Source: Pexels Author: Redaction More and more young people are giving up their studies due to the current state of the economy, which puts into question the goals and the future of a generation that has more and more difficulties, both in the education sector and in other areas of daily life, such as access to housing and a decent quality of life. For parents, this is a significant expense, which sometimes appears with difficulty as a burden on the family budget. However, there are ways of getting around this problem, and nowadays it is possible to take out loans for higher education studies with tax and interest relief, which can be applied to help with materials, tuition fees or food. What is this all about? This type of contract is a type of personal credit and works with the purpose of education , unlike other types of credits that can be used for holidays, for example, the contracting party will benefit from better conditions, paying the same amount. Compared to other types of credit, its rates are minimal when placed side by side with the rates of other types of credit, having been decreed by the Bank of Portugal precisely to relieve those who need this type of financial aid. Mutual Guarantee System This type of loan guarantees the Line of Credit for Higher Education Students with Mutual Guarantee in which the State functions as guarantor of the credit, which allows greater accessibility than in a common credit, having to make the request directly to the adhering banks. This system is aimed at all those who want to enter higher education institutions to follow studies, whether public or private, in national territory, and covers students applying for secondary education or technical vocational courses, undergraduate, postgraduate, masters, doctorates or others that are eligible. Depending on the APR, which can range from 5.6% to 6.3%, the amounts of this credit can reach up to 30 thousand euros, partially made available on a monthly basis, over a period of six years. When do you start repaying the loan? You do not have to pay this credit during the period in which you are studying, and you can benefit from a grace period of up to two years, being able to start paying it back as soon as you finish your studies, since the reimbursement can be made in a maximum period of six to ten years. However, if you do not perform well at school, you can even lose this credit after the first year. What are the access conditions? To access this credit, the student must be, at least, 18 years old, a national citizen with a valid residence permit, attending a public or private education institution, either polytechnic or university, and must assume the commitment of maintaining the studies and positive results during the period of the contract. There are several banks that offer this type of credit and therefore it is important to compare the values practiced among all of them, in order to get the best offer. For this, our suggestion is that you make a careful analysis of the APR (Annual Percentage Rate of Charge) and the total loan with credit costs, which translates into interest, commissions, taxes and other fiscal charges. Look at the spread, associated products such as cards or insurance, and type of rate (variable, fixed or mixed). Whether youre advising your children at this stage of their lives, or pursuing higher education yourself, grab our tips and start planning your future. Read more at Young people and savings: where to start? , Erasmus+ takes money under the RRP
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction It was approved in the Council of Ministers, this Thursday January 5th, the authorization for the Erasmus+ Education and Training National Agency to take charge of multi-annual expenses, under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) that aims the National Plan for Accommodation in Higher Education (PNAES) . This plan has already been contracted and, according to the Ministry of Education, this is the largest investment ever in student accommodation and the largest investment in higher education buildings in the last decades. For this purpose, an initial investment of 375 million euros was made, later reinforced with 72 million euros, and the objective of this measure is to reinforce the capacity of the lodgings, which intends to increase to 26,868 the number of beds available for higher education students - which currently has only 15,073 -, until the year 2026. This will translate into a 78% increase in capacity, through the requalification of these accommodations. The Ministry also adds that of the 131 projects contracted by the PNAES in September and November 2022, 54 projects are already underway, with a total value of 158,332,133 million euros. Follow more news in SUPERCASA Notícias or in New increases in home loans in 2023
Studying abroad is a great way to experience a different culture, make new friends, and create memories that are sure to last a lifetime. However, there are several components that must be considered first, such as applying to the institution you wish to study at. In this sense, we present 5 tips that will help you make the perfect application for this new stage of life. #1. Explain why studying abroad will make a difference to your studies Many students want to study abroad just for the experience and the opportunity to live and learn in another country. These aspects are important. However, the application review offices at these institutions read dozens of applications a day, so you need to make it stand out from the rest. Mentioning why studying abroad will make a difference in education is a good way to start. Be specific, clarify the impact study abroad will have on personal and professional growth, what you hope to get out of the course, state why you chose this country over another, and so on. #2. Specify why you want to study at this school Instead of just saying that you are available to study anywhere, as long as it is abroad, you can explain why you want to study here and why you want to study at this school. You can also add how exciting it will be to be part of the school. #3. Telling the personal and academic journey Personal experience and academic path tells a lot about your personality and the kind of student you will eventually become. Mention outstanding school work, work experiences, volunteering, extracurricular activities, or skills that may be useful abroad, such as knowledge of a second language. #4. Show personality It is important to show your personality. It is not easy to demonstrate this through writing, but it is very important to the person who will read the application, as it may make a difference in the decision to enter or not. You can mention a personal story about something relevant to the study abroad topic, or describe a trip you have taken, for example. Show a little enthusiasm, but at the same time keep expectations realistic. #5. Follow the schools guidelines It may sound simple, but for the application to be put aside immediately, one must read and follow the instructions given. Certain institutions have specific questions that students are required to answer, or are asked to apply in a certain way. Thus, one should not ignore these instructions. It is the first step to making a great impression.
The university for which you plan to study is perhaps the best place to get information about funding. So check the universitys website or ask for advice by contacting the institution directly. Usually it is on university websites that you can find details of international student scholarships, the applicants eligibility requirements, and details of the application and selection process. In addition, there are also external organizations that can assist with funding. There is also, funding for students from specific groups, such as students from developing countries and for women studying subjects that tend to be male-dominated. Also not to forget scholarships that help with the costs associated with this investment. Many of these are awarded based on academic merit and are highly competitive. Often universities have lists of scholarships outside the institution, such as those offered by the government or by the universities partners. If this is not a possibility, one should research government support in the home country or types of funding available from external organizations pertaining to the field of study being pursued, for example, an engineering company may offer scholarships for engineering students. It is still possible to acquire financing through Portuguese banks. Most banks have joined the bank credit for higher education students established by the Ministry of Education and Science with very advantageous conditions. This system of loans with mutual guarantee for higher education students was created in order to finance the completion of technological specialization courses, bachelor and master degrees, Erasmus and other international student exchange programs, doctoral and post-graduate studies. Loans These loans have a minimum interest rate, with a maximum spread of 1%, which can be reduced for students with better academic performance: equal to or greater than 16 marks: spread of 0.20% between 14 and 16 marks: spread of 0.65% less than 14 values or at the beginning of the course: spread of 1% Amount of credit: Between 1,000 and 5,000 euros per year of the course, with a maximum of 25,000 euros (5-year courses).
#1 Documentation in order If necessary, you should get your passport in order as soon as possible and apply for a visa to be issued in time for your trip. Also check the validity of all your documents and make sure it includes the entire time of your stay abroad. #2 Currency When deciding which country you will study in, you need to consider your daily expenses. Dont assume that the currency will have the same value now, as it did 5 months ago when you last validated the exchange rate. Small variations in the exchange rate can have a big impact when budgeting for the next few months of your life. #3 Keep informed about your destination You should keep informed about the economy of the country where you will be living in the next few months. If public transportation works well, if there are any political disturbances, etc. Obviously, a minor incident is not a reason to cancel your trip, however, you should keep informed about your surroundings. #4 Inform the embassy Imagine the following scenario: you are going abroad, the Wifi may be erratic, with the cell phone network non-existent. This is one of the reasons why studying abroad is so exciting, but it also makes you more vulnerable. For safetys sake, inform the Embassy in the destination country of your stay. Whatever happens, youll be on the governments radar and will know who to contact in case of an emergency. #5 Get a health check-up and make sure your vaccinations are up to date Get a health check-up before you go on a trip. Since you will be away from your home country for a long time, and in many countries, unlike Portugal, a trip to the doctor can be extremely expensive. Therefore, you should contact your health insurance company and let them know where and when you will be traveling and, in case of continuing medication, ask for prescriptions in advance. #6 Talk to the bank You should go to the bank and check which credit and debit cards work abroad. Some banks may have their own cards for international use and others may have regional partners that do not charge a fee for cash withdrawals. #7 Check the credits and/or the recognition of the degree in the home country In most cases, the courses available to foreigners are approved by departments and governments, so there will be no problem with recognition in the home country. However, if it was something you found online or through other such means, check with the operational educational agent in the country or contact the university to certify that the course is valid in the home country.
A visa is a document that provides permission to enter a foreign country. A student visa, on the other hand, is only granted to people who have the application confirmed by the school/university they will attend, thus confirming the intention/need to stay in the country for a certain period. The requirements to get a visa differ depending on the country. Therefore, the first step is to research and/or contact the embassy of the country where you intend to study in order to obtain more information. If you are a European citizen, you will only need a visa for travel and/or stay in countries outside the Schengen zone. When should the visa be applied for? As soon as the school/university you wish to apply to confirms your admission, you can start the visa application process at the respective embassy. It should be handled in person, before traveling to the academic destination. What type of visa is required? There are two types of visa most commonly required for this purpose: Student Non-immigrant Student. The visa granted may differ depending on the country selected. These types of visas mean that you do not intend to reside permanently in that country and that your stay is for study purposes only. How does the visa application work? The first step is to prove attendance at the study institution by means of a confirmation issued by the institution. In this sense, one must contact the university or school to clarify which visa is required and/or request the sending of the necessary documentation to apply for it. Once the institution provides this information, you should have everything you need to proceed with the visa process. Depending on the country, the visa application can be done by mail, in person, or online. Therefore, one should contact the embassy or consulate in person or by other available means in order to assist with the process. Is it possible to extend my visa while I am in another country? This possibility exists, however, the complexity of the process depends on the country where you are studying. In some countries, extending the visa is a very simple process, while in others, it may be a difficult challenge and may even require leaving the country to deal with the renewal, and only afterwards being allowed back in.
Gap Year is a one-year break taken by students before or after college, who use this time to travel abroad and interact with other cultures, doing certain activities such as volunteering, learning another language, among others. This sabbatical is a great opportunity for introspection, as it often helps in deciding what type of course to take in college. A sabbatical year provides the individual with several opportunities, from discovering their strengths and weaknesses, to understanding what might be an opportunity or a threat in the outside world compared to their goals, among other situations. In other words, by volunteering in a developing country, one may discover an interest in health, social service, or politics that one had not previously considered. Reasons to do a Gap Year For certain people, Gap Year is considered to be the appropriate time to mature and experience the responsibilities related to adult life. Usually, when graduating from high school, students have attended 12 consecutive years of compulsory schooling, encompassing classes, extracurricular activities, social life, and personal obligations. In this sense, many students have not had the opportunity to know themselves well enough, often causing difficulty in selecting a course to follow. Thus, taking a break of this nature and enjoying the fact of immersing yourself in a completely new and different culture, doing volunteer work, learning a new language, among others, can help more complicated decisions and overcome challenges. In fact, after this experience, the world view will certainly be more mature, knowing other perspectives, which will make it possible to make adjustments to the way of observing things, being in life and relating to others. Common questions about Gap Year Accommodation In terms of accommodation, it differs greatly depending on the type of program you will be doing and the country of destination. Generally, students are housed on campus or with a host family. The institution that will help with this application usually identifies the best solutions. Travel to other destinations during the program In addition to the selected trip itself, many Gap Year programs include excursions, however, in some situations, optional, as they may be subject to extra costs. Best time to do a Gap Year These projects exist all year round. Many students choose to join such a program in the early fall, so as not to interfere with the routine of academic life.
For many years, the impact of studying abroad was characterized as, It will completely change your life! or You will come back a completely different person! However, the true, long-term impact this experience had on a person remained unknown. So, the Institute for International Student Education (IES) designed a survey to establish this long-term impact by evaluating 3 parameters of students lives: personal, professional, and academic. The results present what the greatest academic, cultural and personal benefits are for a student choosing an academic experience abroad. The analysis also suggests that even if its duration is at least six weeks it can also create good academic, personal, professional and intercultural outcomes. The Erasmus Impact Study assessed the impacts of international mobility on students skills and employability. The study highlighted that international students are more likely to hold managerial positions in their future careers and less likely to suffer from long-term unemployment. Several studies have revealed different types of skills that 21st century employers are looking for in their employees: Communication skills Confidence Academic knowledge Curiosity Flexibility/Adaptability Intercultural skills Interpersonal skills Language skills Leadership Problem solving Self-knowledge Teamwork Technical skills/software Tolerance for ambiguity Work ethic
Studying in another country is an increasingly recurring initiative. Students of various ages take on the challenge and opportunity of moving to a country with a completely different culture, language, and lifestyle. However, this move brings with it several costs. In this sense, we present 6 tips on how to prepare financially for this experience. #1. Part Time One of the best ways to save costs and expenses is to earn more than you spend. So a good way is to look for a job, before venturing to the foreign country, part time, on or off campus. This will ensure that you continue to earn income during your stay. #2. Budgeting expenses Budgeting your expenses is something you can practice before your trip. So try to cut back on some expenses that are not necessary and set goals to learn how to save money. #3. Start saving Once you have determined your expense budget and have it under control, start saving. A good way to start is to put some extra money into savings. #4. Additional Expenses Some additional expenses and costs are, besides tuition and housing, transportation, textbooks, communications, meals, leisure, etc. #5. Research balls: National, Institutional, Local, and Private One of the most appealing ways to finance studies abroad is through scholarships. In this sense, you can validate if in the country of destination, the institution has scholarships, what kind of scholarships exist, and what conditions are required to join them. #6. Costs before the trip Other costs to consider are the ones before the trip, such as obtaining a passport, visas, flights, among others. It is important to keep in mind that the costs related to the decision to study abroad do not start only after arriving at the destination.
After the important decision of whether to study abroad, another essential choice follows, the appropriate destination to carry out this experience. This step is not easy since there are many factors to consider. Each individual presents his or her own ambitions and interests. Some prefer countries with big, cosmopolitan and busy cities, others prefer countries with a rich and vibrant culture, or countries with a strong connection to outdoor activities and so on, according to StudyAbroad. The list is huge when one takes into account ones tastes and interests. It is crucial to make this challenging decision into a fun task. Besides your ambitions, dreams, tastes and interests, it is important to think about your educational, cultural and social experiences. To begin this process, one should answer the following questions: Is there a specific part of the world that I have always wanted to visit? Do I want to study in a capital city, a smaller town, or a rural area? Where am I comfortable living? What kind of infrastructure do I need to be close by? What kind of cultural, social, and extracurricular experiences and activities do I want to enjoy? Do I want to explore cultures that are drastically different from my own or experience one that is relatively similar? What are my personal, academic, and professional goals, and which countries offer courses that include all or at least most of them? Is it important for me to be able to travel to neighboring countries, or can I live in a more remote area? By answering all these questions, it will be easier to decide on the destination to which one wants to study. However, one should always keep in mind that no matter where one will study, the experience abroad will definitely be the beginning of a wonderful change in ones student life.
The phenomenon of studying abroad is increasingly common. Students of various ages challenge themselves, moving country, perhaps even continent, to get the best education possible. In this sense, this experience has a number of fantastic benefits, from helping you find a good job to improving your social life. #1. Its a Challenge It may seem intimidating at first, however, it must be stressed that studying abroad is not necessarily easy. There are unique challenges, however, this whole process is also part of the fun and experience. Certain concerns arise before leaving your home country, as is only natural. Getting out of your comfort zone is one of the things that makes the whole experience so valuable. #2. A different culture This experience will make it possible to accomplish things that you dont expect. You will be able to meet people who grew up in a different culture. So you will try new dishes, listen to traditional music, and participate in local activities. #3. Career In a globalized and well-connected world, all employers increasingly value graduates with international experience and education. So learn new languages, appreciate other cultures, and overcome the challenges of living in another country. #4. Global citizen By studying abroad, you can also develop a sense of how people from other cultures think and feel on an individual level. Consequently, you also develop a deeper understanding of global issues and how events in the world affect countries on the other side of the globe.
The last few years have not been entirely easy, especially for graduating high school students who are facing one of the most fundamental moments of their lives. According to StudyAbroad, the context in which we currently live has put obstacles in what is already a very complex decision. It is a huge change in life at a very young age. In this sense, it is essential to present some of the reasons for making this decision: #1. Competitive resume not only in Portugal, but also globally, increasing the chances of getting a job, which will make it possible to decide where to go, instead of just going where its only possible. #2. Besides improving English language skills, you can take advantage of the contact you will have with people from other countries and even learn new languages. #3. You will get to meet people from all over the world, which gives you a glimpse of the cultural diversity that exists, and even, perhaps, discover new foods, characteristic of each culture, which can be authentic gastronomic experiences. #4. It will also be possible to experience a completely new way of learning, with various techniques and methodologies, which will expand the mind, making it more active and sensitive to new stimuli. #5. You will gain independence, autonomy, and self-reliance. You will learn more about yourself, since you will face contexts that will test your limits, strengths and weaknesses. #6. Contact with other cultures, besides giving a sense of diversity, will also allow you to develop cultural sensitivity to be able to talk about any subject, at any level, with knowledge of why there are differences. #7. You will look at your own culture through new perspectives, considering the opinions of people from other countries, allowing you to develop an opinion on issues that you consider to be absolute truths. #8. The transition from teenager to adult will be much faster, since you will have to take responsibility. #9. Every day there will be new opportunities to gain life experience, giving room to deepen or discover the spontaneous and adventurous spirit. #10. You will learn to appreciate more the little things in life, allowing the development of a global mindset with tolerance for difference - Open-mind. #11. Financially, there are many advantageous discounts for international students. You just have to look in the right places, such as associations that support foreign students at universities or Erasmus offices, among others; #12. There are many financing options available, scholarships, free tuition fees, and other possibilities, depending on the country and the institution you want to apply to. #13. The whole experience will be unforgettable and enriching, so this learning and knowledge will be part of your essence for the rest of your life. #14. You will learn to appreciate even more your home country and culture, but above all, your home and family. #15. Depending on the country, it will be possible to find universities with lower tuition fees than Portuguese universities, and the average cost of living will be cheaper in terms of cost-benefit, especially for Portuguese students who have to move from their homeland to study in big cities #16. You can use your free time to explore the country where you study. Maybe travel to other cities by train, bus, plane, especially if you are studying in a country in the center of Europe where commuting is quite common and easy #17. All the reasons mentioned, for sure, increase confidence in skills and abilities, in knowledge and above all in yourself.
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