Top 5 Cities to Live in When You Study in France

Top 5 Cities to Live in When You Study in France The Best French Universities for Advanced Education ChaptersEarning a Diploma in FranceThe Best French Cities to Study InInvoking ErasmusFrance's education system has a well-deserved reputation for excellence, from primary school through the baccalaureate and beyond.Thus it comes as no surprise that many an international student would seek entry into their competitive study programmes, if only for a semester.Have you been thinking of taking a gap year abroad? How about planning a departure for France?Let us dissect France's higher education system in the hopes of giving you a concise look at the learning model that has long been the envy of the international academic community.And then, we'll highlight select cities for your consideration.Earning your degree in France is easy if you understand the education system! Source: Pixabay Credit: deMysticWayOne firm requirement to enroll is the so-called bac+2; meaning you must have 2 years of formal study beyond your baccalaureate in order to qualify for application.Now that you have an over view of how intricate the French education system is, let us focus on the type of school most international students find their success at: public universities.The Best French Cities to Study InCompared to other countries, France's houses of higher learning tend to be much smaller, and much more specialised.Whereas in English universities, you have a choice of more than one degree programme on the same campus, universities and colleges in France may only offer one or two degrees.And they tend to be liberally scattered in every province, region and city across the country, from Strasbourg to Cannes.Without knowing which subject you would master in, we could hardly point you to the best schools in France, could we?However, we can point you to the best cities for students, and discuss those abroad programs.5. Bordeaux, and it's UniversitiesNicknamed Sleeping Beauty, this port city in the southwest of France kicks off our list of best French cities to study in.Not the least because of t he culture and climate, but also for the city's reputation in academic circles.A very good reputation, we might aver!The University of Bordeaux is among the oldest in France and, until recently, had been split into four distinct schools:Bordeaux 1: Maths, physical sciences and technologiesBordeaux 2: medicine and life sciencesBordeaux 3: programmes include liberal arts, languages, humanities and historyBordeaux 4: law, economics and managementInstitute of Political Sciences is considered a part of this campus, even though it functions autonomouslyBesides these renowned institutes, Bordeaux has a number of public and private schools for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.These include engineering schools, management and business school, and school of fine arts, among others.One reason that makes Bordeaux so attractive for students is the welcome they are treated to at the start of each academic year.Would you like to be present to meet the faculty at their orientation event, c alled Grande Festival de Rentrée, in September?The best unis for international students are not in the heart of the country! Source: Pixabay Credit: FotoshopTofs4. Aix-Marseilles UniversityIf you're planning to study in France, you might consider this metropolis, located on the Mediterranean.Officially cited as the European Capital of Culture, it has maintained that reputation, and added the distinction of being the European Capital of Sport in 2017.What Marseilles unis are famous for is preparation for job placement after graduation.The 2012 merging of its three separate schools has resulted in Marseilles being the largest university in the French-speaking world, with the largest budget.3. NantesThis relatively small city outside of Brittany has a university almost as world renowned as the ones in Bordeaux, but not quite as big.Reasons why we count it as superior for international students is its excellence and diversity in education.For a comparatively small city, Nantes houses s everal schools, among them Audencia, ranked by The Economist as the world's best Management school.2. MontpellierWhere Nantes and Rennes are geographically close, Montpellier is close both in size and qualities sought after by any scholar who wants to study abroad.Situated on the Mediterranean, its sunny clime and stunning architecture are only two reasons why someone wanting education abroad would seek scholarship at University of Montpellier.Another would be for prestige: this institute is known as one of the oldest â€" not just among European countries, but throughout the world!Besides sunshine and veneration, this city has an active nightlife that is particularly attractive to international students.If you wanted to earn your doctorate of Medicine in Montpellier, you would be following a centuries-long tradition in the discipline.1. GrenobleThis city, located at the foot of the Alps, is an important university center for science and engineering programmes.This city is known all over the world as one of the handful of locations for the European Institute of innovation and Technology.However, intercultural students ranked this city highest because of all of its desirable qualities: in education, in job placement; for its culture and quality of life.The numbers prove it: more than 16% of Grenoble University students come from abroad!What about The Sorbonne? What about the University of Paris?Indeed, each of those represent excellence as an institute of international education. However, their very renown make them virtually inaccessible to the student from abroad, even on a scholarship.Granted, tuition fees are low and, upon demonstrated need, students may merit financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants.It is generally the incidental costs of studying abroad, such as housing and textbooks that drive up the cost of international studies.Besides costs related directly to studying, the applicant must be approved for a student visa and cover the costs o f filing financial aid paperwork.Don't just take our word for it! You can review this French universities poll, wherein foreign students enrolled in European universities have divulged their preferences.What about exchange programs?Dutch Philosopher Erasmus advocated for globalism centuries before the concept became a buzzword! Source: Wikipedia Credit: Albrecht DurerInvoking ErasmusThis internship program is named after the Dutch philosopher and Renaissance Humanist who advocated eloquence and clarity in education, so that citizens could engage in the wider, global community.To participate in this program, you would elect immersion, on campus and classroom, for up to a year abroad.The successful candidate can apply to any university in the European union save for those in Switzerland, the only non-participant country.Your time spent on campuses abroad will count toward your courses in your alma mater.Incoming students do not pay extra tuition for this fellowship, and the program ev en provides funding for housing and incidentals.You would have a choice of host families!Erasmus alumni report a higher civic awareness and a more global mindset, to say nothing of the lifelong friendships forged away from home.For more information on qualifications and application deadline, or to talk with an advisor about applying, you might seek out your student services office.Does your campus have an international student center, or an international affairs office?Studying in France can give you a new perspective on your social responsibility, give you an opportunity to meet people who think like you, and put intensive focus on your French language skills.What have you worked so hard to learn French for?Go on an excursion abroad! See what international student exchange programs have to offer! Earn your bachelor's, master's; your MBA!Who knows? Maybe you want to intern at Sorbonne university!Rest assured that, all the while, you will be making use of the language and absorbing F rench culture which can help you advance quickly in your French lessons.To make life easier for yourself when you arrive in France, here are a few need-to-know French phrases!

Job and Happiness They dont always go together but they can! - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Job and Happiness They don’t always go together but they can! - Introvert Whisperer Job and Happiness: They don’t always go together but they can! Are you having fun? Or at least enjoying yourself when you go to your job?   I know some people think work and fun is an oxymoron. Just so no one is getting hung up on terminology or word usage pick a word that works for you: fun â€" enjoy â€" satisfied â€" pleasure. If you aren’t having fun in the work you do, you need to figure out what is getting in your way of feeling like that.   Your life includes work and you owe it to yourself to make it the best it can be. Granted, nothing in life is great every day and the same is true for your job.   What you have to look at is the general trend of your job.   If there are too many days that take the wind out of your sails; you’ve got work to do. Assuming you aren’t the hard-to-please type of person, to begin with, you need to spend some time asking â€" and answering the question: What would it take for me to enjoy this job more than I do right now? To help you on this quest I’ve input an exercise below for you to use now and reuse on an ongoing basis. Job Satisfaction /n/: a sense of happiness and fulfillment felt by people who enjoy their work and do it well. In my work as a coach, I have identified ten areas that contribute to my clients’ satisfaction at work. While all of these areas will play a part in job satisfaction to some degree or another, how they are prioritized will vary from individual to individual. The ten areas are: Financial Reward. Those who approach their work as a means to an end place more emphasis on their paycheck than they do on their interest in the work itself. People who fall into this category are motivated by money, and find fulfillment when they are paid for their performance. Those who fall into this group easily move on when a higher-paying job comes their way. Stability. Those who see their work primarily as a way to provide for themselves or their family often put emphasis on stability, rather than on advancement or career growth. In tough economic times, particularly when layoffs are rampant and new jobs are hard to come by, those who usually put stability toward the end of their priority list may find themselves moving it higher up the list. Advancement and Recognition. Those who are motivated by advancement and recognition approach their work with their career in mind. They are more willing to put up with doing things they don’t enjoy in the short term, as long as it allows them to climb the ladder in the long term. People in this group are motivated and fulfilled by power, prestige, and status. Opportunity to move onward and upwardâ€"and to see their progressâ€"make them happy. Impact. Those who are motivated by the impact they haveâ€"on the world, on other people, on the field they are working in, or even on the organization itselfâ€"are focused on making a difference. They get their satisfaction from contributing, and from understanding how that contribution matters in the big picture. Process. Those who are motivated by the work itself view their job as a “calling” or as their raison d’etre. When all is said and done they love the actual work itself, and that is their focus. An artist, for example, may find fulfillment in the act of creating, and that may take precedence over fame, fortune of making a difference (which is not to suggest that other artists won’t find satisfaction in those things!)   Structure. Some people really love being part of a team, while others prefer autonomy. Some people love highly defined jobs with clear instructions, while others like forging their own way. For people who place structure high on their list of things that contribute to job satisfaction, the way a company organizes and operates is key to their happiness. Expression. Those who are motivated by expressing their identity, values, and creativity place high value on working in an atmosphere that allows the work they do to reflect who they are and what they can do. People who place emphasis on expression find the most happiness in an organization that values and seeks out new ideas. Environment. Workers who are motivated by their environment place high value on enjoying the physical and social aspects of work. They want the physical environment in which they work to be comfortable and supportive, and also want to be able to enjoy their co-workers as friends. People who fall into this group are likely to be dissatisfied by an environment in which their physical or social needs aren’t met. Relationships. Those who are motivated by the relationships they forgeâ€"both inside the organization and outâ€"are focused on interacting with others in a meaningful way. They get their satisfaction from working closely with others. Balance. Those who rank balance as high on their priority list want to work in an environment in which both professional and personal commitments are appreciated and respected. They are happiest when their personal life doesn’t suffer as a result of their work life and vice versa. Rank the ten areas that contribute to your personal job satisfaction below, from 1 to 10 (with 1 being the most significant.) Financial Reward                          ___         Stability                 ___ Advancement/Recognition             ___         Impact                   ___ Process                                            ___         Structure              ___ Expression                                      ___         Environment       ___ Relationships                                 ___         Balance                 ___ How are your top three needs being met either fully or somewhat at your current job? What needs are not being met at your current job? Give specific examples. What are the major gaps you notice between what you need to be satisfied at work, and what are you getting? Now that you have some insight about you and what’s important about your job, you’re in a position to put together an action plan to address the highest ranking items with the lowest satisfaction.   You get out of your job what you put in it and if you aren’t enjoying it; you’ve got work to do.   BTW, don’t “endure” being unhappy â€" your life is too important for that. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

How to Ace the GRE Writing Section

How to Ace the GRE Writing Section GRE/MAT Graduate School Blog The purpose of the GRE’s Analytical Writing section is to test your critical thinking analytical writing skills. These skills include your ability to properly articulate and support a complex idea,and build strong arguments while composing a well-structured and coherently written essay.One thing to note is that this does not assess your specific knowledge on a given topic. The best way to ensure you perform favorably on the written portion of the GRE is to first be acquainted with the structure of this section and the grader’s expectations for your writing. This section is divided into 2 “Tasks,” each lasting 30 minutes each. In Part I, you will complete the “Analyze an Issue Task,” where you will be presented with an opinion on an issue and asked to evaluate the issue. You are required to assess the issue, then proceed to construct an argument using evidence to support your position. In evaluating your response, graders are looking to see if you have successfully composed a well thought out and organized essay, stating a clear argument which is bolstered my specific evidence. Part II of this section is the “Analyze an Argument Task,” in this section you are asked to evaluate the soundness of an argument rather than picking a side and agreeing or disagreeing with it. Is the argument a stretch or is there adequate evidence to support the writer’s claims? Each of these tasks are evaluating your writing skills though from different positions, the first task requires that you construct your own argument while the second requires you to evaluate someone else’s argument by assessing their claim and the evidence they present. Now that you have a clear understanding of the assignment, let’s discuss the best way to prepare for the writing section. There are many resources available to help you get acquainted with the type of material you will encounter in the GRE Writing section. You should be familiar with what skills are measured from your writing and how these essays are scored. Reviewing a list of sample topics, you will realize that essay topics range across discipline from the humanities to the sciences, but require no prior knowledge of the subject matter. There are even scored sample responses you can review for an idea of what a “good” essay looks like. There is also a published pool of potential topics for the both sections of the Analytical Writing Section, both the Issue and Argument Tasks. Ultimately, what is the purpose of the GRE Writing section? Beyond graders of the exam, how will your performance on this section influence your admission to graduate school? Ideally, your writing will provide a glimpse into your complex thinking and persuasive writing abilities. Both attributes that university faculty consider imperative to being successful in graduate school. To Wrap-Up:GRE Writing Section Strategies Cheat Sheet Prepare: Review list of essay topics (Issue Task, Argument Task) Review writing strategies, scored essay responses and reader commentary (Issue Task, Argument Task) Review scoring guides (Issue Task, Argument Task ) to understand what essay readers are looking for. Budget your time: Be mindful of the time you take for each task. You will need time to plan, organize and write your essay, leaving a few minutes at the end to go back and proof your work.

10 Better Ways to Apologise in English ?? - Learn English with Harry ????

10 Better Ways to Apologise in English ?? - Learn English with Harry ???? Dont say sorry. Learn 10 better ways to apologise in English.This is Harry and welcome back to my English lessons and helpful grammar tips to help you to speak and write English in a better way.   10 Better Ways to Apologise in English Today I’m talking to you about ways to apologise.This is very easy for a man to do, to apologise because we spend our lives doing it. If youre married, you know all about it. Here are the different ways in which you can apologise in English.Simply,I apologiseI shouldve got you some flowers. I forgot I was busy. I really apologise. So if you want to put that extra emphasis on it, I apologise. Or I really apologise.Or simplyI am sorryOr I am very sorry. Or I am really sorry.With some of these words youll see like apologise, we can say, I really apologise. And with sorry we can say I am really sorry. Or I am very sorry.Sometimes very and really but not always.So you make a big mistake. You forgot about the birthday. You didnt send the card.Oh, Im really, really sorry. OK. Its my fault.Am I forgiven? Another nice way to say I apologise. Am I forgiven?And the way you say it, you have to put a little bit of intonation into it.Am I forgiven? Im sorry. It wont happen again.Youve put as I d o, you put the white clothes in with the other coloured  clothes. A  major war.Am I forgiven? I didnt mean to destroy your favourite  t-shirt.So am I forgiven or do you forgive me? Its exactly the same.What can I say? When youve done something, youve no words to express your feelings, youve upset your partner. So you just simply put your hands to your chest and say:What can I say? Im sorry. Please forgive me. And if youve said something or done something that you really know you shouldnt have done, then you can use these words.I shouldnt have saidI havent done thatSo you know youve upset the mother-in-law while she was really annoying me.Well, I know, I shouldnt have said what I said.You know that child was really bold. So you sent him to his rooms where theres no Wifi, theres no supper and no treats for him. And then of course your wife says:???? Thats not the way to deal with it. You know, he gets very upset very easily. ???? I know I shouldnt have done that, but he really annoyed me and I did get a little bit frustrated, so Ill apologise later and see how he is.If you want to be really formal about it, you can use an expression 10 Better Ways to Apologise in English I beg your pardonI know, thats quite old fashioned.You dont hear it so often, but its something my mother and my grandmother used to use and its quite formal.Its good. Its quite nice. I beg your pardon. You know, if you bump into somebody when youre walking along the street:Oh, I beg your pardon. That was my fault. I wasnt looking where I was going. Or if you walk into a room and you open the door on, theres a lady or older gentleman trying to get out the door, you might step back and say:I beg your pardon. Please come through first. So youre using it in that way to apologise for your manners.As I said earlier on, we can just sayits my faultPut your hands up. My fault. Yeah. So its a much more modern and informal way to say it and something really quite informal.And Ive never ever used this, but I see that a lot of people do.my badThat meaning its my fault, my mistake, my bad.So something youve done, you forgot to put the camera into the bag. So when you get to the picnic and say:??? ? Okay, lets take a few photographs. ???? Oops, I didnt put the camera in the bag. My bad.Or simplyI am to blameWell have to look for somebody. Somebody has to take the blame when something goes wrong, but Im to blame for that. Hands up, it wont happen again. So let me just run through all of those again for you just to give you one more hearing.I apologiseIm sorry (orr I am very sorry)Am I forgiven?Do you forgive me?What can I say?I shouldnt have said thatI shouldnt have done thatI beg your pardonMy faultIm to blameMy badAnd with a lot of these you have to put some intonation in it.So the person that youre talking to really understands that you mean the apology.Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Learn English with Harry and join me on www.englishlessonviaskype.com and Im going to catch up with you very soon. Thanks for listening.

Teaching abroad choose the best school for you

Teaching abroad choose the best school for you There’s no doubt about it: there are hundreds of great international schools with opportunities for teachers, but we know many of you have heard the odd horror story about teaching abroad. Though these stories are few and far between, we know it’s important to learn how to recognize which schools are reputable in order to make your international teaching experience a whole lot more enriching. Here are some things to pay special attention to:Work visasAny reputable international school knows that teachers they hire from other countries will need a visa. With this in mind, you should look for schools that will support you in acquiring your visa in order to work legally for them. Since it’s a requirement to work in another country, you want to make sure that you’re narrowing your search to schools that make mention of this requirementâ€"for your own employment benefit.Working without a valid visa means you lose your entitlement to health insurance, holiday pay, job security, and generally speaking, you’ll be offered lower pay, so you should shy away from these offers if they ever do crop up.  A school’s involvement in your visa application often varies, but there should be a conversation about the process and they should carry out a check on your status at the least. Some schools may offer to cover the application costs and they should provide you information about the steps you’ll need to complete on your end in order to properly obtain a visa.Qualifications are keyAnother important clue is teacher requirements: you’ll want to make sure you’re going to work at a school that has set strict requirements for a teaching license or TEFL certification for its teachers. This demonstrates their genuine interest in delivering quality education to their students, which in turn means they’re likely to support their teachers and address their needs along the way.Put plainly: reputable schools will take the necessary time to verify your teaching credentia ls. They should also ask you to demonstrate your capacity to teach by asking several situational questions in the interview.Get answers to your questionsDon’t shy away from the opportunity to ask whatever questions are on your mind. Teach Away partners applicants with a Program Coordinator who will handle your application, so you can take this opportunity to ask any initial questions or when the most appropriate time for asking questions of your interviewer is.Prepare some questions before your interview that address a variety of issues, including teacher support and student support. You might want to ask questions like:Does the school hire only qualified teachers?Does the school follow a specific curriculum?How does the school encourage student success? Are there regular assessments?Are there teacher assessments?Resources for teachers and studentsThis one is a bit trickier because many newer schools won’t necessarily have the same library of resources (course books, exercises, games, or photocopiable materials) that older, more established schools have. This isn’t necessarily a sign that a school is disinterested in supporting its students or teachers. If you know that the school you’re looking to work for is a younger school, you should ask about their policy for acquiring resources for teachers and students and how they plan to grow their library.What’s important is that there seems to be a resource support plan in place for teachers. Access to technology in the classroom is also a huge asset because you’ll be able to find a great number of classroom support materials online.Choose a teacher recruitment agencyApplying through a teacher recruitment agency such as Teach Away is a good way to ensure that you’re applying to reputable schools that are safe, legal, and that follow good educationalâ€"and HRâ€"practices. Our recruiters work hard to secure each of our candidates a fair deal when it comes to employment terms and benefits. We push for si gned contracts before departure and take care of departure arrangements. The added advantages of applying for teaching jobs abroad through us is that we personally support you with the entire process, every step of the way, from the moment you hit the apply button, to the second you walk through the school gates into your new role, and beyond.If you’re looking for a teach abroad experience that lives up to all your expectations, take the time to follow this advice and check in with your Program Coordinator or school about visas and qualifications. You can also take advantage of our Facebook or Twitter Q&A sessions on Thursdays to ask us whatever you’d like! Don’t be embarrassed to ask questionsâ€"you’re moving across the world for a teaching experience, so the only stupid questions are the ones that go unasked!

A levels What next if you dont go to University

A levels What next if you don’t go to University Not everyone goes to university and whether you haven't got the grades or aren't sure what to do now you've finished school there are plenty of options. To help you reach a decision we have compiled a list of some alternatives. Apprenticeships If you already know what job you want to do and there isn't a specific degree for it then why not look into an apprenticeship. For example, due to a lack of engineers, many companies are recruiting apprentices to fill the gap. Not only do engineers have some of the best paid jobs, but training on the job means you are being paid to learn! The government website has some great information. Work There's absolutely nothing wrong with going straight into work. Everyone has to start somewhere and those who aren't well off may not have a choice but to go into work in order to support themselves. This doesn't necessarily mean they are at any less of a disadvantage. Employers should always be asked if they have any qualifications that can be gained on the job. If you later decide to change jobs these will provide concrete evidence that you gained skills. Gap year The traditional option taken by those who want to defer university for a year or just need to let off some steam after the stress of exams a gap year has never lost its appeal. If it is your first time abroad on your own we would recommend going with a friend and travelling with an ATOL and/or ABTA travel agency. This means if anything goes wrong you always have someone familiar nearby and are safe in the knowledge that the company is trusted. Gap years provide the perfect opportunity to get out of your comfort zone so remember to have fun and stay safe! You have an amazing opportunity to explore the world. Parents do read on here if you aren't sure what to expect. Study from home Often combined with work in the daytime, studying from home in the evening can help you gain qualifications whilst earning. Before embarking on a distance learning course do check the provider is certified. You don't want to end up in the position of those who have undertaken courses with Learndirect. Think critically about whether the course structure will give you the skills and knowledge you want for your dream job. There's nothing worse than ending up with an expensive, useless piece of paper. Foundation degrees Another option to consider is a foundation degree. If you have an eye on a particular university degree, but don't have the grades these can be the perfect option. Offered by universities and colleges these help bring your knowledge up to speed and passing one of these mean you are in with a real chance of being accepted on to your chosen degree course. You will normally be assigned a tutor to help support your studies and their knowledge can be invaluable.

Packing Your Life Into One 50-Pound Suitcase

Packing Your Life Into One 50-Pound Suitcase By Dorothee RemboldAt the airport, you see a girl with a 50 pound backpack on her back, 25 pound carry-on backpack in the front, and ski boots over her shoulder in the middle of summer, kicking a duffel bag across the tiles. What would you think? If you are moving all your belongings abroad, you understand. How do you decide what to take and what to leave behind? I was spending only six months in Europe, but even packing for such a short time seemed impossible. The following strategy helped me to successfully take everything I needed:1. Double check how much the airline allows you to take Most airlines let you take a 50 pound bag, a carry-on, and a laptop bag or purse on international flights, but there are always ways to bend the rules a little. You can often take additional luggage for a fee. This can come in handy, as shipping things overseas is expensive.2. Find the lightest possible bags The weight of your luggage is limited, so why waste it by taking a suitcase that weighs 20 p ounds? Duffel bags are a pain to travel with, but may be worth it. I ended up taking a backpack that I could have hiked Mt. Everest with, only I could barely lift it off the ground.3. Think about what you’ll need What kind of clothes will you need? What’s the weather like? Will you need to bring sheets and towels? My plan was to go skiing, backpack through Turkey, and work in a business setting while abroad, requiring me to take a lot of different clothes.4. Pack the essentials first Take the things that you can’t live without, including appropriate attire, teaching materials and electronics. Make sure to also think about upcoming holidays and small items that remind you of home. Try to keep your carry-on light, and don’t bank on it to fit everything your suitcase can’t. Filling it up will never be a problem. And don’t forget to check what you will need to make your electronics work abroad. Voltages and outlets differ internationally!5.  Surprise! You have too much stuff . What now? I thought I was ready to go, everything squeezed into the backpack, but the scale told me that my bag was 20 pounds too heavy. So here’s my tip: Throw out everything you haven’t touched for the past year. You can live without it for another year, so leave it behind. If the bag is still too heavy, it’s time to get creative! Wear as much as you can on the flight - but keep in mind that you have to carry everything if you get too warm. In my case, this meant throwing my ski boots over my shoulder. Worst case scenario, I would wear them as I walked on the plane.6. None of this worked? Consider shipping some items that you won’t need immediately, but remember you will probably have even more belongings the next time you move. This is your chance to downsize. You can live with a lot less than you think, so only take what you’ll really use and enjoy the adventure. Good luck packing!Dorothee Rembold is an intern at Teach Away Inc.