: Hitting The Books

eady to try Academia from a new angle? Been wondering what homework and exams are like in France? Germany? Portugal? The only way to find out is to jump the Channel and live it. There are a multitude of programmes, scholarships, schools waiting to be tapped. Options range from bilateral exchange agreements between universities/colleges to international degrees (undergraduate and post graduate) to EU sponsored scholarships and institutes. 

Foreign Study Exchanges

Students can choose from a variety of exchange programmes all over the world, usually for three months to one year. Exchanges allow you as a student to improve language skills and learn more about another culture. Certain programmes have age requirements or are specifically directed towards language training or degree specialisation. University students can earn British qualifications while abroad, and school leavers can pursue additional vocational training through study abroad programmes. The openness of the European Union offers UK nationals a unique opportunity to study in Europe while avoiding the hassle that many other international students must manage to facilitate a long period of study in another country. Many of these exchanges are sponsored by the European Union's Erasmus and Socrates programmes, while others are private scholarship awards, both of which are discussed in the next section.

First, contact your tutor/careers school advisor to see what exchange programmes your academic institution is already involved in. These established programmes offer the dependability of your home institution while attending another abroad. However, the selection may be limited. If you're interested in other destinations, you may need to investigate programmes independently. There is an expansive database available from the Council on International Exchange which offers reputable host institutions all over the world.
www.ciee.org

EU Studies Graduate Programmes outside the UK

Pursuing a Graduate Degree in European Studies is a good way to specialise in international politics, law or economics and a good step towards employment in the EU and other international organisations. Below you will find three institutions sponsored directly by the European Union, although other universities have similar programmes as well and are worth looking into, depending on where and in what language you wish to study. Try visiting the British Council or European Youth Portal websites mentioned above, as well as the PLOTEUS portal explained below, for information on university options across Europe.

• European University Institute in Florence, Italy

Two degrees are available from the European University Institute (EUI), a three-year doctorate or a one-year Master's degree (LL.M) in Comparative, European and International Law. There are also four departments in which students can specialise: History and Civilisation, Economics, Law, and Political and Social Sciences.

British nationals should have at least an upper-second class honours degree and a working knowledge of at least two Community languages. Most seminars are conducted in English or French and the EUI offers intensive language courses throughout the academic year.

For information write to: The Academic Service European University Institute Badia Fiesolana Via dei Roccettini 9 San Domenico di Fiesole I-50016, Italy www.iue.it

• The College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium

This school offers a one-year Masters degree in European Studies, which is very popular among students looking to work within the institutions of the European Union. There are four departments at the College of Europe: Politics and Administration, Economics, Law, and Human Resources Development. Basic requirements include a university degree and a working knowledge of French and English. The competition is fierce as students are chosen by their national governments, not the school itself. Approximately 30 out of the 300 students each year are British nationals.
 

For information write: Admissions Office College of Europe Dijver 11 BE-8000 Bruges, Belgium www.coleurop.be

• The European Institute of Public Administration

The European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) offers a one-year Master's degree in European Public Affairs. The degree is structured around six six-week modules, and takes a multi-disciplinary approach to all major contemporary European issues. All teaching is conducted in English and applicants are required to have a university degree.

For information write: O.L. Vrouweplein 22 P.O. Box 1229 6201 BE Maastricht The Netherlands www.eipa.nl

Other University Subjects: options throughout Europe

If you are interested in obtaining a degree in other subjects besides European Affairs, there are endless possibilities in Europe to do so.  Your field of interest will have a significant impact on the location you choose, as it is necessary to try to find the best academic programme possible.  The easiest way to begin your search is to contact a professor from your university and ask which institutions are reputable and worthwhile. 

You can also find out about education and training possibilities in Europe at the European Commission’s “Portal on Learning Opportunities throughout the European Space,” or PLOTEUS for short. The Ploteus website includes a search engine for universities, training courses and schools in all subject areas as well as explanations of the education and training systems in other countries.  To have a look for yourself visit: www.europa.eu.int/ploteus  

To learn more about and compare information on the education systems and policies in the EU, visit EURYDICE, the information network on education in Europe, at www.eurydice.org