Study in China: Top 10 Universities for International Students
In China, higher education is typically divided into three different categories: general, technical, and specialized universities and colleges. There are opportunities and locations for study in every field. In China you will find programs not only specializing in economics, business and the nation’s latest advancements in technology, but also in history, language, and cultural studies. It is not only the fast-paced urban life that makes China an attractive destination for international students, but also the ancient roots of Chinese history, culture and art. When choosing a university in China, it is important to keep the overall outcome of your studies in mind. If your main goal of spending time in China is strictly language based, it is crucial to search for universities and colleges with strong language departments. If employment or further studies is your goal after studying in China, it is always important to search for a university or college with a high academic standard. Overseas study can have a wide range of benefits, particularly when looking for employment. With thousands of higher education institutions in China, it can be a tough task to find the right one. So we did a little of the work for you! To help you on your search we have compiled a list of our top 10 Chinese universities and colleges. Zhejiang University Peking University Tsinghua University Shanghai Jiao Tong University Fudan University Wuhan University Nanjing University Shandong University Sun Yat-sen University South China University of Technology As you embark on the life-changing journey of studying in a foreign country, make sure to also checkout the extensive list of Chinese programs in your field through the INOMICS database. Photo credit: See-ming Lee
Choosing a destination to study abroad in, either for a semester or the entire degree, can be an extremely daunting task. Mainland China is currently home to thousands of international students looking for an international education. Since the 1990s, China has been rapidly expanding its number of universities and higher education programs. This expansion runs parallel to the large economic growth that China continues to experience, making Chinese universities an attractive destination for international students. Thousands of students from around the world are going to China to experience the waking of the ‘sleeping dragon’ and the fast growth of the Chinese markets. All major cities in China have at least one university, and international students are often drawn to these metropolitan hubs.
Application Requirements for Master’s Programs in Spain
Although there is no common application one can use to apply to multiple Master’s programs at diverse universities in Spain, almost all programs now either require or strongly prefer online applications. The online process usually makes it very clear to students which elements are required, so please be sure to double check each specific program before beginning your application process. Statement of Purpose The statement of purpose, also called motivation letter or letter of motivation, acts as an introduction to who you are, what you have done and why you are interested in a given program. Any successful statement of purpose includes the following key elements: a clear and detailed display of interest in the program to which you are applying, an in-depth description of prior academic and professional achievements, a thorough explanation of how the given program fits with your long-term career goals and a solid conclusion tying this all together while highlighting why you are a great fit. For more details on what makes a great statement of purpose, take a look at the Advice Section article dedicated to the subject. Letters of Reference Like most institutions around the globe, universities in Spain take the recommendation of former professors and mentors into account when deciding whether or not to offer you admission. Top universities strongly suggest that you request such letters of reference from professors with whom you have worked very closely, such as academic advisors, thesis advisors or professors with whom you have taken multiple courses. In general, professors are asked to upload their letters of reference themselves, meaning that they are separate from the rest of your application. This is done so that the letters can remain confidential, allowing for a higher level of straightforwardness than might occur if your professors were to give their letters directly to you. Yet, many professors would prefer simply emailing their letter straight to the applicant, so be prepared for either scenario when asking for letters of reference. Proof of Language Proficiency If you would like to study at a major Spanish university, you now have the choice between studying in Spanish or in English, since most departments offer at least one program taught either entirely or partially in English. Regardless of the language of instruction, if you are applying from outside of Spain you will almost certainly need to provide proof of language proficiency, which generally means taking one of the accepted exams and receiving an accepted score. For a detailed description of all of the accepted certificates and a list of the minimum scores accepted by top universities in Spain, take a look at the Advice section dedicated to that topic. Bachelor’s Degree Since Spain adheres to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), it is not specifically required that you have a Bachelor’s degree before applying to a Master’s program, but rather that you have acquired at least 180 ECTS points in either a Bachelor’s program or its local equivalent. Whether you have a Bachelor’s degree or a local equivalent, it is highly likely that you will be asked to provide documentation of your degree. In general, it is best for your admission chances to apply to Master’s programs in the same or a similar discipline to what you studied for your Bachelor’s degree. For certain degrees, for instance mathematics, it will be very difficult to gain admission to a Master’s program with an unrelated Bachelor’s. In other areas, however, for instance the social sciences, it might in fact be advantageous to have a broad background. Be sure to double check all application requirements from each program to which you are applying to avoid any unforeseen difficulties regarding your previous degree. If you have not yet finished your Bachelor’s degree at the time of applying to a Master’s, you must generally submit a copy of a provisional undergraduate transcript, as well as a declaration of intent to finish your Bachelor’s before the start date of the Master’s program(s) to which you are applying. Transcripts of Previous Studies In order to prove high academic standing, most institutions ask applicants to provide a transcript of their previous studies, offering a look not only into grades received, but also which courses the applicant has taken. Since many Master’s programs prefer applicants to have taken specific courses, providing a transcript is a way to show your preparedness. Many programs post a minimum or average grade point average (GPA) of current students. Even if your GPA falls below those posted, it is important to remember that this is only one element within your application. If your transcript is in a language other than English or Spanish, you will most likely be asked to provide a certified translation of the full document. Once you’ve gathered each of these application elements, double check each admissions website and make sure that you are not missing any program-specific materials. Some programs might require either additional (or fewer) elements, so it’s best to always make sure you are sending the right application elements to the right institution. If you are applying to do a business-related degree, it is quite likely that they will also ask you for a CV in order to examine your professional experience alongside your academic experience. If a CV is requested, be sure to submit it in either English or Spanish, depending on which language is stated on the given program’s admissions page, and also to format it according to standard norms for Spain. Additionally, some programs require international applicants to submit copies of their passports as well as bank statements in order to prove that they will be able to support themselves while studying. Generally, however, these last elements are only required after the applicant has been admitted and has begun the visa application process. Finally, even if you have gathered all of the requisite materials, this unfortunately does not mean you are guaranteed a spot. Be sure to follow the tips offered in the Statement of Purpose and Letters of Reference Advice Section articles in order to increase your chances of getting into the university of your choice. Photo credit: Jose Javier Martin Esperato Photo credit: James Gordon
If you are interested in earning your Master’s degree in Spain, it is important to pay close attention to the specific guidelines of the programs to which you are applying, as requirements can vary greatly from program to program. Yet, there are certain elements that tend to be quite universal across applications. Whether you are applying to a program fully in Spanish or one of the growing number of courses taught in English, you will almost certainly be asked to provide most, if not all of the following components as part of your application.
The Benefits of Working Abroad – Why It Pays to Gain Experience Elsewhere
As globalization brings the world closer together, and more and more countries begin to offer visas to highly skilled workers, the possibilities for employment around the world continue to grow. Using international networks like INOMICS, you can search for job opportunities in countries around the globe in your field of interest. The question we want to tackle in this article is – once you’ve found a job abroad, what are the benefits of taking it? Language In today’s globalized and extremely competitive market, speaking multiple languages is a must for anyone looking to land a great job. Regardless of your field, being able to converse and engage with clients, partners or other colleagues in a second (or third or fourth) language benefits your brain and your company. According to a recent study, approximately 31% of executives speak two languages and 20% speak three, and the number of organizations specifically hiring multi-lingual applicants is growing rapidly. As this article in Forbes points out, working and living abroad offers the perfect opportunity to really immerse yourself in a foreign language and build specific vocabulary relevant to your field. Just remember that everyone struggles with language learning sometimes, so be persistent and the hard work will pay off! Salary Many companies offer workers higher salaries when they are willing to make a move abroad. As this article points out, most companies will also pay for your full move and even fund visits home. Even if you aren’t able to find a position abroad through a current employer, the opportunities for a boosted salary abroad are vast, and not just for workers coming from less to more developed countries. In many cases a move in the other direction can also be easy on your wallet – in terms of lower rents, lower cost of living and more money to put into your savings or retirement funds. Moreover, once you have worked abroad you will often be able to negotiate a higher salary upon your return as a result of the experience you have gained. Global Network Everyone knows how important networking is, and working abroad inevitably offers you the opportunity to greatly expand both your personal and professional networks. By connecting with people in your field from across the world, you can gain insight into ways of working and find opportunities that you would never have come across in your home country. Connections created amongst foreigners while abroad are often quite strong, since the shared experience of living elsewhere creates commonalities between potentially very different people. Fostering such a network can prove beneficial for many years after your return home (or your next step, wherever that may take you). Cultural Sensitivity Even if you’ve always thought of yourself as an open-minded, worldly person, the best way to put these characteristics to the test is to live abroad for an extended period of time. Living and working as a foreigner allows you to experience a new culture, including different sets of values, work ethics and ways of communicating. Having such an experience will help you gain perspective on the culture in which you’re living, while also expanding your understanding for others within your community back home. Recognizing that there is no one right way to do things, but rather many different paths available, can help you be a better leader in any situation. Being forced to adapt to new situations helps you become better at coping with stress, communicating with those different from you and taking the time to find the best solution regardless of the circumstances. This interesting blog post offers specific accounts of six women working in countries around the world, highlighting specific things they learned and detailing how the experience helped them grow. In addition to all of the reasons listed above, working abroad also offers many unforeseen benefits, including opportunities for personal growth that simply couldn’t be found in your home country. Bonus benefits such as traveling, trying new foods and making lasting international friendships make the experience worthwhile in and of itself, above and beyond the many benefits international work can have for your career.
In a previous post we delved into the topic of how studying abroad can help your future job prospects. Yet, whether or not you’ve spent time in other countries as a student, it can help your career to broaden your search parameters when looking for work later on. We’re not just talking about a semester or year spent volunteering in some remote part of the world (though that’s arguably quite a valuable experience as well) but rather about a serious career step that leads you to living and working in another country.
Top Conferences in Banking, Economics and Finance – 2014 End of Year Round Up
If you are unsure about proper attire for such an event, take a look at our post on what to wear to academic conferences. If you will be presenting, make sure to read through out tips on how to make your presentation a hit with your audience. Although many registration deadlines have already past, it never hurts to get in touch and see if there is still space for a last-minute participant. The list below is organized by date, with upcoming conferences listed first. 2nd Magno Colloquium of PhD Students in Economics of the Mexican Republic November 10th – 12th, 2014 Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) Mexico City, Mexico Effective Macro-Prudential Instruments November 13th and 14th, 2014 University of Nottingham Nottingham, United Kingdom International Academic Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities November 13th and 14th, 2014 Czech Economic Society Prague, Czech Republic Modeling and Analysis of Safety and Risk in Complex Systems November 18th – 20th, 2014 Institute of Problems of Mechanical Engineering St. Petersburg, Russia 7th International Research Conference 2014 November 28th, 2014 Central Bank of Sri Lanka Colombo, Sri Lanka Future iGaming December 2nd – 4th, 2014 World Bank London, United Kingdom Recent Developments in Financial Econometrics and Applications December 4th and 5th, 2014 Deakin University, School of Accounting, Economics and Finance Melbourne, Australia Australasian Public Choice Conference 2014 December 5th and 6th, 2014 Monash University Melbourne, Australia 4th Conference on Immigration in OECD Countries December 8th, 2014 Organisation for Economics Cooperation and Development (OECD) Paris, France 2014 (EC)2 Conference December 12th and 13th, 2014 University of Pompeu Fabra Barcelona, Spain 22nd SFM Conference on the Theories and Practices of Securities and Financial Markets December 12th and 13th, 2014 Department of Finance, National Sun Yat-sen University Kaohsiung, Taiwan The 5th Annual Xiamen University International Workshop on Experimental Economics December 12th – 14th, 2014 Wang Yanan Institute for Studies in Economics (WISE) Xiamen, China Conference on Non-linearities in Macroeconomics and Finance in the Light of Crisis December 15th and 16th, 2014 European Central Bank Frankfurt am Main, Germany 2nd Economics of Low-Carbon Markets Workshop December 15th and 16th, 2014 Department of Economics, University of Sao Paolo São Paolo, Brazil Second Paris Financial Management Conference December 15th and 16th, 2014 IPAG Business School Paris, France 4th Workshop on Financial Determinants of Exchange Rates December 17th and 18th, 2014 Dutch Central Bank Amsterdam, Netherlands VII Italian Doctoral Workshop in Empirical Economics December 17th and 18th, 2014 Carlo Alberto College Torino, Italy BoE, CfM, and CEPR Workshop on International Trade, Finance and Macroeconomics December 18th and 19th, 2014 Center for Economics and Policy Research London, United Kingdom The Deep Causes of Economic Development December 18th – 20th, 2014 Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands To browse even more conferences – across disciplines and around the world – head to INOMICS now. Photo credit: Queen’s University
As the year slowly draws to a close it can be easy to focus on the work in front of us and forget about the many academic conferences still taking place around the world. Such events are a great place to build your network, boost your CV and gain new insight into your field. This list offers you a brief overview of the many conferences in banking, economics, finance and related fields that will be taking place across the globe during the last months of 2014.
30 Top Twitter Feeds in Political Science
Some of these are big names, others are less well known, but all of them are worth following. We know that there are many other worthy Twitter feeds out there, so please feel free to share your additions in the comments section or on Facebook! Moreover, this list is in alphabetical order based on Twitter handle and in no way prioritizes one Twitter user over another. @acarvin Andy Carvin, Senior Social Media Strategist for NPR @allthingsct Leah Farrall, former counter terrorism analyst and Research Associate at the University of Sydney’s United States Studies Centre @asmalenyt Alison Smale, New York Times bureau chief in Berlin @B_Eichengreen Barry Eichengreen, professor of economics and political science @betsylevyp Betsy Levy Paluck, professor of public policy and psychology @blakehounshell Blake Hounshell, Editorial director at POLITICO, formerly at Foreign Policy magazine @CChristineFair Christine Fair, professor of political science with a focus on South Asian political-military affairs @dandrezner Daniel W. Drezner, professor of international politics @dianawueger Diana Wueger, editor of Gunpowder & Lead, focus on small arms @edwebb Ed Webb, professor of political science with focus on the Middle East @endeavoringE Elmira Bayrasli, writer and consultant on foreign policy, international development and global entrepreneurship @FareedZakaria Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post columnist, host of CNN’s GPS @FukuyamaFrancis Francis Fukuyama, former professor of political science, Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies @HayesBrown Hayes Brown, foreign news editor and reporter at BuzzFeed @henryfarrell Henry Farrell, professor of political science and international affairs @JustAmira Amira Al Hussaini, Global Voices Online Middle East and North Africa editor @jwpatty John Patty, professor of political science and Director of CNISS @kinggary Gary King, professor of social sciences, Directo of the Institute for Quantitative Social Science @Lagarde Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the IMF @LizEconomy Elizabeth Economy, C.V. Starr Senior Fellow and Director, Asia Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations @MaxBoot Max Boot, Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow @Max_Fisher Max Fisher, Content Director at Vox.com @multilateralist David Bosco, professor of international politics, senior editor at Foreign Policy magazine @Nolan_Mc Nolan McCarty, professor of politics and public affairs @normblog Norman Geras, professor emeritus of politics @SaskiaSassen Saskia Sassen, professor of sociology with a focus on globalization @SJRickard Stephanie J. Rickard, professor of government with a focus on political institutions and economic policies @smsaideman Stephen Saideman, professor of international relations with a focus on ethnic conflict and civil-military relations @strobetalbott Strobe Talbott, President of the Brookings Institution @Toby_Ziegler Toby Ziegler, professor of political science If you are interested in finding jobs, programs, conferences and other opportunities in the area of political science, head to INOMICS and browse our extensive listings!
Following our highly discussed list of 30 Top Twitter Feeds in Economics and Finance, we wanted to keep the conversation going by sharing our selection of top Twitter feeds in political science. This list includes academics, researchers, journalists and many others who focus on political science, politics, international relations, public policy and related fields.
2014 Nobel Prize in Economics Awarded to Jean Tirole
This marks the first time in over 30 years that the prize has been given to someone focusing on regulation. This topic has become increasingly relevant since the global financial crises began six years ago, and the timing of this award underscores its continued importance. Dr. Tirole’s research focuses specifically on dense mathematical models that describe and analyze markets, attempting to parse out ways to control the monopolies held by major companies. According to the Guardian, Dr. Tirole said he was grateful for the award for his work on “taming powerful firms”. Dr. Tirole has a broad base of expertise, however, including topics in game theory, banking, finance and psychology. He is chairman of the board of the Jean-Jacques Laffont Foundation at the Toulouse School of Economics, a founding member of the Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST) and scientific director of the Industrial Economics Institute (IDEI) in Toulouse. He received his PhD in economics from MIT in 1981 before returning to France to take up his first research position at CERAS, École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées. Since then, Dr. Tirole has worked as a professor and researcher in numerous institutions in the United States and France, including as an economics advisor to the Prime Minister from 1999 – 2006.
At just after 1pm CET today, The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2014 was awarded to Jean Marcel Tirole of Toulouse, France. This prize, more commonly known as the Nobel Prize in Economics, was given to Dr. Tirole for his extensive work on the behavior of large companies in relation to market power and regulation.
How to Enhance the Impact of Your Research
If you have just published an article about which you feel extremely passionate, the idea that it will likely just become a citation in someone’s dissertation down the line can be a bit disconcerting. As this post from the London School of Economics and Political Science points out, the best strategy for creating a lasting impact is targeted and sustained knowledge exchange. In this article, we will delve into four key areas to focus on in order to create an impact with your research – regardless of whether your goal is simply to expand your readership or to directly target policymakers in order to advocate evidence-based change. Media In order for the media to report on your research, they have to view it as “newsworthy.” Although you might find your research groundbreaking, you need to use concrete strategies for conveying your message to other people. As this piece from the Research to Action Helpdesk suggests, you should write multiple media specific single-page summaries of your work. These should take context, audience and type of media into account and frame your work to suit these factors. A well-written, targeted press release can go a long way, particularly if you’ve taken the time to find the individual email addresses of journalists in a relevant field. The more press releases and media summaries you send out, the more likely it is that your research will get picked up as a story. Online Visibility Beyond traditional media, social media and online academic networks are important platforms for putting your work out there. How many times have you looked at an article simply because one of your friends posted it somewhere in your social network? By adding keywords, captions, titles, subheadings and clear abstracts to each of your articles, they are more likely to be picked up by and spread across social media, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, etc. Uploading your work onto platforms such as Google Scholar, Pubmed and Academia.edu will boost your audience substantially, while upping your chances of being widely read, cited and ultimately recognized as a scholar in your field. People both within and outside of academia use open access repositories, meaning that your work has a much better chance of being read than if it’s only available through a fee-based platform, a point emphasized in this webpage offered by Oxford University. Another option for getting your work out there and making connections with others in your field is to start a blog about your research. Many top academics also run highly successful blogs, without which they may never have gained acclaim outside of their specific disciplines. While you may not become a #1 internet sensation overnight, a well-written and well-promoted blog can gain you a quick following and a broad audience. Network Most academics know how important the networking aspect of conferences can be. Beyond simply engaging with like-minded researchers on topics of mutual interest, you can also call on such connections to help promote your latest research in relevant channels worldwide. Forging exchange-based partnerships with researchers on a similar level as you is one good idea – they can promote your work and you theirs, allowing for mutual benefit and broadened networks. An article from Washington University in St. Louis offers many concrete tips for disseminating research, including through outreach visits to relevant institutions or universities, where you can offer seminars, give lectures or take part in discussions. By promoting your research you are also promoting your ideas, making further connections and getting your name out there. Policymakers The best way to create a strong impact in the community on which your research centers is to engage directly with policymakers – be it at the local, regional or national level. The first step is to write a policy brief, but you can’t stop there if you really want your voice heard. Find advocates in policymakers’ offices who can understand your work and create relevant linkages for those at the top. Many governmental offices have people specifically assigned to work with experts, and you should find such a person and discuss with them why your research meshes with the interests of the individual policymaker, making clear how you can help advance their position while aiding your cause. Simply contacting a policymaker directly is also an option, but be sure to emphasize your credentials and offer a clear and direct message. Finally, teaming up with other researchers in your area is one of the best ways to make your voice heard. Think tanks and international organizations can provide a great place for networking with other experts in your field who already have a platform for addressing policymakers and the public. As this Science Magazine article underscores, the more people on your team, the greater chance you will have of making a true impact. Photo credit: throgers
While we all know the importance of publishing widely in terms of moving forward in an academic career, what is sometimes left out of the discussion is how to make sure that your research has an actual impact in the community it is addressing, or in the world at large. If you would like your research to be read beyond the gates of the ivory tower, you need to know how to effectively promote yourself and your work.
Visa Requirements for Studying at a UK University
Visa application requirements In the UK, the official name for a student visa is a Tier 4 (General) visa. You can only apply for this visa if you are over 16 and you’ve been accepted to a full-time, recognised UK course. You must submit your application no later than three months in advance of your course, so be careful to plan ahead and apply early. On average, visa processing takes about three weeks, but it can take much longer if there are any difficulties or questions regarding your application. There are also variations according to country of origin, which can be checked on the UK Home Office website. In addition to these basic requirements, you must also be able to provide proof of English language proficiency and proof of financial stability, meaning that you have enough money (or support) to pay for your course and provide for yourself for its duration. For detailed information about which language exams are preferred, take a look at our section dedicated to that topic. Please note, however, that although numerous UK universities accept the TOEFL exam, the UK Home Office no longer accepts it for visa applications, as of July 2014. For this reason, it is important that you take a look at the official visa guidelines on the Home Office site before beginning your application process. In order to prove that you can pay for your course and support yourself during its duration, you will have to provide bank statements and/or copies of scholarships or other forms of funding. The exact requirements vary according to course length, cost and type, as well as according to your country of origin. For specific details, read the guidance pages on the Home Office website. Beyond each of these items, you must also provide a current passport and/or other valid travel documents, two passport-sized colour photographs, proof of parental or guardian consent if you are under 18 years of age and tuberculosis test results if you are from a country that requires such a test. Again, to check whether your country of origin falls on this list, check the Home Office site. Visa application cost You will also be required to pay a processing fee when you apply for a student visa. If you are applying for yourself from outside the UK, the total application cost is £310. If you are applying by post from within the UK for an extension or switch, the cost is £422. For an in person extension or switch, which is referred to as premium service, the cost is £822. If you are applying for a dependent, each of the fees is the same. If your visa is rejected and you feel that the rejection is unfair, you have the option to appeal, first through post and then in person. There will be additional fees for this process, however, which vary depending on circumstances. Regardless of the final status of your visa, none of your processing fees will be refunded. What the visa allows If the course to which you are applying is shorter than six months, you are allowed to enter the UK only one week prior to its start. If your course is longer than six months, you can enter the UK up to one month prior to its start. The length of stay your visa allows is directly related to the length and type of course you are studying. Once you have been granted a student visa and are living in the UK, you are permitted to study the specific course for which you applied. Additionally, you are allowed to work and earn your own income, though there are regulations specific to the type of course you are studying and your corresponding visa. In general, you are only allowed to work up to 20 hours per week if you are enrolled in a full-time study programme, and you cannot work as a freelancer or self-employed worker. You will not be eligible to apply for public funds while living in the UK on a Tier 4 visa, meaning that if you face financial hardship at any time while you are studying, the UK will not be responsible for coming to your aid. For instance, if you lose your job after working in the UK on your student visa, you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits. You can apply to bring dependents (partners or children) with you, but you must be able to provide proof that you can support them as well as yourself during the duration of your stay in the UK. Regardless of where you are from or which course you are interested in studying, be sure to take a close look at the full student visa requirements found on the UK Home Office website. Photo credit: Simon & His Camera Photo credit: Neil Turner
If you are an international student from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and are interested in studying in the UK, you will need to apply for a student visa in order to do so. You may only apply for a visa if you have already been accepted to study a full-time course – part-time students will not be granted visas.
AMS Graduate Student Blog Ars Mathematica blog :: Brent -> [String] cavmaths Combinatorics and more Computational Complexity Dr. Z’s Opinions eon flying colours maths Frank Morgan’s Huffington Post Blog Gödel’s Lost Letter and P=NP Gower’s Weblog in theory Let’s Play Math! mathbabe Mathematics, Learning and Technology Mathemating with Numbers matheminutes math4love Matt Baker’s Math Blog Mr. Meyer My Biased Coin Nick Higham Not Even Wrong Number Loving Please Make a Note Punk Rock Operations Research reflectivemath’s Blog Secret Blogging Seminar Shtetl-Optimized squareCircleZ Tanya Khovanova’s Math Blog Terminally Incoherent Terry Tao The Endeavour The n-Category Café Three-Cornered-Things Turing’s Invisible Hand Vi Hart Walking Randomly If you are interested in working or studying in the field of mathematics, take a look at the many possibilities currently listed on INOMICS.
In previous posts we’ve offered lists of top blogs in the fields of economics and finance. In this post we’re shifting our focus to the broad world of mathematics. As with economics and finance, mathematics encompasses quite a diverse array of subdisciplines, meaning that this list of blogs gathers together a range of perspectives, experiences and areas of expertise. Whether you’re interested in gaining teaching tips for algebra or discussing the latest publications in top mathematics journals, these bloggers cover it all. This is by no means an exhaustive list, however, and we encourage you to add your own suggestions or ideas in the comments section here or on Facebook. The blogs listed here are shown in alphabetical order, meaning they are not ranked or grouped in any other way.
Work Visas for Foreign University Graduates in the EU
It is important to remember, however, that your country of origin can also affect the type of visa for which you are eligible. Please consult your embassy and the government website of the country in which you are interested in working in order to find detailed information about visa options available to you. France In France, there are a few options for non-EU international students who have earned at least a Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The visa most commonly granted to graduates is the APS (autorisation provisoire de séjour), which is valid for 12 months beyond the expiration date of the graduate’s student residence permit. The APS allows the recent graduate to work in any position up to 60% of an official workweek. Graduates who find a job related to their program of study and with a salary of at least one and a half times the national minimum wage can then request a new full-time employment visa. Recent university graduates can skip the APS visa and apply directly for a work permit if they are trained in one of 14 specified occupations, which include operators and engineers in fields such as woodworking, glassmaking, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing and information systems production. Germany In June 2012, the German government overhauled various laws regarding residence and work permits, including Article 16, which previously granted graduates of German universities a 12-month job-seeking visa. As of August 1st, 2012, any graduate of a German university hailing from a non-EU country is now entitled to an 18 month visa of this sort, which allows graduates the opportunity to stay in Germany and look for a job upon graduation. Furthermore, this visa also dictates that university graduates should be viewed as equal to German nationals, meaning that no proof needs to be given showing that they are more qualified for the position than German applicants, which is normally the case. Once the 18-month period has passed, graduates of German universities are treated equally to other immigrants from their country of origin. This means that the graduate needs to apply for a regular work permit according to the type of job he or she has secured. Be it freelance, fixed-term or open-ended, the chances of university graduates being granted further work visas in Germany is quite high, as long as employment is found within 18 months after graduation. Spain There is no visa specifically designated for foreign graduates of Spanish universities. In general, any non-EU citizen interested in working in Spain must first have a job. The employer applies for a work and residence permit, and once this is granted then the individual can apply for a work visa. Unlike in many other EU countries, a permit and visa are not the same thing. The duration of a work visa is tied to the length of the applicant’s job contract, and can thus vary widely. Be sure to contact the Spanish embassy in your country or take a look at the Spanish government website for detailed information. Spain maintains many bilateral partnerships with diverse countries around the world, making the attainment of a residence and work permit somewhat easier for citizens of various countries, including many across Latin America. Be sure to consult your embassy and read about the laws regarding citizens from your country of origin before planning a move to Spain. The United Kingdom Until April 2012, the UK offered foreign university graduates an automatic 12-month work and job-seeking visa, but unfortunately this is no longer the case. Now, foreign graduates of UK universities have a few options, though they are far more restrictive than the previous visa scheme. Recent graduates of UK universities can apply for a Tier 2 visa if they have a concrete job offer, provided that their future employer is a licensed sponsor and the job salary meets the sector-specific criteria laid out by the UK government. These visas generally allow you to stay in the UK for between 3 and 5 years. Alternately, recent graduates can leave the country and apply to return on a Tier 5 visa, often called the temporary worker visa. This visa also requires sponsorship and is only valid for between 12 and 24 months. Finally, a Tier 1 visa is available to writers, composers, artists, self-employed lawyers and “Highly Skilled Migrants” who prove their qualifications using the UK point-based system. However, switching from a student visa to a Tier 1 visa is difficult and often not possible. For detailed information about whether this option is available to you, please consult the UK government website. If you’re still unsure of exactly where you’d like to study or work, head to INOMICS to find hundreds of great educational and career opportunities in each of these countries. Photo credit: Charles Clegg
With student mobility continually on the rise, the number of foreign students earning degrees in Europe is ever increasing. Yet, the long-term visa opportunities for such graduates are not equal across the European Union. With immigration laws changing regularly, sometimes it can be difficult to know exactly what to expect in a given country. In this post, we offer you updated information about the types of work visas available to university graduates in the most popular European destination countries for foreign students: France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Teaching Tips for New Professors and Lecturers
1. Ask for Advice It’s important to remember that everyone was new at some point. Whether before, during or after your first semester, don’t hesitate to reach out to colleagues for advice and assistance. As almost everyone previously in this position will attest, other faculty members can give you specific advice about your institution and help you understand the nuances of what it’s like to work there – use them! It’s also useful to remember that no one is expecting perfection from day one – or day fifty for that matter – so asking questions, rather than showing ignorance as it sometimes can feel like, is just the sensible and smart thing to do. 2. Define Clear Goals This goes for both you and for your students. In the first few sessions, make it clear to your students what you hope to achieve and how you plan on getting there. Don’t simply go over the syllabus. Instead, explain to students why you chose the content and how you expect to tackle it together. Students will appreciate the time you take elaborating why week 2 is macro rather than microeconomics, and why Keynes comes before Friedman. Having them on board from the get-go, feeling part of the process –teaching is after all a two way street – will stand you in good stead. 3. Establish Your Role Early On While high school students tend to be a bit more aggressive than college students when it comes to jumping on a teacher’s vulnerabilities, it’s still incredibly important to show that you are the boss straight away – and first impressions in this regard are particularly important. Building back respect after a bad first few weeks is difficult. Avoid this by asserting yourself from the get-go. You needn’t overly impose yourself, just show your class that there are some lines that cannot be crossed. If you feel nervous, remember that you have earned this position and that it’s yours alone. 4. Always Be Prepared (And Prepared to Change) One of the best ways to establish yourself as an authority in the classroom is to always come prepared. Be sure to set up anything you’ll need during your lecture or discussion in advance so that if there are any issues you can take care of them beforehand without wasting valuable class time. If something goes wrong or gets changed last minute, be prepared to go with the flow – it’s best to always have a back-up plan. 5. Try Out Diverse Teaching Methods You might have clear ideas about what type of professor you want to be before you enter the classroom, but don’t be surprised if your expectations shift once reality sets in. Though sticking to a plan is important, it’s also a good idea to experiment with an array of teaching tools and methods. Gone are the days when a blackboard and a piece of chalk would suffice. Gone also are the days when a simple slideshow accompaniment would suffice. Nowadays, particularly post-COVID, the use of technology is indispensable, a must if students are to stay engaged – and INOMICS has a blog article dedicated exclusively to which tools will best serve this need . 6. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes It’s understandable to always want to answer students’ questions and know the right answers, but it’s impossible to be right all the time. If you don’t know an answer, it’s best to simply admit that and come back to that student once you’ve figured it out. Your students will respect you more if you admit your flaws rather than pretending to be sure about something when you’re not. 7. Have High Expectations and Engage Your Students Whether you’re teaching in a community college or an Ivy League university, it’s important to remember that, more often than not, your students will rise to the occasion and meet the standards you set, provided you give them the opportunity to do so. This means not only presenting challenges, but showing students you have faith in their ability, and affording them independence. Most will respond positively to this kind of treatment, and will derive confidence from the trust you place in them. 8. Depth is Usually Better than Breadth Many new professors feel that if they don’t get through every page of a book and every item on the syllabus they haven’t done their job. Yet, for most students, a comprehensive examination of one subject is much better than a superficial look at many subjects. So, as is pointed out in this Psychology Today article, don’t be afraid to let a good discussion go on a bit longer than planned – just be clear about your expectations for what students need to be familiar with even if you don’t get through everything in class. 9. Take Notes and Build On Your Own Experiences In addition to incorporating the advice of other professors, it’s important to reflect on your own experience in the classroom. Taking notes or keeping a teaching journal can help you veer away from things that didn’t work and focus on what did. As this blog post from About Education highlights, it’s also important to reflect on what’s doable for you. If the first few weeks of classes make you realize you’ve packed too much in, don’t be afraid to adapt the syllabus for the rest of the semester. 10. Be Yourself and Have Fun Although it might not always be easy to stay relaxed, try to remember that being yourself and showing your passion for your subject is normally the most effective motivator for students and certainly the best way for you to enjoy your job. You’ve made it through grad school and landed a job as a professor, so be proud of yourself – and have some fun with it!
Although most new professors have already clocked countless hours in the classroom as teaching assistants, the shift to being the sole authority in the room can be a scary one. No matter how prepared you might feel, the first days (or weeks or months) at any new job tend to be a bit overwhelming – and that's totally normal. So, whether you feel like legging it home and hiding under the covers until winter break, or you just need a little extra boost to get you on the right track, the following 10 tips will help you stay motivated, organized and have you ready for the coming academic year and all it’s likely to throw at you.
There are many options for financial aid, including scholarships, studentships, bursaries, stipends, grants and loans. In this section, we will review the most common types of financing available to students in the UK, from across disciplines and backgrounds. As a general rule, funding applications should be sent in by summer at the latest for a fall start date, so remember that it’s best to send out applications as early as possible! Scholarships Scholarships are usually provided through the institutions themselves in conjunction with a given course. Competition for scholarships is usually quite high, as the number is limited and receiving one is considered an honour. Be sure to check course listings on INOMICS in order to see if there is a scholarship available for the course to which you would like to apply. Sometimes there are also institutional or university-wide scholarships, so be sure to take a look at other pages to see if the institution to which you are applying offers scholarships that fit your profile. Studentships Studentships are generally on offer specifically for postgraduate students, allowing them to engage in research or teaching in exchange for funding. Such positions sometimes include living expenses in addition to university fees. The majority of studentships are coordinated by the Research Councils UK. Prospective students should apply directly to the research organisation at which they would like to study. In total there are seven Research Councils, including Councils for the Arts and Humanities, Bioscience, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Economic and Social Sciences, Medical Research, Science of the Environment and Science and Technology. Studentships are often available only for PhD track students, though there are specific opportunities for Master’s courses. Such studentships are aimed at research-focused courses, which would allow the student to engage in a research position alongside his or her studies. There are also studentships intended specifically for international students, as internationalisation is valued highly by UK institutions. Check through the offers from the Research Council relevant to your studies to find the best opportunity for you. Grants and Bursaries There are many charities and trusts in the UK that provide grants to students from across disciplines. In general, grants offered through charities are targeted at students who come from backgrounds with low socioeconomic status and can prove that they cannot afford tuition fees. Some such charities are extremely specialised, while others will give small grants to anyone they deem eligible. Most charities offer grants to international as well as UK students, so everyone is encouraged to apply. Applications tend to be quite short, meaning that even if you only receive a small amount of money, the time invested in applying is not too great so as to make it an unappealing trade-off. Learned societies are another source for grants and bursaries, usually ranging from £100 to £1,000. Both charities and learned societies appreciate written letters rather than emails, so it is recommended that you first write a letter asking whether or not you are eligible, then once they’ve replied you can fill out the correct application form. Loans Loans are offered by a number of UK banks. While restrictions vary from bank to bank, you generally must be under 40 years of age to qualify for what is called a Professional or Career Development Loan. Most banks will only loan up to £10,000, which may or may not cover your full course. Many students choose to apply for a loan only to cover the remaining tuition fee not covered by other forms of funding. If you are applying as an international student, it is also possible that a bank in your home country will offer a loan. Be careful about what type of loan you take out, however, as it is easy to fall into debt as a student and can be difficult to get out once you’ve graduated. It’s best to use loans as a last resort if you are unable to secure funding from any of the other channels listed above. Photo credit: _skynet Photo credit: Piers Nye
For many students, one of the most difficult subjects when it comes to university applications is how they plan to obtain funding for their studies. If you feel that you fall into this category, do not let fear of high admissions fees hamper your decision to apply to the university of your choice. Although admissions fees vary widely across institutions, students can apply for funding for nearly any course, receiving small to very large amounts of money in order to cover the cost of studying a postgraduate degree.
Top Conferences in Banking, Economics and Finance - Fall 2014
In addition to offering you our usual conference round-ups over the past seasons, we’ve also provided you with tips on how to choose the right conference for you and what to wear once you’re there. Furthermore, take note that this is just a selection of all of the conferences listed on INOMICS, so if you don’t see the perfect event for you in the list below, you can head to INOMICS and do a targeted search through the hundreds of additional opportunities. The following conferences are listed in ascending order. Please be aware, however, that deadlines for paper submissions and participant registration vary widely, so take a look at the individual conference pages to double check deadlines. If a submission deadline has already passed, it is still a good idea to contact the conference organizers, as last minute cancellations can mean they still need participants. 1) 25th Annual Conference on Islamic Banking September 1st – 2nd Central Bank of Iran Tehran, Iran 2) 9th Annual Conference of the EPIP Association – Improving Innovation Systems September 4th – 5th, 2014 European Commission Brussels, Belgium 3) 15th OxMetrics User Conference September 4th – 5th, 2014 Timberlake Consultants London, United Kingdom 4) International Istanbul Conference of Economics and Finance September 8th – 9th, 2014 Yildiz Technical University Istanbul, Turkey 5) 28th International Business Research Conference September 8th – 9th, 2014 University of London Barcelona, Spain 6) 8th International Conference on Currency, Banking and International Finance September 10th – 11th, 2014 University of Economics in Bratislava Bratislava, Slovakia 7) 20th London Stata Users Group Meeting September 11th – 12th, 2014 Timberlake Consultants London, United Kingdom 8) 14th FRAP Finance Accounting and Risk Perspectives Conference September 22nd – 24th, 2014 ACRN U Research Centre Oxford, United Kingdom 9) Cambridge Financial Risk & Network Theory September 23rd, 2014 Centre for Risk Studies, University of Cambridge Cambridge, United Kingdom 10) ABSRC 2014 Rome – Advances in Business-Related Scientific Research Conference September 24th – 26th, 2014 Rome, Italy 11) XXVI Annual Conference of the Italian Society of Public Economics September 25th – 26th, 2014 Italian Society of Public Economics (SIEP) Pavia, Italy 12) Banking in Europe: Current Challenges September 26th, 2014 Institute of Economic Studies – Charles University Prague, Czech Republic 13) Dynamics, Economic Growth and International Trade (DEGIT XIX) September 26th – 28th, 2014 Department of Economics, Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee, United States 14) Oil & Gas Supply Chain Strategy 2014 October 7th – 8th, 2014 Athens University of Economics and Business London, United Kingdom 15) 3rd International Conference: Environment and Natural Resources Management in Developing and Transition Economies October 8th – 10th, 2014 Centre for Studies and Research on International Development Clermont-Ferrand, France 16) International Conference: Exchange Rates, Monetary Policy and Financial Stability in Emerging Markets and Developing Countries October 13th – 14th, 2014 University of Leipzig Leipzig, Germany 17) Copenhagen Workshop on Limited Attention, Selective Perception and Bounded Rationality in Decision Making October 20th – 21st, 2014 University of Copenhagen Copenhagen, Denmark 18) Entrepreneurial Finance, Innovation and Growth October 23rd – 24th, 2014 Bank of Finland and Centre for Economic Policy Research Helsinki, Finland 19) International Microsimulation Meeting October 23rd – 24th, 2014 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance Maastricht, Netherlands 20) The 9th International Conference on Business Management Research (ICBMR) October 24th – 25th, 2014 Kyoto University Kyoto, Japan 21) The Financing of Healthcare and Welfare Models in the Era of Longevity October 27th – 28th, 2014 Italian Health Economics Association Venice, Italy 22) Third International Conference on Futures and Derivative Markets October 31st – November 1st, 2014 Shanghai Futures Exchange Shanghai, China 23) 17th Annual Research Conference – Forward Guidance and Communication about Unconventional Monetary Policy November 13th – 14th, 2014 Dutch Central Bank Amsterdam, Netherlands 24) International Conference on Business Servitization November 13th – 14th, 2014 Orkestra-Basque Institute of Competitiveness, University of Deusto Bilbao, Spain 25) NBP Workshop on Short Term Forecasting November 13th – 14th, 2014 National Bank of Poland Warsaw, Poland 26) Symposium on Business and Economics in Times of Crisis 2014 November 14th – 15th, 2014 Lupcon Center for Business Research Lisbon, Portugal 27) ISI Regional Statistics Conference 2014 November 16th – 19th, 2014 Bank Negara Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 28) 5th Annual Financial Market Liquidity Conference November 20th – 21st, 2014 Corvinus University of Budapest Budapest, Hungary 29) Building Sustainable Agriculture for Food Security in the Euro-Mediterranean Area: Challenges and Policy Options November 20th – 21st, 2014 Institute of International Affairs Rabat, Morocco 30) 10th Joint ECB/CEPR Labour Market Workshop on “Labour Supply in the Aftermath of the Crisis” November 27th – 28th, 2014 European Central Bank Frankfurt am Main, Germany Photo credit: UNU-WIDER
Although those of us in the northern hemisphere have just entered the dog days of summer, fall is just around the corner, meaning it’s the right time to start planning out your autumn conference schedule. Whether you’re dreaming of the changing leaves and crisp air or dreading the idea of darker evenings and cooler days, right now you should focus on choosing the right event for you from this great list of academic conferences taking place around the world.
1) Broaden your reach outside your own institution to bring diversity and different perspectives to your department or team 2) If possible, do not narrow down your pool of candidates to local applicants only, and make it clear in your advertisement that you welcome international applications – there is a lot of talent worldwide you will otherwise miss out on 3) Start advertising the position in a timely manner – at least 30 days in advance 4) Broaden your job description: even though academic and research jobs usually have very specific requirements, at least in the first stage leave the door open for candidates who, while meeting the basic needs of the position, offer slightly different professional backgrounds 5) Do not limit your recruitment advertising only to the webpage of your institution – consult with colleagues in your network for recommendations about their current and former co-workers or students, and explore online services and social media channels 6) Market your department as well as the individual position: the working environment is an increasingly important consideration for candidates 7) Use online job posting services and mailing lists to extend your pool. If you are a public university you can do this with special sponsored rates on INOMICS and through our email alert services 8) Advertise your vacant position in places that address your target audience, avoiding more generic job platforms 9) Make sure you can measure the effectiveness of the channels you employ to advertise your position and use what you learn to help make informed decisions for your future recruitment needs 10) Take care when using automatic screening processes – they may screen out candidates who, while less conventional, are no less qualified for your position 11) Even for academic positions, consider applications from candidates with less academic backgrounds, especially those with extensive industry experience 12) If possible, have at least two members of the search committee to review applications at the initial stage
In September the recruiting season gathers pace, a fact that candidates today know well. Last year, the number of people visiting the INOMICS job listing pages increased by 28% in the eight weeks from the start of July to late September. The rush increased even more in October, with a rise of 20% in just one month. Every institution has their own policies and guidelines for faculty hiring, but still there is a set of best practices which in many cases is applicable regardless. We explored examples of best practice for academic recruiting (before the interview stage) and put together a list of them to help INOMICS customers find the best match for their positions.
How to Make the Most of a Post Doc or Junior Researcher Position
Yet, some recent graduates feel so overwhelmed by the dissertation process that they use a post doc as something akin to academic downtime. While this might be tempting, it is important to remember that the beginning of your career can set the tone for years to come. In today’s highly competitive academic market, having multiple publications and presentations on your CV within the first few years of your career can help you immensely in landing a desired position down the road. In order to make the most of your time as a post doctoral or junior researcher, you should communicate openly and clearly with the primary investigators and/or your advisor about your aims and interests going into the job. As the authors of a recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education note, it is important to make a plan regarding what you would like to accomplish in your position. Some advisors will even suggest that you work together to draft a clear individual development plan. When doing so, be sure to keep in mind all possible opportunities you might be able to engage in during your post doc. These include: Organizing a symposium Writing literature reviews Co-authoring research Teaching courses Writing grant proposals Attending conferences Moreover, beyond engaging in such activities, it is also important to make use of the great human resources surrounding you. In addition to the PIs, the other junior researchers also present great opportunities for collaboration. By working with peers, you create chances for long-term connections and build a broader network. Outside of the lab or institute, networking at conferences and meetings is also an essential part of making the most of your time as a post doc. The best way to get your name out there is to attend as many relevant events as possible, presenting research, showing posters, or even just talking to fellow researchers. While introducing yourself to someone important in your discipline might seem awkward at first, you will soon come to realize that it comes with the territory of being an academic. By following these basic guidelines, you will be able to get the most out of your post doc position, thereby helping you along the way to a great career in academia. To get started, head over to INOMICS and browse the many post doc and junior research opportunities. Photo credit: University of Michigan
For many recent PhDs and other doctoral graduates, the first step in an academic career is at least one, if not two or three post doc or junior researcher positions. Regardless of which department you work in, such a position is a great way to make connections, publish your research, add experience to your CV and get a feel for life as an academic.
English Proficiency Exams: Which to Take and How to Prepare
Yet, the sheer number of exams out there can be overwhelming. In this post, we’ll offer you advice about which exams are most widely accepted, and which make sense for you. We’ll also give you tips on how and what to study in order to receive a top score. If you’re still searching for the right program or job, head to INOMICS and search through hundreds of listings updated daily. The Top Exams TOEFL The TOEFL is owned and operated by ETS Global, the same education management company that runs the GRE. While this test can be taken in numerous forms, the most current is the TOEFL iBT, or internet-based test. This format has progressively replaced the computer-based and paper-based tests. The full exam takes approximately 3–5 hours and is divided into four sections. The test is comprised of reading, listening, speaking and writing components. The topics used to test reading and listening tend to be academic in nature in order to test students’ comprehension ability. The type of English spoken and written in this exam is primarily North American English. The TOEFL iBT is scored on a scale of 0 to 120 points, with each of the four sections being granted between 0 and 30 points. Most postgraduate programs require a minimum TOEFL score of at least 80 points, though the exact number varies by course. CPE The CPE is operated by Cambridge English Language Assessment, which is part of the University of Cambridge. This highly respected exam is accepted not only by UK universities, but also by global companies and other institutions around the world. This exam is based on British English. Cambridge English Language Assessment offers a range of language exams, and the CPE is the highest level possible. The CPE is divided into four sections, including reading and use of English, writing, listening and speaking. The first two sections each last 1.5 hours, the listening section lasts about 40 minutes and the speaking section lasts 15 minutes per pair of candidates. Scoring for the CPE follows the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which ranges from A1 (beginner) to C2 (fully proficient). Students who sit the CPE exam are expected to score within the C1 to C2 range, and receive a certificate stating proof of exceptional English ability if they score a Grade A, B or C within the C2 level. CAE The Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) exam is the second highest proficiency test that Cambridge English Language Assessment offers. This test is also accepted by a wide range of universities, institutions and companies around the globe. The CAE also tests comprehension of British English. The CAE is split into five sections rather than four, including reading, writing, use of English, listening and speaking. The overall length of the exam is therefore slightly longer than the CPE, totalling nearly five hours. The CAE is also scored along the CEFR framework, and students who sit this exam are expected to score between the B2 and C2 range. Each test taker will receive both a Statement of Results and a certificate upon completion of the exam, providing detailed proof of language skills. Most universities require students to show C1 level proficiency, though the exact grade can vary by institution or even specific course. IELTS The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also recognized by universities, institutions and companies around the world. IELTS English proficiency exams are offered at designated testing centres in over 900 locations worldwide, with tests up to four times per month. The IELTS recognizes and utilizes both British and American English grammar, spelling and word choice. IELTS offers two versions of its exam, Academic or General Training. Students interested in applying to courses at UK universities should sit the Academic exam. The test takes just under three hours and is divided into four sections: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Every test taker is given the same listening and speaking components, while the reading and writing components differ between the Academic and General Training exams. The IELTS is hand marked by Cambridge English Language Assessment certified examiners. Test takers receive both a raw score and a band score, which are both based on the compiled mean of each section score. The band scale ranges from 1 to 9, reported in half point increments. Test takers who receive a 9 are deemed Expert Users. Studying for English Language Exams Each individual exam offers a range of customized study materials, including: Work books DVDs Online tutorials Written practice tests Audio practice It is very helpful to become familiar with the format of the test you will take, so it is recommended that you study using materials specific to that exam. There are free sample questions on the official websites of nearly each exam, so it is also a good idea to take a look at the format and see which makes most sense for you, assuming that where you are applying accepts each of these top options. In addition to using designated study materials, it is also helpful to simply use English on a regular basis in the weeks prior to taking the language exam. For example, you can: Meet with a language tandem partner Listen to or watch English news Read newspapers and magazines Watch movies and television Moreover, asking a native speaker to look at writing samples and point out any major or repeated mistakes can help you focus on your weaknesses and improve your overall skills. Photo credit: Blue Square Thing
If you are considering applying to a study program taught in English, whether in an English speaking country or elsewhere, you will almost certainly be required to send proof of English proficiency as part of your application. Moreover, if you are interested in applying to jobs that require English proficiency, having a language certificate will make your application process much smoother.
Rather than simply copying a list from QS or other global rankings, however, we’ve made a handpicked list of math departments from four continents – North America, Europe, Asia and Oceana. Each of these departments falls within the top 100 worldwide according to diverse ranking systems. In the list below, you’ll find each institution grouped according to geography. If the university you are looking for is not on this list, head to INOMICS, where you’ll find hundreds of other top departments from diverse disciplines. North America Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts Columbia University New York, New York Stanford University Stanford, California University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario McGill University Montréal, Quebec Europe University of Cambridge Cambridge, United Kingdom University of Oxford Oxford, United Kingdom Trinity College Dublin Dublin, Ireland Autonomous University of Madrid Madrid, Spain Pierre and Marie Curie University Paris, France ETH Zurich Zurich, Switzerland University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland Catholic University of Leuven Leuven, Belgium University of Bonn Bonn, Germany Asia Kyoto University Kyoto, Japan University of Tokyo Tokyo, Japan Oceania Australian National University Canberra, Australia University of Melbourne Melbourne, Australia University of Auckland Auckland, New Zealand Photo source: Ed Brambley
In previous posts we’ve offered you lists of Top Political Science Departments Worldwide and Top Economics Departments in Spain, Latin America and Europe. In this post, we’re shifting our focus from the social sciences to highlight the best math departments around the globe.
Econometrics, Statistics and Quantitative Methods (JEL C)
Top Political Science PhD Programs in Europe and the United States
While there are of course many other great programs around the world, such as those at the University of Tokyo and Australian National University, we feel that the abundance of top schools in Europe and the U.S. necessitate a list of their own. Each of these programs falls within the QS Top 100 list for political science departments. The order listed below, however, reflects geographical location rather than ranking, with the European institutions preceding the American. Degree TitleUniversityLocation 1) PhD in GovernmentLondon School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)London, United Kingdom 2) DPhil in PoliticsOxford UniversityOxford, United Kingdom 3) PhD in Politics and International StudiesCambridge UniversityCambridge, United Kingdom 4) PhD in Political ScienceTrinity College DublinDublin, Ireland 5) PhD in Political ScienceSciences Po ParisParis, France 6) PhD in International Relations/Political ScienceThe Graduate Institute GenevaGeneva, Switzerland 7) PhD in Political ScienceUniversity of MannheimMannheim, Germany 8) PhD in Political Science and GovernmentAarhus UniversityAarhus, Denmark 9) PhD in Political ScienceUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen, Denmark 10) PhD in Political ScienceLund UniversityLund, Sweden 11) PhD in Political Economy and GovernmentHarvard UniversityCambridge, Massachusetts 12) PhD in Political ScienceYale UniversityNew Haven, Connecticut 13) PhD in GovernmentCornell UniversityIthaca, New York 14) PhD in Political ScienceColumbia UniversityNew York, New York 15) PhD in PoliticsNew York University (NYU)New York, New York 16) PhD in PoliticsPrinceton UniversityPrinceton, New Jersey 17) PhD in Political ScienceGeorgetown UniversityWashington, D.C. 18) PhD in Political ScienceUniversity of California, BerkeleyBerkeley, California 19) PhD in Political ScienceStanford UniversityStanford, California 20) PhD in Political ScienceUniversity of California, San DiegoLa Jolla, California As always, head to INOMICS to browse through these and many other PhD, Master’s, MBA and summer school programs. Photo credit: Wesley Fryer
Although summer is just getting underway in many parts of the world, fall application season is waiting just around the corner. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a professional looking to step back into academia, finding the right PhD program is not always an easy process. For that reason, it’s important to start reviewing your options early. In a post a few months back we highlighted the global Top 20 Political Science Departments, and in this post we’d like to narrow that list to the graduate level while focusing specifically on Europe and the United States.
How Does Studying Abroad Help Your Job Prospects?
Even American students seem to be finally recognizing the many reasons to venture beyond their borders, as an increasing number are heading to Europe, Asia and elsewhere for extended stays. For U.S. students, the lower cost, shorter length of programs and diverse course selection can all act as added incentives for earning a degree abroad. Yet, amongst the many articles citing the importance of such a move, few discuss the other side of the coin – what to do after you’ve earned your degree. In short, graduates have three choices: stay in the country where they’ve studied, move to another new country or return to their home country. While the second option might seem unusual, it’s actually far more common for people to move to a second (or third or fourth) country once they’ve made the initial move abroad. To encourage the first option, numerous countries, including Australia, New Zealand and Germany, offer international students special work visas upon graduation. In an effort to quell the potential effects of brain drain, countries such as South Korea, China, India, Pakistan and Mexico all offer various incentives to highly educated individuals if they come home after graduation. Regardless of whether you head back to your home country or remain abroad, the transition from university to the work world can be challenging. Adding the further complication of (reverse) culture shock, language barriers or visa issues might seem simply overwhelming. Yet, it’s important to remember that there are many resources to help you in this process. The use of global employment networks such as INOMICS can help you look for work around the world, rather than simply focusing on one country. If you do plan on heading back to your home country after graduation, don’t be afraid to make use of your alumni association or other groups to help you settle back into your country of origin. When searching for a job, keep in mind that what you’ve learned abroad can offer you a strong advantage over other candidates. Don’t hesitate to emphasize not only the concrete aspects of your education, but also the skills you’ve learned, such as cross-cultural communication, multilingualism, independence and empathy. Moreover, it’s important to remember that international education can be put to use in a wide range of fields. Most national governments value candidates who speak multiple languages and have experience abroad, so jobs in policy and politics are definitely a good option. Relatedly, think tanks and other research organizationsvalue not only the aforementioned skills, but also the soft skills of intercultural competence and a diversity of perspectives. On the international level, NGOs and international organizations put a strong premium on candidates with previous experience in international settings. Regardless of where you are, skills in international business, management or finance make you a top candidate for banks and investment firms,multinational businesses, as well as international law firms. In summary, no matter where you’re applying, international experience can boost your chances for employment on a number of scales. Remember to highlight both your hard and soft skills and think broadly when searching for the next step along your professional path. Photo credit: simlinglin99
With the global flow of students higher now than ever before, there is an abundance of advice available regarding the benefits of studying abroad. Whether for a semester or a full degree, studying in a foreign country can boost your CV, help you learn a new language, expand your cultural understanding and allow you to create a worldwide network of friends and colleagues.
Who Will Win the 2014 World Cup? Econometrics Can Tell Us
According to the “PwC World Cup Index,” key factors predicting a top spot in the championship include the number of professional players in a given country, national interest in the sport, long-term tradition and the recent standing of the team. Yet, the relative weight of each of these and other variables is not always easy to quantify. Moreover, there are other factors, including home team, and even home continent advantage, that are thrown into the mix. Alongside the PwC report, a number of other organizations have delved into the prediction game, including Deutsche Bank and The Economist. For the fifth World Cup in a row, Goldman Sachs also produced a lengthy statistical analysis. Their report, “The World Cup and Economics 2014” uses a stochastic model to create predictions for each of the 64 potential matches that could be played, thereby creating a probable ranking of each team. Each report draws on historical and contemporary data to create their models, leading to the same conclusion – injury and error aside, Brazil should prove victorious. The PwC report highlights the fact that odds are consistently in favor of European and South American teams, though no European team has ever won when South America was hosting the World Cup, and Brazil is the only South American team ever to have won in Europe (in Sweden in 1958). Interestingly, both the U.S. and England are what they call “perennial underachievers,” as their overall rankings should have led to far more World Cup wins than history has shown. This year is unlikely to buck this negative trend, however, as neither team is predicted to advance beyond the first round. Yet, as the Goldman Sachs report points out, these models do not account for injury, illness or other unpredictable factors. So while econometrics tells us that the final game will pit Argentina against Brazil, perhaps a fluke accident or a few bad passes will allow other teams to sweep in and compete for the number one spot. If you find yourself stumbling over the basic rules of the game, much less the econometrics of who might win, take a look at this article on the 10 things you need to know in order to understand the World Cup. Like the Olympics, the World Cup offers both die-hard fans and novice viewers a chance to come together and enjoy watching. So read up and enjoy the fun!
In a post about the Olympics this past winter, we mentioned research linking the economic development of a country to its chances of taking home a large number medals in the Games. While it might seem reasonable to extend this logic to the World Cup, in-depth econometric and statistical analysis indicates otherwise. So how can we best predict who will come out on top in this year’s World Cup?