Professional Education in Spain

For students, goal-oriented activity and the possibility of receiving an application specialties, there is an opportunity to get a professional education.

There is a four-stage structure of vocational education

Level 1 corresponds to the two high school (post-compulsory secondary education, at the age of 16 to 18 years), after a certificate of secondary education. A college student has the right to choose subjects – at least five in the last trimester. This is a preparatory level, which still does not give a professional certificate. At the 2nd level, you can learn from 18 years or after the 1st level in college or post-secondary school. In the first year at this level study four subjects in their chosen specialty. On one of them at the end of the year must pass a qualifying exam.

In the second year there are three items and, therefore, three exams. The results of these exams is diploma authorizing work on a specialty, but does not occupy managerial positions. Final exams at this level can be granted admission to the University on the first stage of higher education.

After that, the student can go to work, go on to college or enter the university.

At the 3rd level college study for one year. Here come the young people who want to grow up to managers and executives of the first link. At this level are also those who want to improve their skills or change career to the adjacent.

Level 4. After years of study is awarded a bachelor’s degree, which gives the right to hold mid-level positions or manage a small company. For example, a lawyer can open his office, and medical – treatment room.

With regard to employment, the students are allowed to work in Spain after the third level

Academic higher education in Spain

Higher education in Spain is available in both public and private universities and business schools. Today Spain has 47 public and 10 private universities. Spanish universities have a long history: the first university was founded in Salamanca in 1218, University of Barcelona – in 1450, and Granada – in 1526.

The educational process at Spanish universities includes three cycles.

First – Diplomatura – lasts 3 years and leads to a qualification Diplomado, or Arcquitecto Tecnico, or Ingeniero Tecnico (the last two are the architecture and technical skills). Learning content in this period is practical and can continue to work as practitioners middle managers. For example, a manager in a travel agency, a teacher of primary school, social service workers.

At the end of the second cycle – it takes 2-3 years – Awarded qualification Licenciado, Arquitecto or Ingeniero.

Licenciatura (first plus second cycle education) include law, business management, economic, and engineering, pharmacy, mathematics, education and other fields. Licenciatura programs can be offered either as a separate two-year courses of the second cycle, or as a five-year program, covering both the first and second cycle education. The third – a two-year – a cycle of preparing for a degree Doctorado and can be correlated with the master’s and doctoral.

The University usually includes a large number of professional schools of different specialties (design, hospitality, art, etc.).

There are four types of training units that make up the university

  • university departments (facultades universitarias) – universities, where we study non-technical theoretical subjects. Education for them covers all three cycles of higher education;
  • School of Engineering (escuelas tecnicas superiores), which are, on the contrary, technical orientation, but also provide for all three cycles of higher education;
  • university schools (escuelas universitarias), having a definite orientation and can only bring the student up to the first level of higher education (although they may be offered by the program and the second and third cycles, for which they receive a diploma at the University, which are accredited);
  • university colleges (colegios universitarias), as well as schools that provide education to the program only the first level.

These programs are generally similar to traditional university programs, and do not give career guidance. Tuition and fees at public universities in Spain, most of the large autonomy set by local authorities and usually varies from 700 to 2,000 euros a year, rarely rising above 4,000 euros. In private universities, the cost per year ranges from 4,000 to 10,000 euros per year.

In addition to public and private universities, Spain has a large number of well-known business schools such as ESADE Escuela Superior de Administracion y Direccion de Empresas, IEDE, Institute for Executive Development, etc., the quality of education that is at the level of world standards. Usually business schools offer a number of programs in the English language, which allows you to get a quality education in Spain, not only for students fluent in Spanish.

Procedure of entrance in Universities in Spain

Selectividad

In order to enroll in higher education for the first year, as the Spanish and foreign students must pass the exam PAAU (Pruebas de Aptitud para Acceso a la Universidad), which is often called the Selectividad. Passes the exam is usually in secondary schools – for their graduate or preparatory courses at institutions of higher education – for graduates of these courses. You can take it in absentia – in UNED (Universidad Nacional de Education a Distancia), but for foreigners without specific training it is rarely possible.

The exam consists of two parts:

In the first determine the general level of education, the second part of the exam – testing in subjects selected entrant – a humanitarian or natural. Grade is on a 10-point scale, but it turns out as the average for the answers to questions. And the certificate is exposed aggregate result, which also takes into account and the average score of the school-leaving certificate.

Selectividad guarantees admission to state universities, but the more prestigious universities, the higher pass rate.

There are several ways to prepare for the exam Selectividad

  •  training in Spanish secondary school (not in public – there do not accept foreigners) in two-year Bachillerato followed by an examination in the same school;
  •  training on a one-year program of accelerated training to pass Selectividad in private Spanish schools or boarding schools after high school;
  •  training in Spain for long-term language courses to attend classes to prepare for the exam Selectividad in the evening.

In addition to passing the exam Selectividad foreign applicants must also to document their knowledge of the Spanish language.

The official exam is DELE (Diploma de Espan ~ ol como Lengua Extranjera), you can prepare for it in many language schools in Spain and abroad. The exam may be taken only twice a year – in May and November, the registration of candidates is carried out in good time, on schedule and according to certain rules.

It should also be borne in mind that the foreign citizens for filing documents in higher education in Spain (as in programs of higher and postgraduate education) is required to undergo the procedure of recognition of education attained (homologacion) in the Ministry of Education of Spain (Ministerio de Educacion, Cultura y Deportes, MECD). This is a long process that can take up to six months, so preparation for university you need to start early.

Secondary education in Spain

In planning their children’s lives in the long term, some parents prefer to send their children beginning to study Spanish at school, so then they do not experience any difficulties with any language, or with the arrival to the Spanish universities.

There is an extensive network of public and private schools as well as schools funded church. For the Spanish primary and secondary education to 16 years is compulsory and free, but for foreign nationals to enter the  free education in public school eis not real. Preference is given to students from poor Spanish families, whose parents can not afford to send their child to a private school.

Of particular note is the presence in Spain of a large number of private secondary schools, teaching the double programs. Typically, this is English – or American-Spanish schools (Caxton College, King’s College, etc.). These programs are of particular interest to foreign children, as they give the opportunity to learn two languages ​​and received two certificates of secondary education – English and Spanish, and the cost is almost two times lower than, for example, in the UK. To enroll in English-Spanish schools boarding enough knowledge of English, but also welcomed the initial and in-depth knowledge of Spanish.

Stages of school and pre-school education in Spain

  •  Kindergarten (Jardin de enfancia) – 2 to 4 years;
  • Pre-school training (Escuela de parvulos) – 4 to 6 years;
  • primary education (Educacion Primaria) from 6 to 12 years;
  • secondary compulsory education (Educaion Secundaria Obligatoria) – 12 to 16 years; upper
  • secondary education (Bachillerato) or first level of professional education (Formacion Profesional I) – from 16 to 18 years.

Students learn core subjects (geography, history, Spanish, mathematics, art, music, science and elective courses and basic training in any area).

Upon completion of compulsory education graduates can continue their education or vocational education, or after successfully passed testing to enter the two-year program Bachillerato, necessary for the subsequent admission to the university and to complete upper secondary education. During the training program Bachillerato are separated by streams with specialized subjects in the area in which the student plans to specialize in the future. Usually schools offer four areas of specialization: art, science, humanities and social sciences, and technology. After graduation you need to take an examination Selectividad, which is the key to entrance to the Spanish universities.

Spain, more than any other country in Europe, features a large number of English-language schools where tuition is in English or American system. They are united by the National Association of British Schools in Spain NABSS and are accredited by the British Council as well as the Ministry of Education of Spain.

The main obvious advantage of such schools is the possibility of both the British (or American) and Spanish classical education, with the subsequent issuance of two certificates. This opens the door student in almost any English-speaking university in the world and provides an opportunity to enroll in Spanish universities.

Also provides an education to foreign students proficiency in two foreign languages – in English and Spanish, that  can provide good career opportunities in the future. Moreover, training in Spain for many children more comfortable than in England, due to climatic conditions and cuisine of the country, the psychological characteristics and attitudes of Spaniards that a relation of heat and relate to students, foreigners and provide continuing psychological support.
Note, however, that this is not only a promising and exciting, but complicated programs as they fit together very different training schemes related to the peculiarities of the content of national education systems.

Formally compulsory secondary education (Educacion Secundaria Obligatoria-ESO) in the Spanish schools took 4 years – from 12 to 16 years, after which students take tests and assigned skill from Insuficiente (poor) to Sobresaliente (excellent). Spanish program for time parameter is identical to the English – at 16 students enrolled in the British system, take an examination for a certificate GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education), basic training which is conducted over 2 academic years – from 14 to 16 . In both countries, this can put a full stop – compulsory schooling is completed, you can begin working career. However, for admission to the university in both countries, educational attainment is not enough – need 2 more years of training under the program post-secondary: Six Form (England) and Bachillerato (Spain).

The main differences are observed in the training at this stage. This is not only a feature of the national programs, but also the limitations of the tests and rules of admission to higher education institutions in the UK and Spain.

Education in Spain

Primary and secondary education in Spain

  • Pre-primary education (Educacion Infantil) from 0 to 6 years (divided into 2 cycles – from 0 to 3 and from 3 to 6 years) and is not necessary;
  • Primary education (Educacion Primaria) from 6 to 12 years (divided into 3 cycles, 2 courses) – required for all at this stage, given the basis for all subjects.
  • Compulsory secondary education in Spain (Educacion Secundaria Obligatoria) is also divided into cycles: the first cycle – 12-14 years – two courses and two second cycle – 14-16 years old – two courses and is the last link in the basic cultural, social, and technical training.

In Spain, there are special centers where you can pass the exams for this degree. School, college (Undergraduate), vocational training centers, as well as all centers have this authority. This exam can be a state, and in this case, it is held in May and October. But it can also be put in a private institution, which has on it a license.

In post-secondary education the student can: continue education (further education and obtain a bachelor’s or go on to secondary school and vocational training).

Higher education in Spain

Academic year runs from October to June.

After passing the baccalaureate, students can enter the university. It should be borne in mind that in some universities, not like two-year training, here is required to pass an additional one-year training (COU). This course is intended for university-equivalent to our preparatory courses at universities. (Usually COU needs to enroll in medical, mathematical universities).

The structure of Spanish universities are four types of training units:

  • University faculties (facultades universitarias) – universities, where we study non-technical theoretical subjects. Education for them covers all three cycles of higher education.
  • School of Engineering (escuelas tecnicas superiores) have, on the contrary, technical orientation, but also provide all three cycles of higher education.
  • University School (escuelas universitarias) have a certain orientation and able to bring the student only to the first stage of higher education.
  • University colleges (colegios universitarias) as well as schools that provide education to the program only the first level. These programs are generally similar to traditional university and do not provide professional orientation.

Entrance Exams

Entrance Exam to Universities complex, called “selectividad” and includes compulsory subjects and sample (human or technical, depending on the university and the complex part of the Spanish (for foreigners))

Postgraduate education

Postgraduate education is an additional 2-3 (in some universities more) training. Encouraged not to keep in mind that in Spain a few universities to offer graduate degrees in all subjects, so you should be prepared to continue their education in another province or city.

Entry Requirements

The definition of equivalence under the jurisdiction of Spanish Ministry of Education. For admission to the date of entrance exam in Spanish Universities, you need a positive response from the Ministry of Education. Entrance Exam selectividad – a comprehensive exam consisting of mandatory deposit Spanish (more jobs) and either human or technical parts (items can be selected incoming).

If the applicant has a diploma of passing the language exam DELE (Diploma de Espanol como Lengua Extranjera / English as a Foreign Language), for admission to the University, he may be released from the  language test.

Required language skills

For admission to the Spanish Universities you need a high level of knowledge of Spanish, otherwise it is impossible to pass the entrance exams. At some universities, there are Spanish courses for foreign students.

Financial assistance and training costs

Scholarships in Spain is practically impossible, since many universities simply can not pay for your training.

Tuition in the state university – 700-1000 dollars a year in the private sector – from 3,000 to 10,000 dollars a year. The cost of graduate – from 1000 to 7000 U.S. dollars per year. The State University tuition, usually includes classes, use of the university library (for little money you make library card), computers, language laboratories, laboratories, textbooks and books. Additionally you have to pay for dictionaries and if necessary for additional classes in Spanish. Group lessons are cheaper than  individual. One hour private lesson about 17-20 dollars + living expenses (based on $ 15 per day), transportation, clothing, food. In Spain, the food is inexpensive and of high quality. For 7 -12 dollars you can eat in any restaurant.

Accommodation (rented apartment) in Madrid, Barcelona – 350-400 dollars a month, in Salamanca, Avila – 200-300 dollars a month.

Higher education in Ireland

Universities in Ireland

The system of higher education (or “third-level education» ) – are state universities, professional colleges and educational institutions. Recently began to appear private, mainly business colleges. In Ireland, there are  six universities.

  • The most famous – Trinity College Dublin (University of Dublin, Trinity College).
  • Another famous University – National University of Ireland (NUI) – consists of three colleges: University College Dublin, University College Cork and University College Galway.

All three colleges are autonomous and self-governing, each of them has the status of a university itself. There are NUI accredited colleges, one of the most prestigious medical schools in Europe, The Royal College of Surgeons, St. Patrick’s College (St Patrick’s College) and St Angela’s College. Irish include the six “friends” and two universities, located in Northern Ireland and in the United Kingdom: Queens University Belfast and the University of Ulster (University of Ulster).

Irish universities – primarily academic and research centers, and they come in the first place, those who want to devote themselves to scientific careers. All Irish universities have departments of humanities, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, economics and medicine. In each, there are three levels: bachelor’s degree (3-4 years), master’s and doctoral programs.

Largest and most famous professional college is Dublin Institute of Technology (Dublin Institute of Technology – DIT). It has more than 22,000 students. At the Institute there are several schools – schools of technology, service and hospitality, marketing and design, commercial and music.

Another great system – Regional Technical Colleges (RTC) – includes 11 professional colleges across the country. There are also specialized higher education institutions such as the National College of Art and Design, the College of Music in Cork.

Unlike Irish universities, colleges and professional institutions more focused on practice, the needs of the market, they prepare students for work. Specialists in business, technology, industry, services such education and a college degree is valued more than a university degree. But also traditional classical universities under the influence of time, are forced to create new programs – short undergraduate and graduate courses, distance learning programs, training for professionals, university courses include new “market” items.

Language courses in Ireland

Ireland is a country of myths and legends, attracted by its rich historical heritage, literature, music and national dances, as well as the beauty of nature – the undulating mountains, numerous lakes, picturesque countryside, sandy beaches and ancient castles.

Extremely popular sports such as golf, football, rugby, cricket, tennis, horseback riding, water sports. Deserve special words people themselves – hospitable, welcoming, ready for friendly communication people. In Ireland, everyone can find something for everyone – whether it’s theatre, a concert of traditional and contemporary music, a good pint of Guinness at the fireplace in the old, cozy pub, walk on the luxurious Emerald Island (Emerald Isle), or just the contemplation of nature – the stunning landscape of rugged mountains east coast .

Types of language schools in Ireland

Ireland began to carry out a systematic policy to attract foreign students 20 years ago, but has already achieved in this way considerable success: every year to learn English and further education in Ireland come over 100 000 students, mostly from Western Europe. More and more students after the language course enter higher education. Learning English in Ireland is regulated by the Ministry of Education and Science through the Advisory Council of English Language Schools (ACELS), many language schools form the Association of Accredited Language Schools in Ireland (Recognized EnglishLanguage Schools Association, she is MEI ~ RELSA.

There are different types of language schools and courses in Ireland formats – from small private schools (family run schools) and English language teacher in the family – to the language centers in universities. All schools offer a variety of entertainment options, the most popular – riding and Irish folk dances.

Atlantic Language Galway school

Atlantic Language Galway is a language school, has been successfully operating since 1993. The high level of teaching in Atlantic Language Galway confirmed by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ireland, the Advisory Board on English language schools (Advisory Council for English Language Schools, ACELS), the Irish Association of MEI ~ RELSA (Marketing English in Ireland ~ Recognized English Language Schools Association), Commerce Galway Chamber of Commerce, etc.

LSI Atlantic Language Galway is located on the second floor of a modern building Fairgreen House, located in the “heart” of Galway, a short walk from the bus and train station and close to the Citylink, where buses come from Dublin and Shannon airports.

Did you know that …

– The national symbol of Ireland – shamrock. According to legend, an Irish missionary St. Patrick with this plant explained the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, the unity of the “Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
– Ireland is known for a serious approach to the issues of religion and morality. Country  legalized divorce only in 1995.
– In terms of quality of life, Ireland ranks 4th in the world. For information: 1st place belongs to Norway,  2nd – Iceland, 3rd – Australia.

Education in Ireland

Secondary education in Ireland

To stay at school, as well as to educate in general, in Ireland, are very seriously: it is the highest in Europe attendance. Irish students study more subjects and pass more exams than their British counterparts. The level of training of teachers is high, and therefore is high and the level of teaching. All educational institutions powered by the government of Ireland. Training programs are tested and approved by  Ministry of Education.

Education in most primary and secondary schools is free for residents of Ireland, although all these schools – private. Studying at the University also partially paid by the state. Education in Ireland implies a fact that every Irish child starts school life usually at 4 years. Although you can not give the child to the school for 6 years. In elementary school study for eight years.

Boarding Schools in Ireland

In addition to the free primary schools, of which about 3,000 in Ireland, there are a few paid boarding school – they are working on the British system of preparatory schools (“prep” school). In elementary school, the child attend the center of attention. Flexible enough training and educational program is built for a specific student. For each child, use different teaching methods. In the first eight years, children learn English and Irish languages, mathematics, religion, subject called “Society and Environment”, do the fine and applied arts, music, sports. At the end of primary school students do not pass the exams, but the test is usually performed on the overall development and knowledge of the core subjects.

High Schools in Ireland

The academic year begins in Ireland in September and ends in May. In high school Irish children pass in 12 years. In Ireland there are more than 800 secondary schools, 80 of them are boarding school. They all  established by the Ministry of Education curriculum for secondary schools. But beyond that, some of them offer the International Baccalaureate program (International Baccalaureate) and the British A-level. Most high schools – private: they are managed by the Board of Trustees, religious community or individual. But they exist on state subsidies.  Foreigners have to pay for their education.

Students from abroad are accepted and in private (boarding and day), and in public schools. Public schools receive funding even for international students, so they take advantage of foreigners in the school. Public schools usually take foreign student in a very small charge: it covers the cost of its maintenance, textbooks. We should also pay for accommodation and guardianship: a foreign child who is studying in public or private day school, takes hold on to his Irish family, it can also act as its guardian. Guardians may be special education organizations that define foreigners in Irish schools.

Final Schools in Ireland

Recently in Ireland, there are new schools, so-called “final Schools”, which prepare students for final exams and university entrance. They are particularly suitable for those who can not afford to study in the Irish school from the beginning to the end, but would like to go to the Irish (British or any other European) University. In addition to regular secondary schools in Ireland there are public (community) and professional (vocational) high schools. The first offer academic and technical education. The latter specializes in technical and vocational education. These schools – a mix of night schools and colleges. They are increasingly used for training, trainings, etc.

On the way to the universities of Ireland

Key items of Irish secondary school program – Irish, English and Mathematics. Apart from them, studying biology, chemistry, physics, geography, economics, basic accounting, history, organization of business, commerce, languages, art, drawing, music, physical education. As you can see, a lot of attention is paid to the economic and natural science subjects. Not surprisingly, the strongest and most advanced areas in Ireland are considered to computer engineering technology, banking, medicine and science.

High school is divided into three levels. The three-year junior high school (Junior Cycle) is preparing for the exams at the intermediate certificate (Junior Certificate). Compulsory lower secondary education is over, and the student, in theory, can no longer appear in the school. But if he is going to the university, he will have to study for three years. First is the so-called “transitional year» (transition year): the student is ready to move from junior to senior high school (Senior Cycle). He chooses which items he will be the last two years to study to pass the exams for high school diploma (Leaving Certificate Examinations).

Senior high school program in Ireland generally includes items 6-8 (while in England the last two years at school studied 4-3 objects). The minimum requirement for admission to the university – the highest scores on two major subjects (“A” in ABC). In the best universities and the most prestigious faculties requirements may be higher.

Advantages of studying in India

Study in India?

Something like ignorant people respond to the desire to study in a third world country. Meanwhile, Asian countries are experiencing a real boom of “pilgrims” on education. Every year thousands of students from the U.S., Canada, Western and Eastern Europe are going to learn … to the east. And rightly so!Studying in India

If you think that the majority of international students of Asian universities – also Asians, only came from other states, you are mistaken. Here are learning a lot of Europeans and Americans. Why? It’s all about the price of education: in “expensive” Japan for a semester average cost of $ 25,000 (in prestigious universities in Europe similar prices), in India for a year of study you will pay about $ 15,000. Add to that low prices for housing, food, entertainment … In general, the solid economy – what could be more attractive to cost-conscious Europeans?

Today in Eastern Education delineated six leading countries:

  • China
  • Japan
  • Singapore
  • India
  • Thailand
  • Philippines

In China and Japan, the quality of education a little higher, but there is a significant downside -studying usually on local languages ​​(Chinese and Japanese), who quickly learn not everyone’s strength. In other countries, education is in English, but the differences lie in the system of education. Philippines and Singapore have preferred the American scheme, India and Thailand, both former British colonies, follow the English tradition.

Reasonable prices  and Quality

What India can attract students? Besides obvious cheapness of educational services, it is clear orientation towards European standards. Here, as in Europe, you can get a higher education in college (they are in the country about 15 000) and universities (about 300). In the universities of India adopted the traditional three-tier system – bachelor, master and doctorate. Even the curriculum drawn up very well, like the programs of European universities. So, for relatively little money you can get a quality education, and subsequently find a prestigious and well-paid job.

Specialties in many Indian universities vary, you may find even the rare. Most students teaching pharmacology here (in the country developed the production of medicines), jewelry (India is rich in minerals), and management.

Should also be said about the engineering and technology professions: in India today are concentrated many large companies, large-scale projects in the field of information technology, engineers, computer scientists, programmers demand is incredible. Universities are working, as they say, under the order. The graduates of technical specialties almost wholesale repurchased largest U.S. companies.

Higher Education in India

Ranking of the best universities in the country

  • University of Calcutta
  • University of Bombay
  • Rajasthani University
  • Delhi University
  • MK University Gandhi

Since time immemorial, India has been the educational center. Thousands of years ago, the great scientists were taught by the scriptures.higher education in India

There has been teaching, and create masterpieces on such diverse subjects as philosophy, religion, medicine, literature, drama, art, astrology, mathematics and sociology. Under the influence of Buddhist education was available to almost anyone who wanted to learn, and some monasteries have become a world-famous educational centers like Nalanda, Vikramshila and Takshashila. Nalanda was able to put in the walls about 10 thousand students and teachers, including scientists from China, Sri Lanka, Korea and other countries.

Today, higher education in India consists of  universities and research institutes, which make a significant contribution to knowledge transfer in the field of science and technology. In such traditional areas as the arts and humanities, applied physics and chemistry, mathematics and technology universities and institutions play a key role in transforming the country into a modern industrial, technologically advanced state. Green revolution and the incredible progress in milk production on the one hand make India a major agricultural country, on the other hand its development of space technologies, manufacture and launch its own satellites, the development of peaceful nuclear energy pushed India into the ranks of the first technologically advanced countries to developing countries.

Indian universities and research institutions deliver information to Indian students and scientists about their needs and goals. The centers also promote cooperation and friendship with students from other developing countries, where there are no good opportunities for higher education and research. In addition, foreign students attracted to the high quality of Indian higher education at competitive prices.

Modern education in India evolved as a system of education after the state independence. In India, there are about 200 universities. Among them, 16 are central universities, and others operate in accordance with state regulations. The total number of colleges in the country is 10,555.

Among the universities there are small (about 1-3 thousand students) and the Giants (over 100,000 students). There are universities with one specialty and one faculty, and there are many universities which have several faculties.