Archive for September 2008
Why Study in Ireland
Posted on: September 30, 2008
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Get a high quality education in a safe friendly country with a high standard of living and a rich history and culture!
IRELAND has emerged from scientific ignorance into an era of unrivalled genius, according to one of the world’s foremost scientific journals.
Prestigious American magazine ‘The Scientist’ has dedicated a special supplement on how Ireland turned its scientific fortunes around in the space of just a few years.
In the past, Irish scientists had to emigrate in order to find a steady career. However the return of these “prodigal sons” during the Celtic Tiger years, has helped to cultivate scientific expertise here. Such is this country’s draw, it now attracts “the world’s greatest Irish — and non-Irish — researchers”.
The magazine says that Ireland has now established itself among the elite in several areas of life sciences, including biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry. Ireland now boasts 32 manufacturing plants which are approved by the powerful US Food and Drug Administration, and which produce six of the 10 best-selling drugs in the world.
Eight of the world’s top-10 pharmaceutical companies in terms of global sales have manufacturing plants in Ireland while last year, exports of pharmaceuticals and chemicals accounted for just under half of all Irish exports.
The science boom created thousands of jobs, although some have been shed in the economic downturn. Because of these new opportunities, around 1,000 students are expected to graduate with PhDs this year — double that of a decade ago.
Ireland’s long and honourable tradition in educational excellence is recognised the world over. Dating back to the Middle Ages, Ireland held the position as one of the principal education providers to the western world. Successive modern governments have continued to regard education as a key priority and investment in this area has been sustained for a long time. This has resulted in one of the highest education participation rates in the world today, which, in turn, has had positive implications for the strong economic growth and development of Ireland.
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Ireland has one of the best education systems in Europe (2004 IMD World Competitiveness Report) with a history rich in tradition and learning.
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The quality of the Irish education system is a major contributing factor to the rapid rate of economic growth Ireland has experienced over the last few decades.
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Irish higher education institutions are widely recognised for excellence in many disciplines.
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Ireland is recognised as an international location for high quality scientific research.
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Ireland is an English speaking country. Some of the great writers in English literature have come from Ireland. These include Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, William Butler Yeats, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett.
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Ireland is beautiful – much of the countryside remains unspoilt providing an excellent natural habitat for a flourishing flora and fauna. Ireland’s landscape provides a rich environment for the many outdoor leisure pursuits for which it is famous. Watersports, hill walking, rocking climbing and caving are just a few of the many activities which can be enjoyed when taking a break from study.
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Irish people are among the most enriching reasons to study in Ireland. Irish people are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality which greatly contributes to the ease with which overseas students adapt to student life in Ireland.
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Ireland has a young vibrant population, with 40% of the population under the age of 25, Ireland is one of the most exciting places in the world to be a student.
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Ireland has a rich cultural heritage with its own distinctive language (Gaelic) music, culture and sports.
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Ireland is a dynamic, lively and modern country.
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Ireland is a safe country to study in.
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Ireland is a highly developed democracy with a modern economy. The Irish economy is particularly strong in the areas of software development, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and international services.
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The number of international students visiting Ireland is increasing each year, students from all over the world are taking advantage of the higher education standard in Ireland coupled with the unique cultural experience.
NEW DELHI: Canada has rolled out a new open work permit scheme to attract foreign students – a move that may lure more Indian students from their favourite destinations like the US, Britain and Australia.
Under the new scheme announced by the Canadian government Thursday, foreign students going to Canada will now be able to get an open work permit under a post-graduate programme, with virtually no restrictions on the type of employment and no requirement of a job offer.
The duration of the work permit has been increased to three years to ensure easier employment opportunities to target foreign students in an increasingly competitive global education market.
“The government of Canada wants more foreign students to choose Canada,” Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Diane Finley said in a statement, released by the Canadian high commission here.
“Open and longer work permits provide international students with more opportunities for Canadian work experience…this will help make Canada a destination of choice, and help us keep international students already studying in Canada,” the minister added.
Canada is not a preferred destination for Indian stundents, but the last decade has seen a spurt in interest in Canadian universities.
A total of 5,700 Indian students were studying in Canada in 2007 while 2,531 study permits were issued to Indians that year. This was a big jump from 339 Indian students who went to Canada in 1997.
Over 80,000 Indian students study in the US, forming the largest number of foreign students in that country. Around 19,000 Indian students went to the UK last year.
India has emerged as a battleground for foreign universities looking for bright students. British universities rolling out their education roadshow for Indian students and the US easing visa procedures to sustain the flow of the “best and brightest” shows that none of these countries want to lose out in the race.
Canada has crafted this new scheme to address severe shortage of skilled personnel that is affecting the global competitiveness of its economy.
“As we move toward the implementation of the Canadian Experience Class, these changes will help create a pool of individuals who, with work experience, will find it easier to apply to immigrate to Canada,” said the Canadian minister.
“Our ability to retain international graduates with Canadian qualifications, work experience and familiarity with Canadian society, will help increase our competitiveness and benefit Canada as a whole,” said the minister.
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NEW DELHI: With the government pushing for a bilateral labour mobility agreement, Indian professionals and workers may soon be headed for destinations in Eastern European countries, as 13 million job opportunities are expected to arise there.
With numbers of aging population on the rise in Europe and a steady outflow of skilled workers from these countries to a more prosperous western Europe, India hopes to fill the gap with its young work force. So far the traditional choices for Indian professionals was North America and for workers it was Gulf countries.
Studies by the European Union estimates on the basis of increase in production capacities and growth parameters that 13 million additional jobs will be created in Eastern Europe between years 2006-15.
The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) have already signed a MoU with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for implementation of an European Union sponsored project `Regional Dialogue and Program on Facilitating Managed and Legal Migration between Asia and the European Union (EU)’.
“Labour supply gaps in the EU states have been identified in certain key sectors like construction, health, hospitality, Pharma and IT. Also a India-EU Free Trade agreement which is on the cards shortly will provide a natural corollary for supporting movement of Indian workers and professionals,” said a top MOIA official.
“Countries like Poland, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Hungary and Denmark have already been approached by the Indian government with proposals for a bilateral labour mobility agreement, after a potential for circular migration was identified in these countries.” he said.
Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Vyalar Raviv is slated to visit Copenhagen and London later this month to push the bilateral labour agreement treaty with Denmark.
The agreement pursues putting in place a system of safe and legal migration for Indian workers. To meet standards of global production structures, India is counting on the Craftsman Training Scheme and an Apprenticeship Training Scheme of the Directorate General of Employment and Training.
“We have offered skilled worksmen for Europe in 153 trades from the 1896 Industrial Training Institutes and 3126 industrial training centres in the country,” said an official.
Studies have shown that population of working age in Europe will decrease from 67.2 per cent in 2004 to 56.7 per cent by 2050. While population of elderly will double from prevailing 18 per cent to 30 per cent by 2050. With Europe hit hard by recession, officials said they are awaiting an opportune moment to go ahead with the bilateral labour mobility agreement.
“Going by global market trends, Europe will over come the recessionary trends by end of this year. A job fair in Denmark is on the cards by then to initiate the process. Responses to the agreement are also expected from Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland and a few other countries around the same time,” said a policy division official at the MOIA.
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LONDON: British government on Thursday unveiled a new ID card scheme in order to issue biometric identity cards to Indians and other foreign nationals applying for extension to stay in the UK from November 25. ( Watch )
The first ID cards for foreign nationals in the UK will be issued from November 25 and most of the foreign nationals will be covered under the scheme within three years, home secretary Jacqui Smith said while unveiling the design of the card.
The new credit-card sized document will carry the holder’s photograph, name, date of birth, nationality and immigration status. A secure electronic chip will also hold their biometric details, including fingerprints and a digital facial image.
“ID cards will help protect against identity fraud, illegal working, reduce the use of multiple identities in organised crime and terrorism, crackdown on those trying to abuse positions of trust and make it easier for people to prove they are who they say they are,” she said.
“ID cards for foreign nationals will replace old-fashioned paper documents, make it easier for employers and sponsors to check entitlement to work and study and for the UK Border Agency to verify someone’s identity. This will provide identity protection to the many here legally who contribute to the prosperity of the UK, while helping prevent abuse,” she added.
Inviting applications from November 25 from foreigners, the process will also kick start the introduction of National Identity Scheme.
“We are delivering on our commitment to introduce the National Identity Scheme in order that we can enjoy its benefits as quickly as possible,” Smith said.
Making it mandatory, the government expects to cover 90 per cent foreigners under the scheme by 2014-15.
To ensure the benefits of the programme, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) will start with categories that have been targeted by those wanting to abuse country’s immigration system, including students and married people seeking extension to stay.
The introduction of biometric cards for foreign nationals will be followed by the scheme of first ID cards for British citizens, targeting workers in sensitive roles and locations like airports from 2009.
The first card scheme is based on government’s tough Australian-style Points Based System for managed migration.
The cards will be available for young people from 2010 while for others it will be issued from 2011-12.
The scheme has been welcomed by various quarters including recruiters and academic institutions as it will provide a convenient and secure means to protect identity by locking it to one person using fingerprints.
“Recruitment professionals in the front-line of the UK labour market play an increasingly pivotal role in checking the identity, background and status of individual job seekers,” said Director of External Relations of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation Tom Hadley.
“Recruiters take their responsibilities to verify an individual’s right to work in the UK extremely seriously and support initiatives to enhance safe and ethical recruitment,” Hadley said.
Higher Education in Finland
Posted on: September 25, 2008
- In: Articles | Europe | Finland
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In Finland the national strategy is based on a desire to develop the country as an information society that educates its citizens to a high standard. In order to achieve this, Finland channels substantial investment into research and development. In addition, Finland has internationally recognized expertise in many areas, and its institutions of higher education have state-of-the-art facilities.
Languages
Finland has two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. Since neither is spoken by many people outside the Nordic countries, the Finns are aware of the need to learn other peoples’ languages. Today, it is no exaggeration to say that virtually every Finn up to middle age at least can communicate in a foreign tongue, most often English.
So, visitors to Finland are not expected to speak Finnish or Swedish. Indeed the locals would be surprised if they did. That’s fine for foreign adults working temporarily in Finland, advancing their careers, but what if they have school-aged children with them? Where can they go to school?
Plenty of choice
Finnish universities and polytechnics offer over 400 international study programmes in different disciplines taught in English.
In 2007, some 11 300 foreign students representing more than 100 nationalities were studying for a degree in Finland, and of them approximately 11 300 were enrolled in universities and polytechnics. In addition, approximately 8 400 other students come to Finland every year either on exchange programmes or independently.
Internationally compatible degrees
In 2005, the degree structure of Finnish universities was amended to become more compatible internationally. All programmes are based on a joint European credit transfer system (ECTS), which facilitates international transparency and recognition of Finnish degrees at a global level.
As the network of Finnish universities and polytechnics covers the whole country, students can choose among very different study environments: there are large urban campuses and quieter, close-to-nature campuses. Thanks to the quality assurance system, the quality of universities’ infrastructures, student services, and teaching and research is high irrespective of location.
More than just studying
Studying in Finland offers also an insight into the culture of Finland and the country’s two official languages, Finnish and Swedish, all of which are unique in many ways. Finnish society is egalitarian and well-organised: it provides a solid foundation for the development of modern, internationally-oriented higher education.
International Cooperation
Internationalisation of education has been one of the key development areas in Finnish educational policy since the late 1980s. All Finnish institutions of higher education, i.e. polytechnics and universities, have close connections to foreign institutions and active exchange and mobility schemes with them.
Every year an increasing number of international students choose Finland as their place of study, and many Finnish students pursue part of their degree studies abroad. In order to attract international exchange and degree students, Finnish universities have developed numerous English-language study programmes.In 2007 there were close to 400 study programmes in different disciplines taught in English. In 2008-2009 Finnish institutions offer close to 200 degree programmes taught in English on Master’s and Doctoral level.
At the moment some 11 300 foreign students representing more than 40 nationalities are studying for a degree in Finland, and of them approximately 5 900 are enrolled in universities. In addition, over 7 200 other students come to Finland every year either on exchange programmes or independently.
According to Statistics Finland the top five countries of origin for foreign students attending Finnish universities and polytechnics in 2006 were:
- China (16,7 %)
- Russian Federation (11,7 %)
- Estonia (6,6 %)
- Sweden (5,7 %)
- Germany (4,0 %)
In 2005, the degree structure of Finnish universities was amended to become more compatible internationally. All programmes are based on a joint European credit system, which will further facilitate international transparency and recognition of Finnish degrees at a global level.
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Choosing a destination for higher education is a crucial step, and it is essential to do the best choice possible and target outstanding institutions in the field you are interested in. Quality of universities results of different factors, one of them being the priority that a country has put on Research and Development (R&D). Traditionally, Switzerland has given great importance to R&D, and established a favorable environment for universities to develop and reach high quality standards. The Swiss commitment to R&D is illustrated by the Table below, which reports a cross countries comparison of gross domestic expenditures on R&D as a percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP).
A commonly used indicator of higher education and R&D quality of a country is its capacity to innovate. In the European Innovation Scoreboard 2005 Switzerland has shown an outstanding performance in innovation, and has been classified in the category of Innovation Drivers. Furthermore, Switzerland has come just after the United States.
The impact of scientific publications is an additional common proxy of a country’s competitiveness and strengths in R&D. As shown in the Table below, over 1998-2002 Switzerland has performed very well, and has come first in the research areas of Engineering, Computing and Technology.
Higher education in Switzerland is carried out in 10 Universities, 2 Federal Institutes of Technology, and 7 Universities of Applied Sciences. Basically, Universities and Federal Institutes of Technology are the only one who can confer doctoral degrees, and their programmes combine teaching and research. Swiss Universities and Federal Institutes of Technology have excellent international reputation, and at least five of them have been ranked among the best 50 universities in the world.
Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) are practice oriented, and propose programmes so diverse as engineering, business administration, or arts. UAS accommodate the need of students and the job market.
Higher education in Switzerland is aligned along the so called “Bologna system”, which aims at standardizing academic degrees so as to enhance the mobility of citizens and to increase the international competitiveness of European higher education. In line with the Bologna system, Swiss higher education consists of two main cycles of studies, undergraduate and postgraduate. The former requiring 3 years studies leading to a Bachelor degree; whereas the latter consisting of 2 years for obtaining a Master degree, and then PhD research. Because of the high quality of Swiss higher education and the wide spectrum of graduate and postgraduate teaching imparted totally or partially in English, Switzerland is an attractive destination for international students.
- Very high standards in research and experimental development
- Highly innovative and competitive environment
- Premier higher education institutions
- Strong linkages between higher education and industries as well as private business
- Part-time job while studying possible
- Moderate living costs and low tuition fees
- In the heart of Europe
- Economic power of Switzerland
- Headquarter for International Organizations such as the United Nations
- Outstanding quality of life (Zurich and Geneva ranked as the cities with the highest living quality in the world)
The opportunity for me to go back to the University, after having spent nearly seven intensive years in an applied research environment in The Energy and Resources Institute, came about towards the end of 2003 when a project collaborator from ETH, Zurich, mentioned that he was looking for Doctoral students to work on India related issues in his institute. After spending the better part of a year and a half applying to the Doctoral Administration at ETH, attesting mark-sheets and transcripts at the University of Delhi, and negotiating leave arrangements at TERI, I finally left for Zurich in October 2004 to begin my doctoral studies.
Switzerland turned out to be remarkable experience. The academic environment in ETH, which is possibly one of the best technical universities in the world, is extremely rigorous and competitive, without being tense, and the pace of work is frenetic, without being frantic. The facilities available for, and the emphasis on, sports, culture, entertainment, and overall work-life balance made the three and half years I spent in Zurich the most rewarding of my life. And the cosmopolitan nature of the entire country allows one to sample several world cultures and I now have friends from Japan, Cuba, Zimbabwe, apart from most European countries. Truly a microcosm of the human race.
Now that I am back in India, I am trying to still retain some of my Swiss holiday. Like following the unlikely progress of the Swiss national team in EURO 08. Going hiking or biking on weekends. And realizing the importance of a nice espresso every morning.
source: Swiss Embassy New Delhi, India
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After graduation at a university or university of applied sciences in the Netherlands, foreign students do have the possibility to extend their stay for a period of one year to search for a job as a highly skilled migrant.
In order to make use of this so called ‘search period’ you need to apply for a change in the purpose of stay endorsed on your residence permit. The new residence permit with the purpose ‘verblijf gedurende zoekjaar afgestudeerde’ (seeking work after graduation) is meant to look for a job as a so called ‘highly skilled migrant’, but you are also allowed to look for a job as a regular ‘labour migrant’.
During the one year ‘search period’ you are not allowed to ask for any State benefits. In order to pay your own way while searching for a job that allows you to stay on in the Netherlands you may work freely. No work permit is required.
After the one year ‘search period’ you must either apply for a change of purpose or leave the country.
Highly skilled migrant
As a highly skilled migrant you need to earn at least € 25.000 gross a year. Your employer does not need to apply for a work permit for you which makes it an attractive option.
Labour migrant
As a labour migrant there is no wage prerequisite like the highly skilled migrant scheme, but your employer is not allowed to pay you less than the required minimum wages as stated by Dutch law. Your employer will need to apply for a work permit if you are not an EU/EEA/Swizz citizen. Moreover, the employer will need to proof that there is no Dutch or other European citizen capable and available to take on this job.
For more information on this topic, please read the factsheet ‘Staying after your studies to find a job as a highly skilled migrant.’
source: Nuffic – September 18, 2008
Germany has established an “Initiative for Excellence” in higher education
Posted on: September 24, 2008
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Higher education in Germany is changing fast – as a result of numerous reforms and the Initiative for Excellence. The quality of research and teaching is benefiting from this – and so are students.
From Konstanz to Kiel, from Aachen to Dresden, things are changing in higher education all over Germany – and colleges and universities are boldly taking up the challenge of reform. Professors’ pay is becoming more strongly performance-oriented, universities are being transformed into independent foundations, courses are being made more international and in some Länder students are now paying – relatively moderate – tuition fees. Furthermore, Germany’s 383 institutions of higher education have been immersed in a new competitive spirit signalling a mood of change and renewal. More than ever before, students and professors are discussing excellence and performance. Buzzwords like “institutional strategies”, “clusters” and “graduate schools” are being heard throughout the country’s 103 universities.
But what prompted this change? A unique competition within German higher education – the Initiative for Excellence. Established by the Federal Government and the Länder, it aims to promote top university research and to create beacons of scholarship in Germany that will also radiate abroad. A total of 1.9 billion euros is being allocated between 2006 and 2011 to achieve this goal. This money is being distributed through the competition in three categories: graduate schools, excellence clusters and institutional strategies.
Graduate schools are considered one of the special strengths of German higher education institutions. They offer PhD students a well-structured training oriented towards the latest state in research. They only recently evolved in their current internationally innovative form within the framework of the Initiative for Excellence. Whether the Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology or the Graduate School of Computer Science at the Universität des Saarlandes, the 39 graduate schools distinguished by the Initiative for Excellence – which receive some one million euros of financial support a year – offer young academics ideal conditions for launching a career in research. The same goal is being served by the talent initiative organized by universities and the Max Planck Society that has already established 49 International Max Planck Research Schools. Helmholtz Graduate Schools are also offering PhD programs of the highest quality.
In the case of excellence clusters, support is being awarded to internationally oriented research centres at German universities that collaborate with extra-university research institutes, universities of applied sciences and industry. Some 6.5 million euros a year are going to 37 excellence clusters. For example, climate research is the central focus of work by natural scientists, economists, social scientists and humanities researchers at Universität Hamburg who are cooperating with the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology and the German Weather Service (DWD).
The third and final category of the Initiative for Excellence brings the most prestige: institutional strategies are intended to strengthen the research profile of German universities. The precondition for support is that a university has at least one excellence cluster, one graduate school and a convincing overall strategy. Institutions that meet all three criteria are considered outstanding and receive the sought-after title “elite university”. A panel of international researchers from the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the German Science Council made the selection.
In the first two rounds, in autumn 2006 and 2007, the panel selected nine outstanding universities in Aachen, Berlin, Freiburg, Göttingen, Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, Konstanz and Munich. Elite status gives a university an additional 21 million euros a year for research – and a priceless boost to its prestige.
Germany is preparing itself for the international competition for the best minds. Already, boasting some 250,000 foreign students, Germany is the world’s favourite study destination after the United States and Great Britain. The Initiative for Excellence is just one of a number of strategies aimed at making Germany a more attractive higher education landscape. And with the introduction of the internationally recognized Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in place of German Diplom and Magister qualifications, Germany is well-placed to continue the upwards trend.
source: German Consulate General Toronto
Why study in Sweden?
Posted on: September 24, 2008
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Innovation and creativity run deep
Sweden is a safe and modern country in northern Europe, and it has accrued a spectacular reputation as an innovator and creative force. Sweden’s famed corporate brands – like Volvo, Ikea, Ericsson, H&M and Saab – complement its cultural brands – like Ingmar Bergman, Abba, Astrid Lindgren, Bjorn Borg, August Strindberg, The Cardigans and Greta Garbo.
Standards are high
Sweden has a long and proud history of academic excellence, with outstanding universities dating back to the 15th century. Sweden is the home of the Nobel Prize, the world’s most prestigious academic distinction.
Today, Sweden’s reputation for innovation is built on close cooperation between industry and academia. Swedish universities are renowned for their investigative research and independent thinking, and this reputation is cemented with rigorous quality control and nationally certified degrees. Sweden has one of the most ambitious educational evaluation programs in Europe, aimed at maintaining this competitive edge.
Choice
Swedish universities offer around 500 master’s programs in English, ranging from human rights law to mechanical engineering. Programs are structured in response to student demand – the result is a student-centric education system, with open, informal relations between students and teachers, and where personal initiative and critical thought are prized.
Foreign students are welcome
Many students studying in Sweden come from abroad – 8.5% of the student body, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) – making Sweden one of the world’s most inclusive countries for education. But there is room for more: the number grew by over 80% over the last 4-year period. There are now PhD candidates from some 80 countries working towards their degrees in Sweden.
Sweden’s educational policy is based on the recognition that a multicultural student body is a resource. Competition for places is keen, but students of all nationalities may apply, given the right credentials; and degree equivalency for past studies is granted on a flexible basis.
Scholarships are available
The Swedish Institute grants hundreds of scholarships every year to help foreign students make their stay in Sweden more affordable. Currently, tuition fees for everyone are fully subsidized by the state. Sweden’s public spending on education is the OECD’s highest, at 4.9% of GDP. And because it costs to live in Sweden, foreign students can work while studying.
English is spoken by all
Almost all Swedes speak fluent English. Many Swedish companies use English as their official working language. Foreign students find that this prevalence of English makes adapting to their new surroundings much easier.
source: SWEDEN.SE/ Study in Sweden
NEW DELHI — Effective Friday, September 19, 2008, all United States Consular Sections in India will adjust the consular exchange rate from Rs. 46 to the dollar to Rs. 48 to the dollar.
This rate change is effective for all rupee-denominated costs of applying for visas and passports, including the nonimmigrant visa application fee paid at HDFC branch banks prior to the scheduling of visa appointments. The new application fee for nonimmigrant visas is Rs. 6,288 (equivalent to USD $131). Receipts issued by HDFC Bank prior to September 19, 2008 that reflect a payment of Rs. 6,026 will be honored and there will be no need for a supplemental payment.
For a full listing of specific fee changes and more information on all U.S. visa and consular services, please visit the Embassy website at http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov
Study Abroad Guide-GECS India 
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