EUROPE
Europe is the second smallest continent in the world by surface area measuring approximately 10 million km2, or 2% of the surface area of the world. There are approximately 50 countries in the continent with Russia as the largest country and Vatican City is the smallest country.
Europe offers many of the best institutions in the world. In the QS World University Ranking 2014/2015 there are a total of 336 universities in Europe included in the Top 800 (around 42%).
Of the 50 countries in Europe, some countries such as Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands become the popular education destinations of choice for international students. Italy is famous for design school, Swiss for the hospitality schools that are in the top five (5) best hospitality schools in the world, and Netherlands with high standards research universities.
THE NETHERLANDS
The quality of higher education in the Netherlands is well known because of their national quality control system and a code of conduct that must be signed by the university. There are lots of research universities in the Netherlands who always get acknowledged as the best universities in the world.
The Netherlands consists of the Netherlands and six (6) islands of Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. The official name of this country is Nederland, which means ‘a country that is on the lower ground’, because most of the land are below sea level.
The Netherlands is located at the intersection where the culture of German, English, and French meet. This tiny country has 12 provinces with an area of 41,543 km2 (about the size of Jakarta and Yogyakarta combined) with a population of 16 million inhabitants. The capital of the Netherlands is Amsterdam, as the city for governance and where the Queen / King stays is in Den Haag.
The Netherlands has four (4) seasons of winter, spring, summer, and autumn. Snowy winter until below 00C usually happens between the months of December and February, while March to May is usually the spring, when the tulips are blooming beautifully. Summer usually happens during June to September, and that is when the hottest temperatures can reach 300C. Fall / autumn usually happens in the month of October to November and is accompanied by wind and rain.
In the summer, the Dutch use Daylight Saving Time GMT + 1 or six (6) hours earlier than the time in Indonesia. Beyond that, the time difference is the Dutch five (5) hours earlier than the time Indonesia.
Dutch society consists of more than 190 different nations. The unique relationship with Indonesia has no doubt brought the assimilation of these two countries. In the Netherlands alone the population of Indonesia who settled there are number two (2) after the EU population. Although the Dutch becomes the national language, foreign languages such as English, German, and French are also commonly used.
The small size makes this country has a very efficient and excellent transportation system, such as train, bus, tram, and metro. The bus ticket costs about EUR 1.60 one-way in the city. You can buy a 40% discount card for train tickets which can be used outside of rush hour. By train, you can easily go to almost all the cities in the Netherlands, including to German, Belgium, and France. To get information on travelling using public transport, including the direction of travel, you may look at www.9292.nl. If you want to save money, you can try using a bicycle in the bike lane. Most Dutch people, whatever their profession or status are, have a bike. Buy a used bike to save money and be sure to buy a strong lock.
The politics in the Netherlands is controlled by parliamentary, democracy, constitutional monarchy, and a decentralized unitary state. The Netherlands is described as a consociational state that is synonymous with the division of power, although technically there is only one (1) form of power sharing.
- Van Gogh Museum
As the name suggests, this museum is a collection of paintings of famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) which is an internationally renowned artist born in Zundert city. The museum has more than 200 paintings, ranging from the beginning of his career until his masterpiece worth hundreds of millions of rupiah.
- The Venice of Holland
The Netherlands also has its own Venice and is called the “Venice of the North” or “The Venice of Holland” – the river is clean and beautiful with small wooden boat houses with thatched roofs along the canal that are in Giethoorn, a village in the province Overijssel.
- Kinderdijk
The most known icon in Netherlands is the windmills. Kinderdijk is a village in the province of Zuid-Holland (South Holland) that has the most windmills. The windmill was originally built to move water from flooding rivers to keep the land dry.
- Many Dutch words are absorbed into Indonesian as gratis (free), tas (bags), kantoor (office), dosen (docent in the faculty), and others.
- Schiphol International Airport is located 6.5 meters below sea level.
STUDY INFO IN NETHERLAND
- REASONS TO STUDY IN THE NETHERLANDS
- SUN INSTITUTION LIST
- LIVING COST IN THE NETHERLANDS
- STUDY REQUIREMENTS IN THE NETHERLANDS
- EDUCATION IN THE NETHERLANDS
- The Dutch are entrepreneurs and inventors and the country became the birthplace of Nobel Prize winners, philosophers, and artists, as well as scientists.
- Higher education in the Netherlands has a worldwide reputation thanks to its high quality.
- Cost of living is affordable when compared to other English-speaking countries. The cost of studying is also relatively affordable.
- Dutch already absorbed in Indonesia language. Indonesian food is also easily available in the tulip country.
CEG UNIVERSITY OF AMSTERDAM FOUNDATION
HANZE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCE
SAXION UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCE
Daily expenses include food, public transport, books, accommodation, and insurance that must be owned by all citizens and international students in the Netherlands. Generally, students spend about EUR 800 to EUR 1,100 a month. Students have the advantage of getting student discount for movie tickets, food in the bar and restaurant, as well as museum entrance tickets. They only need to show their student card upon purchase.
- Student Visa & Health Insurance
Students will need an entry visa (MVV) plus an institution resident permit (VVR) in the Netherlands. Later, students need to collect the visa at the Netherlands Embassy or nearest Consulate. Residence permit is valid for the duration of your course, as long as you get 50% of your study credits each year. After having VVR visa, you are free to travel from the Netherlands to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within 180 days.
The Dutch government provides work opportunities for students who have completed a Bachelor or Masters program. The requirement is to ask Zoekjaar Permit / Search Year Permit which permits a one (1) year orientation period in which students can work without a work permit. This orientation can be changed into a stay permit for highly skilled immigrants / Residence Permit for Highly Skilled Migrants.
- Accommodation
The Netherlands does not have a tradition of on-campus accommodation. Most students live in or near the city where their university is located. The average cost of rooms in the Netherlands is about EUR 300 to EUR 600 per month. Accommodations in big cities like Amsterdam are usually more expensive than in small towns.
- Part Time Work
If the study program requires that you do the internship or apprenticeship, then you do not need a work permit. If you plan to work outside, then you must apply for a work permit that is limited to a maximum of ten (10) hours a week and full time during the summer which are June, July, and August.
Keep in mind that immediately after you get the job, you are obliged to obtain a Netherlands basic health insurance. If you do not meet this requirement, you risk getting a hefty fine.
With more than 1,700 programs, courses, and higher education, the Netherlands was the first country in Europe (outside the UK) which offers the first and largest education programs in English in Europe.
In 2014, there were 12 universities in the Netherlands that got to be in the Top 200 universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Currently in the Netherlands there are about 81,700 international students with half of them come from countries of the European Union, followed by China, and other countries. Popular areas of study that many international students take are Economics, Business & Finance, Engineering, Social Studies, and Language & Culture in either Research Universities or Applied Sciences Universities.
Binary System
Higher education in the Netherlands has a binary system which means you can choose two (2) types of education :
- Education-oriented education at research universities;
- Higher professional education offered by universities of applied sciences.
Many students do internships as part of their study programs. For foreign students, if you are interested, you can also do this program.
IRELAND
Ireland is a part of the British Isles. This small country has beautiful natural scenery, friendly people, and ancient buildings such as castles and cathedrals. The country is also known as the location of the famous television series Game of Thrones.
GEO & CULTURE
Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic and is the second largest island in the British Isles. Politically, Ireland is divided into 2 parts namely the Republic of Ireland (or Ireland) which includes 5/6 parts of the island, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, to the northeast of the island.
The climate in Ireland is temperate and influenced by the North Atlantic currents. Summer is not so hot (maximum 20 ° C) and winter is not too cold (minimum 4 ° C). Some parts of Ireland get 275 days with rain in a year. Ireland has 4 seasons with the following division of periods:
- Summer: May - July
- Fall: August - October
- Winter: November - January
- Spring (February): February - April
Ireland uses Irish Standard Time (UTC + 01: 00) in summer and Greenwich Mean Time (UTC + 0) in winter.
Irish is the designation of native Irish people who come from the same ancestor, identity, and culture. Residents in Ireland come from different nationalities including Ireland, Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Ireland has its own customs, language, music, dance, sports, cuisine and mythology. Although Irish (Gaelic) was their native language in the past, now more Irish residents use English in their daily lives.
Public transportation in Ireland is available in the form of trains, buses, taxis and planes. Buses are public transportation that is spread throughout the city. Buses are also a cheaper transportation option compared to trains. If students need a vehicle that is available at any time, a taxi can be an option but at a price above the price of a bus ticket.
Ireland is a democracy with a Head of Government called Taoiseach and Deputy Prime Minister called Tanaiste. Ireland has 15 Government Departments. Taoiseach and the Ministers collectively formed a government under the Irish constitution in which they held executive power.
- Trinity College Dublin
It is the oldest university in Ireland that was built in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. The institution is famous for its valuable "treasures" such as the Book of Kells (gospel books in Latin) and the Long Room (which inspired the first Harry Potter film library).
- Grafton Street Area, Dublin
Apart from being a shopping center, Grafton Street is also full of buskers, flower sellers, and street artists. You don't need to spend a lot of money here. Enjoy the legendary Irish breakfast at Bewley’s Oriental Café or enjoy walking down the aisles along the Grafton Street Area.
- Cliffs of Moher
Cliff of Moher is located on the southwestern edge of the Burren area in County Clare, Ireland. From this 120 meter high cliff, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay and Mount Maumturks and Twelve Pins.
- May is the driest month in Ireland.
- Ireland is the only country that uses a musical instrument - the harp - as its national symbol.
- Ireland is the third largest island in Europe and the 20th in the world.
- The longest place name in Ireland is Muckanaghederdauhaulia, in County Galway.
- The Newgrange tomb in County Meath was built BC 3200 which made it 600 years older than the Giza Pyramid in Egypt and 1,000 years older than Stonehenge.
STUDY INFO IN IRELAND
- REASONS TO STUDY IN IRELAND
- SUN INSTITUTION LIST
- LIVING COST IN IRELAND
- STUDY PROVISION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
- EDUCATION IN IRELAND
- Most institutions in Ireland have international rankings with a variety of strong programs (5000+) in various regions.
- Ireland has a rich culture, amazing scenery and friendly people that providing an extraordinary experience for international students.
- There are many job opportunities in the world's leading companies. Many brands such as Google, HP, Apple, IBM, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Pfizer, GSK, and Genzyme choose Ireland for main office destination for European operations.
- The new government rules allow students to stay for 6 months in the declaration of results to find work. Once a student gets a job, the student is entitled to apply for a Work Permit / Green Card.
Living cost as a student in Ireland including the cost of accommodation, electricity, food, books, laundry, medicine and other costs is around EUR 1,200 to EUR 2,000 per month. This fee can be reduced if students live outside Dublin. International students who will study in Ireland need to set aside money to buy things such as kitchen equipment, bed linen, cell phones, and others.
- Visa and Insurance
To get a student visa, students must register for a program with a duration of more than 3 months. Students can apply for a student visa 3 months before leaving, because the process can be up to 8 weeks from the date of application. International students are also required to register Guard National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to get a GNIB card.
International students are required to have health insurance that will be needed in visa registration. Students can use health insurance from a country of origin that meets the standards of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).
The Irish government allows international students (non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss) who have completed Bachelor level education to stay in the country for 12 months to find employment. This scheme is called the Third Level Graduate Scheme Permission. After passing the 12 month period, students can apply for a Green Card or Work Permit Scheme.
- Accommodation
Students can choose on-campus or off-campus accommodation depending on their individual needs. On-campus accommodation is usually always in demand with prices that are quite expensive and difficult to get a place. For off-campus accommodation, fees may vary from EUR 350 per month for rooms for more than 1 person to EUR 700 per month for private rooms in large cities like Dublin.
- Part Time Work
As of September 1, 2016, international students who have GNIB cards are allowed to work part time for 20 hours per week and full time for 40 hours per week during summer and winter holidays. Part-time wages in Ireland from EUR 9 per hour.
- Elementary and Secondary Education
Basic education includes elementary schools funded by the state, special schools, and private primary schools. State-funded schools include religious schools, non-denominational schools, multi-denominational schools and Gaelscoileanna (Irish secondary schools).
Middle school education consists of secondary, vocational, and community & comprehensive schools. Secondary education consists of 3 years of junior high school and 2 or 3 years of senior high school depending on what Transition Year (TY) program is taken.
- Further Education and Training
Further education includes education and training that starts after second-level education. There are a number of advanced education and training providers that provide further education for school graduates and adults.
- Higher Education
Higher education providers in Ireland consist of 7 universities, 14 technology institutions, including the Dublin Institute of Technology, and 7 high schools. In addition, a number of institutions provide specialist education in fields such as art and design, medicine, business, rural development, theology, music and law.
ITALY
Italy is a country in the south of Europe which shaped like boots. The extent of area is approximately 301,338 km2 and has a Mediterranean climate. With 61 million inhabitants, the country of Casanova is the fourth most populous in Europe. Italy is one of the developed countries with the third largest economy in the Eurozone and the eighth largest in the world (IMF 2014).
Italy plays an important role in higher education in Europe : as one of the four (4) states declaring “European Area of Higher Education” (Sorbonne Declaration, May 1998), as the basis of the reform of higher education “Bologna Process” (Bologna Declaration, June 1999) which is applied throughout Europe.GEO & CULTURE
Located in the Southern Europe, Italy is a peninsula extending to the middle of Mediterranean Sea. Italy is neighbouring to France on its west side, Switzerland and Austria on the north, and Slovenia on the east. Rome, its capital city, is located on the west coast of this pasta country.
In contrast to other European countries, Italy has different climates depending on the area. The northern part has cold winters and very hot summers. In the south, autumn, spring and summer seem to blend together and differ slightly. The climate in central Italy is lighter and has an average temperature throughout the year.
- Winter : December – February
- Spring : March-May
- Summer : June-August
- Fall : September – November
Italy has the standard time GMT +1 which means the country’s time is five (5) hours slower than Indonesia. In addition, the country also has Daylight Saving Time that makes time goes one (1) hour earlier than usual. DST is applied from late March to late October at which time then going back to normal.
People in Italy, commonly called Italian, are the resident of the Republic of Italy, regardless of ancestry or country of residence, and are distinguished from those of Italian descent and Italian ethnics staying in the area adjacent to the Italian peninsula.
Going around Italy is generally easy and efficient because of their excellent rail networks, such as the high-speed train (Elettero Treno Rapido), inter-city train (Eurostar and InterCity), and regional trains (Inter Regionale, Regionale and Diretto). Italy also has a large number of ports for the transport of goods and to take passengers to some of the main island in Italy.
For travelling on land, you can use the bus, metro, and taxi. For bus and metro tickets, tickets must be validated when you have already stepped in. Ticket purchases can be made at the shop of cigarettes, a newspaper shop, or ticket machines at bus and metro station. Tickets usually cost around EUR 1.30 to EUR 1.80.
Italy initially used the monarchy system during the second half of the 19th century until 1946. On June 2, 1946, the system was abolished and replaced with a democratic republican system. Executive power is exercised collectively by the Council of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister, officially known as the Council President (Presidente del Consiglio).
- Canal of Venice
Venice is a romantic city with gondolas that float over small canals down this small town with the singing gondoliers. The city now has more tourists than residents.
- Colosseum
The Colosseum that is located in Rome is the largest and famous amphitheater since Roman times. This building can accommodate about 50,000 spectators and has no less than 80 doors.
- Pompeii
The city that was affected by Mount Vesuvius eruption and got buried under ashes and soils has now become one of the famous tourist sites in Italy. There are approximately 2.5 million visitors each year.
- The capital city of Rome since 1871 is as old as almost 3,000 years old.
- It is said that Italy has more masterpieces per square mile than any other countries in the world.
- Many famous inventions are made by Italians such as espresso machines invented by Angelo Moriondo, car by Francesco Di Giorgio Martini, eye glasses by Salvino Armati, and translation dictionaries by Ambrogio Calepino.
- Italy is also known for high fashion with well-known brands such as Gucci, Benetton, Armani, and Prada, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana. Famous car brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati are also produced there.
STUDY INFO IN ITALIA
- REASONS TO STUDY IN ITALY
- SUN INSTITUTION LIST
- LIVING COST IN ITALY
- STUDY REQUIREMENTS IN ITALY
- EDUCATION IN ITALY
- Italy is in the forefront in every field of higher education, particularly in the fields of design, architecture, applied science, and the arts.
- Scientific research is highly appreciated in this country, especially concerning energy, environment and transport.
- Studying in Italy is cheaper because there are many scholarships and financial aid as well as discounts for food and accommodation for students.
- There are more than 32,000 international students so that the network will be expanded and students can learn the culture of other countries.
The amount of daily spending in a tourist town and big city, especially in the northern part of Italy, will be more expensive than in a small town. Students need to prepare approximately EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,500 per month depending on the city they live in. This amount covers the cost of accommodation, meals, transportation, telecommunications, and other daily necessities.
- Visa & Insurance
Student Visas are required only for those who will undergo the course of more than 90 days during the study period lasting effect. Insurance must be owned by international students except for those with a study period of less than six (6) months.
- Accommodation
Students can choose to stay in accommodation or in off-campus. If you choose to live off-campus, consider the distance, price, and facilities offered. The cost of renting a place to stay outside of the city ranges from EUR 450 to EUR 800 per month and EUR 600 to EUR 1,200 per month for those who live in the city.
- Part Time Work
Students who can do part time work are only the Italian students and students of members of the European Union. As for international students, they are required to have a license to work and it is very hard to obtain. The Company must submit a letter of intent to the Italian Police Station “Questura” but bureaucracy makes this process a long time and your visa may not allow you to work in Italy.
- Primary & Secondary Schools
Generally started by three (3) years of preschool, it is then followed by elementary school that continues for five (5) years. The Junior High School period is three (3) years, while High School lasts for five (5) years. There will be a test at the end of each level, called esame di maturità, which is required to enter university.
- Higher Education
Universities in Italy, including the oldest university in the world, such as the University of Bologna (founded in 1088), University of Padua (founded in 1222), and the University of Naples (established in 1224). Bachelor degree program in Italy usually lasts for three (3) years, Masters for two (2) years, and Doctoral between three (3) and five (5) years.
GERMANY
Germany is a federation of countries located in Western Europe. This country is famous for inventions such as cars, watches, calculators, and so on. Germany is also known for its technological advancements that make it one of the most popular study destinations for international students.
GEO & CULTURE
Germany is located in central Europe and is directly bordered by nine countries. In the west it is bordered by the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France. In the south it is bordered by Switzerland and Austria. To the east it is bordered by Czech and Poland, and to the north it is bordered by Denmark.
In most of Germany, the climate is moderately continental characterized by cold winters, with average daily temperatures around 0°C and warm summers, with maximum temperatures around 22/24°C. Germany has 4 seasons, divided into periods as follows:
- Der Winter (winter): December - February
- Der Frühling (spring): March - May
- Der Sommer (summer): June to August
- Der Herbst (fall): September - December
Germany is in the UTC + 1 and UTC + 2 time zones in the summer (Daylight Saving Time)
Deutsche is the name of the people in German. The culture of this nation was shaped by European intellectuals, both philosophers, poets and secular thinkers. Germany is known as “Das land der dichter und denker” or “The land of poets and philosophers”.
Some major cities in Germany have integrated transportation systems ranging from trams, buses and trains. Multi-trip or day-pass cards will be needed to use public transportation in Germany. Beside, bicycles are also widely used transportation in several cities.
Germany is a federation republic country with a king as head of state and chancellor as head of government.
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Germany has many famous tourist destinations such as Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), The Black Forest, and Neuschwanstein.
- One third of Germany is forest
- There are about 2100 castles in Germany
- The country with the most zoos in the world (400)
- The biggest car manufacturer in the world
- German has 35 dialects
STUDY INFO IN GERMANY
- REASONS TO STUDY IN GERMANY
- SUN INSTITUTION LIST
- LIVING COST IN GERMANY
- STUDY PROVISION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
- EDUCATION IN GERMANY
- Affordable tuition and living cost
- Having the opportunity to travel around Europe with a student visa
- Has many world's top-ranked universities
- Opportunity to work part-time
- Has a large selection of internationally recognized programs
International student in Germany need around 850 EUR per month for living cost.
- Visa and Insurance
To live and study in Germany for international students is required a student visa, that is adjusted to the type and duration of the program taken. To get a student visa, students need to get accommodation in German, financial adequated, and health insurance registered. Students will also need a residence permit that requires a registration requirement in a program at a university or other institution.
- Accommodation
The accommodation that is commonly used by international students in Germany is apartments. To find a suitable accommodation may take time, especially when students are not in Germany yet. It will be easier for international students to stay in a university dormitory in the first year of study. Cost range: 450 - 850 EUR per month
- Part Time Work
International students from outside the European Union or EAA, are allowed to work for 20 hours per week or 120 days. However, international students are not allowed to work freelance. To be able to work in Germany during your studies, you must obtain permission from Agentur für Arbeit (local employment agency) and Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' registration office).
Higher education in Germany includes universities that offer a variety of programs, levels and fields, as well as other equivalent institutions that offer specific fields of study. The fields offered by other equivalent institutions include arts, education, engineering and others. Both universities and other equivalent institutions have the authority to provide degree programs up to PhD level (doctoral degree). In addition, they are also authorized to offer specific research programs for future education. In addition to undergraduate and postgraduate programs, there are other programs, namely Diploma Examination, Master Examination, Staatsprüfung (State Examination), Church and Academic Examination, Postgraduate Study Courses (Supplementary and Follow-Up Study Courses), and Examination of Colleges of Art and Music.
FRANCE
The French Republic (French: République française) is a country located in Western Europe. France is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra, and Spain. France has long been a center of art, science and philosophy, having produced great thinkers and innovators such as Descartes, Voltaire, Foucault, Sartre and others.
GEO & CULTURE
France is located in Western Europe whose metropolitan area extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. The country is bordered directly by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra, and Spain. France is also connected with the United Kingdom by the Channel Tunnel under the English Channel.
- Winter (l'hiver): December - March
- Spring (le Printemps): March - June
- Summer (l'été): June-September
- Autumn (l'automne): September — December
France has 12 time zones, but in generally at GMT+2 or about five hours later than Jakarta (WIB).
The community currently living in France consists of French people and immigrants from various countries of Europe, America and Africa. In France, the concept of citizenship is between universalism and multiculturalism. French citizenship is determined by three factors: integration, individual compliance, and the primacy of land (jus soli).
The most popular transportation in France is TGV (Train en Grande Vitesse). This public transportation makes it easier for people to commute either to near or far cities.
France has a dual form of government, which is a combination of parliamentary and presidential system. Both the Prime Minister and the President have an active role in running the government.
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Germany has many famous tourist destinations such as Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), The Black Forest, and Neuschwanstein.
- Bakery is very popular in France
- Rue des Degres in Paris is the shortest street in the world (5,75)
- 15 Nobel Laureate in Literature are from France
- French was the official language in United Kingdom
- Most of people believe that April Fool is come from France
STUDY INFO IN FRANCE
- REASONS TO STUDY IN FRANCE
- SUN INSTITUTION LIST
- LIVING COST IN FRANCE
- STUDY PROVISION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
- EDUCATION IN FRANCE
- 300 thousand international students study in France every year.
- The French government has prepared a special fund for education.
- 3 universities in France are included in the list of the 150 best universities in the world according to World University Rank 2021
- Opportunity to work part-time
- France is the center of art, science, philosophy and culture
Living cost for international student is around 1,000 EUR to 2,000 EUR per month
- Visa and Insurance
Students who plan their studies in France must have a visa for a long-term stay, one of the conditions for obtaining it is to be 18 years old. In addition, within two months after arriving in France, students are also required to apply for a residence permit from the local government. Students also need health insurance that is included in a social security system, students will be charged 200 EUR per year.
- Accommodation
Accommodations for international students in France are facilitated by institutions of study such as campus dorms. Other accommodation options are available such as apartments outside the campus or living with local residents (homestays). Cost range: 150 EUR to 500 EUR per week
- Part Time Work
International students in France are permitted to work part time from the first year of study. The permitted work duration is 964 hours per year or 20 hours per week. The minimum fee for workers in France is 9.67 EUR per hour and it applies also to part-time workers.
The majority of universities in France are public institutions. This is what makes tuition in France relatively lower. However, there are also private institutions that are more selective in the student admission process. These institutions usually train students in vocational or professional activities such as engineering or architecture.
SPAIN
GEO & CULTURE
STUDY INFO IN SPAIN
- REASONS TO STUDY IN SPAIN
- SUN INSTITUTION LIST
- LIVING COST IN SPAIN
- STUDY PROVISION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
- EDUCATION IN SPAIN
- Visa and Insurance
- Accommodation
- Part Time Work
SWITZERLAND
Switzerland or the Swiss is the 7th richest country in the world with the highest contribution from its export trade. Monetary balance and the absence of corruption, make Switzerland as the number one (1) from 43 countries in the European Region in terms of freedom in trading.
In 2015, the (2) two Swiss cities of Zurich and Geneva are in the top ten ranking of The World’s Most Liveable Cities (the most comfortable city to live) according to the Mercer Global survey agency.
STUDY INFO IN SWISS
- REASONS TO STUDY IN SWITZERLAND
- SUN INSTITUTION LIST
- LIVING COST IN SWITZERLAND
- STUDY REQUIREMENTS IN SWITZERLAND
- EDUCATION IN SWITZERLAND
- Four (4) universities in Switzerland are included in the ranks of the best universities according to QS World University Ranking 2014/2015 with two (2) of them are on the Top 20.
- Researches at public universities receive financial grants from the government.
- There are 135,000 students in Switzerland with 40% of them are international students.
- The most popular educational programs for international students is Swiss hospitality school for its high standard
Swiss charge a high price, especially for meat, fish fry, oil, and vegetables. However, through a smart calculation, spending in Switzerland will be cheaper or the same compared to other European countries. Students in Switzerland get the facility for college and financial compensation from the government and organizations. For meals, students can take advantage of the facility’s selection of restaurants which are popular among the students due to its affordability as Mensa or café belonging to the university library.
Monthly budget amount for a student is about CHF 1,000 – CHF 1,500 for allowance and daily needs because usually the cost of housing, food, and insurance is included in the tuition.
- Student Visa & Health Insurance
The application process of Student Visa takes approximately two (2) – three (3) months. Student Visa obtained in Indonesia will be converted into B Permit (a kind of ID card for students) and is valid until the duration of the school is completed.
Health insurance must be owned by international students who plan to stay in Switzerland for more than three (3) months and will usually be taken care of by the school where the student will be studying.
- Accommodation
Most colleges in Switzerland have a Housing Office or the International Office to help students determine the most appropriate accommodation option. The types of accommodation that you can choose are:
- On-campus accommodation
On-campus accommodation can be enjoyed with a special price thanks to the subsidy from the university. There are universities that already include the cost of accommodation in the cost of tuition.
However, subsidized housing numbers are limited so you should book well in advance. This accommodation fees typically range from CHF 4.200 – CHF 5.850 per semester.
- Off-campus accommodation
You can choose to rent an apartment / flat or homestay (living with Switzerland family). For apartment / flat, it’s good to find a place to share the cost as well as expand your friendships. The budget of apartments / flats needs to be adjusted with the amenities, condition, and location. Prices range from CHF 1,050 to CHF 3,000 per month depending on choice of room types and amenities.
Homestay is one of the most effective ways to practice English and know the culture and customs of Switzerland. This homestay fee ranges between CHF 130 – CHF 750 per week.
- Part Time Work
In accordance with Swiss government regulation, international students outside the European Union (EU17) / EFTA country require a work permit to take part-time job that will be given after the students have stayed for six (6) months in Switzerland, unless the part-time job is closely related to the subject areas studied. Students are allowed to 15 hours of work per week during the school period and full time during semester breaks.
International students who graduate from a university in Switzerland are allowed to stay and seek full-time employment in Switzerland for six (6) months from the date of their graduation. Students need to pay attention to the provisions of part time work in each canton (a kind of province) in Switzerland since not all cantons allow students to take part-time job.
- Basic Level
Compulsory school system usually includes primary education and secondary education. Before that, children usually study in the kindergarten, although this is not mandatory. Classes are divided based on the language they use (French, German, or Italian).
- Intermediate
After elementary school, students will be separated in accordance with their capabilities and career interests in several areas (usually three (3)). Students who want to work in the academic field will go to high school (named Gymnasium or Kantonsschule). Students who intend to pursue a profession in trade or want to work directly only need to complete three (3) additional years before entering vocational education.
- Tertiary Level
Tertiary education depends on education selected during the middle level. For matura students, the university is the most common choice. Students in vocational high schools will often add a Fachhochschule or a Höhere Fachschule in their curriculum.
GEO & CULTURE
Switzerland has an area of approximately 41,285 km2, or one-third of the island of Java. The country is surrounded by France in the west, Germany in the north, Italy to the south side, as well as Austria and Liechtenstein on the east side which is a tourist area.
Switzerland has a maritime climate where during summer, the lower lands became cool and slightly cloudy. In addition, Switzerland also has a Tundra climate in which the area around the Alpen Mountain has low temperatures and snow.
In some parts of the city, the climate tends to be cool. For example, the state capital Bern has an average maximum temperature in July is 23,5oC and minus 4,6oC in January. Snow will fall in almost every part of Switzerland during winter time.
Switzerland is in the GMT +1 time zone where there is a difference of six (6) hours slower than WIB (Jakarta) in winter (late October to late March). Switzerland also runs the Daylight Saving Time (DST) that promotes local time of one (1) hour faster. At the time of the DST, the Swiss are in GMT +2 time zone in which there is a difference of five (5) hours later than GMT (Jakarta) during summer.
Switzerland has four (4) national languages which are used as an everyday language, namely Germany, France, Italy, and the Romans with English as the main foreign language. In addition to English, you are well advised to learn the local languages to make it easier to understand the culture in the area. The Swiss are very welcome and receive foreign visitors regardless of what language they use.
Switzerland has a highly organized transport system for mobility. Situated between the European countries, Switzerland has a dense railway line, the line between cities, mountain paths, motorways, and some large international airport. The train can be used for traveling between cities and between countries. You can easily travel to Germany, France, Austria, Italy, and go on to other European countries.
Switzerland also has an international airport that is very well known, such as EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, which is located in the border area between Switzerland, France, and Germany.
The type of governance in Switzerland is the Federation of Democratic Republic with some political parties. The country’s leadership is based on the strength of the Swiss Federal Council consisting of one (1) member of the board, the Federal Chancellor, and the Administrator of the Federal Government.
Switzerland is not included in the combined European Union and does not use the Euro as their national currency, but the Swiss Franc (CHF). Nevertheless, Switzerland has been running the Schengen Agreement regarding the freedom of mobility and the open door policy for the neighboring countries that joined the European Union so that all countries can enter Switzerland without having to obtain a different tourist visa.
- The Castle of Chillon (located near Montreux)
- The vineyard lavaux (located on the shores of Lake Geneva)
- The Castles of Bellinzona (Ticino canton is located in the south)
- The Abbey of St. Gallen
- The Matterhorn (located in Schwarzsee, Gornergrat)
- Switzerland is the birthplace of the Red Cross that is synonymous with the logo of the Swiss flag.
- Switzerland is a country with the second highest life expectancy rate in the world after Sweden.
- Switzerland is a country that is very punctual so that delays are not tolerated.
