The Irish government has some great news for all non-EU/EEA students who are currently completing their masters or doctoral studies: from now on, non-EU/EEA students studying in Ireland are entitled to stay for up to 24 months in the country to get employment or apply for work permit/green card.
“Graduates of masters and doctoral programmes will have up to 24 months to look for a job and apply for work permits in Ireland.”
Up until now, non-EU/EEA graduates of masters and doctoral programmes were allowed to stay in Ireland for a maximum of 12 months after their graduation. With this new expansion programme, they have up to 24 months to look for a job and apply for work permits. However, this regulation doesn’t apply to non-EU/EEA students completing honours undergraduate degrees.
“The Irish Government aims to increase the international enrolment in higher education in Ireland by 33% and boost the enrolment in ELT programmes by 25%.”
The main reason why this option has been introduced is due to a broader and more ambitious plan coming from the Irish government, which aims to increase the international enrolment in higher education in Ireland by 33% and boost the enrolment in ELT programmes (English Language teaching) by 25% – reaching 132,500 students in the first half on 2020.
Although these programmes have seen great improvements in 2015, the Italian and Spanish education markets were accounted for 73% of all enrolments. This new regulation would boost the Irish economy to US $2.34 billion in less than 3-4 years (from US $1.67 billion at the moment).
Read more about this “stay-back option” for international students studying in Ireland on ICEF Monitor’s website.
When you love what you do, working harder is not a problem. In America, for example, the wide expanse of natural resources and industries offers people loads of job opportunities. But some jobs will demand more than others. Some titles have a footnote hidden inside them, an invisible footnote saying “hero”.
In the USA, a total of 4,836 fatal workplace injuries were reported in 2015, the highest rate since 2008, where 5,214 occurred, according to the Department of Labour. Now, let’s check out the most heroic jobs in America, jobs that can only be done by real-life champions.
Logging Workers
While logging is safer now than it ever has been, it still routinely ranks as one of the most challenging jobs in America. Loggers often can’t see the tops of broken trees or where limbs are falling, and this is part of what makes the job so risky. The traditionally macho culture of the logging industry makes safety training difficult, and safety choices are sometimes painted as being “right” or being “fast.”
Police Officer
It’s no surprise “police officer” makes this list. Officers carry guns, go straight into crime scenes and hazardous accident sites and deal with all sorts of characters as part of their job. While many departments now supply their police with bulletproof vests and body cameras, these safety measures can’t overcome the inherent danger in the job to protect, serve and keep us all safe and sound.
Truck Drivers
American’s highways are the perfect setting for an ad-hoc action movie, and truck drivers spend up to 14 hours a day driving them. Ever-changing weather conditions impact safety. Exhaustion can add up, making this a profession rife for unwanted incidents. Since truck drivers often own their equipment, Andrew Goldner, a truck accident attorney, says they often ensure their own things.
Construction Worker
Construction is a major industry in America, and these sites are chock-full with heavy equipment and supplies that are always in flux. Dangerous equipment aside, the risk of falling is always there for someone that works on a construction site. Add even more threatening factors like electricity and chemicals, and you create the toughest scenes ever. Construction workers are also often responsible for doing several different jobs on site, and this adds to their daily risk.
Paramedics
Paramedics or EMTs go straight into dangerous situations as a part of their written job description. It’s their job to be on the highway after a dangerous accident, at a still-burning house fire or stick around during a natural disaster.
Many of these workers cheat death daily. Their work can be frightening, taxing, and most of these jobs don’t pay a lot more than your average office worker. And although their safety isn’t always guaranteed, these real-life Batmans and Captains America take it in stride and have the best duty in the world: saving lives.
Special thanks to Eileen O’Shanassy for providing us with this article. Eileen is a freelance writer and blogger based out of Flagstaff, AZ. She writes on a variety of topics and loves to research and write. She enjoys baking, biking, and kayaking, and you can find her on Twitter @eileenoshanassy.
When you’re set on getting the right engineering degree, aiming high is never out of the question. Aerospace, Biomedical, Industrial, Material or Mechanical – there are so many different careers and fields within Engineering, each can bring you something completely different. So before you take the plunge, it’s mandatory that you know;
The requirements you need to tick off to get the dream job
The wage you can earn
The best things you’ll be doing on a daily basis.
After all, you’ll be improving people’s lives, round-the-clock.
Special thanks to Jacob Schwartz, a technical writer at RevPart and expert in rapid prototyping, for providing us with this detailed engineering career infographic.
Let’s face it – the world today belongs to Millennials and no matter how difficult it is to process, this time belongs to them and everything is made by their measure. According to certain studies, Millennials make up 21% of consumer discretionary purchases, which is estimated to be over a trillion of dollars in direct buying power. Of course, just like every generation, Millennials too have specific interests and trends they solemnly follow, especially when it comes to real estate. Here, we’re going to find out what are the common needs of Millennial students, what kind of preferences do they have in terms of amenities and prices but also what do Millennials mostly search when it comes to real estate.
Housing Preferences
A study conducted at the Longwood University surveyed 325 students in order to determine their housing preferences. Of the survey respondents, it was indicated that the majority of students, precisely 33% preferred to live in private apartments, while 27% of students said that they either live in traditional dormitories or share a bedroom with a roommate. When it came to the question of preferences, only 3.2% responded that they prefer housing in a traditional dormitory. Once asked about their preferred housing options, 36% of surveyed students responded that they would rather live off-campus, opposed to the 21% of students that would rather live in university apartments and the 11% that would prefer a private apartment. The study concluded that nowadays, Millennials have much higher expectations when it comes to housing preferences, opposed to those of their predecessors.
The Price Is Right…Or Is It?
It’s not a secret that Millennials are used to a certain type of luxury and that they don’t want to settle for less. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that if you want special treatment, you have to be ready to pay a special price. So, how far are Millennials ready to go when it comes to paying for their student’s accommodation? According to the same study in Longwood University, one in four surveyed students revealed that the cost either had a large impact or was a deciding factor when it comes to choosing their accommodation. This also proposes a big issue, as the higher cost of living also contributes to much larger student’s debts, which has been a major issue in the United Stated for quite some time now. Many students that don’t receive financial help from their parents or universities are forced to take part-time jobs so they’d be able to finance their accommodation.
Common Needs
There are other, equally deciding factors when it comes to the choice and preferences of student’s accommodation. Some of these include the distance to campus, where most students have expressed a desire to live in a walking distance from the university. They also indicated that the size of the accommodation is another important factor, while they’re also ready to pay extra for certain features like a separate bedroom, two bathrooms or a large kitchen space. According to the J. Turner research, 54% of students have 3 or more roommates living with them, while 15% of students reported sharing a room with someone else.
Important Amenities
Last, but certainly not the least are the most important amenities in student’s accommodations. One of the most important features apparently is having a washing machine and an in-unit dryer, which means that laundry rooms are becoming a thing of the past. Other than this, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, cable TV and parking are some of the deal-breaking amenities when it comes to searching for suitable student accommodation.
Housing trends from Millennials differ in more than one ways from the housing trends of the previous generations. These are the preferences and desires in terms of housing and accommodation of Generation X and we can only sit back and see what the future generations have in store for us.
Lana Hawkins is an architecture student and a crafty girl from Sydney, Australia.
She loves writing in her free time, as well as reading about sustainable architecture.
International students studying in Ireland will be required to pay either EU or non-EU fees. This can be determined by both residence as well as nationality, so non-EU nationals may qualify for the EU rate in some circumstances. Some EU students may also be eligible for the ‘undergraduate free fees’ programme.
Are you an EU or non-EU student?
According to the Irish Department of Justice, Equality and Law reform, a student will be regarded as an EU student if you fulfil one of the criteria listed below:
You are a national of an EU member state and have received all of your post-primary education within an EU member state
You are a national of an EU member state and have been residing in an EU member state for three of the five years prior to the start of your course
You have been in full-time employment in an EU member state for three of the last five years prior to the start of the first year of your course (please note, this only applies to students aged over 23)
You have ordinarily been a resident in an EU member state for three of the five years prior to the commencement of the programme and your parents have been in full-time employment in an EU member state for three of the five years prior to the start of your course (please note, this only applies to students under the age 23)
Ireland currently operates a system of free undergraduate fees for EU nationals who meet certain criteria – the Free Fees programme. Those with official refugee status and EEA/Swiss nationals with long-term residency in the EU may also qualify. The free fees scheme does not apply to any postgraduate courses. Courses in private colleges are also excluded.
The free fees programme means eligible undergraduate students will have their tuition fees paid by the government. In order to qualify for the free fees programme you must:
• Be a citizen of an EEA country or Switzerland
OR:
• Have refugee status or official leave to remain
AND:
• be studying an undergraduate course of at least two years duration
• not already have an undergraduate degree or failed a previous course
• have lived in an EEA country or Switzerland for three of the five years prior to starting your course
There are certain exceptions to the course requirements for students studying at an Institute of Technology. Students who are eligible for free fees will still have to pay any Student Service Charges to the institution. If you are not eligible for free fees, you may still be eligible for EU fees. Otherwise, all other students must pay non-EU fees.
Tuition fees in Ireland vary considerably between different institutions and courses. You should contact the institutions you are interested in to check their fees, as they can change frequently. As a guideline, here are some average fees for undergraduate non-EU students (based on 2016/2017 fees):
EU tuition fees vary, though are likely to be less than non-EU tuition fees. Students are often required to pay a Student Services Charge (also known as a Registration Fee) in addition to tuition fees. This covers costs for student services and examinations and will be a maximum of $3,000 (as of 2016).
English language courses
English language fees vary considerably and the costs will depend on what is included in the course, where it is and the content. Be wary of courses that seem very cheap, as they may not be accredited and therefore may not offer a quality course.
Financial help and scholarships
Some EU students who do not qualify for the free fees programme may still be able to benefit from various other schemes and grants, such as the Student Grant which can help towards costs of higher education, along with a number of scholarships from specific institutions. Some EU students may also qualify for a maintenance grant to help with living costs.
There are limited opportunities for financial aid or scholarships for other non-Irish students studying in Ireland. Some individual institutions in Ireland offer scholarships – contact them directly to ask about this or see the Education Ireland website. You may also be able to access financial help from the government or organisations within your own country.
You can also find more information about fees, grants and scholarships on Student Finance – Ireland.
Living Costs
Living costs can vary depending on your lifestyle, location and accommodation. In general, you should be able to live on a budget of €10,000-15,000 each academic year (nine months), not including tuition fees, if you are studying at a university in Dublin. You should budget (for one academic year) for:
Accommodation: €3,600-8,100. Apart from tuition fees, accommodation will probably be your biggest expense.
Textbooks and materials: €600-650. You can reduce the costs of textbooks by trying to find second-hand copies and looking online for the best deal. You will usually be given a list by your institution of necessary textbooks before starting your course. You will also be able to rent some books from the university library to save further.
Food and household: €1,500-2,500. Food costs can vary depending on where you live and shop. You may spend around €70-100 a week on food (allowing for some meals bought at cheap restaurants)
Other expenses (such as travel, social life, healthcare): €1,200-3,500. Your socialising and travel expenses will vary greatly depending on your lifestyle choices. As a guide, the average bus fare in Ireland is €2.50, an average cinema ticket is €7-12 and an average nightclub entrance is €7-15.
University College Dublin suggests that you will need approximately €688 per month (excluding accommodation and tuition costs).
Please note that these are only approximate costs – individual students’ own living expenses can vary greatly according to location, lifestyle and activities. Try our Cost Calculator for a more detailed breakdown of your expenses. Visit the National Consumer Agency for tips about money and budgeting in Ireland.
The currency in Ireland is the Euro. If you are studying in Ireland for longer than 90 days you will need to be able to prove that you have access to €7,000 to support yourself. This is an essential element of your Garda registration, which alerts border control that you are legally residing in the country. To attain proof of this, you will have to open an account with an Irish bank and request a statement.
Choosing a student bank account in Ireland
Banks are usually open between 9:30am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday. Most institutions will have a bank branch on campus or at least an ATM machine. Most banks provide foreign currency and traveller’s cheque services.
There are various different banks in Ireland and most will offer some kind of student account. You should research the different options before choosing to open one. Student accounts don’t usually have transaction fees, however there is an annual government stamp duty (€2.50-5) on bank cards which you may have to pay.
If you are an international student, you will normally need a letter from your institution confirming that you are a student and your address in Ireland. You will also need your passport with your student visa in it, proof of your home address and sometimes a deposit to open an account. You may also need additional documents; contact your chosen bank to ask about the requirements.
Many banks may offer you free gifts to encourage you to open an account but make sure you check all the fees and charges associated with the account before agreeing to open one. You may also want to find out:
Is there a branch close to your home/institution?
Can you use phone/internet banking?
If you plan to take out an overdraft, compare the overdraft and penalty fees charged by each bank
Northumbria University, Newcastle is located in the north-east of the UK and was listed in the Times Higher Education (THE) UK top 50 for research power, based on the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
As part of their ongoing commitment to research excellence, Northumbria University is offering up to 100 PhD studentships, to commence from October 2017.
These fully funded PhD studentships are available to students worldwide.
In addition to these NU-funded studentships, a number of AHRC and ESRC funded studentships are also available at Northumbria University.
Further to these, in celebration of the university’s 25th Anniversary, it will also be offering up to 25 awards of a half-fee reduction for exceptional students from outside of the EU.
These opportunities are available across all faculties including:
Arts, Design & Social Sciences
Business & Law
Engineering & Environment
Health & Life Sciences
As part of the Northumbria University’s developing research strategy, they are growing research in a number of Multidisciplinary Research Themes:
Being Human
Integrated and Social Care
Bioeconomy
Digital Living
Extreme Environments
Future Engineering
Ideate: Critical Aware Design Innovation
Environmental and Global Justice
Many of the available studentships are aligned to these themes, giving students the opportunity to be involved in areas of activity addressing societal and global challenges.
No college search is complete without college visits. You’ll get to know a college best by visiting it. Touring different campuses will also give you a chance to see if you prefer a small campus or a big one, a city school to a rural one, etc. Also, seeing the area around a college can make a big difference. Starting visits as early as sophomore year can make the process easier.
Open gates at Perdue University
Getting the most from a college visit requires preparation. Below is a checklist for parents and their students.
1. Do research
Review a college’s website before you visit. Look at social media and see what places on or off campus get the most buzz. Get an overview of the school and decide what you want to see. Knowing about the school also helps when speaking with a college representative. You want to ask questions, but not ones with answers that can easily be found on the website.
2. Plan the visit
Call ahead to schedule a college tour. In addition, make an individual appointment with a college admissions counsellor and/or a financial aid advisor. Schedule time so you can eat on campus or nearby at a place college students frequent. If possible, arrange to meet a professor, attend a class, and-or stay overnight on campus in a residence hall.
3. Visit when school is in session (if possible)
Colleges and high schools often have different break schedules. When the college classes are in session, you’ll get a better idea of academic and student life.
4. Make a list of questions to ask admissions officers, financial aid reps, faculty, and students
Thinking through questions before you visit will make the college search easier. You’ll less likely leave wishing there were things you knew.
5. Note “must see” places on campus and visit them
Student-athletes should visit the practice facilities and the weight room. Art majors should visit the studios. Everyone should visit the dorms, common campus areas, libraries, and places to eat.
6. Make sure you’ll feel safe
Review campus security procedures. Some things to consider are a system for alerting students to emergencies on campus and in the surrounding area, “blue-light” telephones placed liberally throughout campus that are direct lines to campus police, well-lit pathways and facilities, campus police who patrol the campus regularly, and an official school security escort service with people who will accompany you at night or anytime you feel unsafe to places on-campus and even close to campus. Also ask your guide about the frequency of shuttle buses running at night, who has access to dorms, and overall campus safety questions.
Francis Quadrangle, University of Missouri
7. Pack the following items
a. Your smartphone/camera
During your tour, take a lot of pictures. If you’re comparing several schools, photos can help you remember the details. While colleges may seem unforgettable at the time of your visit, by the third or fourth tour, they will blur together. Your first photo at any school should be something with the college’s name, especially if you’re visiting multiple schools on one trip.
b. Your smartphone/recording device
Group information sessions provide many facts and details about a college. Recording what is said will make it easier to focus on the information and your surroundings rather than getting all the words on a page. The information will also be easier to review while working on your application or personal statement.
c. A journal and pen
Make note of important pieces of information during your info session or campus tour. In addition to numbers and facts, jot down your likes, dislikes, and feelings during the visit so you can remember which schools felt right to you and why. Write down the names of speakers you liked, details about the school and programs you may want to research further. In addition to helping you, details are good to drop in any future interviews or correspondence with the college.
d. Comfortable clothing and shoes
A tour is the main feature of a campus tour. This means a lot of walking. Also, do a weather-check before your visit and bring anything you may need, like an umbrella or sunscreen.
e. Copies of resumes, test scores, and transcripts
Rising juniors and seniors who have scheduled a campus interview should being their resume. Strongly consider also bringing your transcript or score report. On some visits you won’t need these documents, but for the times you do, it’s good to have them.
f. An ID card or passport
Many schools request identification in order to access certain buildings, such as the library.
g. Appreciation for adventure
Maintain a positive attitude. Stay open-minded. A school may not meet your expectations or it may surprise you and exceed them. Enjoy the journey!
About International College Counselors
The college advisors at International College Counselors help students from all over the world find, apply to, and gain acceptance into the college of their dreams. The expert educational consultants at International College Counselors are dedicated to helping students and their families successfully navigate the college admission process.
Although graduation is typically thought of as a time to celebrate the culmination of your basic schooling, many high school students dread it because of confusion about the future. If you are planning to move forward with your education, it is important to have a plan of action as to how you can achieve any goals you may have set. Listed below are four things that every high school student should know if they want to pursue a degree in higher education.
Your Guidance Counselor is Your Advocate
Any career services or guidance counsellors that your school has in place are put there for a reason! These services are set up to inspire, motivate, and guide you through your next steps in life. Students can go to guidance counsellors for advice on which courses to take to best prepare them for the type of university they want to go to after. They can also ask guidance counsellors for school recommendations that may best fit their financial and lifestyle needs. Career services are also a great way to get your foot in the door to work experience even before leaving high school. These services will also give you assistance in creating your resume as well as a professional looking cover letter.
Know College Requirements and Expectations for Admission
Every school has certain requirements and expectations in terms of grades, test scores, resume experience, and more. Before taking any test like the SATs, ACTs, or any other standardized test, it is important to note which ones your desired school will actually look at. Some schools only look at SAT scores, while some schools may look at a variety. There is also a certain test score that those applying may need to meet. Depending on the school, this school may be flexible, so it is always important to inquire if your scores do not meet what is listed from the school.
Most schools will have this easily accessible on their website throughout the year. For example, Utah State University requirements are listed on their website to instruct prospective students are different courses, financial aid options, and other things they need to have before applying to their school.
Build Relationships to Gain References
Throughout high school, it is important to genuinely build rapport with different teachers. Down the road, students have to ask two to four teachers to write recommendation letters for college applications. This process is easier if the teacher knows the student very well. The more detailed and enthusiastic the letter is, the better it will look to prospective colleges. Students should make sure they are always well behaved in every class, as well as always putting the most effort they can into their work.
Recommendation letters can also be given by past coaches, mentors, and work supervisors. These letters may also speak to your day to day work ethic as well as your character and how you deal with those around you. These are also just as effective as letters from your academic teachers. Before you begin your application process, make a list of five to ten people who might be willing to write you a letter. Always give these people enough time in advance to write you a sufficient letter.
Research Different Options for Financial Aid
It is important to be proactive when looking into different options for financial aid. Most students will need some type of financial assistance, and knowing which option is best for you, at an early stage, will increase your chance of saving the most money. There are different options for college students such as loans, scholarships, grants from outside sources, financial aid from the government, etc.
It’s easy to assume college is so far out in the future that planning for it may prove pointless until Senior year. The earlier you begin writing down plans for your next step in education, the more successful you will be in the coming years. It is never too early to begin creating meaningful relationships with your teachers and educators.
If your entire high school career has been about band, choir or orchestra, then chances are that you’re considering pursuing music at the collegiate level. Obtaining your college degree in music is rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. Here are 5 things to know before pursuing a college degree in music.
1. Your Life After College Isn’t Doomed For Failure
There’s an old joke about arts degrees that goes, “what’s the difference between an arts degree and a pizza? A pizza can feed a family of four.” While many people get their jollies by laughing at those who major in the performing arts, it’s unwise to completely write off the value of an arts degree. Even if you don’t end up working in your field, there are tons of opportunities for creative people in both the private and public sector.
2. But Some Opportunities Might Be Closed Off To You
Regardless of what you major in, there are always opportunities for creative people who are willing to work hard. However, some opportunities will be closed off to you if you choose to major in the arts, in fields like technology, finance and science. However, if paths in those career fields wouldn’t appeal to you anyway, then don’t sweat it.
3. It’s Not An Easy Ride
Just because you won’t be dissecting cadavers with the pre-med students or analyzing 150-page case briefs with the pre-law majors doesn’t mean that you should assume you’re in for an easy three or four years. The music departments at many schools can actually be even more competitive than other departments. In a business or science department, everyone can potentially get a perfect score, but in a music department, concerts and performance opportunities may have a limited amount of slots. Don’t assume it will be easy.
4. But It’s Really, Really Fun
Just because competition in the performing arts is fierce, it doesn’t mean that majoring in music isn’t incredibly fun and fulfilling. Pursuing an artistic venture that you love is incredibly rewarding. Your days will be filled with music and creativity, unlike the endless piles of books and studies that occupy the days of other students.
5. Be Sure It’s Your Passion
Pursuing a career in music won’t be simple. You’ll have to struggle to get your name out there and you might face a lot of rejection. However, if this is your passion, then you’d be a fool not to pursue it.
If you live and breathe music, then majoring in music in college is certainly the way to go. We hope these 5 things to know before pursuing a college degree in music have been helpful. When you spend the day in and day out studying something you’re passionate about, then you’re sure to enjoy your time in college and achieve the best that you can.
Article submitted by Lizzy Weakley, a freelance writer based in Colombo, OH.
