Back in July I was lucky enough to go on a week-long trip to Russia to attend the Island.22 higher education conference in Moscow, spending half of the trip in Moscow and the other half in St Petersburg. In both cities I met and chatted with a diverse range of international students, some coming from locations as close to home as Ukraine while others hailed from much further away, like Nigeria or the US. But why did they choose to study in Russia, and what advice would they give to international students considering it? Read on to find out what they had to say on their experiences.

Why study in Russia?

So first things first, why Russia above any other study destination? What does Russia have to offer that other locations don’t? A big attraction that we heard from several students was the diversity of the country. For example, Osei Richard, from Ghana, is studying a bachelor’s degree in commerce in Russian at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in Moscow and told us: “I wanted to meet new people, it’s a new experience and new culture. For 18 years I’d been used to life in my country, and it was already getting boring so I just wanted to try something new. I really liked the Russian culture, and Russians seem to be nice people. The education is one of the best for me as well.” Meanwhile, Fatima, who’s from Lebanon and is studying a master’s degree at St Petersburg Mining University, says “I think coming to Russia is really worth it because you get to know new people, new cultures, so many different ethnicities in Russia.”

Nawar, from Syria, who’s studying a PhD at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT)  says he was attracted to the extra resources and investment into scientific research in Russia, commenting “I decided to go abroad to have better chances. I chose Russia in particular because it has more chances for students like me, and because life in general is cheaper in Russia, when you compare it to Europe or America. And they also give away scholarships to international students, so I can study here for free.”

How affordable is it?

We heard very mixed opinions on how affordable it is to study in Russia, with Osei Richard, from Ghana saying he finds Moscow very expensive, whereas in St Petersburg, Sarah and Mathias from the US said they find Russia very affordable. Himanshu, from India, who’s studying a PhD at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) said: “The only problem is with the housing, especially in Moscow is very costly. But the university provides dormitories for a very cheap price, which is fantastic.” Himanshu and fellow PhD student Sanjeev told me about how their PhD program is fully funded, and “We have a stipend of 9,000 rubles from the government for PhD students. It’s not a high amount, but with that much we can at least pay for our accommodation and some food.” Meanwhile, Donghee, from South Korea, who’s studying at St Petersburg Mining University, says “Russia is very cheap compared to other countries, I think you can get by in St Petersburg with about US$300 to 350 a month.”

And Mathias, who’s studying a summer school program at the Saint Petersburg State University of Economics, told us he loves how affordable it is to go on a trip to the ballet or opera in St Petersburg: “The costs compared to what you’d have to pay for that kind of quality of art in the US is dramatically less, so we love the access to that here.”

To make studying in Russia even more affordable, students can take advantage of benefits like an unlimited monthly metro card for just 395 rubles in Moscow (about US$6), and can show their student ID card at shops, services and tourist attractions for discounts and promotions.

Is there a language barrier?

If languages aren’t your forte and you’d prefer to study in Russia in English, the good news is there are plenty of universities now offering English-taught courses, which are mainly found at postgraduate level.

But if you do study in English, how easy is it to get by in Russia with little to no knowledge of Russian? Nawar told us: “When I came here I couldn’t speak Russian, and I didn’t meet many people who spoke English, but people were very helpful, they tried to help me in every step in my first days, they are generous and very helpful”, and Himanshu, from India, told us “After six months I knew the basics to communicate with people, like how to ask for directions, so for normal life that’s sufficient.

Find out more about how to study in Russia in English.

Study differences to get used to

As well as settling in with daily life in Russia and encountering any cultural differences, it’s also worth bearing in mind that the teaching and assessment methods used at universities in Russia may be somewhat different to what you’re used to back home. For instance, Romane, from France, who’s studying a master’s degree in advanced metallic materials at National University of Science and Technology MISiS in Moscow, told us: “The teachers gave us the questions before the exams, which was really strange to me because in France this would never happen. It meant that the classes here are a lot easier than back in France, I don’t know if this is a good or a bad thing.”

Meanwhile Sarah, from the US, who like Mathias was studying a summer school program at Saint Petersburg State University of Economics, told us: “Back home the classes are like 50 minutes’ long, maybe an hour and 15 max, and so the amount of contact you get with professors each week is so much less than here, so it’s much more immersive. So I’ve enjoyed that, even though it’s kind of draining and kind of an adjustment.”

What to know before you go

So, looking back on their experiences, what other pieces of advice would the international students we interviewed like to offer?

“Take an umbrella” Sarah laughs. “And be willing to try new things, sometimes when you order at a counter and try and order in Russian people will switch to English to help you out, but if you can power through and continue to use Russian then that’s how you’ll get better.”

Nawar says: “I would advise students to try studying in Russia, it’s now very different and it’s getting better and better. It’s a new experience, and the Russian culture is very attractive.”

And finally, Fatima advises “If you come here you should be very responsible and strong because you will be alone, and this will be hard at first until you get used to it. Also, bring warm clothes, because it’s really cold here!”

Want more content like this? Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.

Sponsored by Waseda University

University should be a place where everyone feels welcome and comfortable.

Although it can be a complex matter, universities should be committed to playing a proactive role in tackling the diversity gap. The need to be transparent about such matters, such as addressing needs for the LGBT+ community and affirmative actions is paramount if everyone from students to faculty members is to have a positive, enriching and valuable university experience.

So, when it comes to plugging the diversity gap, what steps are universities taking to ensure their programs successfully foster diversity and inclusivity? Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan is rolling out plans and schemes across its campus to tackle this issue and we spoke with them to find out more.

More than 50 degrees can be completed entirely in English

Around the world, English is widely used as a language of instruction for higher education. As a result, many universities offer exclusive English-taught degree programs to accommodate and attract their gradually growing cohort of international students.

Waseda University offers over 50 exclusive English-taught degree programs with both domestic and international students welcoming this new offering.

Zhiyin from Singapore who is studying at the School of International Liberal Studies at Waseda University said: “I have always had an interest in many areas. Therefore, a liberal arts degree program was a natural choice for me.

“Still unconfident in being able to understand university level lectures in Japanese though, I searched for a Japanese university that offered a liberal arts degree program in English, and realized that Waseda was my best option.”

Home to more international students than any other university in Japan

Moving to a new city, let alone a new country to study can seem quite daunting. But when you’re living and studying alongside hundreds of others who are also in the same boat as you, it’s comforting to know that you’re not alone.  

In fact, approximately 8,000 overseas students study at Waseda University every year and one third of students enrolled in Waseda’s School of International Liberal Studies are international.

“I’m having a great time. I’ve made hundreds of friends, and I’m constantly running into them even outside of school. I also have a group of close friends – some are Japanese, some come from other countries, and I’m always experiencing new things with them,” said Zhiyin.

Image credit: Waseda University

To learn more about Waseda, why not take a 360-degree virtual tour of its campus and get an insight into student life there?!

Dedicated support services for the LGBT+ community

In recent years, events such as Pride have made big steps in reducing discrimination of LGBT+ individuals and helping educate societies to be more tolerant and accepting. Universities are also doing their part to make campus a LGBT+ friendly space.

Waseda University’s effort to improve diversity on campus has been recognized on both a national and international level. It became the first university in Japan to open the Gender and Sexuality Center in a bid to combat attitudes and better represent the LGBT+ community. All students are welcome to use the community space and get support, advice and information.

The Gender & Sexuality Center organizes events on campus to create a more inclusive environment. For instance, in April this year, Waseda University invited Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir (SGLC) from Australia to perform at a concert organized by the university.

Bringing domestic and international students together  

This is something that is standard practice for a lot of universities around the world as it brings together an exciting mix of backgrounds and cultures, and also encourages students to get to know those who they may not usually socialize with.

Meeting people who are from very different backgrounds to your own allows you to experience a wider range of cultures and religions, which in turn, encourages collaboration, fosters your social development, and ultimately, broadens your global perspective.

Not only does it enrich students’ education experiences on both a social and academic level, it also helps challenge negative stereotypes.

The Waseda International Student House (WISH) is home to domestic and international students. It also runs the Social Intelligence (SI) Program, which is compulsory for all students. The program helps students develop their leadership, communication and creative problem-solving skills, while – most importantly – fostering students’ cross-cultural awareness.

At the end of each year, the top-performing students in the program are presented with the opportunity of participating in a fully-paid overseas international internship.

Reflecting the city it resides in

The city of Tokyo has held onto second place in the QS Best Student Cities rankings for the second year in a row, and rightly so. 

A mountain-backed cityscape that’s full of cultural delights, Tokyo is considered one of the most diverse and welcoming cities in the world. Oh, and it also happens to be the host of the 2020 Olympic Games so studying here means you might get the chance to rub shoulders with the world’s elite athletes.

Plugging the diversity gap in university goes beyond the four walls of education and into the world of work. Tokyo is a bustling metropolis that is full of opportunity – especially for recent graduates. If you can demonstrate a global perspective and work well cross-culturally, you’re going to stand out to prospective employers.

Summer is officially over and the inhabitants of London really don’t seem to mind. The heat wave has ended and thankfully, the tube has become slightly more bearable as a result. Even the rain doesn’t seem to be getting people down or stopping people going out. And with plenty to keep you busy over the months leading up to Christmas, it’s a great time of year to be in the city. Here are nine of London’s most enjoyable Autumnal events which you won’t want to miss out on.

Bonfire Night

Celebrate Guy Fawkes Night at one of London’s many spectacular fireworks displays. This tradition dates back to 1605 when a man named Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I. Usually celebrated on November 5^th, there are bonfires, firework displays, fairs and food and drink events all over the city. Find your local one and take part in this uniquely British event. 

Christmas at Kew

It’s never too early to start getting excited about Christmas! One of the most beautiful times of year to visit Kew Gardens, the trees and greenhouses are lit creating a magically festive and romantic atmosphere. There are laser projections, fire gardens and lots of other attractions organized specifically for Christmas at Kew. And this isn’t just a Winter event, as it opens mid-November to the public.  

Winter Wonderland or Winterville

Whether you love it or hate it, Winter Wonderland has become a norm on the November calendar. It is expensive and busy but people can’t help themselves getting into the Christmas spirit a little bit early. If you want a slightly less commercialized experience of a German-esque Christmas market, check out Winterville in Clapham Common. Generally attracting a younger crowd, it’s less family/children focused and a great place to start a night out.

As Christmas looms closer, check out more things to do in London during the festive season

London Oktoberfest

If you can’t wait until November for some German inspired fun, London Oktoberfest has you covered. It runs for three different weekends in three different locations so undoubtedly, you will have your fill of lederhosen, dirndl and beer-fuelled fun.

Lord Mayor’s Show

A splendid display of London tradition and pomp, the Lord Mayor’s show consists of a 6,000-strong parade through the center of the city. There are also plays and pantomimes to enjoy which combined with the parade, brings the center of London to a standstill. The tradition started in 1215 when King John decided that every year, the newly elected major of London must leave the city and travel to Westminster to swear loyalty to the crown.

London Cocktail Week

This is an annual celebration of cocktail drinking which if you sign up for, entitles you to £6 cocktails in many bars across the city. To celebrate its 10^th anniversary the event is running for 10 days from October 4^th. The sign-up fee is £10 which gets you reduced price cocktails as well as entry to ‘cocktail village’ in the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane.

Diwali on Trafalgar Square

Celebrate the Hindu festival of light on October 27 in Trafalgar Square alongside approximately 35,000 other people who attend the festival each year. You can expect a lot of color, music and dance as well as opportunities to have henna tattoos and lots of delicious food. It’s Europe’s largest Diwali festival.

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

Autumn sees the start of many ice rinks popping up all over London. However, the Natural History Museum is usually earliest and one of the most atmospheric. It’s situated in front of the museum itself, one of London’s most iconic landmarks.

Halloween at Koko

You can’t talk about autumn without mentioning Halloween which in London, is a pretty big night out. There are events all over the city, from family friendly themed days out at the Tower of London to masquerade balls and costume parties at many of the city’s most popular night clubs. One of the best events is the Halloween Ball at Koko. A converted theater in Camden Town, its spooky atmosphere is perfect for Halloween.

Want more content like this? Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.

The recent QS World University Rankings by Subject covers the best universities for 48 different subjects, including the 100 top nursing schools around the world.

The subject rankings are compiled using four indicators; academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations per paper and the H-index (a way of measuring the productivity and impact of the published work of a scientist or scholar). You can find out more about the methodology used here.

Top nursing schools in the US and Canada

Of the 100 universities featured in the rankings this year, an impressive 32 are in the US. Not only this, but of the 10 top nursing schools in the world, five of them are claimed by the US. This includes the University of Pennsylvania which maintains its first-place position and, on top of this, earns a perfect score in the academic reputation indicator. Aside from those in the top 10, other mentionable universities include University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (11^th), University of Michigan (12^th) and Duke University (which rises seven places this year rank 13^th for nursing).

Canada also has an admirable amount of institutions featuring in the rankings, with one school featuring in the world top 10, and several in the top 25 including McMaster University (joint 15^th), McGill University (joint 21^st) and University of Alberta (23^rd).

Top nursing arts schools in Europe

As always, Europe dominates a significant amount of the rankings, with 26 universities featuring in the table in 2019. Of these, 12 top nursing schools are found in the, including three that place in the global top 10. Several other excellent UK nursing schools were also ranked highly; including University of Edinburgh (25^th), the University of Nottingham (27^th) and University of Ulster (46^th). Ireland also scores well, having three world ranking universities; Trinity College Dublin (TCD, 41st), University College Dublin (UCD, 44^th) and University College Cork (UCC, 51-100^th).

Of the Nordic countries, Sweden performs the best, with four universities included among the top 100 institutions to study nursing. Of these four, three are in the top 50 universities in the world for nursing; Karolinska Institute (14^th), University of Gothenburg (48^th) and Lund University (49^th). Denmark and Finland have one entrant each; in Denmark, Aarhus University (joint 50^th) and in Finland, the University of Turku (51-100).

Spain’s Universitat de Barcelona (UB), the Netherlands’ Utrecht University and Belgium’s University of Ghent all rank 51-100^th.

Top nursing schools in Asia

Over to Asia now, where there are 13 nursing schools featuring in the global ranking. Of these, three are in South Korea; Seoul National University (SNU, rising more than 17 places this year to reach 34^th), Kyung Hee University and Yonsei University, which both place 51-100^th. 

Similarly, South Korea has three universities in the nursing ranking, all of which place within the top 50; Hong Kong (SAR); The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK, 26^th), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (31^st) and University of Hong Kong (HKU, 43^rd). Taiwan also has three universities in the rankings; National Taiwan University (NTU, 29^th), National Yang Ming University and Taipei Medical University ranking 51-100^th.

Mainland China has two universities featured in the 51-100 range for nursing: Fudan University and Peking University. Also placing 51-100 is Japan’s University of Tokyo.

Top nursing schools in Australia and New Zealand

Australia has an impressive 16 universities featuring in the nursing rankings this year. These include University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in 10^th place, the University of Sydney (joint 15^th), Monash University (17^th) and the University of Queensland (UQ, rising 18 places this year to reach joint 21^st).

New Zealand’s two ranked nursing universities both score well in the employer reputation indicator. In the rankings, the University of Auckland places 36^th (up five places this year) and University of Otago places 51-100 worldwide.

Top nursing schools in Latin America 

Latin America does not feature prominently in the nursing school ranking, with its sole entrant, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), in Brazil, ranking 51-100.

Want more content like this? Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.

Sponsored by ISDI

Although you use the internet every day, you won’t necessarily have the skills you need to meet today’s growing demand for trained digital professionals.

“We need more people who can code, [for our business] to be able to grow”, said a spokesman for Zalando, the German fashion e-commerce website. “Although the jobs are there, it’s sometimes hard to find people with the right skills.”

Shockingly, 44 percent of Europeans do not have basic digital skills. It gets worse, though: the British Chamber of Commerce revealed recently that a severe digital skills shortage in the UK costs the British economy £63 billion a year (US$88 billion).

This isn’t just a problem in Europe. According to a report by Accenture, US manufacturers also face a severe digital skills problem at a cost of US$4.6 million in annual earnings. But what is the digital economy, and how can students help plug the skills gap?

The digital economy: not just another buzzword

If you’re not entirely sure what it means, the digital economy refers to the economic output generated by the billions of online connections that are made everyday between people, devices and businesses, thanks to mobile technology, the “internet of things” and big data.

The term has been around since the 90s, but the rise of cloud technology and smartphones in the late 2000s has lent it greater weight. In the past 20 years, the digital economy has grown into a US$3 trillion business and it continues to grow exponentially.

This short video with Javier Rodriguez Zapatero, the former Managing Director of Google Spain and Portugal and current Executive Chairman at the digital business school, ISDI, explains what all the fuss is about.

The skills grads need to join the digital economy

According to a 2016 survey conducted by LinkedIn, all of the top 10 skills that could get you hired on the jobs-listing site that year were internet-related. They included competencies like cloud computing, data mining, SEO marketing and user interface design, to name a few.

It probably won’t come as too much of a surprise to learn that many of the old skills which could get your parents hired have now become totally irrelevant thanks to the path the global economy has taken.

As Tom Goodwin put it for TechCrunch: “Uber, the world’s largest taxi company, owns no vehicles. Facebook, the world’s most popular media owner, creates no content. Alibaba, the most valuable retailer, has no inventory. And Airbnb, the world’s largest accommodation provider, owns no real estate.”

It’s within this whirlwind that the world’s first digital business school, ISDI, set up in 2009, with campuses in Madrid, Barcelona, Mexico City and the Silicon Valley.
Forget stuffy professors, all 500 tutors at ISDI are trained digital professionals with years of experience with digital giants with the sole intent of helping students and working professionals meet the digital skills gap.

ISDI tutors know exactly what skills and specialist knowledge you need to thrive in the industry. In their study “The new professional profiles for e-Leadership”, you can read more about the skills requirements that candidates who want to fill these positions should meet.

If you’re a graduate or a digital professional looking to move up in your career, ISDI’s Global Executive Master in Digital Business might be just what you’re looking for.

The school also offer a number of other master's degrees and executive programs, fully taught in Spanish or English, including data analytics, internet for business, mobile development, and marketing automation.

By Kate Jones

In a time when significant numbers of graduates are struggling to find graduate-level employment, landing a place on a decent graduate training scheme has never been more important. In the UK, starting salaries begin from as much as £39,000 for law graduates, while the supermarket Aldi offers its graduate recruits up to £42,000 per year.

Globally, the competition for places on good graduate training schemes is fierce, and having a solid degree is just the start. Most employers have tough expectations above and beyond your grades and you’ll need to prepare for several grueling rounds of interviews before the job is finally yours.

Of course, there are jobs available outside of the graduate training scheme structure, but, for those who do head down this path, the rewards are generous, including a great salary and benefits, a formal learning and mentoring pathway to kickstart your career, and potential opportunities to travel the world. These programs aren’t right for everyone though, which is why we’ve put together this quick guide to help you decide what’s best for you.

Things to think about before you join a graduate training scheme

If you’ve made the decision to put your career first for the next five years or so, a graduate training scheme may well be an excellent choice for you. But, if there are other areas in your life that take precedence, you should tread carefully.

The demands placed on new recruits are usually pretty high - you may be expected to work long hours in the evening or even during weekends, travel extensively, or even relocate as and when the business requires you to.

It’s also important to consider whether working for a large organization will suit you. Does the idea of a formal, well-planned career sound like your sort of thing, or does the thought of it make you feel trapped? Do you long for security, status and a fat salary, or would you prefer to keep your options open? Are you comfortable with bureaucracy and hierarchy, or more free-spirited and entrepreneurial? Answers to these questions will likely dictate how suitable you are for the rigid confines of a graduate training scheme.

If it’s not for you, what are the alternatives?

If you’re put off by the commitments expected from graduates taking part in a dedicated training scheme, don’t worry - there are many exciting and equally worthwhile alternatives for you to consider.

Entry-level jobs outside of training schemes

There are lots of companies looking for graduates to join their ranks in entry-level positions which sit outside of formalized training schemes. If there is a specific location you want to live in, or you know exactly what job you’d like to do, this could be a great option.

Start-ups and SMEs

If you’re a creative thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit, taking a job with a small firm or even a start-up could be the right choice. While this could potentially be a riskier move, as larger, more established businesses are less likely to fail or need to make you redundant, your first job out of university is arguably the best time to take a chance. If it pays off, you could be a key figure at the next million-dollar company.

Freelancing

Taking a job is a big commitment. You’ll be expected to dedicate five days out of seven to your employers, typically with little scope for flexibility during working hours. If you’re simply not ready to take the leap into full-time contracted work, why not consider freelancing? Choosing your own hours and working on projects you enjoy can be highly rewarding, especially for those in creative fields. It will leave you more financially vulnerable, however, as periods without regular work are possible.

Whatever you decide, be sure to ask yourself this: what do you want to do? Make your decision based on your own needs and desires rather than the expectations of others. Wherever you end up working, your first job after university is all about self-improvement, even if sometimes that means making mistakes and learning from them. You won’t be making a commitment that will decide your entire future, so use your first job to get a better idea of what you like doing and which roles aren’t your thing.

Kate Jones writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in finding candidates their perfect internship. To browse our graduate jobs London listings, visit our website.

Lead image: DFID (Flickr)

Have you decided you want to stay in the United States to get your degree? Before deciding which schools you want to apply to, you’re going to want to decide whether you’ll study in-state, or out-of-state. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with both, so it’s not necessarily as straightforward as checking whether a school in your home state has a good reputation.

To help you get, a better understanding of the pros and cons associated with studying in-state and out-of-state, here’s our guide to the key things you should be considering.

Tuition may cost more out-of-state

via GIPHY

The first thing that probably comes to mind when you’re thinking about going out-of-state is the cost associated with tuition. In the majority of cases, out-of-state tuition is three to four times more expensive than if you stayed in-state to get your degree. There are, however, a couple of exceptions to this rule. For example, if you go to a private school in-state it may end up being more expensive than if you were to go to a public school out-of-state.

It’s also important to consider scholarships. While you can get a variety of scholarships when applying to colleges and graduate school programs, there are specific scholarships for out-of-state students. These scholarships can sometimes make the tuition for out-of-state schools comparable to staying in-state. Researching scholarship options regardless of whether you’re staying in-state or out-of-state is always a smart idea.

Stick with the familiar, or try something new?

via GIPHY

When deciding where you want to get your degree, it’s worth thinking about the experiences you want to have while completing the program. Are you wanting to explore someplace new while getting your degree, or do you like the area you’re from and want to build on your experiences there?

If you’ve grown up in Athens, Georgia, in the shadow of Georgia State University, and have positive memories of walking around its campus and cheering from the stands at football games on Saturday nights, you’ll likely be more inclined to stay in Georgia for your studies as it will already feel like home. That’s not to say you wouldn’t be able to replicate that type of experience if you moved to another part of the country though. You might even find moving exposes you to new and different experiences, which can be exciting. Either way, it’s something to consider before starting the application process.

Consider the campus lifestyle and size

via GIPHY

Campus life is likely to vary depending on whether you choose to study in-state or out-of-state. For example, the campus life at schools in southern California is going to be very different than studying at NYU in the middle of New York City. In California, you might have a beach right outside of your dorm room, while NYU would put you right in the middle of all of the hustle and bustle that NYC offers. Contrasts like this exist all across the country, so you’ll want to weigh up what the campus experience will be like in your home state, and decide if you’d rather try a different lifestyle.

Campus size is also something that will affect your experiences. Smaller campuses may have smaller class sizes and therefore provide an opportunity for you to build a community with peers who are in your classes. On the other hand, campuses that have larger student populations typically have greater opportunities to get involved outside of your studies. Deciding whether or not you’re interested in getting involved in things like greek life, student organizations or sports clubs can help you have a clearer idea of what type of school would be the best fit for you.

Study somewhere with promising job opportunities

via GIPHY

Opportunities for networking and internships should be another factor to think about when deciding where you want to get your degree. Depending on what you study, many schools have opportunities for internships while getting your degree or networking groups to connect you to jobs in the area. For example, Texas A&M has alumni networking groups in all of the major cities in Texas, so if you were looking to land a job in Texas after college this would be something to consider. It’s fairly common for graduates to end up working close to where they studied, especially as internships are often in and around the area in which you study, so choosing a college in a different state may also be committing you to working there too.

While you don’t necessarily have to go to school in the state where you eventually want to work, it can be helpful. If you are still unsure what your plans are or where you want to end up after completing your education then it’s best to base your decision on whether to study in-state or out-of-state on other factors.

Take time to consider your options

via GIPHY

As this article has shown, there are multiple things to consider when choosing which schools to apply to. Ultimately, there isn’t a right or wrong answer as long as you make your decision based off what best fits your needs.

After you’ve carefully made your decision, it’s time to begin the application process. At this point, it may also be helpful to meet with schools face to face and get more information on them. QS runs events for both those who are in the process of applying to college to get a bachelor's degree, as well as for those who are applying for a masters. You can get more information on our events here.

Sponsored by Universidad Tecmilenio

In today’s world, university is about more than just earning a degree. It’s also about getting yourself prepared for the big world of employment awaiting you after graduation.

But how are you supposed to do that while juggling exams, essays, presentations, group projects, a part-time job, socializing and everything else that a student does?

One innovative solution is work integrated learning (WIL). Work integrated learning is a learning development program that’s specifically integrated into your degree curriculum and which counts towards your final qualification.

It’s gaining momentum in the world of higher education as universities collaborate and liaise with businesses to set up bespoke job roles specifically for students which enable them to gain invaluable workplace experience and apply what they’ve learnt in their studies to the job. 

At the Universidad Tecmilenio, for example, every degree program offers work integrated learning, and has so far been considered a real success. To find out more about work integrated learning and the benefits it brings, we spoke to four students from the Universidad Tecmilenio who have done just that.

The opportunity to work in a genuine business setting

Getting out of the lecture hall and into a genuine workplace environment is no doubt a refreshing change for a start.

Joselin Alejandra Eras Sánchez, who studies industrial engineering, is undertaking her work integrated learning within the pharmaceutical industry.

“The opportunity to work here is incredible. The environment and the company is seeking to grow people and professionals, so I’m pleased with the activities and assignments they’re giving me, no matter how big or little they are,” she said.

Work integrated learning ultimately exposes you to a diverse learning experience that can’t be formulated in the classroom alone, and therefore has a genuine positive impact on students. By strengthening the overall experience, work integrated learning enables students to understand how they can apply what they’ve learnt in their degree into a practical setting.

Develop your sense and awareness of workplace culture

You may have a good idea of what the workplace is like thanks to your part-time job as a waiter/waitress at your local café or restaurant, or as a retail assistant in a clothes store. But to have the opportunity to get really stuck in in a job, in an industry where you aspire to work after graduating, is something else. 

Luis Daniel Rojas López, an industrial engineering student told us how they think the work integrated learning experience has benefited them both personally and professionally.

“Having work experience while studying helped me to understand the concepts I've learned in the classroom and see them applied in real scenarios.

“It also helped me to become more responsible, understanding that every decision has a consequence.

“Another advantage is that it helped me understand why the teamwork that we practiced every day in class is important as it is relatable to the way organizations work.”

Enhance your soft skills and advance your theoretical knowledge

Working to learn is learning to work. Work integrated learning will allow you to gain a good grasp of basic work capabilities and a plethora of both soft and technical skills that you wouldn’t necessarily develop without working in a professional setting.

“It has been a very full filing experience for me,” said Andrea Alejandra Ponce de León Barba who studies marketing.

“This semester in particular has given me the opportunity to learn on the go by putting into practice everything I've learned at school.

“It's a fun way to learn, and the fact that a company supports and mentors you on your way to entering the world of work is unique. The knowledge we get from this kind of learning is something no book can give us.”

It can help you manage your future career aspirations and decisions

One huge benefit of work integrated learning is it can help you decide what future career path you may (or may not) want to pursue after you graduate.

“Being able to understand and work with professionals that have high standards and great visions make me think about the future, and reflect on who I am now and who I want to be in the next few years,” said Joselin.

Work integrated learning allows you to gain a real sense of appreciation of your area of work, as well as have the opportunity to explore new and exciting roles that you may not have once considered.

It can boost your employment prospects

Students who undertake work integrated learning are considered to be more desirables hires, thanks to their prior experience and connection with the industry.

You’ll be able to build a flourishing network of contacts

Establishing industry network connections is an essential part of work. From colleagues to clients, you’ll meet a wide range of individuals from all walks of life, and so being able to diversify your social circle will benefit you in more ways than you may initially realize.

Andrea told us one of the favorite aspects of her work integrated learning experience was getting to know her colleagues and fellow interns: “The networking was with a lot of different people with different insights about life. I've learned a lot from talking with people that sit close to me, or even from other interns.”

Increase your awareness of global challenges and industry issues

There’s no better way to learn about the world of work and industry than by jumping right into it.

“From the moment I started to realize how the industry works, it changed the way I learned at school,” said Rolando Herrera Morteo, who studies mechatronic engineering.

“It was easier for me to see the theory applied in the real world and I was able not only to complete and understand my activities but also to contribute with real situations.”

Broaden your perspectives

An invaluable benefit of work integrated learning is you’ll inevitably meet and work with a diverse set of people who all bring their own wealth of knowledge, experience and skills to the workplace. As you liaise and collaborate with your colleagues, you’ll find yourself open to discussion and learn to think differently about particular issues.

“On a professional level I’ve learned a lot about the importance of teamwork,” said Andrea.

“Our responsibilities complement each other and that's why knowing each other, having a good communication, respecting and supporting each other is extremely important.”

You can make a positive impact and offer solutions to real-life problems

Students are able to bring solutions to real problems within the business they are working in, so it’s not just the student who benefits.

“In school they taught me all the theory about how things have to be done, and now, I’m applying all that knowledge in real life in order to solve real problems and help make the industry grow,” said Joselin.