About ESE

Equal Student Exchange (ESE) is a volunteer-based student network which provides free information about student exchange and study overseas opportunities.

Focusing on providing information to students from developing countries, ESE acknowledges the financial and organisational obstacles these students must often come to face. It is the belief of ESE that both universities and students can benefit through international engagement. A more culturally diverse range of international students will contribute to the continued exchange of knowledge, ideas and culture between different universities and countries.

The volunteers of ESE recognize the importance of establishing enduring educational, cultural and professional links through student exchange.

Follow this link for more in-depth information About Us.

Friday, 28 June 2013

STUDY IN AUSTRIA


Located in the mountainous Alps is one of the first countries ever explored by Equal Student Exchange (ESE); this month’s article does its best to bring ESE readers to Austria.

Wikicommons: Photo by Martin Fröjdh, 7/1 2004

In July ~ ESE looks at the various opportunities available for students from developing countries hoping to study in Austria.

STUDY OPTIONS:
In terms of internationally renowned universities, Austria offers a range of disciplines and study options:
  •          general classical universities,
  •          medical universities
  •          universities of technology
  •          a university of economics,
  •          veterinary medicine
  •          natural resources
  •          applied life sciences
  •          a university of mining as well
  •          universities of the arts

See www.studienwahl.at for an overview (in Austrian).

Austria also offers a range of institutional options

The OeAD an Overview
Another great resource and organisation for students hoping to study in Austria is the OeAD. The OeAD is the Austrian agency for international mobility and cooperation in education, science and research. The primary functions of the OeAD are to advise, promote and support international cooperation in education, science and research.
  • The OeAD is also responsible for:
  • The initiation and operation of programs as a full-service provider.
  • The coordination of the international higher education marketing and representation of the education and research of Austria worldwide.
  • Supporting international activities and the exchange of people of all ages and educational levels.
  • Supporting institutional cooperation in Europe and worldwide.
  • Promotion and export of Austrian education.  
You can read more detailed information about the OeAD here.

ESE recommends that those students who are interested in international exchange programs in Austria use the OeAD search tool provided here.  It is also possible to gain descriptions of all international programs recorded by OeAD here.
OeAD Programs and Scholarships


EU Frameworks: 
The EU plus Team organises

  • the ERASMUS MUNDUS National Structure
  • the TEMPUS Coordination Office
  • the EU plus Team advises and informs about financial support options in the EU - Third Countries Educational Collaboration Programmes in the field of higher education
  • provides support with the application
  • accompanies and administers approved projects
  • cross-links projects as well as stakeholders
  • documents project results
  • organises seminars and workshops
  • compiles data material

Collaborative Programs:
  • ERASMUS MUNDUS II: cooperation and mobility programme with the whole world or certain regions
  • TEMPUS IV: cooperation programme with the West Balkans, the former Soviet Union and the riparian countries of the Mediterranean
  • EDULINK II: cooperation programme with Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific Area
  • ALFA III: cooperation programme with Latin Americ


Vienna European Society and Culture Program
Vienna is the cultural, political and economic centre of Austria. It is also considered the City of Music because of its musical legacy. Vienna is also said to be "The City of Dreams" because it was home to the world's first psycho-analyst - Sigmund Freud.

 The Historic centre of Vienna is rich in architectural ensembles, including Baroque castles and gardens, as well as the late-19th-century Ringstrasse lined with grand buildings, monuments and parks.
IESAbroad Programs:
Offering both English and German-taught courses, the IESAbroad Vienna European Society & Culture program allows you to study the culture, history, business, and politics of a region that continues to play a major role on the world stage.

Open to students at all language levels, our program brings more than 60 years of experience to a variety of unique courses taught by faculty from top European institutions. Courses are clustered into the following topics:
  • PROGRAM CREDITS:  15-19 per semester (5-6 courses)
  • LANGUAGE(S) OF INSTRUCTION: English, German

AUSTRIAN GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
·         The Austrian Academic Exchange Service provides an overview about studying in Austria.
·         Contact details for the Austrian Academic Exchange Service
·         Alserstrasse 4/1/15/6+7,
·         A-1090 Vienna
·         Tel: (+43/1) 4277 28180, Fax: (+43/1) 4277 28195

The FH Council (FHR)
The FHR is a government agency that is responsible for external quality assurance (accreditation and evaluation) in the Austrian FH sector. The FH Council consists of 16 members, half of the members must be scientifically recognized by a habilitation, and the other half must have evidence of several years of work in the relevant college courses professional fields.
Information about FHR programs
Grants
http://www.fhr.ac.at/fhr_inhalt/04_andere/studierende.htm

  
Equal Student Recommendation: ESE’s old friend, the (Austria) scholarship search tool

Austrian Database for Scholarships and Research Grants
Are you looking for a scholarship or research grant?
www.grants.at, Austria's most comprehensive database for scholarships and research grants in German and English language, offers you at a glance:
  • worldwide grants for Austrian students, graduates and researchers
  • grants for international students, graduates and researchers in Austria
  • research grants, prizes and practical training courses in Austria and all over the world
  • national grants and universities' individual grants
EURIAS Fellowship Research Programme  (post-doctoral)
The European Institutes for Advanced Study (EURIAS) Fellowship Programme is an international researcher mobility programme offering 10-month residencies in one of the 16 participating Institutes: Berlin, Bologna, Brussels, Budapest, Cambridge, Delmenhorst, Freiburg, Helsinki, Jerusalem, Lyon, Marseille, Paris, Uppsala, Vienna, Wassenaar, Zürich. The Institutes for Advanced Study support the focused, self-directed work of outstanding researchers. The fellows benefit from the finest intellectual and research conditions and from the stimulating environment of a multi-disciplinary and international community of first-rate scholars.

Degree
At the time of the application, researchers must be in possession of a doctoral degree plus 2 years of full-time research experience after the degree. Exception is made for Law scholars who are eligible with a Master +6 years of full-time research experience after the degree. (PhD training is not considered in the calculation of experience).

Nationality
Researchers from all countries are eligible to the programme but applicants cannot apply to an institute located in their country of nationality or residence. Exception is made for applicants who have not spent more than 12 months in their country of nationality or residence during the last 3 years prior to the application.
  
EURIAS Fellowships are mainly offered in the fields of the humanities and social sciences but may also be granted to scholars in life and exact sciences, provided that their proposed research project does not require laboratory facilities and that it interfaces with humanities and social sciences. The diversity of the 16 participating IAS offers a wide range of possible research contexts in Europe for worldwide scholars. Applicants may select up to three IAS outside their country of nationality or residence as possible host institutions.
The Programme welcomes applications worldwide from promising young scholars as well as from leading senior researchers. The EURIAS selection process has proven to be highly competitive. In order to match the Programme standards, applicants have to submit a solid and innovative research proposal, to demonstrate the ability to forge beyond disciplinary specialisation, to show an international commitment as well as quality publications in high-impact venues.

For the 2014-2015 academic year, EURIAS offers 39 fellowships (20 junior and 19 senior positions).

All IAS have agreed on common standards, including the provision of a living allowance (in the range of € 26,000 for a junior fellow and € 38,000 for a senior fellow), accommodation (or a mobility allowance), a research budget, plus coverage of travel expenses.

APPLICATION AND DEADLINE
  • Applications are submitted online via www.eurias-fp.eu, where, you will find detailed information regarding the content of the application, eligibility criteria, selection procedure, etc.
  • The deadline for application is July 5th, 2013. Late applications will not be considered.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
  • Scientific assessment by two international referees
  • Pre-selection by the EURIAS international Scientific Committee
  • Final selection by the IAS academic boards
  • Publication of results (January 2014) 
CALENDAR OF ACTIONS
·      Application deadline → July 5th, 2013
·      Results of the preselection by EURIAS Scientific Committee → Mid-October, 2013
·      Publication of IAS final selections → Mid-January, 2014
·      Arrival of fellows → September/October 2014

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Please check on the following pages :
How to apply (Deadline 5 July)
Wikimedia Commons Author: Gryffindor
Austrian Universities:
ESE provides a short list of Austrian Universities with links to scholarship opportunities - this list is far from comprehensive and will continue to be updated over time.

University of Innsbruck


Academy of Fine Arts Vienna


 Diplomatic Academic of Vienna


Medical University of Vienna
International Students (in German) 


 International University of Vienna



 Vienna University of Economics and Business



 Vienna University of Technology



 Sigmund Freud University



 FWF Der Wissenschaftsfonds – The Austrian Science Fund (postdoctoral grants)
About the Austrian Science Found
Internationalisation 
Frequently asked questions

European Commission (EURAXESS)
Fellowship opportunities

EMBO
EMBO - excellence in life sciences - maintains this information platform on funding, training and jobs for European life scientists and those who want to come to Europe. This website has approx. 26,000 visitors per month.
Grant opportunities

The Austrian National Student Union provides tips, advice about broad range of topics related to student life in Austria.
  • Study Legal Information
  • Advice for Universities of Education
  • Counseling for colleges
Social Advice – Students’ Union Helpline
  • Telephone: 01/585 33 33
  • Housing Law Advice
  • Social Fund
  • Studying in Austria for Foreign Students

Office for Foreign Students
Welcome! We are happy to offer advice for those who are already studying at an Austrian university and also those who want to start studying here. We are able to answer questions relating to visa application for admission, the acquisition of knowledge of German, questions about tuition and other areas.

Contact Office for Foreign Students:
Researcher’s Mobility Portal Austria
The purpose of the "Researcher's Mobility Portal Austria" is to create a more favourable environment for career development opportunities for researchers by providing access through links to a selection of international (via the "pan-European Researcher's Mobility Portal"), national, regional and sectoral web resources covering:

Students from third countries
Students from third countries are allowed to enter and stay in Austria for a residence permit for the purpose of training. Basically, the application for a residence permit before traveling to Austria abroad is to apply (embassy or consulate) at the competent Austrian representation authority. Students of Japanese and U.S. origin and visa-free entry to all authorized parties can submit the application in Austria. More information » residence permit foreign students - Request for "Declaration on the residence permit foreign students

With the application include the following documents are required:
  • ·         Fully completed and signed Antragsforumlar to grant a residence permit
  • ·         current photo
  • ·         valid passport (copy of all pages)
  • ·         Birth certificate (copy)
  • ·         Admission (admission letter) of the University of Applied Sciences
  • ·         police certificate
  • ·         Proof of sufficient financial means
The residence permit must be renewed before the expiry of their validity. Students from third countries need a work permit for all the Aliens Employment Act underlying dependent Erwerbstägigkeiten. The work permit must be applied for by the employer, the Public Employment Service (AMS). In most cases, work permits are only issued for minor activities.

If admission to the FH-degree program is not yet available and the applicant ends visa fee, must be submitted along with the residence permit for a visa. The residence permit will be handed over only after actual approval of the competent national authority.

For more information
Wikimedia Commons: Author Dhm03

 If you are interested in searching for other scholarships, study opportunities and student experiences in other countries, don’t forget to join and follow our ESE blog.

Good luck! 
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Thursday, 27 June 2013

ONE YOUNG WORLD (2013 Summit)



ONE YOUNG WORLD SUMMIT (2013 Edition)
This week ESE shares information about the One Young World Summit and in particular the upcoming event to be held in Johannesburg in South Africa (2-5 October 2013).

About One Young World (OYW)
One Young World was founded in 2009 by David Jones and Kate Robertson. It began as a London-based charity inviting young people from around the world and helping them make lasting connections to create positive change.

One Young World holds annual Summits where the young delegates, backed by the One Young World Counsellors, debate and formulate solutions for the pressing issues the world faces. No youth-dominated event outside the Olympic Games brings together more countries than One Young World. See youtube videos of the (2012 Summit or the 2011 Summit)

Eligibility
One Young World delegates must be between 18-30 years old. They are selected based on having already demonstrated their leadership potential. Many have already had an impact in their home countries on a range of issues, including the role of business in society, transparency in business and government, the impact of climate change, global health and hunger relief.
At the Summit Closing Ceremony, delegates graduate as One Young World Ambassadors, joining a global network of young leaders who are creating a positive change around the world.

Costs
The delegate price for the 2013 Summit in Johannesburg is £2,750 + South Africa VAT at 14%. This considerable price may be very difficult for youth from developing countries to gather. Especially since these costs do not include flights or travel to and from the host city.
However, One Young World advises delegates to search for sponsors to cover their expenses to attend a Summit. Delegates may be sponsored by private citizens, companies, NGOs, education establishments, etc.
The cost for each delegate attending the Summit encompasses travel within the host city (to and from hotels and to and from break-out events), accommodation, meals, access to laptops, desktops and mobile devices, venue costs, chaperones and satellite and wireless connectivity.

More information about how to find / become a Sponsor can be found here.

Themes
  • Transparency and Integrity
  • Education
  • Global Business
  • Health
  • Human Rights
  • Leadership and Governance
  • Sustainable Development
Follow this link to find the answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Follow this link if you would like to Register for the One Young World 2013 Summit. 

Procedures
You must apply to be registered here. Once you complete your application, One Young World will assess whether you will be accepted as a Candidate. This may take up to two weeks.

To become a delegate, you need to secure funding as well being accepted as a Candidate. 
National representation: you must represent your country of birth or nationality, or where you have strong links.
OYW Summit (Zurich 2011)

Wikimedia Commons: Author  Jmquez at en.wikipedia
For more information about scholarships, study opportunities and student experiences, don’t forget to join and follow our ESE blog.

Good luck! 
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Saturday, 18 May 2013

e-International Relations Scholarship (Masters Opportunities)



In May Equal Student Exchange (ESE) would like to share information about a scholarship for the benefit of Masters students or students who plan to undertake Masters in International Relations or degrees in a related discipline.
This month’s Scholarship provider is e-International Relations, a leading website for students of international politics. e-IR is maintained by an all-volunteer editorial team.

e-International Relations Scholarship Information sheet
Eligibility:
·         Applicants should be expecting to complete or have already completed an undergraduate degree at first-class level (or equivalent international qualifications1).
·         For applicants with a degree assessed on the GPA system, a minimum of 3.8 out of 4.0 will be required.
·         Applicants must be embarking on - or continuing into a second year of - a taught or research Masters during 2013. No awards will be made for undergraduate or doctoral study.
·         The successful applicant will be required to provide evidence of starting their Masters course before receiving the award.
·         Students from any university, nationality or country are invited to apply.

1. Value In 2013, the e-IR scholarship will have a total value of £1700, or approximately US$2500. The scholarship will consist of: £1000 in direct financial assistance; plus, thanks to their generous support, books to the value of:
·         £300 from Hurst Publishers,
·         £150 from Oxford University Press,
·         £150 from Routledge,
·         £100 from Sage.

2. Aims The aim of the scholarship is to assist an international politics student, of excellent academic caliber, to benefit from postgraduate study. It will be awarded to the applicant judged to have the most impressive scholastic attainments to date - and the energy and ambition to use their talents to the fullest in the future.

3. Subjects Courses in International Relations or an associated discipline are eligible. Applicants will have the opportunity to comment on the relevance of their course in a short personal statement submitted as part of the application. 5. Duration of awards The successful applicant will be transferred the full financial contribution of £1000 from e-IR, together with details of how to receive their books. The award is for one year only and is delivered in one installment.

4. Deadline for applications is August 20th 2013.
To apply, email the relevant documents to scholarships@e-ir.info using the subject line ‘Scholarship Application 2013’.

5. Application documents
The following completed documents must be attached:
a. application form (available to download here);
b. a current CV;
c. personal statement (max 500 words - applicants should cover relevant personal and academic achievements to date and explain how the Masters course they have chosen will build on these experiences);
d. official transcript;
e. two sample essays (2,000-3000 words)

If you have any questions, please email scholarships@e-ir.info or refer to the e-International Relations Scholarship Information sheet



 For more information about scholarships, study opportunities and student experiences, don’t forget to join and follow our ESE blog.

Good luck! 
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Wednesday, 17 April 2013

JOURNEY TO THE EAST ~ STUDY IN CHINA

Today, the prominent role of China is clearly reflected by the prevailing idea of a new "Asian Century". It is now commonly accepted that China will be one of the most important countries for future strategic engagement. As a result, many other countries will be focusing more attention towards establishing stronger international business links and also diplomatic relationships with China. 

 This month we are able to gain insights from Simon Huang (Chairperson – ESE China), into what makes China an important destination not only for establishing business links but also for those hoping to establish educational links; and importantly a wise decision for outgoing students. 



WHY STUDY IN CHINA? 
By Simon Huang:
  
Over the past 35 years, China has maintained an average annual GDP growth by about 10 percent and lifted more than 600 million people out of poverty since 1978 when China embarked on its economic reform. Nowadays China has become the second largest economy, and the fastest growing economy in the world

With a population of 1.35 billion people, China is increasingly playing a vital and influential role in the global economy and current international affairs. In addition to China’s economic achievement, it has over 5000 years of history. Chinese culture is one of the world’s oldest and richest continuous cultures.

However, if you have never visited China, you might often find difficult to truly understand the way Chinese people act and the way business operates in China. Studying in China will provide you with an excellent opportunity to explore and experience a unique blend of ancient and modern civilization.

This month ESE is bringing you a variety of International Summer School and Chinese Culture and Language Programs offered by the top Chinese universities. After looking briefly at some of the main information providers, ESE has compiled their information on study and scholarship opportunities available in China. We also looked at key short course programs while focusing on three unique cities: Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Study in China is a useful information provider. Readers will find insights into the main points associated with studying in China:

The Chinese Scholarship (CSC)
Be sure to follow the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) - For information on a range of scholarships. The CSP is The China Scholarship Council (CSC) is a non-profit institution with legal person status affiliated with the Ministry of Education. 

The objective of the CSC is to provide, in accordance with the law, statutes and relevant principles and policies of China, financial assistance to the Chinese citizens wishing to study abroad and to the foreign citizens wishing to study in China in order to develop the educational, scientific and technological, and cultural exchanges and economic and trade cooperation between China and other countries, to strengthen the friendship and understanding between Chinese people and the people of all other countries, and to promote world peace and the socialist modernization drive in China.

China Scholarship Council is financed mainly by the states special appropriations for scholarship programmes. At the same time the CSC accepts donations from the personages, enterprises, social organizations and other organizations at home and abroad.


University Short Programs and Summer Schools 
In response to many requests from ESE followers, we have decided to provide more information about short courses and summer school programs. Since many of you have asked for information about these forms of short programs we have found that China is one of the main destinations for summer school and short courses. We hope that you find the following information interesting and useful:


Beijing - The Capital of China (PRC)

University Programs· Peking University 北京大学- International Summer School (Apply before 30th April 2013)
· Tsinghua University 清华大学 - International Chinese Language & Culture Centre

INTRODUCTION TO SUMMER CHINESE COURSES (Deadline 25th Jun 2013)· Renmin University of China 中国人民大学 – 2013 International Summer School

Scholarships available(Application closes by 27th May; the earlier you apply, the more likely your application will be accepted)

· Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) 北京语言大学 - BLCU Chinese Immersion Program· Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) 北京外国语大学


Shanghai – An Emerging Financial Centre in Asia

University Programs· Fudan University 复旦大学 – International Summer Session 2013 (Apply before 15th April 2013)

· Shanghai Jiaotong University 上海交通大学 – Summer School 2013 (Apply before 5TH May)

· Tongji University 同济大学 – Shanghai International Summer School 2013

(Registration Deadline)
  • Option 1 & 3: March 31, 2013
  • Option 2: May 10, 2013
  • Option 3: June 10, 2013

Hong Kong – Asia’s World Class City

University Programs· The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) 香港中文大学 – International Summer School

Application period
  • International students (18 February – 30 April 2013)
  • Hong Kong residents (18 February – 31 May 2013)
  • CUHK students (18 February – 28 June 2013)

· The University of Hong Kong 香港大学 – Summer Programs(Apply before 30th April; it depends on what course you choose)

· The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) 香港科技大学 International Summer School(Apply before 30th April)

Regarding the study costs, generally speaking, studying and living in China is relatively cheaper than most western countries such as America, Australia, Britain and other European nations. And all the three cities have world-class and advanced public transportation systems.

In addition, these Chinese short term study programs will not only help students gain course credits, but more importantly, will also help students develop a general understanding of China’s social, economic, and political system. In doing so, these programs will also help students establish a comparative worldview that can enhance their competence in a global workforce.



 For more information about scholarships, study opportunities and student experiences, don’t forget to join and follow our ESE blog.

Good luck! 
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About Me

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"Equal Student Exchange" (ESE) - non-profit/grassroots community, is a student network made up of students who want to help make international student exchange a more equal process. We hope to do this by assisting students from developing countries gain access to information and opportunities about studying/vocational experience overseas. Our audience is primarily students who want to study/travel overseas. The information we provide may include advice about: *International Universities, *Costs and fees (travel/living/study), *Procedures for obtaining Visas, *Possible support through scholarships and grants, *General tourism information, *Other study overseas opportunities Programs and conferences overseas. *international conferences Benefits and Opportunities: This is an opportunity to bring local and international students together, make new friends and give students from developing countries the same opportunities that are enjoyed by students from advanced developed countries. The group also encourages international students to contribute back to the university and community which is hosting them.