS, EViews, MATLAB, DYNARE are available. All courses are fully practical and provide hands-on experience. Participants build the models step-by-step with individualized guidance from instructors. Summer School in Empirical Research Methods Country: Switzerland Duration of the course: From 8 June to 20 June 2015 Application Deadline: 30 April 2015 This summer school is specially designed for PhD Students and postdocs. It is a 2-week integrated program that offers block seminars taught by renowned lecturers. UB Economics Summer School in Transport Policy and Planning, Barcelona Country: Spain Duration of the course: From 6 July to 10 July 2015 Application Deadline: Applications will be open soon The second 2015 edition will be offering two complementary courses: “Economic evaluation of transportation projects: a course on cost-benefit analysis“ (Daniel Albalate - Universitat de Barcelona), and “Cities and sustainable transport” (David Banister - Oxford University). 2015 Econometrics Spring School, Rio de Janeiro Country: Brazil Duration of the course: From 15 March to 1 April 2015 Application Deadline: 23 March 2015 This spring school includes two and a half days of courses, offering a fantastic opportunity for students and professionals to expand their econometrics skills and learn how they can apply econometrics. The courses are taught by econometricians conducting pioneering research at the forefront of their specialist fields. Barcelona Macroeconomics Summer School – BMSS 2015 Country: Spain Duration of the course: From 22 June to 10 July 2015 Application Deadline: Applications are open now The summer school offers to graduate students and senior researcher’s courses in the areas of macroeconomics including growth, international finance and trade, monetary policy and forecasting. Experimental Auctions: Theory and Applications in Food Marketing and Consumer Preference Analysis Country: Crete, Greece Duration of the course: From 7 July to 14 July 2015 Application Deadline: 15 May 2015 The 2015 edition of the summer school will take place in Chania, Crete, Greece. It is a unique occasion to learn about the experimental auctions method, to meet the leading experts in the field, to create a network of peers with common interests and to visit an amazing place. NOVA PHD Summer School: The Empirics of Economic Organizations and Transaction Cost Country: Sweden Duration of the course: 17 August to 21 August 2015 Application Deadline: 15 February 2015 This Summer School addresses PhD students and other interested researchers interested in the empirics of organizations and transaction costs. The summer school seeks to promote the exchange and dissemination of research in Industrial Organization with application to the agri-food sector. Warwick Economics Summer School 2015 Country: United Kingdom Duration of the course: From 19 July to 7 August 2015 Application Deadline: Applications are open now This summer school offers 3-weeks of intermediate level courses for economics undergraduates, postgraduates and even courses for non-economists who would like to get an insight into the discipline during their vacation. Essen Summer School in Health Economics Country: Germany Duration of the course: From 1 June to 7 June 2015 Application Deadline: 31 Mar 2015 This is a PhD summer program for research in Health Economics. The course is structured in lecture sessions and presentations. Topics include health investments, social mobility, visualization and analysis of data. Economics Courses at Stanford Summer School Country: United States Duration of the course: From 23 June to 14 August 2015 Application deadline: Applications are open now The summer school offers courses in principles of economics, economics analysis, money and banking, economics and sports, financial economics and international finance. The university also offers possibilities for intensive courses and other course modalities like summer programs abroad. LSE Summer School Country: United Kingdom Duration of the course: Session One: 6 – 24 July 2015 | Session Two: 27 July – 14 August 2015 Application Deadline: Applications are open now The LSE Summer School offers over 70 three-week courses taught by LSE’s highly respected professors. All courses are taught in the heart of Central London and comprise areas of accounting, finance, economics, business and management and other multidisciplinary courses. International Summer Session Country: China Duration of the course: From 4 July to 1 August 2015 Application Deadline: April 30, 2015 The summer school offers 19 content courses, 3-level Chinese language courses and historical and cultural visits. The content courses will cover a range of topics in History and Culture, Society and Politics, Business and Economy, and Global Issues of the 21st Century. Public Sector Economics Country: United Kingdom Duration of the course: From 6 July to 24 July 2015 Application deadline: Applications are open now This summer school course provides an introduction in public sector economics as well as an overview to topics such as microeconomic foundations, social welfare and theory of public choice, education, social security, taxation and fiscal policy. PKU Summer School International 2015 Country: China Duration of the course: From 6 July to 31 July 2015 Application deadline: 31 May 2015 This summer school offers different courses taught entirely in English in the disciplines of philosophy, culture, literature, economy, politics, international relations, to traditional body exercise and sports. There are plenty of great options for you. Each summer school has a particular specialization and purpose, so it is important to choose the right one for you. Selecting, applying and getting in a summer school requires the consideration of factors such as timing, location, reputation of the institution, costs and possible funding and the application process. If you want to have a complete list of summer courses, we invite you to visit this page. Photo Credit: Peter Toshiro
Summer courses are a great way to broaden your knowledge, travel around the world and socialize with international students. Attending a Summer School is one of the ways in which you can efficiently combine the development of your knowledge and career with rewarding social activities. What is more, most Summer Schools are located right next to sandy beaches, hiking and cycling hotspots, water sports-friendly lakes and rivers, or cities where there is always something going on.
Top Finance & Accounting Departments in Europe 2015
If you are interested in developing a career in the fields of finance and accounting, the first step is to access to top education on the field. We have made a list of the best departments in finance and accounting in universities in Europe. The following list is organized alphabetically and compiles rankings such as QS rankings and ranking of best universities for financial studies by the Financial Times. Department of Finance, Copenhagen Business School Copenhagen, Denmark European School of Management and Technology ESMT Berlin, Germany Department of Management, ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland Accounting, Law & Finance Department, Grenoble School of Business Grenoble, Switzerland Department of Finance, HEC School of Management Paris, France Henley School of Business Oxfordshire, United Kingdom IE Business School Madrid, Spain Finance Department, INSEAD Fontainebleau, France Department of Finance, London Business School London, United Kingdom Department of Finance, London School of Economics London, United Kingdom Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, Oxford University Oxford, United Kingdom Skema Business School Lille, France Department of Finance, Stockholm School of Economics Stockholm, Sweden Swiss Finance Institute Zurich, Switzerland Warwick Business School, University of Warwick Coventry, United Kingdom Department of Finance, Tilburg University Tilburg, Netherlands Department of Finance, Bocconi University Milan, Italy Finance Department, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge Cambridge, United Kingdom School of Finance, University of St. Gallen St. Gallen, Switzerland Photo Credit: Yusuke Kawasaki
Finance plays a key role in the health of an overall economy. It helps companies to make investment and financing decisions as well as plan the growth of the business. All business functions are related to financial decisions, rather a big or a small company, they all face decisions about how to fund their projects and to manage their budgets.
Visa Requirements for Master's Programs in Spain
Moreover, if you know that your studies will last longer than six months, you will need a residence permit along with a student visa. You can apply for both of these permits together, as they are issued via the same channels. If you will only be in Spain for a shorter study program then you can apply for a special student visa with the stipulation that you will only be in Spain for up to 180 days. Once you have received this visa you cannot obtain a regular student card in Spain. If you have been accepted to a Master’s program in Spain, the easiest and most secure option is to apply for your student visa and residence permit prior to leaving your home country or country of residence. You can make an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy closest to you and receive your visa before entering Spain, meaning that you will not have to worry about obtaining a new visa once you have arrived. If you choose this option, be sure to leave yourself ample time for processing, which can take up to two to three months in certain cases, and at least three weeks no matter where you are. If you are unable to obtain a student visa prior to leaving your country of residence, you legally have 30 days after your initial entry into Spain to begin the process of applying for a student visa and residence permit. Once in Spain, you must initiate this procedure through the foreign nationals office of the National Police. For further information about the details of this process, please visit the National Police website. Regardless of whether you are applying for a student visa and residence permit in your home country at a Spanish embassy or consulate or if you are applying via the foreign nationals office in Spain, there are certain documents and items you will need to have with you in order to make sure your application is a success. What You Need to Apply for a Visa A visa application form 3 biometric passport photos A valid passport Proof of enrolment as a student and an overview of your study plans Proof of medical insurance valid in Spain Proof of current health stipulating that you are not currently infected with any contagious diseases Proof of monetary funds sufficient for the duration of your studies (this can be shown in the form of a bank statement, proof of scholarship or other financial assistance, or a combination) Criminal background check As the visa application can differ depending on your country of origin, it is important that you double check this list against information provided by the Spanish consulate or embassy in your area. Your visa will be granted according to the length of your study program, meaning that if you have been accepted to a year-long Master’s program then you will be granted a student visa for one year. If you have been accepted to a two-year program then you will be granted a two-year visa. Regardless of the length of your visa, it is important to be aware of its expiration date and plan accordingly. If you are interested in remaining in Spain upon graduation, you should plan ahead and make an appointment to apply for a new visa well before your student visa expires. Working as a Student in Spain Once you have obtained your student visa you have the right to work up to 20 hours per week Your employer must apply for a work permit for you in addition to your student visa and residence permit Your work visa application can also be processed through the foreign nationals office In general there are jobs posted specifically for students, meaning the institution is familiar with the regulations regarding student labor and should understand the procedures required for hiring international students. If you are unsure about the legality of a job, however, it is best to carefully look into the details about student jobs offered by the Spanish government. Since working unlawfully may lead to the revocation of your student visa, it is best to be sure about any position before beginning. If you have specific questions regarding student visas, residence or work permits, it is often helpful to contact the international students office at the university you will be attending. Many universities have people specifically employed to help international students and should thus be able to answer all of your questions. Furthermore, there might be regional or institutional differences that you might not be aware of, so getting in touch with your university can help you make sure that you are on the right track and have all necessary information. Photo credit: rp72 Photo credit: Ian Mackenzie
If you are from a country within the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein or Iceland, you will not need a student visa to study in Spain. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the EU or one of the previously mentioned countries, however, you will need to apply for a visa if you plan on staying in Spain for longer than 90 days.
Top Mathematics and Statistics Departments in Europe 2015
On the other hand, studying your degree in Europe not only offers you world class higher education institutions, but also an international learning environment, a wide range of languages to study and an unique mix between modernity and history that will enrich your cultural boarders. We have research about the best European universities to study a degree in mathematics and statistics. Out in the market, you can find a variety of rankings. We decided to use the QS Rankings and rankings prepared by The Guardian and the Financial Times to deliver an alphabetical list of the best Universities to develop your career in mathematics. Department of Mathematics, Ecole normale supérieure Paris, France Department of Mathematics, Ecole Polytechnique Palaiseau (Paris), France Mathematics Department, EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) Lausanne, Switzerland Department of Mathematics, ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland Department of Mathematics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Berlin, Germany Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London London, United Kingdom Department of Mathematics, KIT, Karlsruhe Institut of Technology Karlsruhe, Germany Department of Mathematics, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium Department of Mathematics, Lomonosov Moscow State University Moscow, Russian Federation Department of Mathematics, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn Bonn, Germany Department of Mathematics, Technical University Munich Munich, Germany Department of Mathematics, University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, United Kingdom School of Mathematics, University of Manchester Manchester, United Kingdom Mathematics Department, University of Warwick Warwick, United Kingdom Department of Mathematics, UCL (University College London) London, United Kingdom Department of Mathematics, University of Bristol Bristol. United Kingdom Faculty of Mathematics, University of Cambridge Cambridge, United Kingdom Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen Copenhagen, Denmark Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford Oxford, United Kingdom School of Mathematics, University of Paris Dauphine (Paris 9) Paris, France
Mathematics and Statistics are becoming more popular among career options thanks to their interdisciplinary nature. A degree in mathematics and statistics can lead you to good positions in different industries: from researching in the pharmaceutical industry to planning public policies and investment portfolios.
Econometrics, Statistics and Quantitative Methods (JEL C)
AEA Annual Meeting 2015: January 3-5, Boston, MA
Last year and the year before, INOMICS participated in the event, and it was a wonderful chance to meet some of our readers and get in touch with academics from around the world! This year the meeting is taking place from January 3-5 in Boston, MA. The daily program of events is available on the AEA website. For PhD students in the field of economics, the AEA Meeting can often be a useful way to meet potential employers. It can therefore be a great tool for finding a job, and it’s always a good idea to dress to impress! For a useful guide to the dress code for academic conferences, have a look at this blog post on the INOMICS blog detailing what to wear and what to avoid when you’re frantically rummaging through your wardrobe. This year, there are a wide range of events to take part in, addressing a diverse variety of highly topical subjects. Some of these interesting topics include ‘Analyzing the Dynamics of Social Networks in Developing Economies’ and ‘Experimental Finance and Neuroeconomics’, or even ‘Ethical Challenges Facing the Academic Economist’ , and those are just taken from the preliminary schedule on January 3! There are also a number of committees focussing on issues such as the status of women in the economics profession, all of which should prove to be very informative. After the 2014 AEA Meeting, we wrote a blog post detailing a number of relevant blogs, papers and videos to check out afterwards. Similarly, after 2013’s Annual Meeting we put together this useful list of links and resources from interesting economics blogs. If you’re looking to attend in order to find a job, another way to find great academic job openings in the field of economics is to have a look at the job listings on the INOMICS website! It would also be a good idea to have a look at the 2014 Job Market Report to see where you fit in in the global market!
Today marked the first day of this year’s American Economic Association (AEA) Annual Meeting. The AEA Meeting is an annual event that brings together some of the superstars of economics in one of the largest economics-focused gatherings in the world. Every year, upwards of 10,000 academics come together for discussions, presentations, and – equally important! - socialising, over a long weekend.
However university fairs are well worth attending! A visit to a university fair is an opportunity to: Meet representatives A university fair is a chance to meet representatives from universities, student financing bodies, and gap-year organisations, and to discuss face to face the programs, funding opportunities and application processes involved for that specific institution or program. This can help to detangle the application process through personalized responses that help you to understand the entry requirements and details. Grab some printed material to read at home At a university fair there is a wide range of literature available for you to pick up and peruse at your leisure once you get home. While the temptation to grab the brochures and run is high, it can be best in combination with actually meeting and talking with representatives from the universities, so that you can go home and read the flyer with a better overall idea of what you’re looking at. Get a better picture of the programs and universities that interest you, including overseas study opportunities Even if you already have an idea of where you’d like to go, a university fair can be helpful, particularly if you want to study overseas and can’t simply visit the open day of the university you’re interested in. For example, if you’re looking to study in the United States, the US Journal has a useful list of worldwide fairs promoting study in the USA. A university fair may also help you to decide which specific university open days to attend. Attend presentations and seminars University fairs often invite speakers and presenters to talk about more general topics such as the PhD application process, and allow exposure to speakers from a mix of universities. Through attending such seminars or panel discussions, you can get a more general overview of what’s on offer, and possibly discover a new institution or program that you had not previously considered. Of course, simply attending a university fair and taking as many brochures as you can may not be particularly helpful. There are ways to maximise your university fair experience! In order to make the best of your university fair experience, here’s a few tips: Don’t just turn up and grab every flyer you can find and run home. Try to do some research in advance, and decide which institutions interest you. Have a look at the INOMICS website for information about programs and institutions. Be sure to talk to representatives directly to get a feel for the programs on offer. This is an opportunity to ask questions and get personalized answers, and particularly useful when the university you’re interested in is far away from where you live. Don’t forget to ask about things such as student financing, accommodation, teaching style. The application process is important, but it’s also useful to get a feel for what it will actually be like to study somewhere. There are a number of country-specific websites that showcase the university fairs on offer, such as the DAAD homepage for Germany or UCAS in the United Kingdom. If you’re considering an MBA, INOMICS can also give you information to find the best European business schools and MBA programs. If you are interested in studying abroad, check out the best PhDs and Masters programs on the INOMICS website.
For a student faced with the daunting decision of which university to attend, paying a visit to a university fair can be a great way to get your thoughts in order and discover some of the programs and institutions on offer. These fairs can vary in size from the small to large-scale (such as UniFair in the UK), and can be quite confusing.
10 Ways to Use a Selfie Stick in Academia
Although some more cynical commentators might assign the act of taking selfies to some form of disorder (obsessive selfie-taking was even on the verge of receiving an official name in psychiatry – the hoax is only part of the story), we tend to forget that selfies have always been there. For a historical selfie, check out this self-portrait taken by a Russian Grand Duchess Anastasia in 1913, for example. As a tribute to our selfie stick and iPad competition we have put together a list of ways you could use a selfie in academia, regardless of whether you are a student or a professor. If you have more ideas, please share them with us in the comments! At a conference – great conferences are a source of great memories and taking a selfie with the other delegates or a prominent speaker can help you keep these memories safe for the future! A selfie can also serve as a pictorial announcement about the kinds of events you go to and contribute to your professional image online. In a lecture hall – if you are a professor there is no better way to connect with an audience of Y-generation students than taking a selfie with your class and sharing it on your own twitter account. If you are a student, use it as evidence for your parents that you really do get out of bed for your morning lectures! Night before an exam – what can demonstrate your hard work better than posting a selfie in late-night study mode, surrounded by books and piles of notes? Just make sure that your professor is following your account so that they notice the effort! Make it a study case – selfies have become a serious topic of academic research and a rapid expansion of the Selfies Research Network is evidence of this. There have been several significant cultural and behavioral findings generated through the study of selfies. With (not) your girlfriend/boyfriend – some people believe that an academic career can be a serious impediment to personal happiness – prove them wrong! On a study trip – after all, tourists are the main “users” of selfie sticks. Besides, academic life takes you places, and that’s worth sharing, no? At graduation – a selfie with a hat in it will result in a stable flow of congratulatory wishes to your inbox, and you won’t even need to write a word about it! On campus – nothing can express your love towards your alma mater like bestowing upon it the honor of being pictured in a selfie with you. With your favourite professor/student – networking has the power to bring you further – and nothing can cement your relationships better than a nicely taken selfie! With your own work/dissertation in the background – there is a lot of evidence that self-promotion can have a tremendous positive effect on your career, even in academia. Check out this article for some advice on how to do it. If after reading this post you are urgently in need of a selfie stick – do take part in our competition, which will be running until December16th, and bag yourself a chance to win a selfie stick or an iPad mini! All you need to do is rate your current or past university on INOMICS – even if you are not a student any more, and especially if you are not yet a dedicated selfie-taker!
“Selfie” was declared a word of the year in 2013 as a result of a seventeen thousand per cent increase in usage. But selfies have, arguably, shifted from being the product of a purely narcissistic act to that of a normalised cultural phenomenon – even celebrities and politicians indulge in the not-so-occasional self-portrait.
Language Requirements for Master’s Programs in Spain
At universities within Catalonia, such as the major institutions in Barcelona, you can find courses taught in Catalan rather than in Spanish or English. Similarly, in the Basque region there are programs offering entirely or partially in Basque. For foreign students, however, it is generally not anticipated that you be able to speak any Catalan or Basque, unless you are specifically interested in studying the language, history or culture of the associated region. If that is the case, please take a look at the specific language requirements offered on the admissions pages of the programs in which you are interested. Below you can find information regarding language requirements for English and Spanish. English Although there are many English proficiency tests on the market, there are only a few that are widely accepted around the globe. In Spain, most top universities require applicants to show proof of at least B2 level English proficiency, following the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) of the Council of Europe. Below is a chart showing the different levels of language proficiency according to this framework. A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2 Beginner Elementary Intermediate Upper Intermediate Advanced Proficient Below are the three main exams applicants can take and a brief breakdown of scores that would qualify as at least B2 level. TOEFL – 90-100 The Test of English as a Foreign Language is owned by ETS Global, which also owns the GRE and other testing services. Though a paper version of this test is still available, the computer-based version is preferred by most institutions and is offered around the globe. IELTS – 6.5 The International English Language Testing System is also recognized globally. Unlike the TOEFL, which primarily focuses on American English, or the CPE, which primarily focuses on British English, IELTS uses and accepts both. CPE – A-C The Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English is one of two top English language proficiency exams offered by Cambridge English Language Assessment at Cambridge University, along with Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE). For tips on how to study for each of these tests, as well as more detailed information about what the scores mean, take a look at this page in the Advice Section. In general, every international student applying to an English taught Master’s program will have to provide proof of English proficiency. If you are from a majority English speaking country or if your Bachelor’s degree was taught entirely in English, you will most likely not need to provide scores from one of these exams, but it is best to check the specific requirements of each individual program in order to be sure. Spanish Unlike in the case of proving English proficiency, there are no set regulations regarding proof of proficiency in the Spanish language. In general, students applying to a Master’s program taught in Spanish have three options for proving their Spanish language skills. You can find details about these options below. DELE The Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera is an internationally recognized test of Spanish language proficiency. This exam is conducted and overseen by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport. The test is graded using the CEFR structure, meaning that no conversion is necessary. In general, a B2 score is required for acceptance to Spanish universities. Since Spain is famous for its language education, one option is to attend a summer intensive language program prior to beginning your studies. Many such programs are accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education and specifically prepare students for the DELE test, thereby helping along the path towards being ready to study fully in Spanish. Selectividad This series of examinations, officially titled the Spanish University Access Tests (Prueba de Acceso a Estudios Universitarios) is a requirement for anyone interested in beginning undergraduate education in Spain. Prior to beginning university, students in Spain take a series of six 90-minute exams covering a wide range of subjects. Since each of these exam components is in Spanish, if you have taken this exam then you generally will not need to take another test proving your Spanish proficiency. Bachelor’s degree in Spanish If you are from a majority Spanish-speaking country or earned your Bachelor’s degree entirely in Spanish, you will almost certainly not be required to provide other proof of Spanish language proficiency. If you attended a mixed program with some Spanish and some English, you may still need to provide proof of proficiency. It is always best to check specifics on the admissions page of the programs in which you are interested and contact the relevant institutions directly if you are unsure of which option is best for you. Photo credit: Kaplan International English Photo credit: Emilio Quintana
Since 2011, the number of Master’s programs across Europe taught entirely in English has increased by 42%. Quite a large number of these programs are in Spain. Thus, if you are applying to a Master’s program in Spain, the language requirements will likely differ depending on the language of instruction – whether it’s a program fully in Spanish, both in Spanish and in English, fully in English or in another language such as Catalan or Basque. We will focus here on English and Spanish, offering information regarding the most common examinations and scores required for both of these languages.
Conference Round Up – Events in Early 2015
In the list below you will find a range of conferences due to take place between January and March 2015. In the past we’ve also provided you with tips on how to choose the right conference for you and what to wear once you’re there. Furthermore, if you don’t see the perfect event for you in the list below, you can head to INOMICS and do a targeted search to find exactly what you’re looking for. JANUARY 2015 International Business Conference in Maui Jan 4, 2015 to Jan 8, 2015 Maui, United States 11th International Conference Jan 8, 2015 to Jan 11, 2015 Wellington, New Zealand Third Lisbon Research Workshop on Economics, Statistics and Econometrics of Education Jan 23, 2015 to Jan 24, 2015 Lisbon, Portugal AlpPop The Alpine Population Conference Jan 25, 2015 to Jan 28, 2015 Milano, Italy Global Sustainability Institute Research Conference 2015: The Interface between Sustainability Research and Policy Jan 26, 2015 to Jan 27, 2015 Cambridge, United Kingdom The 5th Annual Conference of Economic Forum of Entrepreneurship & International Business Jan 29, 2015 to Jan 30, 2015 Boston, United States Macroprudential regulation: from theory to implementation Jan 29, 2015 to Jan 30, 2015 Amsterdam, Netherlands International Workshop P2P Financial Systems 2015: Opportunities, Risks, Market Dynamics, Regulation Jan 29, 2015 to Jan 30, 2015 Frankfurt am Main, Germany FEBRUARY 4th Research Forum on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) – New perspectives and opportunities for SMEs Feb 9, 2015 to Feb 10, 2015 Chur, Switzerland AETW 2015: Call For Papers Feb 12, 2015 to Feb 13, 2015 Melbourne, Australia Young Swiss Economists Meeting 2015 Feb 13, 2015 to Feb 14, 2015 Zurich, Switzerland 1st PhD Workshop on the Economics of Migration Feb 17, 2015 to Feb 18, 2015 Southampton, United Kingdom International Annual Conference on Leveraging I.T for Digital Age in Developing Economies Feb 19, 2015 to Feb 20, 2015 San Diego, United States The State of the Economy 2015 Feb 24, 2015 London, United Kingdom IECER 2015 – 13th Interdisciplinary European Conference on Entrepreneurial Research Feb 25, 2015 to Feb 27, 2015 Montpellier, France ADRES 2015 – Annual Doctoral Conference of the Association for the Development of Research in Economics and Statistics Feb 27, 2015 to Feb 28, 2015 Paris, France MARCH Progressive Economy Academic Conference – Call for Papers Mar 4, 2015 to Mar 5, 2015 Brussels, Belgium Call for Papers: 79th International Atlantic Economic Society Mar 11, 2015 to Mar 15, 2015 Milan, Italy Envecon 2015 Mar 13, 2015 London, United Kingdom American University in Cairo Annual Research Conference: MENA Region and Post 2015 Development Agenda Mar 16, 2015 to Mar 18, 2015 Cairo, Egypt 4th PhD Student Conference in International Macroeconomics and Financial Econometrics Mar 18, 2015 Nanterre, France 23rd Annual Symposium: Society for Nonlinear Dynamics & Econometrics (SNDE) Mar 19, 2015 to Mar 20, 2015 Oslo, Norway Annual World Bank Conference on Land and Poverty 2015 Mar 23, 2015 to Mar 26, 2015 Washington DC, United States International Interdisciplinary Business-Economics Advancement Conference (IIBA 2015) Mar 28, 2015 to Apr 2, 2015 Sarasota, United States To browse even more conferences around the world, head to INOMICS now. Photo credit: Sebastiaan ter Burg
With the end of the year approaching, we feel it’s time to look to the start of next year and start planning which conferences to attend. The number of events available is overwhelming, so following up on our 2014 End of Year Round Up, we decided to draft a list for the start of 2015.
Study in China: Top 10 Universities for International Students
In China, higher education is typically divided into three different categories: general, technical, and specialized universities and colleges. There are opportunities and locations for study in every field. In China you will find programs not only specializing in economics, business and the nation’s latest advancements in technology, but also in history, language, and cultural studies. It is not only the fast-paced urban life that makes China an attractive destination for international students, but also the ancient roots of Chinese history, culture and art. When choosing a university in China, it is important to keep the overall outcome of your studies in mind. If your main goal of spending time in China is strictly language based, it is crucial to search for universities and colleges with strong language departments. If employment or further studies is your goal after studying in China, it is always important to search for a university or college with a high academic standard. Overseas study can have a wide range of benefits, particularly when looking for employment. With thousands of higher education institutions in China, it can be a tough task to find the right one. So we did a little of the work for you! To help you on your search we have compiled a list of our top 10 Chinese universities and colleges. Zhejiang University Peking University Tsinghua University Shanghai Jiao Tong University Fudan University Wuhan University Nanjing University Shandong University Sun Yat-sen University South China University of Technology As you embark on the life-changing journey of studying in a foreign country, make sure to also checkout the extensive list of Chinese programs in your field through the INOMICS database. Photo credit: See-ming Lee
Choosing a destination to study abroad in, either for a semester or the entire degree, can be an extremely daunting task. Mainland China is currently home to thousands of international students looking for an international education. Since the 1990s, China has been rapidly expanding its number of universities and higher education programs. This expansion runs parallel to the large economic growth that China continues to experience, making Chinese universities an attractive destination for international students. Thousands of students from around the world are going to China to experience the waking of the ‘sleeping dragon’ and the fast growth of the Chinese markets. All major cities in China have at least one university, and international students are often drawn to these metropolitan hubs.
Application Requirements for Master’s Programs in Spain
Although there is no common application one can use to apply to multiple Master’s programs at diverse universities in Spain, almost all programs now either require or strongly prefer online applications. The online process usually makes it very clear to students which elements are required, so please be sure to double check each specific program before beginning your application process. Statement of Purpose The statement of purpose, also called motivation letter or letter of motivation, acts as an introduction to who you are, what you have done and why you are interested in a given program. Any successful statement of purpose includes the following key elements: a clear and detailed display of interest in the program to which you are applying, an in-depth description of prior academic and professional achievements, a thorough explanation of how the given program fits with your long-term career goals and a solid conclusion tying this all together while highlighting why you are a great fit. For more details on what makes a great statement of purpose, take a look at the Advice Section article dedicated to the subject. Letters of Reference Like most institutions around the globe, universities in Spain take the recommendation of former professors and mentors into account when deciding whether or not to offer you admission. Top universities strongly suggest that you request such letters of reference from professors with whom you have worked very closely, such as academic advisors, thesis advisors or professors with whom you have taken multiple courses. In general, professors are asked to upload their letters of reference themselves, meaning that they are separate from the rest of your application. This is done so that the letters can remain confidential, allowing for a higher level of straightforwardness than might occur if your professors were to give their letters directly to you. Yet, many professors would prefer simply emailing their letter straight to the applicant, so be prepared for either scenario when asking for letters of reference. Proof of Language Proficiency If you would like to study at a major Spanish university, you now have the choice between studying in Spanish or in English, since most departments offer at least one program taught either entirely or partially in English. Regardless of the language of instruction, if you are applying from outside of Spain you will almost certainly need to provide proof of language proficiency, which generally means taking one of the accepted exams and receiving an accepted score. For a detailed description of all of the accepted certificates and a list of the minimum scores accepted by top universities in Spain, take a look at the Advice section dedicated to that topic. Bachelor’s Degree Since Spain adheres to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), it is not specifically required that you have a Bachelor’s degree before applying to a Master’s program, but rather that you have acquired at least 180 ECTS points in either a Bachelor’s program or its local equivalent. Whether you have a Bachelor’s degree or a local equivalent, it is highly likely that you will be asked to provide documentation of your degree. In general, it is best for your admission chances to apply to Master’s programs in the same or a similar discipline to what you studied for your Bachelor’s degree. For certain degrees, for instance mathematics, it will be very difficult to gain admission to a Master’s program with an unrelated Bachelor’s. In other areas, however, for instance the social sciences, it might in fact be advantageous to have a broad background. Be sure to double check all application requirements from each program to which you are applying to avoid any unforeseen difficulties regarding your previous degree. If you have not yet finished your Bachelor’s degree at the time of applying to a Master’s, you must generally submit a copy of a provisional undergraduate transcript, as well as a declaration of intent to finish your Bachelor’s before the start date of the Master’s program(s) to which you are applying. Transcripts of Previous Studies In order to prove high academic standing, most institutions ask applicants to provide a transcript of their previous studies, offering a look not only into grades received, but also which courses the applicant has taken. Since many Master’s programs prefer applicants to have taken specific courses, providing a transcript is a way to show your preparedness. Many programs post a minimum or average grade point average (GPA) of current students. Even if your GPA falls below those posted, it is important to remember that this is only one element within your application. If your transcript is in a language other than English or Spanish, you will most likely be asked to provide a certified translation of the full document. Once you’ve gathered each of these application elements, double check each admissions website and make sure that you are not missing any program-specific materials. Some programs might require either additional (or fewer) elements, so it’s best to always make sure you are sending the right application elements to the right institution. If you are applying to do a business-related degree, it is quite likely that they will also ask you for a CV in order to examine your professional experience alongside your academic experience. If a CV is requested, be sure to submit it in either English or Spanish, depending on which language is stated on the given program’s admissions page, and also to format it according to standard norms for Spain. Additionally, some programs require international applicants to submit copies of their passports as well as bank statements in order to prove that they will be able to support themselves while studying. Generally, however, these last elements are only required after the applicant has been admitted and has begun the visa application process. Finally, even if you have gathered all of the requisite materials, this unfortunately does not mean you are guaranteed a spot. Be sure to follow the tips offered in the Statement of Purpose and Letters of Reference Advice Section articles in order to increase your chances of getting into the university of your choice. Photo credit: Jose Javier Martin Esperato Photo credit: James Gordon
If you are interested in earning your Master’s degree in Spain, it is important to pay close attention to the specific guidelines of the programs to which you are applying, as requirements can vary greatly from program to program. Yet, there are certain elements that tend to be quite universal across applications. Whether you are applying to a program fully in Spanish or one of the growing number of courses taught in English, you will almost certainly be asked to provide most, if not all of the following components as part of your application.
The Benefits of Working Abroad – Why It Pays to Gain Experience Elsewhere
As globalization brings the world closer together, and more and more countries begin to offer visas to highly skilled workers, the possibilities for employment around the world continue to grow. Using international networks like INOMICS, you can search for job opportunities in countries around the globe in your field of interest. The question we want to tackle in this article is – once you’ve found a job abroad, what are the benefits of taking it? Language In today’s globalized and extremely competitive market, speaking multiple languages is a must for anyone looking to land a great job. Regardless of your field, being able to converse and engage with clients, partners or other colleagues in a second (or third or fourth) language benefits your brain and your company. According to a recent study, approximately 31% of executives speak two languages and 20% speak three, and the number of organizations specifically hiring multi-lingual applicants is growing rapidly. As this article in Forbes points out, working and living abroad offers the perfect opportunity to really immerse yourself in a foreign language and build specific vocabulary relevant to your field. Just remember that everyone struggles with language learning sometimes, so be persistent and the hard work will pay off! Salary Many companies offer workers higher salaries when they are willing to make a move abroad. As this article points out, most companies will also pay for your full move and even fund visits home. Even if you aren’t able to find a position abroad through a current employer, the opportunities for a boosted salary abroad are vast, and not just for workers coming from less to more developed countries. In many cases a move in the other direction can also be easy on your wallet – in terms of lower rents, lower cost of living and more money to put into your savings or retirement funds. Moreover, once you have worked abroad you will often be able to negotiate a higher salary upon your return as a result of the experience you have gained. Global Network Everyone knows how important networking is, and working abroad inevitably offers you the opportunity to greatly expand both your personal and professional networks. By connecting with people in your field from across the world, you can gain insight into ways of working and find opportunities that you would never have come across in your home country. Connections created amongst foreigners while abroad are often quite strong, since the shared experience of living elsewhere creates commonalities between potentially very different people. Fostering such a network can prove beneficial for many years after your return home (or your next step, wherever that may take you). Cultural Sensitivity Even if you’ve always thought of yourself as an open-minded, worldly person, the best way to put these characteristics to the test is to live abroad for an extended period of time. Living and working as a foreigner allows you to experience a new culture, including different sets of values, work ethics and ways of communicating. Having such an experience will help you gain perspective on the culture in which you’re living, while also expanding your understanding for others within your community back home. Recognizing that there is no one right way to do things, but rather many different paths available, can help you be a better leader in any situation. Being forced to adapt to new situations helps you become better at coping with stress, communicating with those different from you and taking the time to find the best solution regardless of the circumstances. This interesting blog post offers specific accounts of six women working in countries around the world, highlighting specific things they learned and detailing how the experience helped them grow. In addition to all of the reasons listed above, working abroad also offers many unforeseen benefits, including opportunities for personal growth that simply couldn’t be found in your home country. Bonus benefits such as traveling, trying new foods and making lasting international friendships make the experience worthwhile in and of itself, above and beyond the many benefits international work can have for your career.
In a previous post we delved into the topic of how studying abroad can help your future job prospects. Yet, whether or not you’ve spent time in other countries as a student, it can help your career to broaden your search parameters when looking for work later on. We’re not just talking about a semester or year spent volunteering in some remote part of the world (though that’s arguably quite a valuable experience as well) but rather about a serious career step that leads you to living and working in another country.
Top Conferences in Banking, Economics and Finance – 2014 End of Year Round Up
If you are unsure about proper attire for such an event, take a look at our post on what to wear to academic conferences. If you will be presenting, make sure to read through out tips on how to make your presentation a hit with your audience. Although many registration deadlines have already past, it never hurts to get in touch and see if there is still space for a last-minute participant. The list below is organized by date, with upcoming conferences listed first. 2nd Magno Colloquium of PhD Students in Economics of the Mexican Republic November 10th – 12th, 2014 Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) Mexico City, Mexico Effective Macro-Prudential Instruments November 13th and 14th, 2014 University of Nottingham Nottingham, United Kingdom International Academic Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities November 13th and 14th, 2014 Czech Economic Society Prague, Czech Republic Modeling and Analysis of Safety and Risk in Complex Systems November 18th – 20th, 2014 Institute of Problems of Mechanical Engineering St. Petersburg, Russia 7th International Research Conference 2014 November 28th, 2014 Central Bank of Sri Lanka Colombo, Sri Lanka Future iGaming December 2nd – 4th, 2014 World Bank London, United Kingdom Recent Developments in Financial Econometrics and Applications December 4th and 5th, 2014 Deakin University, School of Accounting, Economics and Finance Melbourne, Australia Australasian Public Choice Conference 2014 December 5th and 6th, 2014 Monash University Melbourne, Australia 4th Conference on Immigration in OECD Countries December 8th, 2014 Organisation for Economics Cooperation and Development (OECD) Paris, France 2014 (EC)2 Conference December 12th and 13th, 2014 University of Pompeu Fabra Barcelona, Spain 22nd SFM Conference on the Theories and Practices of Securities and Financial Markets December 12th and 13th, 2014 Department of Finance, National Sun Yat-sen University Kaohsiung, Taiwan The 5th Annual Xiamen University International Workshop on Experimental Economics December 12th – 14th, 2014 Wang Yanan Institute for Studies in Economics (WISE) Xiamen, China Conference on Non-linearities in Macroeconomics and Finance in the Light of Crisis December 15th and 16th, 2014 European Central Bank Frankfurt am Main, Germany 2nd Economics of Low-Carbon Markets Workshop December 15th and 16th, 2014 Department of Economics, University of Sao Paolo São Paolo, Brazil Second Paris Financial Management Conference December 15th and 16th, 2014 IPAG Business School Paris, France 4th Workshop on Financial Determinants of Exchange Rates December 17th and 18th, 2014 Dutch Central Bank Amsterdam, Netherlands VII Italian Doctoral Workshop in Empirical Economics December 17th and 18th, 2014 Carlo Alberto College Torino, Italy BoE, CfM, and CEPR Workshop on International Trade, Finance and Macroeconomics December 18th and 19th, 2014 Center for Economics and Policy Research London, United Kingdom The Deep Causes of Economic Development December 18th – 20th, 2014 Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands To browse even more conferences – across disciplines and around the world – head to INOMICS now. Photo credit: Queen’s University
As the year slowly draws to a close it can be easy to focus on the work in front of us and forget about the many academic conferences still taking place around the world. Such events are a great place to build your network, boost your CV and gain new insight into your field. This list offers you a brief overview of the many conferences in banking, economics, finance and related fields that will be taking place across the globe during the last months of 2014.
30 Top Twitter Feeds in Political Science
Some of these are big names, others are less well known, but all of them are worth following. We know that there are many other worthy Twitter feeds out there, so please feel free to share your additions in the comments section or on Facebook! Moreover, this list is in alphabetical order based on Twitter handle and in no way prioritizes one Twitter user over another. @acarvin Andy Carvin, Senior Social Media Strategist for NPR @allthingsct Leah Farrall, former counter terrorism analyst and Research Associate at the University of Sydney’s United States Studies Centre @asmalenyt Alison Smale, New York Times bureau chief in Berlin @B_Eichengreen Barry Eichengreen, professor of economics and political science @betsylevyp Betsy Levy Paluck, professor of public policy and psychology @blakehounshell Blake Hounshell, Editorial director at POLITICO, formerly at Foreign Policy magazine @CChristineFair Christine Fair, professor of political science with a focus on South Asian political-military affairs @dandrezner Daniel W. Drezner, professor of international politics @dianawueger Diana Wueger, editor of Gunpowder & Lead, focus on small arms @edwebb Ed Webb, professor of political science with focus on the Middle East @endeavoringE Elmira Bayrasli, writer and consultant on foreign policy, international development and global entrepreneurship @FareedZakaria Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post columnist, host of CNN’s GPS @FukuyamaFrancis Francis Fukuyama, former professor of political science, Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies @HayesBrown Hayes Brown, foreign news editor and reporter at BuzzFeed @henryfarrell Henry Farrell, professor of political science and international affairs @JustAmira Amira Al Hussaini, Global Voices Online Middle East and North Africa editor @jwpatty John Patty, professor of political science and Director of CNISS @kinggary Gary King, professor of social sciences, Directo of the Institute for Quantitative Social Science @Lagarde Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the IMF @LizEconomy Elizabeth Economy, C.V. Starr Senior Fellow and Director, Asia Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations @MaxBoot Max Boot, Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow @Max_Fisher Max Fisher, Content Director at Vox.com @multilateralist David Bosco, professor of international politics, senior editor at Foreign Policy magazine @Nolan_Mc Nolan McCarty, professor of politics and public affairs @normblog Norman Geras, professor emeritus of politics @SaskiaSassen Saskia Sassen, professor of sociology with a focus on globalization @SJRickard Stephanie J. Rickard, professor of government with a focus on political institutions and economic policies @smsaideman Stephen Saideman, professor of international relations with a focus on ethnic conflict and civil-military relations @strobetalbott Strobe Talbott, President of the Brookings Institution @Toby_Ziegler Toby Ziegler, professor of political science If you are interested in finding jobs, programs, conferences and other opportunities in the area of political science, head to INOMICS and browse our extensive listings!
Following our highly discussed list of 30 Top Twitter Feeds in Economics and Finance, we wanted to keep the conversation going by sharing our selection of top Twitter feeds in political science. This list includes academics, researchers, journalists and many others who focus on political science, politics, international relations, public policy and related fields.
2014 Nobel Prize in Economics Awarded to Jean Tirole
This marks the first time in over 30 years that the prize has been given to someone focusing on regulation. This topic has become increasingly relevant since the global financial crises began six years ago, and the timing of this award underscores its continued importance. Dr. Tirole’s research focuses specifically on dense mathematical models that describe and analyze markets, attempting to parse out ways to control the monopolies held by major companies. According to the Guardian, Dr. Tirole said he was grateful for the award for his work on “taming powerful firms”. Dr. Tirole has a broad base of expertise, however, including topics in game theory, banking, finance and psychology. He is chairman of the board of the Jean-Jacques Laffont Foundation at the Toulouse School of Economics, a founding member of the Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST) and scientific director of the Industrial Economics Institute (IDEI) in Toulouse. He received his PhD in economics from MIT in 1981 before returning to France to take up his first research position at CERAS, École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées. Since then, Dr. Tirole has worked as a professor and researcher in numerous institutions in the United States and France, including as an economics advisor to the Prime Minister from 1999 – 2006.
At just after 1pm CET today, The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2014 was awarded to Jean Marcel Tirole of Toulouse, France. This prize, more commonly known as the Nobel Prize in Economics, was given to Dr. Tirole for his extensive work on the behavior of large companies in relation to market power and regulation.
How to Enhance the Impact of Your Research
If you have just published an article about which you feel extremely passionate, the idea that it will likely just become a citation in someone’s dissertation down the line can be a bit disconcerting. As this post from the London School of Economics and Political Science points out, the best strategy for creating a lasting impact is targeted and sustained knowledge exchange. In this article, we will delve into four key areas to focus on in order to create an impact with your research – regardless of whether your goal is simply to expand your readership or to directly target policymakers in order to advocate evidence-based change. Media In order for the media to report on your research, they have to view it as “newsworthy.” Although you might find your research groundbreaking, you need to use concrete strategies for conveying your message to other people. As this piece from the Research to Action Helpdesk suggests, you should write multiple media specific single-page summaries of your work. These should take context, audience and type of media into account and frame your work to suit these factors. A well-written, targeted press release can go a long way, particularly if you’ve taken the time to find the individual email addresses of journalists in a relevant field. The more press releases and media summaries you send out, the more likely it is that your research will get picked up as a story. Online Visibility Beyond traditional media, social media and online academic networks are important platforms for putting your work out there. How many times have you looked at an article simply because one of your friends posted it somewhere in your social network? By adding keywords, captions, titles, subheadings and clear abstracts to each of your articles, they are more likely to be picked up by and spread across social media, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, etc. Uploading your work onto platforms such as Google Scholar, Pubmed and Academia.edu will boost your audience substantially, while upping your chances of being widely read, cited and ultimately recognized as a scholar in your field. People both within and outside of academia use open access repositories, meaning that your work has a much better chance of being read than if it’s only available through a fee-based platform, a point emphasized in this webpage offered by Oxford University. Another option for getting your work out there and making connections with others in your field is to start a blog about your research. Many top academics also run highly successful blogs, without which they may never have gained acclaim outside of their specific disciplines. While you may not become a #1 internet sensation overnight, a well-written and well-promoted blog can gain you a quick following and a broad audience. Network Most academics know how important the networking aspect of conferences can be. Beyond simply engaging with like-minded researchers on topics of mutual interest, you can also call on such connections to help promote your latest research in relevant channels worldwide. Forging exchange-based partnerships with researchers on a similar level as you is one good idea – they can promote your work and you theirs, allowing for mutual benefit and broadened networks. An article from Washington University in St. Louis offers many concrete tips for disseminating research, including through outreach visits to relevant institutions or universities, where you can offer seminars, give lectures or take part in discussions. By promoting your research you are also promoting your ideas, making further connections and getting your name out there. Policymakers The best way to create a strong impact in the community on which your research centers is to engage directly with policymakers – be it at the local, regional or national level. The first step is to write a policy brief, but you can’t stop there if you really want your voice heard. Find advocates in policymakers’ offices who can understand your work and create relevant linkages for those at the top. Many governmental offices have people specifically assigned to work with experts, and you should find such a person and discuss with them why your research meshes with the interests of the individual policymaker, making clear how you can help advance their position while aiding your cause. Simply contacting a policymaker directly is also an option, but be sure to emphasize your credentials and offer a clear and direct message. Finally, teaming up with other researchers in your area is one of the best ways to make your voice heard. Think tanks and international organizations can provide a great place for networking with other experts in your field who already have a platform for addressing policymakers and the public. As this Science Magazine article underscores, the more people on your team, the greater chance you will have of making a true impact. Photo credit: throgers
While we all know the importance of publishing widely in terms of moving forward in an academic career, what is sometimes left out of the discussion is how to make sure that your research has an actual impact in the community it is addressing, or in the world at large. If you would like your research to be read beyond the gates of the ivory tower, you need to know how to effectively promote yourself and your work.
Visa Requirements for Studying at a UK University
Visa application requirements In the UK, the official name for a student visa is a Tier 4 (General) visa. You can only apply for this visa if you are over 16 and you’ve been accepted to a full-time, recognised UK course. You must submit your application no later than three months in advance of your course, so be careful to plan ahead and apply early. On average, visa processing takes about three weeks, but it can take much longer if there are any difficulties or questions regarding your application. There are also variations according to country of origin, which can be checked on the UK Home Office website. In addition to these basic requirements, you must also be able to provide proof of English language proficiency and proof of financial stability, meaning that you have enough money (or support) to pay for your course and provide for yourself for its duration. For detailed information about which language exams are preferred, take a look at our section dedicated to that topic. Please note, however, that although numerous UK universities accept the TOEFL exam, the UK Home Office no longer accepts it for visa applications, as of July 2014. For this reason, it is important that you take a look at the official visa guidelines on the Home Office site before beginning your application process. In order to prove that you can pay for your course and support yourself during its duration, you will have to provide bank statements and/or copies of scholarships or other forms of funding. The exact requirements vary according to course length, cost and type, as well as according to your country of origin. For specific details, read the guidance pages on the Home Office website. Beyond each of these items, you must also provide a current passport and/or other valid travel documents, two passport-sized colour photographs, proof of parental or guardian consent if you are under 18 years of age and tuberculosis test results if you are from a country that requires such a test. Again, to check whether your country of origin falls on this list, check the Home Office site. Visa application cost You will also be required to pay a processing fee when you apply for a student visa. If you are applying for yourself from outside the UK, the total application cost is £310. If you are applying by post from within the UK for an extension or switch, the cost is £422. For an in person extension or switch, which is referred to as premium service, the cost is £822. If you are applying for a dependent, each of the fees is the same. If your visa is rejected and you feel that the rejection is unfair, you have the option to appeal, first through post and then in person. There will be additional fees for this process, however, which vary depending on circumstances. Regardless of the final status of your visa, none of your processing fees will be refunded. What the visa allows If the course to which you are applying is shorter than six months, you are allowed to enter the UK only one week prior to its start. If your course is longer than six months, you can enter the UK up to one month prior to its start. The length of stay your visa allows is directly related to the length and type of course you are studying. Once you have been granted a student visa and are living in the UK, you are permitted to study the specific course for which you applied. Additionally, you are allowed to work and earn your own income, though there are regulations specific to the type of course you are studying and your corresponding visa. In general, you are only allowed to work up to 20 hours per week if you are enrolled in a full-time study programme, and you cannot work as a freelancer or self-employed worker. You will not be eligible to apply for public funds while living in the UK on a Tier 4 visa, meaning that if you face financial hardship at any time while you are studying, the UK will not be responsible for coming to your aid. For instance, if you lose your job after working in the UK on your student visa, you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits. You can apply to bring dependents (partners or children) with you, but you must be able to provide proof that you can support them as well as yourself during the duration of your stay in the UK. Regardless of where you are from or which course you are interested in studying, be sure to take a close look at the full student visa requirements found on the UK Home Office website. Photo credit: Simon & His Camera Photo credit: Neil Turner
If you are an international student from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and are interested in studying in the UK, you will need to apply for a student visa in order to do so. You may only apply for a visa if you have already been accepted to study a full-time course – part-time students will not be granted visas.
AMS Graduate Student Blog Ars Mathematica blog :: Brent -> [String] cavmaths Combinatorics and more Computational Complexity Dr. Z’s Opinions eon flying colours maths Frank Morgan’s Huffington Post Blog Gödel’s Lost Letter and P=NP Gower’s Weblog in theory Let’s Play Math! mathbabe Mathematics, Learning and Technology Mathemating with Numbers matheminutes math4love Matt Baker’s Math Blog Mr. Meyer My Biased Coin Nick Higham Not Even Wrong Number Loving Please Make a Note Punk Rock Operations Research reflectivemath’s Blog Secret Blogging Seminar Shtetl-Optimized squareCircleZ Tanya Khovanova’s Math Blog Terminally Incoherent Terry Tao The Endeavour The n-Category Café Three-Cornered-Things Turing’s Invisible Hand Vi Hart Walking Randomly If you are interested in working or studying in the field of mathematics, take a look at the many possibilities currently listed on INOMICS.
In previous posts we’ve offered lists of top blogs in the fields of economics and finance. In this post we’re shifting our focus to the broad world of mathematics. As with economics and finance, mathematics encompasses quite a diverse array of subdisciplines, meaning that this list of blogs gathers together a range of perspectives, experiences and areas of expertise. Whether you’re interested in gaining teaching tips for algebra or discussing the latest publications in top mathematics journals, these bloggers cover it all. This is by no means an exhaustive list, however, and we encourage you to add your own suggestions or ideas in the comments section here or on Facebook. The blogs listed here are shown in alphabetical order, meaning they are not ranked or grouped in any other way.
Work Visas for Foreign University Graduates in the EU
It is important to remember, however, that your country of origin can also affect the type of visa for which you are eligible. Please consult your embassy and the government website of the country in which you are interested in working in order to find detailed information about visa options available to you. France In France, there are a few options for non-EU international students who have earned at least a Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The visa most commonly granted to graduates is the APS (autorisation provisoire de séjour), which is valid for 12 months beyond the expiration date of the graduate’s student residence permit. The APS allows the recent graduate to work in any position up to 60% of an official workweek. Graduates who find a job related to their program of study and with a salary of at least one and a half times the national minimum wage can then request a new full-time employment visa. Recent university graduates can skip the APS visa and apply directly for a work permit if they are trained in one of 14 specified occupations, which include operators and engineers in fields such as woodworking, glassmaking, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing and information systems production. Germany In June 2012, the German government overhauled various laws regarding residence and work permits, including Article 16, which previously granted graduates of German universities a 12-month job-seeking visa. As of August 1st, 2012, any graduate of a German university hailing from a non-EU country is now entitled to an 18 month visa of this sort, which allows graduates the opportunity to stay in Germany and look for a job upon graduation. Furthermore, this visa also dictates that university graduates should be viewed as equal to German nationals, meaning that no proof needs to be given showing that they are more qualified for the position than German applicants, which is normally the case. Once the 18-month period has passed, graduates of German universities are treated equally to other immigrants from their country of origin. This means that the graduate needs to apply for a regular work permit according to the type of job he or she has secured. Be it freelance, fixed-term or open-ended, the chances of university graduates being granted further work visas in Germany is quite high, as long as employment is found within 18 months after graduation. Spain There is no visa specifically designated for foreign graduates of Spanish universities. In general, any non-EU citizen interested in working in Spain must first have a job. The employer applies for a work and residence permit, and once this is granted then the individual can apply for a work visa. Unlike in many other EU countries, a permit and visa are not the same thing. The duration of a work visa is tied to the length of the applicant’s job contract, and can thus vary widely. Be sure to contact the Spanish embassy in your country or take a look at the Spanish government website for detailed information. Spain maintains many bilateral partnerships with diverse countries around the world, making the attainment of a residence and work permit somewhat easier for citizens of various countries, including many across Latin America. Be sure to consult your embassy and read about the laws regarding citizens from your country of origin before planning a move to Spain. The United Kingdom Until April 2012, the UK offered foreign university graduates an automatic 12-month work and job-seeking visa, but unfortunately this is no longer the case. Now, foreign graduates of UK universities have a few options, though they are far more restrictive than the previous visa scheme. Recent graduates of UK universities can apply for a Tier 2 visa if they have a concrete job offer, provided that their future employer is a licensed sponsor and the job salary meets the sector-specific criteria laid out by the UK government. These visas generally allow you to stay in the UK for between 3 and 5 years. Alternately, recent graduates can leave the country and apply to return on a Tier 5 visa, often called the temporary worker visa. This visa also requires sponsorship and is only valid for between 12 and 24 months. Finally, a Tier 1 visa is available to writers, composers, artists, self-employed lawyers and “Highly Skilled Migrants” who prove their qualifications using the UK point-based system. However, switching from a student visa to a Tier 1 visa is difficult and often not possible. For detailed information about whether this option is available to you, please consult the UK government website. If you’re still unsure of exactly where you’d like to study or work, head to INOMICS to find hundreds of great educational and career opportunities in each of these countries. Photo credit: Charles Clegg
With student mobility continually on the rise, the number of foreign students earning degrees in Europe is ever increasing. Yet, the long-term visa opportunities for such graduates are not equal across the European Union. With immigration laws changing regularly, sometimes it can be difficult to know exactly what to expect in a given country. In this post, we offer you updated information about the types of work visas available to university graduates in the most popular European destination countries for foreign students: France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.