How to Move Abroad to the United Kingdom as a Student
If you have an offer to study in the UK, or are in the process of applying for British degree programs, this article is just for you. But these tips can easily be applied to other regions as well. That’s because while studying abroad is a thrilling and enriching experience, it inevitably presents many trials to overcome. Visas, bank accounts, university administration, finding a place to live, packing… many hurdles will crop up well before classes ever start, no matter where you choose to study. If you’re interested in other regions, be sure to check out our articles about studying abroad in the US and studying abroad in Europe. Either way, read on for some serious guidance on how to move abroad to study — especially if you’re interested in studying in the UK. Step One: Applying The first thing to do, of course, is to find a program to apply to! You can study abroad at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, and in each case you’ll likely encounter many of the same challenges. Take note though that in the UK, postgraduate courses tend to come with additional requirements that some regions like the USA may not have — such as writing a research proposal. Unsure how you should narrow down the sea of universities into an appropriately-sized list of applications? Check out our tips on how to search for a PhD program (many of these tips could apply to a Master’s or even Bachelor’s program search, too). Step Two: Getting your UK Student Visa Once you’ve been accepted to a program, first of all, take some time to celebrate! You’ll need a student visa to study in the UK, which you can officially apply for after being accepted to a UK university. The process for applying is fairly standard: you’ll need a university acceptance letter, identity documents, and sometimes specific pieces of medical history (vaccinations, etc.) depending on where you’re coming from. Be sure to check the UK’s official website for an updated list of specific requirements based on your citizenship. Take note: the UK visa process is clear, digitalised and quick - but it can be expensive, especially if your local currency is weaker than the British pound. Not only is there an application fee (over £500 at the time of this writing), but you’ll need to pay for insurance as well (about £1000) and you may additionally need to show proof of sufficient financial resources (savings of up to about £1,500 per month). If finances are tight, don’t forget that you can search for scholarships to help you out. If you have all of these ducks lined up, the visa process — assuming you gather all the necessary documents and complete the required steps sufficiently — is likely to go relatively quickly compared to other countries (at least in this author’s personal experience). Once your UK student visa is approved, you should receive clear instructions for generating and downloading your personal eVisa. These are 9-digit codes that you’ll be able to share with relevant authorities to prove your right to enter and stay in the UK. Do this before you arrive, and make sure to record the code that you’ve generated for easy access. You can re-make a new code at any time and for no cost, but doing so relies on an Internet connection that you might not have while in transit! Step Three: Preparing to Enter the UK Of course, you’ll most likely need to book a plane or train ticket and start packing before you travel to the UK. And, you’ll need to bring your eVisa code as well as proper identity and travel documents like your passport. Make sure to keep a copy of your university acceptance letter on hand in the off-chance that you need it as well, and any letters proving that you’ve received a scholarship if applicable. But there are plenty of other things to think about before entering the UK. Especially if you’re an adult postgraduate who isn’t planning to live in university housing, take note of the following tips: First, your UK university likely has several to-dos once you’ve secured your student visa but before you arrive. This may result in you becoming “pre-enrolled” or “temporarily enrolled”. To actually become “fully enrolled”, you often must successfully enter the UK (and then provide evidence that you’ve done so, for instance with a boarding pass). Be sure to keep in contact with your university and check their official application portal or student portal in order to be compliant with enrollment needs. Next, you ought to convert some money into British pounds to ensure you have a stash of cash available (without needing to pay heavy transaction fees to take out pounds at the airport or an ATM). While the UK is very card-friendly and most places accept cards without problems, some cash in hand will at least mean you can get a train ticket or a hotel room in the event that there is a problem with your non-UK card! Additionally, you will benefit from having a UK bank account, or a bank account that you can access from the UK. One way to accomplish this is to consider an online mobile banking option like Wise, Revolut, or Monzo — these are easy to set up and use, and allow you to transfer and store money across multiple currencies, but they don’t have traditional physical locations. Note that we cannot endorse any specific bank. Rather, the knowledge that these options exist can be very helpful for someone unable to open a UK bank account from abroad (indeed, you will usually be asked for a UK address before you’re allowed to do so, which is impossible for many prospective international students). Online bank options can help you transition to the UK smoothly, and you can close the accounts in favor of a more traditional, physical bank after you arrive if you desire. Next, consider housing. Finding a place to live can be a very difficult step if you aren’t simply moving into university housing. Often, the best method for finding a flat is to stay with friends or relatives while you search for one, but of course not everyone has friends already in the UK! Further, consider how you’ll operate your phone (in the UK often referred to as a “mobile”). There are two main options here — consider paying for an international roaming plan with your current phone carrier that will let you use your mobile data in the UK. Or, consider installing a temporary SIM card when you arrive in the UK (most major international airports include vendors that sell these). Temporary SIM cards will give you a UK phone number on a relatively cheap (but usually quite limited) data plan, which will be sufficient to get you on your feet, and allow you to shop around for a full phone plan when you have time (and an address!) later. Step Four: After Arriving After you successfully enter the UK, find your new student housing or hostel room, and sleep off the travel weariness, you’ll have a few more things to do. First, be sure to follow up on your university’s enrollment procedures to ensure you clear your pre-enrollment status and become fully enrolled. This might include sharing your plane or train tickets or boarding pass, or a stamp in your passport (if you got one) to prove that you entered the UK legally and successfully. It may also require paying tuition if you did not do so before arriving (and don’t have a scholarship). If you aren’t staying in university housing, then finding your own place to live is critical and should be top of your list. The rental market can move quickly in some areas, particularly London, so you ought to move quickly yourself. There are plenty of websites where you can search for rentals in the UK, and you can begin your search there. But before you look for housing, remember that nifty eVisa you generated on the UK government website? You should return to it and generate a “right to rent” code — a separate 9-digit code from your eVisa that’s generated via the same website. This code must be shared with the landlord once you apply for a place to rent, as they’ll need proof that you can legally rent in the UK. It’s highly recommended that you search for accommodation in person, so also consider staying at a hostel for a week or two while you search. Beware of housing scams, and know that in the UK, landlords are required to give new tenants a copy of the official “How to Rent” guide (you can also view this beforehand at the provided link). If you know others starting on the same course, or if you meet them while you are house-hunting, consider teaming up and searching together. Applying as a group will open up more options. In many parts of the UK there are plenty of three- or four-bedroom houses available (a very typical “student house” size in many university cities), but you may well find there is a more limited number of one-bed flats, making the search trickier for the lone accommodation seeker. If all of this sounds too stressful, keep in mind that you can always try to live in student housing for at least your first year. This will help you get acclimated to the city, learn about its neighborhoods and rental prices, and meet other people you could flat-share with. Keep a thorough list of outstanding tasks, and remember to finish any other lingering to-dos to ensure you’ve finalized your enrollment, found a place to live, and taken out a phone plan. If all goes well, you should be able to transition smoothly enough, and finally turn your attention towards the main event: your studies! Header Image Credit: Gianluca Pugliese from Pexels (Free to use with Pexels License) <span style="-moz-box-align:unset;-moz-box-direction:unset;-moz-box-flex:unset;-moz-box-ordinal-group:unset;-moz-box-orient:unset;-moz-box-pack:unset;-moz-float-edge:unset;-moz-force-broken-image-icon:unset;-moz-orient:unset;-moz-text-size-adjust:unset;-webkit-line-clamp:unset;-webkit-text-fill-color:unset;-webkit-text-security:unset;-webkit-text-stroke:unset;accent-color:unset;anchor-name:unset;anchor-scope:unset;animation-composition:unset;animation:unset;appearance:unset;aspect-ratio:unset;backdrop-filter:unset;backface-visibility:unset;background-blend-mode:unset;block-size:unset;border-block-color:unset;border-block-style:unset;border-block-width:unset;border-collapse:unset;border-color:unset;border-end-end-radius:unset;border-end-start-radius:unset;border-inline:unset;border-radius:unset;border-spacing:unset;border-start-end-radius:unset;border-start-start-radius:unset;bottom:unset;box-decoration-break:unset;box-shadow:unset;box-sizing:unset;break-after:unset;break-before:unset;break-inside:unset;caption-side:unset;caret-color:unset;clear:unset;clip-path:unset;clip-rule:unset;clip:rect(0px, 0px, 0px, 0px);color-interpolation-filters:unset;color-interpolation:unset;color-scheme:unset;color:unset;column-fill:unset;column-rule:unset;column-span:unset;columns:unset;contain-intrinsic-block-size:unset;contain-intrinsic-inline-size:unset;contain-intrinsic-size:unset;contain:unset;container:unset;content-visibility:unset;content:unset;counter-increment:unset;counter-reset:unset;counter-set:unset;cursor:unset;cx:unset;cy:unset;d:unset;display:unset;dominant-baseline:unset;empty-cells:unset;fill-opacity:unset;fill-rule:unset;fill:unset;filter:unset;flex-flow:unset;flex:unset;float:unset;flood-color:unset;flood-opacity:unset;font-palette:unset;font-synthesis:unset;font:unset;forced-color-adjust:unset;gap:unset;grid-area:unset;grid:unset;height:unset;hyphenate-character:unset;hyphenate-limit-chars:unset;hyphens:unset;image-orientation:unset;image-rendering:unset;ime-mode:unset;inline-size:unset;inset-block:unset;inset-inline:unset;isolation:unset;left:unset;letter-spacing:unset;lighting-color:unset;line-break:unset;list-style:unset;margin-block:unset;margin-inline:unset;margin:unset;marker:unset;mask-type:unset;mask:unset;math-depth:unset;math-shift:unset;math-style:unset;max-block-size:unset;max-height:unset;max-inline-size:unset;max-width:unset;min-block-size:unset;min-height:unset;min-inline-size:unset;min-width:unset;mix-blend-mode:unset;object-fit:unset;object-position:unset;offset:unset;opacity:unset;order:unset;outline-offset:unset;outline:unset;overflow-anchor:unset;overflow-block:unset;overflow-clip-margin:unset;overflow-inline:unset;overflow-wrap:unset;overflow:unset;overscroll-behavior-block:unset;overscroll-behavior-inline:unset;overscroll-behavior:unset;padding-block:unset;padding-inline:unset;padding:unset;page:unset;paint-order:unset;perspective-origin:unset;perspective:unset;place-content:unset;place-items:unset;place-self:unset;pointer-events:unset;position-anchor:unset;position-area:unset;position-try:unset;position-visibility:unset;position:fixed;print-color-adjust:unset;quotes:unset;r:unset;resize:unset;right:unset;rotate:unset;ruby-align:unset;ruby-position:unset;rx:unset;ry:unset;scale:unset;scroll-behavior:unset;scroll-margin-block:unset;scroll-margin-inline:unset;scroll-margin:unset;scroll-padding-block:unset;scroll-padding-inline:unset;scroll-padding:unset;scroll-snap-align:unset;scroll-snap-stop:unset;scroll-snap-type:unset;scrollbar-color:unset;scrollbar-gutter:unset;scrollbar-width:unset;shape-image-threshold:unset;shape-margin:unset;shape-outside:unset;shape-rendering:unset;stop-color:unset;stop-opacity:unset;stroke-dasharray:unset;stroke-dashoffset:unset;stroke-linecap:unset;stroke-linejoin:unset;stroke-miterlimit:unset;stroke-opacity:unset;stroke-width:unset;stroke:unset;tab-size:unset;table-layout:unset;text-align-last:unset;text-align:unset;text-anchor:unset;text-autospace:unset;text-combine-upright:unset;text-decoration-inset:unset;text-decoration-skip-ink:unset;text-decoration:unset;text-emphasis-position:unset;text-emphasis:unset;text-indent:unset;text-justify:unset;text-orientation:unset;text-overflow:unset;text-rendering:unset;text-shadow:unset;text-transform:unset;text-underline-offset:unset;text-underline-position:unset;text-wrap-style:unset;top:0px;touch-action:unset;transform-box:unset;transform-origin:unset;transform-style:unset;transform:unset;transition:unset;translate:unset;user-select:text;vector-effect:unset;vertical-align:unset;view-transition-class:unset;view-transition-name:unset;visibility:unset;white-space:pre;width:unset;will-change:unset;word-break:unset;word-spacing:unset;writing-mode:unset;x:unset;y:unset;z-index:unset;zoom:unset;">h
The United Kingdom has a rich history of education. Its Oxford University is considered the second-oldest continuously operating university in the world (or third, depending which online list you look at). And it seems that almost every city in the country has its own dedicated, globally-ranked university, making it a study destination for many.
Having recently completed my PhD, in this piece I share everything I learned about doing a doctorate, drawn from my own experience. I like to call it the bad kind of advice. You will not find it in official PhD manuals, and your supervisors probably will not spell it out for you either. But you will hear it from those who have cooked in this kitchen: former PhD students like me, who came out the other side with the degree in hand. Marry your research topic A PhD is the kind of commitment you make in a long-term relationship. Over four years (or more), you will likely stay within the same field, so choose wisely. Think of it as keeping the spark alive: you will go to conferences where people mostly discuss your topic, read endless papers about it, and produce your own knowledge within it. All of this, day after day (weekends off are not guaranteed). Of course, you will have some flexibility to branch out within your field, but the core focus tends to remain the same, so genuine curiosity and passion for your topic help immensely. When I began my PhD journey, I felt pretty solid in my choice. I had already written my Master’s thesis on the same topic and worked as a research assistant during my undergrad years on a related project. That early start helped me familiarise myself with the field, the key literature, and the main gaps. Because the topic felt so familiar, I was genuinely excited to keep reading those papers. That kept me going without ever feeling bored. Grow comfortable with asking questions Your first big question will be your research question. But rest assured, many more follow: technical questions like how to cluster standard errors for a tricky model; practical ones like how to book accommodation for a conference using graduate school funds. Later on, you’ll face a bigger one: I am nearly done — what do I do next, and how exactly? I was never shy about asking questions when I felt uncertain, and it helped me learn how things work fast. That efficiency will serve you well in the long run. Ask your supervisors, your grad school support team, your fellow PhDs, and alumni from your faculty. Ask people whose paths you admire about their experience during and after the doctorate (trust me, they’ll be glad to share). A well-asked question can be worth a lot, because so is the answer. Accept a marginal contribution Being ambitious is very important in a PhD, and so is staying true to reality. Many PhD candidates draw pride and drive from aiming for something meaningful: a strong publication or a spot at a top conference. But stay clear-eyed: your core goal is to learn deeply about your topic, develop your toolkit, and finish that manuscript. I found it freeing to accept that my thesis would probably make a marginal contribution (I know, we all massage that phrase in our papers to sound more impressive). There is no shame in not revolutionising your field just now. What matters is that you become a professional, know your domain well, and claim your spot in the community. Strive for technical correctness Your thesis must be technically correct and, if possible, innovative. There is a lot of talk about pushing PhD candidates to the cutting edge of new ideas. And yes, research should be about creativity and discovery. But here is the reality: you are expected to finish a manuscript in four years. After that, funding ends, and so might your contract or visa. This is a daring situation. The risks of betting everything on a high-wire, groundbreaking idea can be huge, with no guarantee of payoff. Nobody wants you stuck mid-air. Your graduate school funds you for a reason: to produce a finished thesis. You want a decent job market paper and a few side projects, all done before your funding runs dry. Keep in mind that your thesis must be methodologically sound, well-written and should explore something that is still under-explored. If it meets those criteria, send it off. Meet people and make connections Remember: after four years, you will need a job. Do not expect the job market to roll out a red carpet for you just because you have “Doctor” title in front of your name. It helps to prepare early. If networking is not your strength, treat it as a skill you can practice. Talk to people at conferences, workshops, and seminars. Ask what they do, share what you do, and show up as a professional-in-the-making (preferably in the field you ‘married’). This builds a clear image of you that the people you meet will remember. With good connections, you can reach out later for advice, collaborations, or references. Do not underestimate this channel: it can open unexpected doors, especially if you are unsure what comes next after the PhD. Take on a side hustle (but only if you can handle it) This one might raise eyebrows, but hear me out. A PhD demands a deep, long focus on one big thing. But sometimes it helps to do something else, too. In economics, it can be quite straightforward: a side gig might be contributing to policy reports or applied research that draws on your academic base but focuses on time-sensitive questions policymakers need answers to now. (On this topic, check out my other INOMICS blog on the difference between an academic and policy economist). During my PhD, I contributed to several policy papers through my earlier connections. It kept my other skills sharp and helped position me for my post-PhD plans. This was to signal: look, I did not just write a thesis; I co-authored reports and stayed connected to the field I wanted to enter next. But be mindful: this can backfire. If you overstretch yourself, your main project may suffer, and you risk delays. Only do it if you know you can manage the load. The best PhD is a done PhD This one kept me sane in the final stretch. I knew how much I could realistically do within the timeframe, and I wanted to finish strong without stalling my post-PhD plans. Research is always some kind of ‘work in progress’. There is always more to find, and more to refine, and that is the beauty of this business. But a PhD has an endpoint. One day, you must put that final dot on the page, also known as ‘submit’. Your supervisors will guide you here: when your projects feel 90% complete, ask them what it takes to wrap them up. Use that moment to turn years of hard work into a finished product and let yourself move on. Good luck — and may my bad advice serve you well. Hanna Sakhno is a policy economist with a PhD from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Originally from Ukraine, Hanna has also worked at the European Central Bank and at a leading economic think tank in Kyiv, where she contributed to labour market and education policy reforms. Image Credit: Yaroslav Shuraev from Pexels, via Canva
You are about to start your journey as a PhD student this fall. Congratulations! It must feel like you now have all the time in the world to turn that research proposal you submitted with your application into reality. So, how do you make the most of that experience?
Take a deep breath, read this article, and start brainstorming! Step 0: Understand What a Research Proposal is For The main purpose of your research proposal is to give the admissions committee an idea of two things: your ability to conduct quality research in economics, and your suitability for the program itself. Because of its importance, it’s also highly advisable to start this process as early as possible – ideally several months before application deadlines. Your proposal should indicate to the admissions committee that you understand the field and are capable of (with the right training and supervision) producing quality economics research. The topic you choose, the initial literature review you conduct, your intended methodology, and more: all of these will signal to the admissions committee that you either understand what it takes to conduct serious research, or that you do not. But even if the committee believes your research proposal is excellent, you may not be admitted. That’s because the second purpose of the proposal is to show that your research interests are a good fit for that specific economics department’s work. Remember, to earn your PhD, there must be a faculty member at that school who’s willing to supervise your research! You could have an absolutely amazing research proposal on microfinance, yet be rejected by the program on the grounds that none of their economics faculty are interested in microfinance. That’s why the next two steps in the process are critically important. Step 1: Identify your Research Interests Before you start writing your proposal, you obviously need a topic. It’s important to identify what you’re most interested in, especially since – if you’re accepted – research in this area will become your life for the next several years! The field of economics is vast, and there are a wide variety of papers being published. If you’re unsure where to start, first consider the economics classes you’ve enjoyed most in the past. Do you enjoy microeconomic theory, or empirical macroeconomics? Perhaps behavioral economics is more your style, or maybe environmental economics is calling to you. Once you’ve chosen a general subfield (or two), reading recently published papers in those subfields is a great way to start digging for a topic. Ask yourself: which of these papers are most interesting? What research methods could you alter, or employ for a different but related question, to produce original work? What further research identified by the authors sounds interesting to you? Is there any topic or question that you think is missing from current research output? If you’re still struggling to settle on a topic after exploring, check out our article about how to choose a topic for your economics research for more advice. Step 2: Investigate the School and Faculty Research Interests You’ve chosen a research topic; excellent work! Now, recall that an important part of the research proposal’s job is to show the admissions committee that your interests align with those of the economics department. It’s time for you to start a very important investigation. This process will look different depending on the type of program you apply to. For instance, many European-style PhD programs will require you to reach out to potential supervisors directly, and receive their approval before you submit your application. In this case, you must research the school’s faculty, check their research output, and message the individuals that you think would be both interested in your research idea and make an effective supervisor for you – preferably far in advance of the deadline. American-style PhD programs, or PhD programs that begin with a taught component like some MPhil/PhD options, may not ask you to identify a supervisor when you apply. However, even these programs will be judging your proposal based on how well it fits within the research interests of the economics department – so you’ll still need to do some digging. Overall, you should expect to spend a decent amount of time looking up professors and their research interests, as well as any specialized research groups within the economics department and the department’s research output. Resources like RePEc may help you out here. As you investigate, ask yourself – honestly – whether you could see these faculty members being interested in your topic and choosing to supervise you. If your answer isn’t a clear “yes”, keep in mind that it will be significantly harder for that admissions committee to justify giving you an offer. Depending on how many schools you intend to apply to, you may even consider writing multiple research proposals on different topics. While this may sound like a lot of work, it’s a far better strategy than writing just one proposal and hoping it fits everywhere. Step 3: Drafting: What to Include in Your Proposal After you’ve chosen a research topic and confirmed that there are professors who would most likely want to supervise your idea, it’s time to start drafting. You can think of a research proposal as a mini-research paper, where you walk through the typical steps of doing research but stop short of actually conducting data collection and testing hypotheses. Instead, you simply describe what you would do. A research proposal typically includes the following sections: - Introduction/research question - Preliminary literature review - Proposed methodology & proposed data - Possible future research - References & Bibliography You may also choose to include small sections on the potential supervisors you’ve identified at the program in question, why your research is a good fit for the department, and your funding situation. Introduction & research question This brief section should be thought of like an abstract, except that you don’t have conclusions to share. Instead, state clearly what you aim to research, and what your main research questions/hypotheses are. Preliminary literature review This is an important section. Here, you ought to write a literature review as if you’re actually going to conduct the research. What is the current state of the economics literature surrounding this question? What insights have other papers offered? Where’s the gap in the literature? What papers will you be mainly relying on or building off of? Answering these questions as you write your review will help show the admissions committee that you understand how to read the literature and conduct quality research. Don’t skimp on this section, or the reading you must do in order to build it properly. The more you understand about the literature surrounding your topic, the easier it will be for you to write about your methodology, and the more well-prepared you’ll be for potential interviews. A side note here about using AI – while AI tools can help you identify sources that are relevant to your literature review, do not rely on them completely. Further, do not use AI to write any portion of your research proposal. If you use AI to help find sources, take the time to then read the sources carefully and critically. Are they really as relevant as they seem? Do the findings truly match any claims you have made in your proposal? Don’t get caught out by trusting that an AI suggestion is a good suggestion. As of 2025, AI tools are far from infallible when it comes to postgraduate level research, and in the worst case might even create statistics out of thin air to support your argument (this is a common AI problem known as “hallucination”). Use AI tools with extreme caution, if at all! Methodology & Data In this section, you should aim to be as clear and objective as possible. Restate your hypothesis, then describe the methods you intend to employ to test it. List specific data sources as much as you can. Use econometric language, identify specific models you’ll likely employ, or describe the type of experiment you’ll design. This section should show clearly that you’ve put serious thought into answering your research questions and that you know how to test your hypotheses effectively. Further, listing actual data sources will make it clear that your research idea is feasible, not just hypothetical. Along with the literature review, this section should be the largest and most comprehensive in your proposal. Don’t hold anything back – aim to impress your readers here! Future research Including a small section about future research that could stem from your work is a nice touch. The faculty and admissions committee understand that a research proposal doesn’t always end up being exactly what a PhD student will work on. But, if you list future or related research that could stem from this proposal, it’ll be easy for the committee to see how you could continue to become an expert on this particular sub-topic, and how you could contribute to the literature for years to come. It could also be a good way for you to pivot, if you later decide that your original proposal wouldn’t be the best dissertation topic. References & Bibliography Citing your sources is crucially important. That’s partly because plagiarism is a serious offense, of course. But in addition, having a quality bibliography and reference section is another great signal to the committee that you’re a good candidate and should be seriously considered. Step 4: Reaching Out to Potential Supervisors Drafting your research proposal is no walk in the park, so once you’ve finished, pat yourself on the back! Depending on the types of programs you’re applying to, identifying a willing supervisor may or may not be part of the application process. If it is, you should start reaching out to faculty members who might be willing to supervise you as soon as you have an initial proposal drafted. Include the draft in your message to them, along with your CV. Typically, professors are fairly responsive. Even so, your mileage may vary with this process. If your proposal seems overly amateurish or underbaked, you’re unlikely to get a positive response, even if the topic aligns with the individuals’ research interests. Further, some professors may not be accepting new students. Sometimes university websites indicate which professors are open to receiving new PhD students, but it’s entirely possible that your first choice of supervisor isn’t available. Even if you do receive a positive response, you may be asked to make updates or edits before a professor is willing to say “yes”. If you’ve reached this point, don’t despair – it’s actually a very good sign that you’re on the right track, and that you’ve done well in finding a potential supervisor with similar research interests to you. Step 5: Don’t Give Up! Writing a quality research proposal is hard work. So is studying for your PhD! But it’s important to keep in mind that there is a reason for all of this work. Finding and getting admitted to the right economics program will make your journey towards earning your PhD much more enjoyable. Moreover, it’ll help immensely when the trials and difficulties of PhD research threaten to burn you out. Crafting your research proposal should get you excited to narrow down into a specific topic, and imagine getting your own research published. What question have other economists not answered, but you think is important or interesting? How can you uniquely contribute to the literature? Your research proposal should give you a clear idea of the answer! Image Credit: Fizkes / Shutterstock (Licensed Image - Copyright) <11an>limit3;categories:PhD Programs</11an>
If you’re applying for a European-style economics PhD or Master’s of Research program, it’s highly likely that you’ll be asked to submit a research proposal. This is a document where you’ll describe the original research project you intend to pursue if you’re accepted into the economics program. This is going to be a fairly intense process. While not legally binding, this document is a major part of your application, and it’s extremely important to write a convincing and high-quality proposal. Giving yourself as much time as possible to work on it can only help you. However, if you’re applying to PhDs for the first time, this is also most likely your first time writing an economics research proposal. So, what to do?
Studying in the USA: How to apply for a student visa
Applying for the US student visa might seem to be a daunting process, but we’re here to help make sense of it. The process is relatively straightforward, although it has many pieces. Read on to learn about how to apply for the student visa for the USA and our tips for making the application process easier for you. Note that this information is accurate as of the publish date above. Some of these requirements could be changed by the US authorities over time, however. Be sure to double check with the appropriate US government authority. Note that this article only covers studying in the United States; it does not cover work visa requirements for the US. But fear not – we have another article for just that! First step: Entering the US To enter the US, many travelers will need a Type B tourist visa. This is a nonimmigrant visa that allows someone to stay in the US temporarily, but does not allow long-term stay. If a prospective student wishes to travel in the US – perhaps to explore university campuses – before they acquire their student visa and start university, this is the visa to apply for. Details on applying for the Type B visa can be found at the US Department of State’s website. Then, a prospective student with a Type B visa can apply for a Type F visa to allow long-term stay for studies with a proper application supplemented by Form I-539. However, this strategy is not guaranteed and so is not recommended. Rather, it’s more secure to apply for a Type F visa from the get-go – but this requires acceptance to a university program in the US. Some travelers will be able to enter the US without an official visa at all. However, these travelers must still fill out the Electronic System for Travel Authorization form (available here) as part of the US’s Visa Waiver program. As of this writing, the list of eligible nationalities includes 40 countries that can be found here, including most of Europe, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, and Taiwan. These travelers can stay for up to 90 days without needing a visa, but must be careful not to overstay. Requirements for a student “Type F” visa To study in an accredited university program in the US – whether for undergraduate or graduate studies – you’ll need a Type F visa. One important fact to note before getting started is that you cannot apply for a visa without proof of acceptance to a US university, and you can’t apply more than 365 days in advance of your program’s start date. Besides this, the exact requirements for this visa are subject to vary depending on the specific embassy or consulate you apply in, as well as the country you come from. Nevertheless, we’ve compiled a general overview of the requirements so you can begin to prepare. Visa application form After being accepted to a US university, you’ll be eligible to apply for the Type F visa. One of the first steps is to fill out Form DS-160, print it out, and take it to the visa interview with you. This form requires including a picture. According to the Department of State’s website, among other requirements this picture must be: Sized such that the head is large and visible and the full face is visible without any shadow being cast on it Taken within the last 6 months (ensuring it accurately reflects your current appearance), in front of a plain white or off-white background, taken in full-face view directly facing the camera, with a neutral facial expression and both eyes open Taken in non-uniform clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis (normal wear includes religious clothing that is worn daily) Lacking any obscuring headwear (unless worn daily for a religious purpose), but including a hearing device or similar articles if you normally wear them. Further and more specific requirements can be found at the US Department of State’s website. In practice, reputable photo shops and studios should be aware of the requirements for visa application photos for all major countries, and will be able to take your photo with the appropriate specifications. Schedule a visa interview Find the US embassy or consulate nearest to you, and apply for an interview. Applying early is recommended; depending on the city, the earliest available interview slot may not be available for thirty days or more. Note that you’ll be required to pay a non-refundable fee to apply for the interview. Documents typically required for a US student visa A number of documents are typically required for the visa application and interview, though again, this may vary by the specific embassy or consulate that you apply to. Be sure to check with your local embassy before applying. Nonetheless, the documents that are typically required include: A valid passport that remains valid for at least six months after the planned end of your stay in the US The aforementioned DS-160 visa application form At least two copies of your photo as detailed above A filled out form I-20 (provided by your school after you are accepted) Consular officers may request additional documents during your visa process, including: Proof of academic qualifications such as transcripts or standardized test scores Proof of sufficient funds to live on during your stay Once you have successfully received your visa, you’ll be ready to plan your trip into the US. Restrictions on entering the US with a Type F student visa To enter the US after receiving your student visa, you’ll need to bring your copies of forms I-20 and DS-160 as well as your valid passport to the port-of-entry where you intend to enter the country. Then, it’s just a matter of settling into your new home and beginning your studies. Officially, you are not required to show proof of accommodation to receive your visa. However, when entering the US, you may be required to show proof of accommodation or proof of financial means. If you can’t provide any proof that you have a place to stay, you may not be allowed to enter even if you have the proper visa type. Further, universities themselves may request such information when processing your application, and in order to receive a Type F visa you’ll need proof of acceptance to a US university. Therefore, you should start finding a place to stay or gathering financial records early on in the process to make the process easier for yourself. Working while studying in the US Students on a Type F visa are allowed to work on-campus in their first year of studies, but not elsewhere. After the first year, they are allowed to work in the same or a related field as their course of study, subject to approval by school and immigration officials. Questions about this should be directed to the Designated School Official, the employee of the university who manages Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) requests for their institution. Studying in the US, as with studying abroad in general, can be a rewarding and valuable experience. We at INOMICS encourage anyone interested to give it a shot – hopefully, this article has helped you to realize that the student visa process is entirely doable. We wish you the best of luck as you get started on your educational journey in the “land of the free and home of the brave”! References https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html Header image credit: Hyein Nam from Pixabay (Free for use under the Pixabay Content License)
So you want to study abroad in the United States of America, the largest economy in the world. In keeping with its “melting pot” reputation, the US has been an education destination for many over the years, and is filled with many high-quality, internationally competitive universities. Of course, if you’re an international student, you’ll probably need to get a visa before you can go.
So, how do you find the exchange program that’s the right fit for you? It can be a tough decision and one you should deliberate properly, so read on for INOMICS' best tips to help you find the ideal exchange program tailor-made for you. <11an>limit:3;categories:Bachelor's Programs;disciplines:Economics</11an> Location, Location, Location One of the biggest issues to consider when thinking about an exchange program is – obviously – where you would like to stay. You should consider not only the country that you would like to visit, but also the specific city or region (and even different regions of your home country). Are you a fan of big, bustling cities? Or would you prefer a small town or somewhere in the countryside? Would you like to be in a cosmopolitan place, surrounded by people from all over the world, or would you prefer to be somewhere more homogeneous with a strong shared culture? The area around your university of choice will greatly affect your experience studying there, so be sure you research the region to know what you’re getting yourself into. Naturally, you need to think about language as well. You probably won’t have time to learn a whole new foreign language before your planned semester exchange – unless, of course, you plan it far enough in advance to take language courses one or two years before. This could be a fantastic way for you to solidify those skills and help you get the most out of your degree. But keep in mind that foreign universities may not only offer classes in the local language. For instance, you might be able to study entirely in English during a semester exchange while abroad in France, Brazil, or many other countries. Be sure to explore the options that you have with your current language skills even in other countries – you might be pleasantly surprised with the options. Naturally, if language remains a concern for you, it’s worth considering an exchange program that takes place in a country with the same mother tongue, or even within your home country. The National Student Exchange program in North America, for example, offers study away programs within the United States and Canada, potentially allowing you the benefits of a different perspective on your studies but without the cultural and linguistic challenges of living in another country. When and how long to go? The next big issue to consider is the length of time that you would like to spend on exchange. Short-term programs tend to run for a few weeks to three months, often over the summer break. They allow you to have the experiences of studying abroad (or just farther away from home), without interrupting or changing the schedule of your regular learning. These programs rarely include a full course-load compared to a normal semester, instead focusing intensively on a smaller handful of classes. However, don't assume that such a short-term program will be easy, or not require any work! Often short-term programs are the most study intensive, as all the materials must be compressed into a smaller number of hours. Although it may be less intimidating given the shorter time you will spend away, a short term trip can also have its drawbacks. Inevitably, you have less time to settle in, and often just as you feel like you’ve gotten used to the new setting, the trip is done and you are sent back off home. And, a short-term trip is less likely to be as much of a cornerstone of your life experience as a longer trip could be. A long-term exchange, on the other hand, typically lasts for six months to a year or more, and may include teaching from a local university which forms a part of your degree back at your home institution. So, with sufficient planning you won’t increase your overall semester count. This means that you get the true local's experience of attending university in your host country, and gain a different perspective on your subject. Such a longer term exchange can help you more fully experience a new part of your country or a foreign culture. It can allow you to develop new language skills, study your field under the guidance of experts with a different perspective, or with different strengths than the faculty at your home institution, and help you to network with colleagues from around the world. And, a longer term exchange abroad allows you to immerse yourself fully in a new culture and experience what studying abroad is like, while getting support on topics like visas and finding housing from your home institution. But longer exchanges come with their own drawbacks as well. A year can be a long time for an undergraduate student in particular to miss out socially at their home university – possibly some of the most formative years of your adult life. Not to mention the family, friends and traditions that might be left behind for a time. Plus, studying on exchange for a long time can put strain on your path to graduation if you aren’t careful, even if it’s at a university that partners with your home university, for example if you need to catch up on exams or coursework when you return. Degree Planning Exchange programs are usually not a core part of the degree experience you originally signed up for. They are typically not considered when university officials design curricula and schedule classes. Thus, it pays to be careful academically when considering an exchange program. When choosing a program, it might be exciting to jet off to the fanciest destination available. But, you must be aware of how the credits will transfer and what it will mean for the remainder of your degree. Exchange programs probably offer a limited selection of courses that your home university will accept as part of your degree program, and they might have prerequisites. Ensure you qualify for the courses you intend to take while on exchange. The last thing you want is for your exchange program to prevent you from graduating on time! Further, particularly when studying abroad, the course content in classes with the exact same name likely differs. To ensure you don’t miss any foundational topics, you should study the syllabi from your home institution’s course and your options on the exchange program to compare. Are there any major topics covered at one university, but not the other? Are there any topics missing from the exchange program? Checking the syllabi can ensure that you don’t accidentally put yourself behind your colleagues at home. There’s a chance that you could be the first person from your home university to take a specific class at your host institution while on exchange. Or, if you might even be the first person to go on exchange to that particular university in general. In both of these cases, you’ll need to work closely with administrative officials – and possibly class professors – from each institution. Be prepared to proactively ask questions about course content, fill out required forms, and argue the case for the new course credits you’d like to have transferred. Talk to other students who have done it before One important resource that’s easy to forget is those who have come before you: former exchange students! Universities will sometimes maintain a list of students who have studied abroad or done exchange programs at specific universities before, or organize an open-day or presentation where you can hear from study-abroad graduates. Alternatively, students who complete such a program can opt-in to such a list, and might be willing to talk to you about their experience. Don’t be afraid to ask around about students who have done the program before you – their advice will be invaluable. Funding Finally, it's important to consider how you will pay for the expenses of your exchange program. You will need to cover your travel expenses, insurance, accommodation costs, living costs, and in some cases university fees too. Generally, for short-term programs you will be expected to cover these costs yourself. Long-term programs, however, often have scholarships available which will cover these expenses. Be sure to check out the details of your program for specifics, as those programs which include scholarship funding often have lengthy application processes. Find out about them early to give yourself the best possible chance of securing one. An exchange program can be an important, unique, and awesome part of your university studies. We hope this article has helped you be inspired to discover which program is right for you. Header Image Credit: Hircus on Shutterstock (licensed image - copyright)
Exchange programs allow students to study at a different institution as part of their degree. Typically, students will use this opportunity to study abroad at a foreign partner of their home institution, though exchange programs can sometimes take place in the same country. Regardless, these programs are a fantastic way for students to broaden their horizons, take specific courses at another institution, and study abroad without committing to living multiple years in another country.
Studying in Germany: How to apply for a student visa
If you’re a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, or Norway, good news! You won’t need any type of visa to study in the country. Prost, indeed! Citizens of some other countries don’t need a student visa to enter the country, but will need one to complete their studies in Germany. These include citizens of the United States, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, and South Korea. If you aren’t from the Schengen area, applying for Germany’s student visa might seem to be a daunting process, but we’re here to help make sense of it. The process is relatively straightforward, although it has many pieces. Read on to learn about how to apply for the student visa in Germany and our tips for making the application process easier for you. Note that this information is accurate as of the publish date above. Some of these requirements could be changed by the German authorities over time, however. Be sure to double check with the references provided at the end of this article. Note that this article does not cover work visa requirements for Germany. But fear not – we have another article for just that! Applying for a student visa The exact requirements for a student visa are subject to vary depending on the country you’re applying from. Check with your local German embassy or consulate for exact details. You can search for the nearest embassy or consulate that will process visa applications on this page at the German Federal Foreign Office’s website. In most cases, the following guidelines apply. You will need to make an in-person appointment at an embassy that is able to process visa applications and provide several documents for them to take and/or copy. The following documents are typically necessary: A completed visa application Your valid passport Proof that you have German health insurance Proof that you have sufficient funding Proof of acceptance into a German university Proof that you have sufficient language skills Only if applying for a prospective student visa: a recognised higher education entrance qualification A fee (typically; check with your embassy or consulate) We’ll walk through each of these documents below. Completed student visa application This document should be available to download from the website of the embassy you’ll submit the application to. It may require some additional documents not listed in this article – such as a certified copy of your birth certificate – but these documents will often be required when processing other documents on this list, such as your passport. Be sure to download and read the application form that your nearest German embassy provides for more specifics. Valid passport Naturally, you must have a valid passport in order to apply for a student visa as a foreigner. Make sure that you apply for your passport as early as possible. Some countries – or certain seasons – can take a long time to process passports, especially new ones. If you already have a passport, it’s also wise to check the expiration date on it to ensure that your passport will not expire during your intended period of study. You should get it renewed if there’s a chance it could expire during your normal course of study. If you find yourself in Germany and worrying about your passport expiring, do note that some embassies – such as the U.S. embassy in Frankfurt – will allow you to renew your passport while you are in Germany. However, this often requires you to fulfill additional criteria. It’s easiest to renew your passport in your home country, but if you’re facing an impending emergency, check with your country’s embassy in Germany to see if they can help. Proof of health insurance In Germany, students are required to have health insurance. This means that you will most likely have to apply for and be approved for health insurance in Germany before you arrive. Certain international students can continue to use their public health insurance from their home country while in Germany, and do not need to take out German health insurance. This includes students from other EU countries, and additionally Switzerland, Iceland, Macedonia, Norway, Liechtenstein, Tunisia, Israel, Morocco, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. Be sure to check with your current health insurance provider to confirm that they will continue to cover you in Germany. Public health insurance is available to university students under the age of 30 who have not completed more than 14 semesters of school in Germany; costs are usually around €110 per month. If you don’t qualify for public insurance, you’ll have to take out private insurance for the duration of your studies. Fortunately, applying for German student health insurance is not overly difficult, and several providers maintain English translations on their websites. Two notable and popular options for foreigner’s student health insurance include Techniker Krankenkasse (or just TK) and Barmer. Both feature English translations of their websites. One complication that may arise: some insurance providers might ask for proof of your German residence (though as of this writing, it’s possible to register for insurance with both Barmer and TK without this). However, this is an obstacle that can be overcome even if you don’t have an address or proof of one before you arrive in Germany. It’s usually possible to enroll in a health insurance plan using your proof of acceptance to a German university instead. It may also be possible to find a place to live online, and receive appropriate documentation from your landlord fulfilling this requirement before you move to the country. But, if you take this route, you ought to be careful and use reputable sources when pursuing this option. INOMICS has previously written about how you can find lodging in a foreign country when planning to study abroad; these resources can help. Additionally, your university might provide student housing options, particularly if you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. You can also look for student housing that isn’t necessarily attached to a university, for instance through the DAAD’s website (the German academic foreign exchange service). Check with the specific health insurance provider you plan to use for options if they need proof of your German residence. If you can’t get out of that requirement and decide not to use a provider that doesn’t need that proof, these options should work for you. Even if not, there are usually expat websites from your country that can help you. Proof of sufficient funds You’ll need to provide proof that you have funding to support yourself through your studies in Germany before you can be issued a student visa. This requirement can be fulfilled in a few ways. If you are not funding your own studies, options for proving you have sufficient funds include providing proof of your scholarship, grant, or other financial aid, or submitting documents that prove your parents or legal guardians can pay for your living expenses. Again, the exact documents required to prove these options may vary, but your nearest embassy or consulate should provide a list of specifics. If you are planning to pay for your own living expenses, you should open a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto) and store the required amount of savings before you apply. The amount required is intended to ensure you have at least a year’s worth of savings to cover your living expenses in Germany. As of 2023, the amount required is €11,208, though this is subject to increase every few years depending on inflation. The blocked account, once opened, is not easily accessed. It does not function like a savings account. Instead, the German government issues you payments from your blocked account savings as if it were a stipend. All of the money continues to belong to you during this time, and you will receive all of your money back, but you won’t be able to withdraw from the account as you please. As a side note: keep in mind that students are allowed to work, but not for more than 20 hours per week, on a German student visa. So, it’s possible to earn more money to support yourself – even after the blocked account is depleted – but you will have to plan ahead. Proof of acceptance into a German university This document is technically not required to obtain a student visa. If you’re planning to study in Germany but have not yet been accepted into a university, you can still obtain a prospective student visa instead. You can find more information about this below. But, if you have been accepted into a German university already – great! Providing proof of your acceptance will help the student visa process go smoothly. This will usually take the form of an acceptance letter sent by the university where you plan to study. The next requirement applies to you if you do not have a formal acceptance to a German university. If you do have one, you can safely ignore them. Proof of sufficient academic qualifications If you haven’t been accepted to a German university yet, you’ll need to show proof that you have the minimum academic requirements to be admitted to one. This means that you have completed the necessary prerequisite levels of education. For example, if you’re applying for a Master’s degree, you can show proof that you completed a Bachelor’s degree and are therefore eligible for admittance to a Master’s program. Proof of sufficient language skills If you haven’t been accepted to a German university – or if you have, but the language is not your native one – you’ll need to submit proof that you’re proficient in the language of instruction. This most often takes the form of a language test, but your embassy or consulate might accept alternative documents as well. A commonly taken German language test is the TestDAF, while a common English language test is the TOEFL. On this note – while many German degree programs are offered with German as the language of instruction, several major universities – like the University of Cologne and Humboldt University in Berlin – offer certain degree programs in English. It is possible to study in Germany without a high level of German language proficiency, though of course a basic level of proficiency will be instrumental in navigating daily life in Germany. Plus, knowing (or learning) some German will make your time there more fun! Prospective student visas Have you not yet been accepted into a university, but are moving to Germany anyway? Or are you applying for a German preparatory language course before you apply to a university? If yes, then the prospective student visa (sometimes called a student applicant visa) is the type you should be applying for. It has slightly different requirements than the full student visa, and is only valid for three months (though it can be extended for up to six months), whereas the student visa is valid for up to four years. You will still need to apply for a residence permit and student visa if you’re accepted into a full university program at some point. So, it’s worth it to start preparing with the other documents mentioned in this article. Entering Germany without a visa Citizens of certain countries are allowed to enter Germany without having a visa issued. These include but are not limited to Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Great Britain, Israel, Japan, and South Korea. The full list of visa entry requirements by country can be found at the Federal Foreign Office’s website. Despite this, it’s still useful to be prepared and apply for your visa before you leave for Germany. Entering the country without a visa does not mean you’re qualified to live there long-term. You’ll still need to apply for a student visa and a residence permit if you plan to stay for longer than 3 months. If you fail to acquire your visa (or fail to have a visa appointment scheduled) before that time expires, you’ll be forced to return home. If the student visa process seems complicated, just remember that many people have done this before you, and it is very possible to do! This article should help you get started. Although there are many things to think about, and many steps, gathering the required documents and applying is a straightforward process. It just takes some planning. So be encouraged, and remember that it is possible – and worth the effort. Many foreigners have successfully studied in Germany, and valued the experience highly. Viel Erfolg! References Germany’s DAAD website: https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/plan-your-studies/visas/ Germany’s Federal Foreign Office website: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service Header Image Credit: Nikolaus Bader from Pixabay (Free for use under the Pixabay Content License)
So you want to study abroad in Germany, the largest economy in Europe. It’s a great country filled with many high-quality, internationally competitive universities. Plus, lovers of pretzels and sausages will never find a better place to be. Of course, if you’re an international student, you’ll probably need to get a visa before you can go.
Studying in Europe - a US American Student's Experience in Berlin, Germany
1) What is your degree in/what are you studying? Masters of Science in Business Administration. I will write my thesis with the Management chair. 2) What has been your favorite economics course and why? I have a couple favorite economics courses; namely, Game Theory, European Economic History 1 and 2, and Geography and Growth. What I like about all these courses is that they are challenging and relate directly to human behavior. All of these courses provide one with a new lens to view and understand the world. I particularly liked the European Economic History courses, because it helped me to understand how we came to our current (European) world. This is particularly interesting for a native US-American, as I grew up with history focused around the USA. Meaning, I had a basic knowledge of European history, and of other continents for that matter. It is interesting to learn about history from not only another continent/country’s perspective, but also from an economic perspective. <11an>limit:3;categories:Programs;disciplines:Economics</11an> 3) Were you surprised by anything? What was unexpected about studying in Germany or Europe? Naturally, there are differences between studying in Germany (or Europe) compared to the USA. However, I am always curious and open to experiencing something new; so I seldom feel surprised, rather fascinated, when I am met with a new experience. I guess, besides the differences in tuition, I was most intrigued to experience the difference in how universities are organized. In the USA, every student is assigned an advisor who recommends classes based on your interests and who emails you reminders for class enrollment deadlines. In Germany, perhaps because tuition is less expensive and, therefore, may have fewer resources to provide such extra assistance, every student is in charge of their own studies. I love it. Every student takes on the responsibility of choosing their own classes, finding out their own deadlines, etc. There is a feeling of more freedom in choosing the direction of your program here. Plus, this creates a community (or during the Covid shutdowns, a WhatsApp group) in which students are very willing to help each other out in navigating university structure and sharing experiences of different classes and professors. 4) What were the cultural differences you experienced (in schooling and academic life)? How is education different here? Failing. In Germany, students are typically allotted three attempts to pass an exam. This is unheard of in the USA university system. Further, my personal attitude about failing has changed since arriving in Germany. Rather than viewing failure of an exam as being synonymous with unintelligence or inability, I view failing as simply meaning that one has not learned the required material yet. Nothing more. Additionally, in Germany, professors usually do not provide students with a clear-cut catalog of which material will be on an exam. In the USA, I often had professors who would tell us to ignore certain chapters and to focus on others for the exams; whereas the professors in Germany seldom give such hints. I think this ties into students having more responsibility, and being expected to acquire the skills to differentiate between relevant and irrelevant information, and how to prioritize certain topics. 5) What cultural differences did you experience in non-academic life? There are many cultural differences between the USA and Germany that I don’t think are easy to spot on the surface. The countries can seem similar but they can differ in the smallest of details that I still notice with time. I have listed a few more obvious cultural differences, because I find it hard to explain the smaller ones without writing what sounds like a generalization. I think generalizations are difficult, especially, since these small differences could simply be differences between me and a German friend, rather than a larger trend within Germany. Recycling & Pfand - trash must be separated into the appropriate bins, whereas in the US all trash usually goes into the same bin. Pfand incentivizes recycling by adding a “tax” to plastic and glass bottles that individuals receive back upon recycling the bottle. Germany is incredibly well-organized and efficient (but sometimes the bureaucracy also takes longer than expected). Even the smallest process is made to be efficient, such as registering to take a Covid-19 rapid test with a QR-code or finding available doctors in all of Berlin via DoctoLib. When people move apartments/homes in Germany, they uninstall and move the entire kitchen and all the light fixtures. Sometimes even the flooring. That rarely, if ever, happens in the USA Small talk and smiling to strangers on the street happens less often in Germany compared to the Midwest USA Public transport is widespread, relatively cheap, and reliable in Germany, whereas I rarely utilized public transportation in the midwest USA. There are student discounts for many, many things and stores in Germany Traditional dancing – I have the feeling most people take ballroom dance classes as children/teenagers in Germany; whereas in the USA, I hardly know anyone in my age group who can do a traditional dance 6) What was the process for applying to school and moving to Germany like? For me, I bought a one-way ticket to Germany without much planning. After that decision, I started contacting German companies while I was still in the US to organize internship interviews. I regularly ran into the problem that my German language level wasn’t high enough yet (A1 at the time) or that I didn’t have student status. However, there were companies that were interested and set up interviews with me. As backup, I had organized interviews with families for Au Pairing. My intention was to find an internship in order to get some work experience leading up to applying and then attending a Master’s program here in Germany. However, COVID-19 started just a week after my arrival, subsequently delaying my internship and, at the time, potentially canceling it. Therefore, the immigration office gave me a “Fiktionsbeschieinigung” (translating as a “fictional certificate”, a kind of temporary residence permit) to allow me to stay while attending the online intensive language courses at the Goethe Institut. When it was clear that my internship would still take place, the immigration office attached “Arbeitserlaubnis” (work permit) to my visa, meaning I was allowed to work. My initial situation was rather unique given the circumstances, but the rest of the process for obtaining a student visa was standard. I assume many other international students will have to complete these following steps as well. First, I required an address in order to get my visa and that added a bit of stress. When one does find an apartment in Germany, it’s important to ensure that “Anmeldung” is permitted. Anmeldung means that one registers themselves with the local government at a specified address. I needed this address to get a visa. Further, for the first year of studying in Germany, one will need to prove financial stability, or rather, the ability to finance one’s stay for a whole year. This can be done by showing historical financial statements or by setting up a “Sperrkonto”. A Sperrkonto is a type of bank account where one must deposit a substantial amount of money up front and then, like a monthly allowance, this bank account makes a fraction of the original deposit available to the person every month. It’s to ensure that one can afford their first year's stay and can be a bit overwhelming for students as it’s typically over €10.000. While the process entails many steps, it was straightforward. The Ausländerbehörde (department for foreign residents) website clearly outlined what one needs to prepare and bring to an appointment. I would suggest making the appointment ASAP, as they are typically booked quite far in advance. Also, in my experience, all of the application documents were in German. Back then, I required help from a friend to translate both the documents and the conversation at my appointments. Lastly, paying for the visa requires one to pay in cash, although this may hopefully change as card payments are becoming increasingly accepted. 7) What were the best resources to help you in your econ courses? Other students. Making friends with other students is important simply for the social factor of having friends, but also for learning. I, personally, find it much easier to grasp a concept when I am discussing or trying to explain it to someone else. Plus, the camaraderie helps the pre-exam stress. 8) What other advice do you have for Americans who might want to study in Germany or Europe? DO IT. I say, try it out and if you don’t like it, you can always change it. We all only have one life, and we have the ability to change it drastically. If you do officially decide to study and/or move to Germany/Europe, then I suggest stressing less about the move in the last weeks before your flight and enjoy the time with your friends and family. I moved to Germany just weeks before the COVID-19 shut down and I was very grateful that I had dedicated my last month in the USA to spending quality time with my friends and family, even though it meant I sent fewer job/internship applications. Everything works out how it should. 9) What are your plans after graduation? I will find a job and stay in Germany long term. Since I am open to settling down in a variety of German cities, I will determine where I go next based on where I find a job. To work in Germany, I will need a work visa, meaning I’ll need to find a company willing to sponsor me. As a graduate from a German university, I can apply for a job-seeker type visa directly after graduation that would provide me time to find a company that I really like. This interview was conducted remotely by Sean McClung for INOMICS in October 2022. All picture credits: Alexis - with kind permission. Are you a student of economics, econometrics, or related fields, or have you studied abroad for at least one year? Would you like to share your advice with other curious students? You can contact us at submissions@inomics.com and we may be able to interview you as well.
INOMICS has had the opportunity to interview several international students and learn about their experiences studying abroad. For this article, we interviewed Alexis. She's from the US-Midwest and moved to Germany in February 2020. She is currently finishing up her Master’s program in business administration at Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and will then be looking for a job to stay in the country. Below we’ll share her advice for other international students, experiences about studying in Germany, and more! If you’re from the US - or anywhere else - and curious what it’s like to study in Europe, read on.
Studying in the USA - Two (European) Student Experiences in Charlotte, North Carolina
If you want to know what it’s like to study in the US - in terms of academic structure, culture, and life in general - then read on. 1) What is your degree? Why did you choose to study in the US? Lenka: I am pursuing a Master's degree in Data Science and Business Analytics. I always wanted to study abroad, and the US seemed like a good opportunity. I decided based on language (I wanted to go to an English speaking country) and major (I wanted to study Data Science; a similar program was opened in the Czech Republic at that time, but I wanted to study a program that already had some tradition). The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) was a good fit for all my requirements. Adam: MA in communication - it was not a decision about going to the USA or not going to the USA, it was more about going anywhere, about studying abroad. The USA won against other countries because of the student-athlete opportunities, and the work experiences you can get there. <11an>limit:3;disciplines:Economics;countries:United States</11an> 2) What were the cultural differences you experienced in schooling? How is education different in the US vs. back home? Lenka: Cultural Differences Students are not helping each other - in the US they do not speak with each other in the classes. I was really surprised by this. Another cultural difference was in clothing - many students wear clothes similar to pajamas in class. Back at home, people dress more business casual at universities. Also in the USA, university campuses are bigger and nicer compared to in the Czech Republic and student life in the USA is better. Education Differences Grading is more strict in the Czech Republic compared to the USA (only a few students from classes get an A, and the rest get B or C). Because of that, nobody cares about GPA in Czechia - students only try to pass exams. There we do not have many assignments during the school year. If so, we have only a few. The main focus is on midterms and the final exam. The final exam is around 80% of the grade, and it covers material from the whole school semester and is closed book. Here at UNCC, classes are more practical, whereas back at home in Czechia, classes are mainly about theory and memorizing. In the Czech Republic after the regular semester ends, we have one month of exam period - it is up to students to choose when they are going to take exams (students pick from dates that are published by professors). I studied approximately one week for each exam. We have to be very respectful towards professors - we CAN NOT say “hi” or “hey” to them. Moreover, we have to use their highest achieved title when we address them (this may be very tricky - some professors have four different titles, and you have to pick the correct one, otherwise, it is a faux pas. As a quick test for you, this is the example of the real professor’s name with titles from my Czech University - prof. RNDr. Ing. Petr Fiala, CSc., MBA. So, how would you address him?* Adam: When speaking about schooling, there are many differences - for example, here in the US you usually call your teacher by their name and say “hi” not “hello”. In the Czech Republic, you have to say “Hello” and always say, “ma'am” or “mister”. I would say that there are fewer classes in the US, and there are no oral exams. I also think that in the US there is a focus on applying what you have learned to your real-life scenarios. Back in the Czech Republic, the schooling is more about theories, diving deep into the “academic” field, and understanding the topic from the academic perspective. Here in the US, the stress is on applying some general information, and sometimes not knowing the “behind scenes” of it. 3) What was the process for applying and moving over like? Was it difficult to pay for tuition or other necessary school expenses? Lenka: The process of applying was stressful. In the beginning, I selected a few universities based on my requirements, tuition, etc. Then I started the application process - I needed 3 recommendations, a GRE score, an English exam score (TOEFL, Duolingo), a motivation letter, GPA (in Czech we have the opposite scale to the USA, 1 is the best and 4 the worst), a transcript of all courses taken, and a CV. The worst thing was that I was getting all these necessary papers during the covid time. All institutions had delays or were canceling appointments. Or I was in lockdown in my city. The application fee was not that bad, though the tuition is really high. As an international student, I am paying twice more than local USA students (plus I can not apply for FAFSA, and UNCC is offering only one scholarship for international graduate students). On-campus job opportunities are helping me reduce school expenses (I am able to get back ⅓ of tuition per semester). Adam: I sent around 150 emails for scholarships - I received 15 responses, 5 positive, and 10 negative. After that, it was easy to choose from these schools. The high tuition was expected, however, the insurance I have to pay at Queens University is the biggest expense - the biggest issue I would say. 4) Were you surprised by anything? What was unexpected about studying in the US? Lenka: I did not expect that I would be very busy during the semester. Generally, I think that it is better to practice to have more assignments (continuously learning) compared to a one-month exam period (one moment of memorizing). Also, I was surprised by the number of regulations for international students. Adam: I think I was surprised with how few classes you need to take - in my program at Queens they recommend that you take 2 classes per semester. Back home, you can take 8, 9 or even 12 classes if you want. 5) What were the main cultural differences you experienced in non-academic life? Lenka: Car culture (without a car you are nobody in the USA) Very poor recycling knowledge; nobody recycles! And if you really want to, you do not have a place to go do it. Insufficient public transportation, at least in Charlotte! The “How are you doing” question (at the beginning, I thought that people cared how I was feeling!). Tipping a lot. Working culture (you have to spend a lot of time at work). University culture - how you are part of the university, and they have sports teams, clubs, etc. that you can be a part of.....I love this about US universities. Networking - I hate this, but it is important to network and have contacts here. Adam: Tipping in the restaurants, and basically everywhere. 6) Is there anything you wish you had known about studying in the US, or the US in general, before you got there? Lenka: I would have appreciated any guidance about buying a car! More seriously… if US students are describing what they have achieved - it almost always sounds better than it is. If you realize this, you do not have to feel guilty that you are not enough. Plus, you have to speak highly about yourself. Otherwise, you will get nowhere. And finally: you have to be careful with picking teammates in group projects. Adam: That not everything is always as people promise or say, and that you have to really fight for the things you want. For example: if someone promises that you can have an internship, ask them a few more times and tell them all the information about your status in the US, otherwise, you could end up like me without an opportunity to work outside the campus. 7) What other advice do you have for European students looking to study in the US? Lenka: Do your research properly (mainly with immigration stuff)! Much information is described on the web pages, discussion forums, blogs… Be prepared that things for immigrants are harder. But, remember that the USA is a country of opportunities and you can achieve your dreams. Life in the USA is more expensive than in Europe. And the last valuable message is that people here are very friendly - approach them and become friends with them! Adam: Email all universities by yourself, email everyone, and then choose the best option. Do not close your doors by saying “I will go only to California” - in Europe we know about New York, California, etc. However, the US is bigger and there are many great opportunities. You can get a better scholarship and better work opportunities (for example) when you go to a smaller city like Charlotte. *The correct answer to Lenka's "quiz": prof. Petr Fiala. But, this can get very complicated very quickly when the highest title isn't obvious! This interview was conducted remotely by Sean McClung for INOMICS in October 2022. All picture credits: Lenka and Adam. Are you a student of economics, econometrics, or related fields, or have you studied abroad for at least one year? Would you like to share your advice with other curious students? You can contact us at submissions@inomics.com and we may be able to interview you as well.
Ever thought about studying abroad in the US? INOMICS has had the opportunity to interview two international students at two US universities and learn about their experiences doing just that. For this article, we interviewed Adam at Queens University and Lenka at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, two students from the Czech Republic who moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in the US to study their Master’s degrees. Below we’ll share their advice for other international students, experiences about studying in the US, and more!
How to Find Student Accommodation in a Foreign Country
INOMICS has partnered with Uniplaces to help students find accommodation abroad. This means that on articles related to student accommodation or housing, we may make some money if a user clicks through to an affiliate link and makes a qualifying purchase. INOMICS users also gain a 15% discount on the Uniplaces Service Fee at the time of booking payment (the discount of your promo code must be entered in the payment session before sending the reservation request). Use the promo code: UP15INOMICS. However, these posts are not sponsored posts. Through your university Wherever you're travelling for your study abroad, it's likely that the university which you're visiting will be able to help you with your move. Many universities have an international students office, or a visiting students office, which is there to help you with any issues you have – including dealing with paperwork, help with language problems, and finding accommodation. They may have a list of reliable private accommodation in the area, or a message board on which staff and students can post if they have a room to rent. Some universities even have their own residence halls or other campus housing options, which you can rent by the semester, usually for not too much money. The advantage of going through your university is that people who know the local area can advise you on good locations, and what a reasonable cost is. The distance to campus is often manageable, too. The disadvantage is that university-provided accommodation can tend to focus on being safe and in less exciting areas of town. If you want somewhere more adventurous in a lively area, then you should consider renting privately. Through personal contacts When you're moving to a new country, often you won't know many people there and so won't have a social network to help you out. But before you go, ask your friends and use social media to find out if there are any friends-of-friends living in or near to the area you're traveling to. If you can find someone who lives there and has a sofa that you can sleep on for a few days, this can be a more relaxed introduction to the city and the chance to meet someone new. Ideally you would have a place to stay for a week or two and then when you arrive you can start house hunting. Searching for housing is much easier when you're already in the area – you can call agents, arrange viewings, and bring along a friend if you're having language issues. Online Search Options If you're looking for a short-term rental flat for a few weeks to a few months, then you can check websites like Uniplaces, HousingAnywhere, or even Airbnb. There are often short-let flats advertised, and you can see photos and descriptions of the spaces even if you can't visit them in advance. Of course, it's hard to say whether the flat is to your taste, whether you will like the local area, or how good the transport connections are, until you actually arrive at the place. For this reason, if you're going to use a website to find your accommodation, it's a good idea to start a rent for just a few weeks at first. If you find that you like the accommodation very much, you can try to extend your stay or choose to live nearby. But if you don't like the place, you know you only need to be there for a short time, and you can look in another area of town. Newspapers and Classified Ads Finally, if you speak the local language already, don't forget to check out newspapers and classified ads in magazines. Depending on the country you're moving to, you might find even more options for accommodation which are advertised offline rather than online. This can be difficult, but if it works out, you can often save considerable money by avoiding estate fees or over-priced private accommodation. If you do go this route, make sure you check up on local laws regarding letting, and that you're aware of your tenants rights. When in doubt, ask for a written contract which you can show to someone at your new university. They should be able to advise you if the terms of rental look reasonable.
If you're going abroad for your studies, either for a few weeks or a few months, you'll need to deal with some practical issues. One such practical concern is finding student housing – how can you find international student housing when you're not currently in the country? To help you through this, we're sharing some tips on how to find a place to live while you're studying abroad.
Best Countries in Europe to Do Your Economics Master’s Degree
The exposure to new peoples, conversations, and ways of life is thrilling, healthy, and a great thing to do while studying. Is it challenging? Well, yes, but the worthwhile things in life tend to be, and if you’re already considering studying economics abroad for your Master’s, you're likely up to the task. Fortunately, economics is a subject that is applicable no matter where you study it – economic truths, unlike legal systems and medical licenses, don’t change across borders. <11an>limit:3;categories:Master's Programs;disciplines:Economics</11an> Do you find the prospect appealing? Then the obvious first question is: where to go? There are many places around the world to consider, of course, though this article will focus on places to study abroad in Europe. Europe’s a big place, and the options may seem intimidatingly endless. To assist you with sorting through your options for this momentous decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best European countries where you can study abroad, paying particular attention to the costs (ever an important consideration!), and what the country has to offer. Netherlands The Netherlands, consistently rated as one of the happiest countries in the world, also happens to be a great place to study. However, the cost of studying is a bit higher than some other options on this list. For Dutch students, and those from EU/EEA countries, Switzerland or Surinam, most of the cost of studying at Dutch universities is covered by the government. That being said, all students are required to contribute a statutory tuition fee, also known as ‘collegegeld’, which typically comes to around 2000 euros (which is two thousand; take note, dear reader, that Europeans use periods and commas the opposite way that Americans do). For non-EU/EEA students these costs can be higher and dependent on your prospective institution, course, etc. English speakers may be interested to know that Dutch higher education institutions offer a very high proportion of courses taught in English. Though, if you speak Dutch, all the better for your immersion! Browse top economics Master's programs in Netherlands Italy In many respects, the prospect of living in Italy sells itself. Few places can match its natural beauty, architecture, historical sites, gastronomy, wine, and seductively slow way of life. If that wasn't enough, it’s affordable too, with living costs averaging about €1000-2000 per month (depending on lifestyle and your lodging situation, of course), and the average tuition for Master's degrees is between €850-2000 per year at public institutions. Rome is, of course, one of the most famous cities in the world. But many other Italian cities are very worth living in too, and have fewer tourists to boot. Don’t forget to check out study opportunities in Florence, Milan, Pisa, and more. Fancy some of la dolce vita? Yes of course you do. Browse top economics Master's programs in Italy France France has long been a favorite of the adventurous international student, for good reason. Paris sets the country’s tone, boasting exquisite art, fashion and food. If the city of love is little too pricey – living costs there are among the highest in Europe, after all – there’s also the gastronomic capital Lyon, the hub of the wine-growing region Bordeaux, and the Spain-bordering Toulouse, which are all far more affordable. English speakers will be pleased to note that there are many programs taught in English in the French higher education system. Still, we politely remind you that this is no excuse not to at least attempt to learn a little French – the locals will appreciate it. For EU/EEA citizens a Master's degree will cost you around €260 per year. If you’re an international student, however, owing to a recent change in the rules, it’ll cost you €3,770. Browse top economics Master's programs in France Spain As a country, Spain may just have it all. Great weather, diverse landscapes, fascinating history, delicious wine, and friendly, passionate people. And, in terms of getting by, Spanish is supposed to be an ‘easy’ language to learn, and is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. As such, learning Spanish is always a good choice. Yes, the reasons to live – and study – in Spain are many! Now onto the study stuff. Citizens of the EU can attend public university in Spain without cost. For foreigners, tuition is set by the government, and calculated using the slightly unusual pay-per-credit format. A typical Master's degree costs between €900-3,500 per year depending on how fast you do it – so there is quite a range. Private universities can be quite expensive as well, up to €20000. And of course, you must consider living expenses, which can run another €1000 or so per month. Browse top economics Master's programs in Spain United Kingdom The UK houses some of the oldest and most esteemed educational institutions in the world: the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Glasgow and Edinburgh, take your pick. Graduate from one of these educational giants, and doors will open for you, that’s guaranteed. Interestingly, one in four world leaders studied in the UK at one time or another, so if its power you’re after, well, look no further. As mentioned, enjoying this privilege will cost you a pretty penny. On average, a taught Master’s degree in the UK is £11,000. Unfortunately, Brexit has disrupted many of the scholarship programs that were available to EU and international students. There are still some out there, but they are in dwindling supply... Better get saving. Browse top economics Master's programs in UK Germany Germany is renowned for its generosity when it comes to higher education. (Which more than one member of the INOMICS editorial team have personally benefitted from!). In 15 of its 16 states, public universities charge no tuition, regardless of degree or nationality. There are, however, some costs to consider. Some states in Germany may have additional fees for international students, such as the state of Baden-Württemberg, which recently introduced fees of €1,500 per semester for international (non-EU) students. Even so, Germany remains one of the cheapest places to study abroad in the world. Study in Germany and you’ll experience a country with a unique history and an unavoidably vibrant culture. Its nickname "Das Land der Dichter und Denker" (the country of poets and thinkers) is highly apt. Interested in studying in Germany, but don’t know how to get started? Check out our guide for applying to get your German student visa. Browse top economics Master's programs in Germany Ireland Ireland is one of the pricier places on the list. But similar to the UK, that should not rule it out of contention, far from it. Ireland boasts some of the best universities in Europe - think Trinity College Dublin and the National University of Ireland, Galway. Although widely varied, Master’s students from the EU/EAA tend to pay around €6000 per year, while international students pay upwards of €9000. Seem steep? A little, but the education you'll get is second to none. And, Ireland is famous for its beautiful landscapes like the Cliffs Moher, earning it the nickname “Emerald Isle”. Browse top economics Master's programs in Ireland Switzerland Famed for its neutrality and high gun ownership, Switzerland is also rare for being one of the few countries in the world, and the only one in Europe, with instruments of direct democracy. This gives citizens the right to instigate changes to the constitution and/or ask for referenda to be held on any law voted on at any level of government. To go along with this interesting fact, here’s two more that are relevant to your studies: Switzerland boasts four national languages (Romansch, Italian, French, and German) and is one of the most expensive countries to live in Europe. Master’s tuition fee ranges between CHF 3,000 to CHF 13,000, with Master’s programs in private institutions higher than that, naturally. If you're planning on doing an MBA expect to pay around CHF 24,000, with some reaching as much as CHF 85,000. This may sound a bit expensive but one should bear in mind, Swiss universities are prestigious and are routinely found in the worldwide top 200 list – the education you will receive will be first-class. Browse top economics Master's programs in Switzerland Portugal The Portuguese higher-education system has a reputation for being particularly research-oriented, though its polytechnics also offer students the chance to study in professional fields too. So there’s still plenty of choices for an economist interested in either academia, policy roles or industry positions. Studying abroad in Portugal is a bit more cheap than some of the other countries on this list. One should expect to pay between €950-1300 in yearly tuition for a Master’s, and living expenses range from €1000-2000 per month. Browse top economics Master's programs in Portugal Belgium Belgian chocolate may be all that’s needed to persuade some. For the others, read on! First, the housekeeping: tuition fees for Master's degrees in Belgium can be a little bit confusing, ranging from as little as €800 per year for EU students to as much at €3000 per year for those coming from outside of the European Union (at public institutions). To help offset that cost, though, the Belgian government has an array of scholarships available, many specifically aimed at international students. And some miscellaneous bonuses: Belgium has a high quality of education, offers great beer and amazing waffles, and it has three official languages – perfect for the polyglot. Browse top economics Master's programs in Belgium Austria Fancy doing your Master's degree in the birthplace of Freud, Mozart and Schwazenegger? Although not always the first country to spring to mind, there are numerous reasons to consider the homeland of these three giants. First, the standard of living is high: consulting agency Mercer has ranked the capital Vienna as the city with the world’s highest quality of life yet again in 2023. On top of that, If you’re an EU/EEA national, you won’t have to pay any tuition fees, come from outside Europe, and you’ll be obliged to pay a relatively small amount per semester. It’s also at the center of Europe – geographically speaking – so you’ll be spoilt for choice when trying to travel. A quick train or bus ride, and you can be anywhere. Cost of living index for comparisons: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings_by_country.jsp?title=2023&region=150 Disclaimer: statistics have been taken from a variety of online sources including: Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Campus France, France Expatica, UCAS, DAAD, Education in Ireland, Canapprove, University of Porto, Study in Belgium, Study in Austria. Header Image Credit: Tint Media on Shutterstock (licensed image - copyright)
Studying abroad: what an adventure! The majority who've done it usually say they loved it, and that despite some difficulties, the experience was unforgettable. It makes sense, too: for little can compare to the excitement of moving abroad, exploring a foreign culture, practicing a new language (perhaps), and meeting people that you would never have met otherwise.
10 Most Affordable Countries in Europe to Do Your Economics PhD
Fortunately, the UK and the US aren't the only two places in the world with colleges and universities great for studying economics. Particularly in many European countries, higher education hasn't yet been turned into a corporate business to the same extent, meaning not only can you find cheap PhD programs - some are completely free. But paying less (or even nothing) doesn't translate into a lesser experience. On the contrary, many of the countries on this list can make legitimate claims to housing some of the most prestigious higher learning institutions in the world. Studying abroad has other advantages during your years to complete the program, too. These include learning a new language, getting to know a new culture, meeting people you wouldn't normally, and more generally forcing yourself out of your comfort zone. These things can be somewhat scary, but are often incredibly rewarding. So without trying to convince you any further to move to another country, read on for our list of the top ten places to look for an affordable PhD in Europe (in no particular order). If you plan to start your PhD application soon, download our free guide "How to successfully apply to a PhD in Economics". 1. Germany Germany's positive academic reputation is known worldwide, and the country has a rich, impressive higher education system. Most universities in Germany have very low or no tuition fees, and there are large numbers of government grants available for PhD students, such as those provided by the DAAD or the Excellence Initiative. Living costs vary between areas, but rent control means that housing is relatively affordable in many parts of Germany, although costs have been increasing in recent years. There are often plenty of courses available in various fields in English; aside from that, learning German, while a tough language, can be an extremely rewarding experience. This author can testify. <11an>limit:3;categories:PhD Programs;countries:Germany;disciplines:Economics</11an> Browse PhD programs in Germany 2. Denmark The cost of tuition fees for PhD students in Denmark is also low: usually around DKK 3,600 (US$500) per year, making it an extremely affordable option for studying. The quality of life is very high there, with a beautiful countryside and a strong culture of environmental awareness. Rent and food can be expensive in large cities like Copenhagen, which must be taken into consideration. However, if you enjoy Denmark and want to stay longer, fear not – jobs pay equivalently well there. Browse PhD programs in Denmark 3. France France is known for its world-leading technical colleges like l’Ecole Polytechnique, where tuition fees are typically very low for PhD students at just €400 (US$440) per year. Paris can be an eye-wateringly expensive city to live in, but other cities like Lyon or Toulouse are more affordable and also have exceptionally good universities. It may be a little harder to find courses in English at French universities, but they definitely exist, even for economics. Browse PhD programs in France 4. Finland If you can handle the cold, you might consider studying in Helsinki, Finland, which has two world-leading universities. It is far more affordable to live there than in other Scandinavian capital cities, so if you want a taste of Scandinavian life without the hefty price tag then this might be for you. Generally, Finnish universities offer a lot of courses in English. Helpfully, this means that you won't have to learn the local language, which is renowned for being extremely difficult. Even so, it might be worth giving it a try! Browse PhD programs in Finland 5. Sweden Free tuition for all doctoral students – welcome to Sweden. There are also scholarships available from the Swedish government to cover living expenses of PhD students who come from other countries to study in Sweden. With a high quality of life and well-regarded universities for economics, Sweden is both highly affordable and highly attractive for studying. But bear in mind that the cost of living, especially in cities, can be high. Browse PhD programs in Sweden 6. Belgium Brussels is a bustling and highly cosmopolitan city best known as a center of political activity, but it also has a number of reputable educational institutions. PhD students in economics, politics or international relations in particular will find this a highly stimulating environment. The cost of living in Belgium is generally lower than other European countries and tuition fees are in the mid-range. Browse PhD programs in Belgium 7. Hungary Affordable in terms of both tuition fees and living costs, Hungary is a rising power in the European academic world. Academic scholarships for international students are common, making it a popular choice with students from around the world. The city of Budapest is known for being one of the most interesting and culturally intriguing cities in Europe, and it has universities like the Corvinus University of Budapest which offers programs in English. Bear in mind that Hungarian is a notoriously difficult language to learn, and the political situation in the country has become less and less inviting over recent years, something important to consider when moving abroad. Browse PhD programs in Hungary 8. Italy Who could resist the chance to spend a few years in Italy, eating what surely everyone agrees is the best cuisine in the world? (According to the Italians, at least). As well as delicious food and a relaxed, casual way of life, Italy offers good technical universities as well as institutions which specialize in economics, the arts, history, and architecture. Accommodation costs vary considerably even within a city, meaning that there are usually options available for students on a budget. Tuition fees are low and it's increasingly common to find international students at Italian universities. Browse PhD programs in Italy 9. Norway Another Scandinavian country which offers very low tuition fees is Norway. Tuition is generally free for all students, including international students, at all educational levels. Students only have to pay a small administrative fee of $50-$100 per semester, and the universities are of high quality. However, the costs of living in Norway can be very high, with the cost of basic staples among the most expensive in Europe. On the plus side, Norwegian is arguably one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn once you've got past the difficult pronunciation. Unfortunately, Norwegians often speak such good English, you may never have a chance to practice. Browse PhD programs in Norway 10. Spain A beautiful country with famous architecture and sunny weather, Spain is another option for an affordable PhD program. It is also especially notable for being more accessible to the many native Spanish speakers in the world than many of the other countries on this list. The cost of living is lower than countries such as Norway or Sweden, although Spanish universities will often charge a modest tuition fee. This fee is higher for international students than for EU residents (somewhere in the range of €2,000 to €4,000, depending on the program). But, this is still very affordable compared to similar options in the US or UK. Browse PhD programs in Spain Until early 2022, Ukraine was on this list. However, due to the tragic invasion that began in late February 2022, students are unable to study safely there for now. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine and all of the people affected by needless violence; you can find ways to assist with humanitarian efforts by reading our Solidarity with Ukraine post.
Are you interested in doing a PhD in economics but worried about the cost? It's a real concern for many, and can dramatically affect your decision-making process. If you live in the United Kingdom, you could end up with around fifty thousand pounds worth of debt at the end of your three years. In the United States, you could have even more. The stress of having this weigh over you - not only while you're studying, but also afterwards while you search for a job and during your first years in employment, can be massive.
Tuition Fees at Czech Universities – How and Where to Learn Czech and Study for Free
Browse our programs in the Czech Republic Study in Czech for free Have you ever considered learning the Czech language? Knowing Czech has much more advantages than easier communication with the locals! Whatever you nationality is, if you study a degree programme taught entirely in the Czech language at a public or state university in the Czech Republic, there are no tuition fees, according to the country's Higher Education Act. This Act says that the foreign students have the same rights and duties as their Czech colleagues. The students can only expect paying the fees that are connected with their studies. These are administrative fees related to the entrance procedure or fees for exceeding the standard length of studies by more than one year. Programmes in foreign languages are available The offer for international students at Czech universities is expanding and there are 1,000 accredited study programmes in English offered at present. Should a Czech public or state university offer degree programmes carried out in foreign languages, it sets tuition fees for these study programmes. Even if you opt for studies in foreign language instead of a free-tuition public higher education, the costs will be lower when compared to other countries with an equally good educational reputation. The tuition fees differ from 0 - 22,350 USD per year and the amount depends on the relevant institution and study programme. Studying at private higher education institutions is always paid, no matter what the teaching language is and it varies with every institution. Czech language for foreigners Foreign students who wish to enrol in a Czech taught study programme must prove the adequate knowledge of the language and pass the entrance exams in the Czech language just like Czech applicants. If you don't know how and where to start learning Czech, you can find some useful links at the Study in the Czech Republic website. For example, you can register for one of the year-long preparatory courses of Czech language for foreigners that are organized by some Czech universities. Such courses can help you to master the language and prepare you for studies at universities in the Czech Republic. The language preparatory courses are usually paid, but there may be exceptions, e.g. in case the preparatory course is a part of the government scholarship. An alternative method of mastering the Czech language are courses organized by Czech Centres. Czech Centres were established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic to promote the Czech Republic abroad and they are systematically expanding Czech language tuition abroad. Czech is being taught at lots of Czech Centres abroad, including Berlin, Bratislava, Budapest, Bucharest, Kyiv, London, Milan, Munich, Moscow, New York, Paris, Sofia, Tokyo, Warsaw, Vienna. For those who are not yet decided whether studying Czech language would be the right decision, summer schools of Czech culture and language might be the first step. Several public universities in the Czech Republic organize Summer Schools of Slavonic Studies which offer Czech language courses. The courses are held during the summer months, their length ranges from 2 to 4 weeks and are designed for foreign students, teachers, translators and interpreters and other experts active in the field of Czech/Slavonic studies. The Summer Schools offer language courses at various levels of proficiency, seminars on the Czech literature, culture and history, free-time activities including theatrical, musical and dance performances, trips etc. Each year the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport offers a limited number of scholarships for participation in the Summer Schools of Slavonic Studies to applicants from certain countries. More information is available here. Find out more about studying in the Czech Republic at www.studyin.cz.
More than 43.000 foreign students are currently studying at universities in the Czech Republic. Many of them don't have to pay tuition fees, because they are enrolled in Czech taught degree programmes and therefore they study under the same conditions as Czech students do. While it might be difficult right now to move during the pandemic, it's always worth keeping yourself informed of what your future options are.
Letters of Reference for UK University Applications
Most students ask for letters of reference from their thesis advisor, academic advisor or professors with whom they have taken multiple courses or who are very familiar with their work. Such a close relationship will allow for a thorough and well-written letter. If you do not have more than one professor who you feel would be qualified or willing to write a positive letter on your behalf, it is also acceptable to ask employers or other mentors to act as a referee. If you chose this route, it is advisable to include an explanatory note detailing the grounds for your selection. Browse our UK economics programs listings here Content of the Letter The letter of reference should be no more than one page in length and should explicitly reference your overall work ethic, career interests, research skills and ability to meet deadlines. Your referee should explain their relationship to you and highlight important milestones or achievements from your academic career. Moreover, a good reference letter offers clear insight into why you are interested in the course to which you are applying and how it would fit into your academic trajectory. Your referee should be able to comment specifically on your level of engagement with material, thereby emphasizing your particular strengths. Your reference letter might indicate that you sought out extra discussion during office hours, highlighting your added commitment to go above and beyond what is required of you. Additionally, if your referee is familiar with your extracurricular work, including positions in clubs, teams or even student jobs, it is perfectly acceptable for them to mention such engagements if they are relevant to the course. If you engaged in voluntary work, it is always positive for a referee to mention such an endeavour. By referencing such activities, your referee is showing that he or she is familiar with you as a person, while also highlighting your numerous positive attributes and qualifications. <11an>limit:2;categories:jobs|courses|conferences;countries:United States;disciplines:General Economics (JEL A)</11an> Structure of the Letter A letter of reference should be written on the official letterhead of your referee’s home institution. It should contain their name and contact information on the right side and the name and address of the course to which you are applying on the left. Before the letter begins, the referee has the option to include a subject line identifying the aim of the letter. This line is not required, however. The letter should open with the formal “To Whom it May Concern,” unless you are aware of a specific person who will be heading the admissions committee, in which case that person’s name can be included. Be careful with titles, however, and if you do include a name always double check spelling for any unintentional errors that could bring down the value of the whole letter. There is no specific requirement in terms of how a reference letter is organized, though it is important that your referee display a certain level of knowledge regarding the course to which you are applying before delving into your skills and qualifications. Such a display indicates both a high level of professionalism as well as a certain level of commitment to you as a student and applicant. Admissions committees inherently acknowledge such commitment, though it may or may not be intentional on the part of your referee. Your letter of reference should conclude with an offer for further contact from your referee. Moreover, be sure that he or she personally signs the letter, or else uses an electronic signature. A letter of reference without a signature is not official. Letters of reference are often sent or uploaded separately from the rest of your application, in order for them to remain private. Just be sure that you have clearly communicated all deadlines to your referees so that no application remains incomplete due to an error in timing. If you are asked to include an uploaded version of reference letters, simply ask your referees to create a signed PDF, which you can add to the rest of your application. Header Image Credit: alexxis on Pixabay (free for use under the Pixabay content licence)
Regardless of where you are applying, nearly every course requires at least one, if not two or three letters of reference. Such documents are sometimes also referred to as letters of recommendation. In general, it is best for reference letters to be written by professors with whom you have worked closely, so they can offer detailed insight into you and your work.
Applying for scholarships is different to applying for a Master’s program. We have collected the best and most relevant tips applicable to the different stages of application. 1. Research different scholarship options available Start your research early, as collecting and preparing documents can take a lot of time. It’s never a good idea to have to do everything in the last minute. Some scholarship options will match your personal situation or characteristics better. If you are interested in accessing a list of prestigious scholarships offered by top universities, feel free visit the INOMICS scholarship section. Check out postgraduate scholarship listings here 2. Check if you are eligible Checking whether you match the requirements for a specific scholarship is extremely important. You don’t want to use your time applying to a scholarship you have no chance of getting. If you are not sure whether you qualify or not, contact the scholarship sponsor. Moreover, if you can contact people who have successfully applied to the same type of scholarship, their help or input can be highly valuable. 3. Check in advance all requirements and organize your documents Checking the scholarship requirements and making a list of general/common documents required by multiple institutions will save time and make your life easier during the send-out of applications. As a general overview, the majority of scholarships require the following documents: - CV/ Personal Data - Motivation Letter/Statement of Purpose - Essay/Research Proposal/Writing Sample - Transcript of Records - Test scores (English, GRE, GMAT) - Income Statements/Tutor’s Financial Information - Letters of Recommendation - Special certificates (membership to groups) Make sure to pay attention to the specific requirements for each scholarship, such as form or length, in order to be eligible. 4. Provide relevant and accurate information Be sure you provide all information that is asked for. Missing or badly-presented information will give a bad impression. Check carefully for grammar and spelling mistakes, and strive for an elegant document presentation style. Correct addresses, phone numbers and emails are important, as well as the information you provide about yourself. Irrelevant information may look unprofessional and mark you as the wrong candidate. 5. Provide appropriate references Referees should be chosen carefully. Letters of reference carry significant weight for your application. You should choose people who know you well enough to demonstrate why you are a good candidate for the scholarship. Each letter of recommendation should highlight your qualities, abilities, and experience that can represent a step forward in the selection process. The ideal referee would be a person who is engaged in your field of studies and who knows you personally. It is better to find somebody who knows you, rather than a well-known professor from your university who you have never worked with. A well-considered recommendation letter specific to you has the power to significantly benefit your application. 6. Don’t miss deadlines Deadlines vary according to the scholarship. Marking deadlines in your calendar and planning ahead is important. Research the application process, especially if you need to fulfill a certain schedule for second round of selection or for interview rounds. If you found a scholarship offer on our website, you can easily turn on a deadline reminder and we will send you a message close to the application date. 7. Double check, track your application Before sending an application, check that all required and relevant fields have been completed, that your answers are comprehensible, and that you have proofread your application and signed it. Be careful not to confuse documents if you are sending multiple applications. Some institutions require original documents to be sent by post. In such cases, plan ahead and take into account the time your postal service will take to deliver the application. Finally, track and save copies of your documents. It is far easier to check on your copies folders than to begin your application again from “zero”.
Everyone wants to be admitted to a top university in their favorite location. Potential reputation among employers, high quality of education and the potential boost that they can represent for a professional career make top universities the first priority of thousands of students around the world. One factor makes the decision tough, however: the potential cost it can represent for the student budget. For this reason, it is always good to look into scholarships, whether from the university itself or from a foundation.
If you're thinking of going travelling but want to check out some Master's programs at the same time, take a look at our program listings. Set up a Virtual Private Network A virtual private network, or VPN, is a service that makes it safe and secure to use the Internet anywhere you happen to be. It does this by sending your connection through a server that hides what you're doing online. VPNs can be used wherever your travels take you and any data you use or create will be encrypted. That way no one can identify your computer, access your school data or steal your personal information. Make sure you're familiar with how VPNs are used in the countries you travel and be prepared for any technological or legal limitations in those places. Find an online study program Clearly a traditional program won't allow you to skip class and travel as the whim takes you. For that reason, you'll need to find an accredited and reputable online Master's degree program that you can access anywhere. There are many programs of this sort based out of many colleges and universities across the globe so do your research and find the one that best fits your area of study and your needs as you travel. Combine your itinerary with course requirements Whether you're traveling for work, pleasure or as a member of the military, look through the course requirements as you plan your trip itinerary. You will want to create an easy week if you have exams or a paper to write; don't pack your travel with sightseeing or constant meetings during these times! When you have an intense of week of study ahead of you, try to schedule more downtime or stops in relaxed locations where you'll have the time to get down to business when it's important. Pack the right materials You don't want to find yourself hundreds or thousands of miles from home without the materials you need to do your coursework. Make sure you have packed all relevant books, papers, and software you'll need to keep track of and complete your studies when you're away from home. In addition to that, you'll also want to make sure you have your laptop, smartphone, pencils, pens, notebooks, and any other supplies to help you study. You may want to subscribe to an online library so you can do research even if you can't get to a brick and mortar library. Enjoy the benefits The biggest perk to traveling while you do your Master's degree is the freedom to see the world and complete your bucket list without having to give up your ambitions when it comes to your education. While you travel, you will also be gaining worldly experience that will supplement your field of study and give you valuable skills and experiences you can include on your resume when you're ready to find a job using your Master's degree. Online classes are generally small, giving you a closer relationship with your instructor and peers so you can get the most out of your studies even if you're busy traveling. Understand the drawbacks As with anything, there are some cons to consider when you travel and complete your Master's degree at the same time. While they probably aren't serious enough to deter, it makes sense to understand the possible drawbacks so you can put a plan into place to deal with them. When you're travelling, you might find it hard to find the motivation to take the time to study and do your coursework. You will need to create a doable schedule that includes time for school so that you don't feel that you're missing out when you travel, but so you also don't get behind. Another possible drawback is that it could be hard to find an appropriate place to study when you aren't familiar with your location. Research each destination on your itinerary so you can find coffee shops, hostels geared for students, or libraries where you can settle in and get work done. Pay attention to time zones This is important as your work will have deadlines and you'll need to make sure you know what time it is where the assignment is due so that you get it turned in on time, regardless of where you happen to be at the time. Don't miss any deadlines because you thought you were five hours behind, but you were actually five hours ahead! Studying online is a prime way to have the freedom to travel and gain world experiences as you earn your Master's degree. Being prepared for everything you'll encounter means a smooth ride and enjoyable and productive travels. Bon voyage!
Having a Master's degree is a valuable way to advance your career and gain more knowledge in your chosen field. Unlike an undergraduate degree program, you may not have to go to school full time to achieve this step in your education. However, it does require some time and effort, which means you'll need to figure out how to fit it in with your lifestyle. If that lifestyle includes travel as a priority, you may wonder how you can complete your Master's without giving up your travel schedule. The good news is that you can do both. It won't be the conventional way to graduation that most post-grad students follow, but it can be done and you'll enjoy the freedom to travel while also completing your degree. Here's what you should know.
If you're currently mulling over whether to do a PhD, check out our PhD listings to find the right course for you. Do you want to go into academia? The main reason that most people start a PhD is so that they can begin a career in academia. However, doing a PhD and working in academia is very different from studying from an undergraduate or master's degree. You will need to be much more self directed and self motivated, and you will be more independent in your work, but it is hard to know if this environment will suit you until you try it. A good frame of reference for PhD work is the project that you perform as part of your master's or the final year of your bachelor's degree. Did you enjoy coming up with a concept and finding a way to test or explore that concept in a thesis? If yes, then you may be suited to a PhD. Be realistic about job prospects Many people growing up today have heard all their life that they have to have a good education to get a good job. And though this may be true, a high level of education is in no way a guarantee that a highly paid job will follow. Some subjects are better than others in terms of job outlook: subjects like hard sciences or computer science often lead to fulfilling jobs even if these positions are not necessarily within academia. But other subjects like the arts and humanities produce many more PhD graduates than there are jobs, leading to extremely stiff competition and many unemployed or underemployed graduates. This doesn't mean that doing a PhD is necessarily a bad idea – many students find doing a PhD to be deeply personally rewarding and the most exciting educational experience of their lives – but it does mean that you shouldn't do a PhD because you think you'll get a better job at the end. In most cases, if you want a particular job then you're better off gaining work experience than studying for an extended postgraduate degree. Where will funding for your PhD come from? One aspect of doing a PhD that is not always considered first but definitely should be is where the funding will come from. Doing a PhD is expensive: from the cost of setting up and running experiments, to expenses incurred travelling to conferences, not to mention the considerable expenses of supporting yourself for at least three years. Some people are so desperate to do a PhD that they will offer to fund themselves, by getting support from a partner or family or by living off their savings while they study. But this is generally a bad idea. Doing a PhD is a full-time job that should be paid as such. Working without funding is demoralising and arguably shows a lack of respect on the part of the institution and the supervisor. If they think that you are good enough to do a PhD, they should pay you at least the minimum you need to get by while you work. The systems for funding PhDs vary from country to country, so in Europe you might be first accepted onto a PhD program at a university and then apply for external funding, while in the US you might apply for a PhD and automatically be granted funding by the university if you are accepted. Another option which is common is for PhD students to receive half funding, which they supplement to full funding by working for their university as a teaching assistant or research assistant. In some situations, working a role during the PhD can be a good way to gain experience – especially if teaching experience is important for your career goals – but remember that teaching duties are a big source of extra stress and can require many additional hours of work on top of the actual hours of classroom teaching. Whichever funding route you take, it is advisable that you have at least three years of full-time funding agreed to in writing before starting a PhD. Don't be afraid to ask explicitly about funding and where it will come from. It is sadly common for people to start a PhD with limited funding, then for that funding to dry up after a year or two so that they have to drop out. It is better to defer your PhD application for a year and to take that time to secure full funding than to jump straight into the PhD without a firm funding plan in place. Is your PhD project right for you? Sometimes people can get caught up in the idea of doing a PhD without really thinking about whether they should study the particular project they have chosen. There are generally two ways to choose a PhD project: either you apply for a specific role as a PhD student in an existing lab or group, in which case your project will be largely assigned to you by your supervisor, or you come up with your own project idea and submit this proposal to a grad school or department. The first path is safer in that it involves a project which has been chosen by people with a great deal of experience of PhDs and the field, so you can be confident that the project is likely realistically achievable and will contribute usefully to the field. The second path allows you to follow your own passions and to investigate your own ideas, but it is riskier because there is a greater chance that your project is too big to complete in a reasonable time frame, that your experiment might not work, or that the project might not be perceived as useful by others in the field. Take time to consider not only if you want to do a PhD in general, but also whether you want to do this specific PhD. Get as much feedback as you can from supervisors, friends doing PhDs, former teachers, mentors, and others about your project ideas and whether they would make an achievable and worthwhile project. And be realistic about your interests and strengths – if you've never liked statistics then doing a project heavily based on data analysis is unlikely to make you happy. Ideally your project should be a subject that inspires you and excites you, and to which you feel like you could make a valuable contribution with your ideas. Are the institution, department, and supervisors right for you? Another big factor in how your PhD will be is the environment in which you will work. Doing a PhD can be isolating and you need people around you who will support and help you out. Some academic groups are small and insular, others are large and diverse, but in either case you need to be among people who understand your work and will give you the time that you need. It's hard to know in advance if your supervisor will be difficult, but you can get a good idea by talking to other PhD students who have them as a supervisor and listening to their experiences. Many PhD students will be happy to share this information with you if you are thinking about applying to the same supervisor. Finally, don't feel as if your only opportunity to do a PhD is the program that you apply to first. You can apply to several programs at the same time and see which interview process excites you the most. Or you can wait until you find the right supervisor or institution which will make your experience so much better.
Here's a big question that's on the mind of many master's and undergraduate students: should I do a PhD? The idea of dedicating three years or more of your life to original research is both exciting and terrifying, and the experience can be either exhilarating or harrowing, or usually a mix of both. Today we'll take a look at some of the issues to consider when you are thinking about applying for a PhD program.
How To Prepare For Your Post-Doc Interview
1. Prepare an outline of your current research project One of the biggest questions you will need to answer in your interview is to explain your current research project, or the project you are planning on starting very soon. First off, you should be able to explain the essential principals of your project in just a few sentences, covering the research question you want to answer, the methodology you will use, and what results might mean. Then you should be able to talk about these topics more in depth, and also to explain how your prior experience makes you well suited to performing the project. Talk about what input you are hoping to get on the project from other group members and how the results will contribute to the field. 2. Gather references from your PhD supervisor and others As part of the interview process, you will need to share references or letters of recommendation from your PhD supervisor. If you have a mentor in the field or you have a good relationship with a senior professor, you can also ask them to provide you with a recommendation letter. Typically, you will either be asked to provide letters of recommendation in advance of the interview, or you will be asked for the contact details for your references and your interviewers will contact them and ask for information about you. You should reach out to your references and ask them if they will talk on your behalf, and make sure to bring their contact details with you to the interview. 3. Research the university, department, and PIs you are interviewing with It's important for any interview that you know a bit about the institution and people that you will be interviewed by. You should know the names of your interviewers in advance, or at the very least you should know one of the interviewers. Use this information to learn about the work being done by the interviewers, and also learn about the research interests of the department and the university. If you can explain why you want to do a postdoc with this particular group or department as opposed to other equally prestigious departments, then you can demonstrate that you are a good fit for the postdoc position and that your work will complement the work done by others in the group. 4. Prepare ideas for future projects Not only should you be able to discuss your current and former work, you should have ideas about future projects too. It is very likely that you will be asked about what projects you would like to perform as part of your postdoc. The ideas you have don't have to be complete to the standard of a research proposal, but you should have some concept of what methods you would use and what results you might expect when researching a particular question. If you can find someone in the hiring department who works on a related topic and with whom you could potentially collaborate, definitely mention this too. 5. Bring along teaching evaluations if you have them This tip may differ between the US and Europe. In Europe, there is less emphasis placed on the importance of teaching so you may be applying for a postdoc position with no teaching experience at all. In the US, on the other hand, teaching is a major part of academic life and most postdocs would be expected to have at least some teaching experience. In either case, it is a good idea to put together documentation for the teaching that you have done. Find your lesson plans or semester curricula, and refresh your memory on what topics you taught and any special methods that you used for teaching – such as getting the students to do group work, using audio-visual clips, or what projects you got your students to complete. And most importantly, bring along any student evaluations that you received. Providing evidence that your students enjoyed your classes is always a good boost in a postdoc interview. For more career opportunities and job listings in business, finance, and economics, take a look at our jobs section. It has all that you will need to take that next big step!
When you are applying for a postdoc position, as part of the process you'll need to have an interview with the PI of the group you are applying to work with and others in the department. Here are some steps you should take to prepare for this interview.
Applying to Summer School and How To Make The Most out of Your Summer School Experience
If you're planning on applying to a summer school for economics this year, check out our insight into the top summer schools in economics. Applying to summer school It may sound obvious, but summer schools will have a deadline for applications. With a hectic end of term period that often includes both exams and coursework, it can be easy to forget about the deadline and miss out on a school. Application forms can also be long, arduous endeavours that require a bit of time and effort, so be prepared to put a little time aside to get these done, especially if you're applying to more than one school. Make sure you pick a course that you're going to be engaged in and that interests you academically. For instance, you could apply for a subject you already know a little about in order to deepen your understanding. On the other hand, you might want to pick something you know nothing about in order to learn something new. Bear in mind if you choose to pick a new class that the amount of new information you'll be learning might be overwhelming, so you'll want to keep it manageable. Many schools won't teach for a full school day, but just four hours, for instance, over the course of a month - and the subject you pick will determine how long you'll be learning for. (Humanities often have fewer contact hours but more reading outside of the course; sciences may be heavier in actual teaching.) Also consider heading abroad to study. Needless to say there are excellent summer schools across the globe, and, if you can afford it, you'll get to experience a new place, meet new people, and potentially even learn a little of a new language. How to afford a summer school Summer schools often come with a hefty price tag. Your home institution may not always be able to offer you funding, but that doesn't mean the opportunity is off limits: there are are a lot of places from which you can secure a stipend or a grant. For North Americans, here’s a list of options put together by the American Economic Association. For those looking to take courses in Europe, the many scholarships offered through sources such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) or Erasmus can be quite helpful. Otherwise, don’t forget to look outside your own department for institutional grants or scholarships offered university wide. There's also the choice to take out a private loan in order to afford it. This can be risky due to high interest rates, but it may be an option for you if you're sure you'll be able to pay it off. Then there are the obvious ways like finding a job that will help you pay for it or looking for schools that offer discounted rates or financial help - many of these exist. Finally, many universities offer online courses, which allow you to work while you study or live at home, thereby saving money on accommodation and living expenses. Some may even offer similar courses for free - consider Coursera, that offer programmes from some of the top institutions around the world, and are free if you don't need any accreditation but just want the knowledge itself. Preparing for summer school Preparation before summer school is an essential part of the experience. It's important to know exactly what you're going to be doing during your time there, and to set the right goals for yourself. What do you want to get out of your summer school experience? What do you want to take away from it? Questions like these will help you make the most of your experience. Some summer schools may expect you to do some reading before the course actually starts. Materials will often be made available online by the teacher in order to bring students up to speed on the topics that will be covered and to fill any gaps in the necessary knowledge for the school. It scarcely needs to be said that it's important to read these materials; it means you'll be prepared for to begin the course with some background knowledge that will help you make the most of the experience. Learning during summer school Learning is best enjoyed as a collaborative experience, so you'll get more out of teaching if you are engaged with and encouraging towards other students. Ask for their opinions on the material you're learning, find out about their topics of interest and tell them about yours. Summer schools can be less formal and more discursive than most university teaching, so there's also more chances to discuss with the lecturers and to share your own opinions. Be bold, ask questions, and venture into topics you're not so familiar with, and you'll gain much more from your summer school experience. Summer schools are often more intense as the classes are generally smaller. This means you'll have more one-to-one interaction with the teacher, something that can be valuable especially if you're learning something from scratch. Having that direct interaction with a teacher can be really useful in broadening - or deepening - your understanding of a topic, not to mention looking great on a university or PhD application. Specific skills you can learn from summer school Summer schools often offer the chance to learn skills specific to your discipline, such as experimental techniques, statistical analysis, or programming languages. If you're hoping to gain a new skill in your summer time, it helps to do some preparatory reading and practise before you attend, so that you can be sure you've mastered the basics. That way, you can use your time with the lecturers or instructors as constructively as possible, getting their help on the kind issues which require specialist knowledge you won't find elsewhere. These are all hard skills, of course, but summer schools can also provide important soft skills that won't only help you in academic but also in other aspects of your life like when applying for jobs. A summer school's a challenging discipline that will improve your confidence, your presentation technique, your discussion ability and potentially give you insights into the lives of a diverse range of people. Plus, you'll be able to put the experience on your CV, helping to attract potential employers. All these soft skills are invaluable out there in the 'real world' and shouldn't be taken for granted. Research-based summer schools Some summer schools will be geared towards working on one research project over the summer, under the supervision of faculty. This will give you the chance to see and participate in a professional research environment, and can be an invaluable experience when planning your own future research. Remember to take plenty of notes on each stage of the project; try to find out what role each researcher plays and what skills they work with. This information will be a great guide for you if you undertake independent research of your own. Networking during and after summer school An important aspect of summer schools is making contact with other students and professionals in your field. You'll have the chance to talk to people from all over the world who are working in your topic, to hear about their work and to tell them about yours. Do be friendly and approachable, and prepare a quick one or two minute introduction to yourself and your work for when you're asked. Remember to collect business cards or email addresses so that you can follow up with people who you connected with. Summer schools often bring students together from around the world, meaning you'll create networks in different countries and hear perspectives from people who have lived through different cultures and different educational experiences, something invaluable to shaping your understanding of the world. This effect is double if you decide to study abroad, where you can not only meet people from across the globe, but experience a new culture yourself and maybe even learn a foreign language (depending on where you go). Mentoring and careers advice from summer school You'll also have the chance to connect with senior members of your field who can share their insights into their career progression and help you to plan out your future. Some schools offer mentoring, where an independent experienced person in your field can offer support in your career development. Even if your summer school does not have such a program, you'll still find plenty of people who are happy to give advice. Good topics to ask for advice on include the skills that are essential to their job, what kind of roles they had before their current job, and what aspects of their work they particular like and dislike. This can be the perfect chance to gain insight into the day to day work of great researchers and professors. Aside from this, anyone you meet during a summer school becomes a potential contact and part of your network. Staying in touch with professors and experts means you'll have a point of contact in the future in case you need a potential recommendation or simply someone to help you with general information about life in academia. Social activities and fun during summer school Don't forget that in addition to being great learning opportunities, summer schools are also a chance to have fun! Find some time to explore the local area where you're staying – sight seeing, hiking, eating out in restaurants, sports and group activities are just some of the options that may be available. Many summer schools will offer organised social activities like trips, meals or drinks, where you can get to know other students and faculty in a more relaxed atmosphere. These can be a great chance to get out of your shell and relax after you've been hard at work, so enjoy yourself! Remember that any friends you make during your summer school experience will also become a part of your network, meaning you'll have useful contacts that may be able to help you in the future - or at least, a floor to sleep on if you're ever in their area. Finally, remember that these are summer schools, and as such shouldn't be putting you under too much stress or pressure. Don't take on too much work or force yourself to take too many courses. It's obviously important to take time for yourself over the summer break, to recuperate before the academic year begins again and to get out and enjoy the sun (if it shows itself!).
If you're interested in attending a summer school this year, now is the time to start planning. Deadlines are approaching soon, so check out our series of posts on the top summer schools by discipline to find the best summer school opportunities in your subject. Here are some of the ways that you can make the most out of your summer school experience, during both the application period and once the course actually starts.
Top Tips for Students: How To Write an Effective Personal Statement for Your University in the UK
Follow the standard format There is an accepted format for personal statements, and while deviating from the format might be required in some unusual cases, it's usually best to stick with it. The format is as follows: Talk about why you want to study economics and if there is any particular subfield which you are drawn to. Do you want a career in economics? Is there a particular organisation that you'd like to work for or a role that you think you'd be perfect for? Talk about why you would make a good economics student, including the relevant courses you've taken and any non-academic reasons that you'll be suited to the subject. You can also talk about how you can contribute to the university more broadly – such as through music, sports, or debate clubs. Show your interest in economics by talking about the books, journals, or newspapers that you have read and talk about the questions that they raised for you about the subject. What about these books made you want to study economics more? Demonstrate your competence by describing your work experience or voluntary experience which is relevant to economics. If possible, talk about direct results that you achieved: for example, that you volunteered for an economic justice NGO and that you were able to bring in a certain amount of money in fundraising, or that you improved a process by a certain percentage. Talking about achievements is preferable to describing your job duties. List any prizes or awards that you have received. This can be things like school prizes, Duke of Edinburgh awards, or participation in Model UN events. Don't talk in sweeping generalisations Many students make the mistake of being enthusiastic but non specific. “Since I was young, I have been fascinated by economics and have wanted to study it in depth!” is not a very meaningful statement on its own. To support such a statement you need to give evidence of your enthusiasm, by talking about specific courses you took, books you read, or activities which you participated in. Pick one topic and discuss it in depth It's all too common to see personal statements which include a long list of economics-related publications which the student claims to read regularly, in the hope that this will make them appear to be in touch with the field. Frankly, this is not very convincing, as there are not many 17 year olds who willingly read every single issue of the Financial Times, the Economist, and The Economic Journal from cover to cover. It's better to pick one recent article on an economics topic and to discuss it in detail. Maybe you were inspired by this year's Nobel prize winner in economics and want to talk about the winner's area of research. Or maybe you saw an economics-related article in a newspaper or magazine and it caught your interest. Perhaps you've got something to say about the relationship between economics and politics when it comes to a particular policy? When it comes to demonstrating your interest in the field of economics, don't try to claim that you know everything already or that you've read every key text in the field. Instead, pick one topic which is meaningful to you and write in some detail about your opinions on this topic and why it appeals to you. Proofread your statement and ask for feedback Obviously, you want your statement to be free of typos and errors in spelling or punctuation, but it's actually extremely difficult to proofread your own work. Once you have written your statement, ask a trusted teacher, parent, or advisor to proofread it for you to check for small errors. Also, do ask for help from teachers or lecturers, especially if they work in economics themselves. They can give you pointers to improve your statement – just make sure to start writing it early enough that you have time to incorporate their feedback.
If you're applying to study economics in the UK, you'll have to prepare a personal statement which will be used to assess your application along with your grades and other materials. Here are our tips on writing an effective personal statement.
Top 10 New Year's Eve Parties for Students Around the World
Amsterdam: Dam Square New Year's Eve in Amsterdam is a fun, calm, well-organised affair – not the wild mess you might expect from a city with a reputation for its open-minded laws. The local council puts on firework displays all over the city, and in Dam Square there is also live music and a large stage with celebratory hosts and guests. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, and the event is entirely free for the public. Las Vegas: Downtown Countdown Huge numbers of Americans descend on Las Vegas for New Year's, to enjoy the gambling, the drinking, and the party atmosphere. Downtown Countdown is one of the biggest events in the city, including live entertainment, fireworks, and light shows. This big, bustling event is sure to be wild, as long as you can get yourself to distant Nevada! London: Fireworks on the Thames For those braving London during NYE celebrations, prepare for serious crowds and a whole lot of people everywhere you go. Bars, pubs and clubs are famously expensive for this night in the capitol – even more that usual. So for students, getting together to watch the cheap public fireworks over the river is a far preferable option – the Thames never looks better. Just remember that if you want a good view, you'll need to get there seriously early! And you'll want to pack your own snacks and drinks too. Barcelona: Placa Catalunya New Year's Eve is generally more of a family celebration in Spain that in other parts of the world, where people will eat dinner together and the head out to the bars and clubs after midnight. But there's also always a party spirit in big local meeting points like Placa Catalunya in Barcelona where people meet to ring in the new year together. Tokyo: Shibuya crossing Lots of Tokyo locals spend NYE at home with their families, but if you're visiting there's still lots to do. You can join the countdown crowds at Shibuya crossing, and there's a huge public party at the famous Tokyo Tower. In Japanese tradition, it's more important to watch the sun come up on the first day of the new year than to count down to midnight together. So pace yourself and get ready for a long night of celebration! The best place to be for NYE in Berlin is out on the street, chatting to randoms and dodging the fireworks which get thrown around in all directions. The biggest street party is at the famous Brandenburg Gate, stretching out into the park to make room for the approximately one million people who come here to celebrate. In true Berlin style, the party lasts all night and long into the next day. Prague: Old Town Square Prague is a popular choice among Europeans for New Year's – it's cheap, lively and has options for quiet romantic celebrations or big wild parties. There are lots of fireworks all over the city, but there's a particularly beautiful view over the river. Alternatively, the Old Town Square is a favourite viewing spot among locals and gives you a real Czech party experience. Miami: Party on the Beach Warm, balmy weather even in December and a great party scene makes Miami the perfect place to celebrate New Year's on the beach. There are tones of local restaurants to eat out in before heading to see the fireworks at South Beach and catching the live music where you can dance on the sand all night long. New York: Times Square Maybe the most famous party of them all is in New York's Times Square. With its lights, music, and huge crowds of revellers, the celebratory atmosphere runs high. There's the famous ball drop at midnight, and every year a great selection of live music acts. For those who want to party with the world watching, New York is the place to be. Rio de Janeiro: Copacabana Beach What may be the biggest New Year's party in the world is held on the Copacabana beach, where more than two million people gather each year. People come together to drink champagne, watch fireworks, and to toss flowers into the sea as a tribute to the sea goddess. Tradition dictates that wearing white for the evening will bring good luck, but wearing black spells misfortune for the year ahead – so leave the black tie at home! Wherever you end up spending your NYE, we wish you happiness for the new year!
With the end of the year in sight, it's time to start planning your New Year's Eve parties! We're here with suggestions for 10 of the best NYE parties for students around the world.