The sheer variety of opportunities and experiences to discover throughout continental Europe make the area a very appealing place to study. From first-class learning, to differing cultures, there’s a lot on offer to you.
Continental Europe is one of the world’s most exciting and varied destinations for education and is becoming more popular with students from outside Europe. The latest UNESCO figures (for 2001/02) show that no fewer than 447,490 international students came to study here.
Here’s why it is such a popular destination for the growing number of students who have chosen to study there:
Lots of opportunities
One of the major attractions of studying in continental Europe is the sheer range of opportunities available to you. There are about 4,000 higher education establishments in Europe, from ancient universities, some of which are nearly 1,000 years old, to the latest business schools and technical universities. All of them also offer an impressive number of study programmes and it should be easy to find one that’s right for you.
A level playing field
At the same time, European qualifications are becoming more interchangeable and recognised over a wider area, thanks to the Bologna Agreement. The ultimate aim of the Agreement is to place higher education on a more ‘European’ level by constructing a European Higher Education Area, which will ensure that higher education and research meet the needs of society and are open to the latest scientific developments. The Agreement also aims to set up a Europe-wide system of comparable degrees based on two main cycles – first degree and postgraduate. As a result, all European countries are phasing out their traditional degrees in favour of a common Bachelor's, Master's and PhD degree structure. This new structure will be fully in place by 2010.
Finally, the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) has been set up under the Agreement. Each course’s workload is calculated in terms of ECTS credits, which are awarded when a student successfully completes it. Many universities in and outside the EU now use this system as it is a good way of establishing a common academic ‘currency’ that can be exchanged between institutions and countries, making it easier than ever before to study for a qualification in more than one country. What this also means is a European qualification is one that is officially recognised and accepted internationally.
First-class education
Many countries in continental Europe have strict quality-assessment systems in place that ensure that the courses offered by their institutions are of a high standard. Better European co-operation in quality assurance is also to be established under the Bologna Agreement, which will make it easier to see how programmes compare in the future.
European institutions are also well known for good teacher-student relationships, small class sizes, and an excellent reputation for research and teaching, which will aid your studying immensely. Cutting-edge technology and high-quality facilities also ensure European institutions remain at the forefront – new teaching methods are being pioneered, including coaching, tutoring, self-paced learning, e-learning, action learning and problem-based learning.
You will also benefit from the excellent infrastructure that is usually on offer at most campuses, including theatres, bars and cafés, shops, well-stocked libraries, extensive computer facilities, free online access, sports complexes and grounds, and specifically-built accommodation.
European institutions also have extensive support networks in place for both domestic and international students, including personal counsellors and tutors, to help you deal with the problems of student life.
Valuable learning
If you are from an EU Member State, EU universities cannot charge you more than their home students but, if you are from outside the EU, fees can be fairly high, although these are usually lower than in other parts of the world. They do vary widely, from none at all to €24,000, depending on your country of origin, the country you intend to study in and the type of course you choose. Average living costs can also vary widely from country to country, from as little as €100 a month in Poland to €1,100 a month in Switzerland. Even in the more expensive parts of Europe, costs will vary by region within countries, so, with a bit of homework, you can find cheaper options.
There is also a lot of financial help on offer as European governments and the EU want to encourage international students to come and study. Bilateral agreements between governments and schemes like the EU’s Erasmus exchange programme will often mean that there will be official sources of funding and other support for studying in Europe. Many universities also offer scholarships that are open to international students. Again, a bit of research could find you the support you need.
An international experience
Many European institutions pride themselves on their internationalism and a growing number of them are collaborating with other institutions in other European countries to provide joint degree programmes that are studied at more than one institution. The result has been a more international outlook adopted by the institutions involved, greater student mobility, a much more diverse student body and a more internationalised course content.
Likewise, European countries are tolerant, multicultural societies, where you will find many different ways of life, cultures and religions in the towns and cities outside your institution.
A European education will give you a chance to learn so much more about other parts of the world and to establish friendships and networks with people from all over the world, giving you advantages in the global labour market.
Wealth of languages
With the large number of languages spoken, Europe is a good place to improve your linguistic skills, particularly as the use of English is increasingly widespread, ensuring you will be able to get by if you don’t speak a second language. A growing number of universities in continental Europe teach courses in English. It’s now possible to improve English language skills and learn the native language as well while on such a course, meaning that you are not restricted to just English-speaking countries.
Enjoy Europe
And it’s not just about better career prospects. There is a lot to see and discover throughout Europe while you are studying. Over 3,000 years of history and the mixture of over 30 nationalities has created a rich cultural tapestry that is unequalled in the rest of the world.
There is not enough space in this article to do full justice to the staggering variety that Europe has to offer, but one thing you can be sure
of – from dancing all night in the clubs of Paris, or skiing in Switzerland to watching the Milan football derby – there will be something that will expand your horizons and give you plenty to tell your friends back home. Europe has a vast amount to offer and time spent studying here could easily change your life.