Source: Pexels Author: Redaction It was during the political debate held in Parliament , last Wednesday, that António Costa reaffirmed the need to increase the number of beds available in student housing, stating that the construction of these beds is already underway and that there are, in fact, many universities, polytechnics, misericórdias and municipalities that are very committed in that achievement. According to the Government, there are currently 15,0173 beds available and it was established the goal, until 2026, to increase this number to 26,868, under the National Programme of Accommodation for Higher Education Students. The Head of State guarantees that, since it came into force, this programme has seen an enormous adhesion , having even been applied a reinforcement of 37 million in the State Budget, besides the 375 million foreseen in the PRR (Recovery and Resilience Plan) to allow the increase of the offer available for displaced students. This investment, according to António Costa, is absolutely fundamental to continue taking steps in the direction that has been chosen by the executive, in order to improve the conditions for higher education students, with incentives for more young people to enter these studies, and to respond to the goals previously established. On this topic you can read Study abroad: Tips for financial preparation or Personal loans for higher education: learn everything
Source: Unsplash Author: Redaction Nido, the student accommodation and co-living management brand of Round Hill Capital, one of Europes leading international operators and managers in the Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) segment, announced today, in a note to SUPERCASA Notícias , the completion of the integration of Smart Studios into its operational platform, adding 2,000 new beds for accommodation to its portfolio. The integration kicks off the next phase of Round Hill Capitals strategy for the PBSA segment in Portugal, after the acquisition of Smart Studios, in what was the largest student accommodation and co-living transaction in our country during last year, with an investment value of approximately 200 million euros. This integration will allow Nido to create an Iberian portfolio with a total of around five thousand beds in 14 residences as part of a wider offer of 9,000 beds available in Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the UK. In Portugal, Nido now manages 1280 beds, across six locations, including the 380 in the latest Nido Campo Pequeno project in Lisbon. In addition to these, it is also planned to open four more residences by 2025 in Lisbon and Porto , translating into 1,100 new beds. After the acquisition of Smart Studios last year, our plan was always to integrate this business into the Nido platform and brand. Nido is clearly the market leader in the European student accommodation segment and we believe that with its own experience and Round Hill Capitals long track record of developing and managing purpose-built residential assets, it will be possible for us to enhance the experience for our residents and apply economies of scale to help drive investor returns, says João Pita, Head of Portugal at Round Hill Capital. High quality modern residential assets with good environmental credentials, located in major European cities with strong supply/demand arguments, remains a major asset class for Round Hill Capital and we will continue to seek opportunities to grow our portfolio, both in Portugal and across Europe, he adds. The integration of Smart Studios into Nidos operating platform will also allow residents to benefit from that operators vast experience, resources and recognition. Since the acquisition in July 2022, Nido has integrated Smart Studios into its management systems in order to streamline operations as part of its wider strategy of using technology, which aims to improve operational performance and service to residents. Nido is also committed to strengthening the Smart Studios platforms ESG policies, with a particular focus o n improving energy consumption and resident well-being. Portugal continues to attract a significant number of international students due to the quality of the educational offer , together with competitive tuition fees and the quality of life available for young professionals, namely in cities like Lisbon and Porto. On the other hand, the growing student community has revealed a strong imbalance between supply and demand in this segment, where the accommodation solutions available are still largely non-institutional and lack modern and adequate conditions. According to information that reached the editorial staff of SUPERCASA Notícias , Round Hill Capitals investment aims to improve the availability and quality of student accommodation in order to respond to the growing problem of demand. More news in Personal loans for higher education: find out everything and ERASMUS+ assumes funds in the scope of the RRP
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.
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